What does RAM mean in computer terminology?

Random access memory, or RAM, is a volatile yet fast type of memory used in computers. RAM is more expensive to incorporate, which is why there is usually far more direct access storage in a computer, such as hard drives.

There are two main types of access memory: random and direct. For RAM to function, it must have constant power. When the computer is turned off, anything stored in RAM is lost while anything stored on a hard drive is retained. To write and access information on a hard drive, it must be put on or read in order. The benefit of RAM is that information can be written or read in any order, providing speed improvements.