1. Computing & Technology

Discuss in my forum

Definition of RAM

By , About.com Guide

Definition: RAM is computer memory that holds instructions and data. When the computer is switched off, the contents of the RAM are lost. It's just like a calculator- switch that off and you lose the contents.

There is also memory that doesn't lose its contents when the power is switched off. That's ROM.

Glossary:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Also Known As: Random Access Memory
Examples:
I've just had an extra Gigabyte of RAM added to my computer

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.