Hardware inside a computer that retains memory on a short-term basis and stores information while the computer is in use. It is the “working memory” of the computer into which the operating system, startup applications and drivers are loaded when a computer is turned on, or where a program subsequently started up is loaded, and where thereafter, these applications are executed. RAM can be read or written in any section with one instruction sequence. It helps to have more of this “working space” installed when running advanced operating systems and applications. RAM content is erased each time a computer is turned off. (See Dynamic Random Access Memory – DRAM)..”