Volatiilimuistin

Volatiilimuisti, often translated as volatile memory, is a type of computer memory that requires power to maintain the stored information. When the power supply is interrupted or turned off, the data stored in volatile memory is lost. This characteristic is in contrast to non-volatile memory, which retains data even without a power source.

The most common example of volatile memory is Random Access Memory (RAM). RAM is used by a computer's central processing unit (CPU) to store data that is actively being used or processed. This allows for rapid access and modification of information, which is crucial for the efficient operation of modern computing systems. When you open an application or a document, the relevant data is loaded into RAM so the CPU can work with it quickly.

Volatile memory is typically faster than non-volatile memory, making it ideal for temporary storage of frequently accessed data. However, its inability to retain data without power makes it unsuitable for long-term storage of programs or files. For permanent storage, computers rely on non-volatile memory technologies such as hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), and flash memory. The combination of fast but temporary volatile memory and slower but permanent non-volatile memory is fundamental to the architecture of most electronic devices.