What does RAM mean in computer terms?

RAM is an acronym for random access memory. It is sometimes called system memory, primary or main memory. Application programs, the operating system and any data the personal computer currently requires stores the RAM where the processor can quickly retrieve it.

The amount of RAM a computer has directly affects its overall performance. The RAM is volatile, meaning data is only stored as long as the computer is on; the data stored in the RAM disappears immediately when the computer turns off. There are two main types of random access memory: SRAM, short for static RAM and DRAM, the acronym for dynamic RAM.