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{{unreferenced|date=August 2012}}

{{unreferenced|date=August 2012}}

[[File:4GB DDR3 SO-DIMM.jpg|thumbnail|A stick of DDR3 RAM that is for laptops]]

[[File:4GB DDR3 SO-DIMM.jpg|thumbnail|A stick of DDR3 RAM that is for laptops]]

'''Random-access memory''' (or simply '''RAM''') is the [[computer memory|memory]] or information storage in a [[computer]] that is used to store running [[computer program|programs]] and [[Information|data]] for the programs. Data (information) in the RAM can be read and written quickly in any order. Normally, the random access memory is in the form of [[computer chip]]s. Usually, the contents of RAM are accessible faster than other types of information storage.However, RAM is volatile, which means that every time the computer is turned off, all the data in the RAM is lost. The alternative to this, [[Non-volatile random-access memory]] (NVRAM), keeps its data without using power, is more expensive but works slower, so it is used in smaller amounts.  

'''Random-access memory''' (or simply '''RAM''') is the [[computer memory|memory]] or information storage in a [[computer]] that is used to store running [[computer program|programs]] and [[Information|data]] for the programs. Data (information) in the RAM can be read and written quickly in any order. Normally, the random access memory is in the form of [[computer chip]]s. Usually, the contents of RAM are accessible faster than other types of information storage.However, RAM is volatile, which means that every time the computer is turned off, all the data in the RAM is lost. The alternative to this, [[Non-volatile random-access memory]] (NVRAM), which keeps its data without using power, is more expensive and works slower, so it is used in smaller amounts.  

Since the late 20th century, RAM uses transistors, usually [[MOSFET]]s, to store data. Before that, [[magnet]]ic memory was the usual kind.

Since the late 20th century, RAM uses transistors, usually [[MOSFET]]s, to store data. Before that, [[magnet]]ic memory was the usual kind.

RAM is usually used to store information of running programs inside computers. RAM may also be used for different things.

RAM is usually used to store information of running programs inside computers. RAM may also be used for different things.

== Virtual Memory ==

== Virtual Memory ==

Using virtual memory, a computer can combine permanent storage with RAM to create a bigger pool of storage. This is useful when the RAM does not have enough space to store anymore information. The extra data is then placed in the permanent storage instead of the RAM. The method has a limitation which is that permanent storage is often slower than RAM, which can slow down a computer.

Using virtual memory, a computer can combine permanent storage with RAM to create a bigger pool of storage. This is useful when the RAM does not have enough space to store any more information. The extra data is then placed in the permanent storage instead of the RAM. The method has a limitation which is that permanent storage is often slower than RAM, which can slow down a computer.

== RAM disk ==

== RAM disk ==

A computer can use a part of the RAM to store permanent files. This is called a RAM disk. When the computer is turned on, files are copied to the RAM disk. This allows the files to open faster because RAM is faster than permanent storage. When the computer is turned off, the information on the RAM disk is lost, which is why the files need to exist on permanent storage as well.

A computer can use a part of the RAM to store permanent files. This is called a RAM disk. When the computer is turned on, files are copied to the RAM disk. This allows the files to open faster because RAM is faster than permanent storage. When the computer is turned off, the information on the RAM disk is lost, which is why the files need to exist on permanent storage as well.

[[Category:Computer memory]]

[[Category:Computer memory]]

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