Computer Architecture Questions
The random access memory (RAM) in a computer system plays a crucial role in storing and providing quick access to data that is actively being used by the computer's processor. It serves as a temporary storage space for both instructions and data that are currently being processed by the CPU. RAM allows for fast read and write operations, enabling the processor to quickly retrieve and modify data as needed. It is a volatile form of memory, meaning that its contents are lost when the computer is powered off or restarted. RAM capacity directly affects the computer's performance, as a larger amount of RAM allows for more data to be stored and accessed simultaneously, reducing the need for frequent data transfers between the CPU and the slower secondary storage devices.