What is RAM?

An acronym for random access memory, a type of computer memory that can be accessed randomly; that is, any byte of memory can be accessed without touching the preceding bytes. RAM is the most common type of memory found in computers and other devices, such as printers.


Everybody with a computer uses RAM. It is an essential component to a working computer. What does it do?

Before RAM had such wide-spread usage, two of the most important parts of a computer were the microprocessor (CPU) and storage (Hard Disk, or in many cases, just a Floppy Drive). However, microprocessors were much faster, and could not reasonably operate near their full potential because they had to 'wait' for the downright sluggish storage drive to send it data.

Random Access Memory (RAM) acts as a high speed middleman, providing enough data from the hard disk for microprocessor to use at any given time without making it wait.