RAM

RAM is short for “random access memory” and while it might sound mysterious, It is one of the most fundamental elements of computing. Also, it is the super-fast and temporary data storage space that a computer needs to access right now or in the next few moments.

Computers are always loading things in to work on — such as applications and data — and then setting them aside for later. RAM is your computer’s short-term memory. In contrast, a computer’s hard disk or SDD is its long-term memory, where things are stored more or less permanently.

Every computing device needs this, whether it’s a desktop computer, a tablet or smartphone, or even a special-purpose computing device. Nearly all computers also have some way to store information for longer-term access, too. But the working processes are done in RAM.

RAM is temporary storage that goes away when the power turns off. So what is RAM used for, then? It’s very fast, which makes it ideal for things the computer is actively working on, such as applications that are currently running (for example, the web browser in which you’re reading this article) and the data those applications work on or with (such as this article).

It can help to think about memory with the analogy of a physical desktop. Your working space — where you scribble on something immediately — is the top of the desk, where you want everything within arm’s reach and you want no delay in finding anything. That’s RAM. In contrast, if you want to keep anything to work on later, you put it into a desk drawer — or store it on a hard disk, either locally or in the cloud.

Cackle Telecommunications is proud to provide RAM to NZ businesses. Choose from a selection of vendors, explore our products to find the right solution for you.