satunnaismuistiin

Satunnaismuistiin, known in English as random access memory (RAM), is a form of computer memory that can be read and changed in any order, typically used to store working data and machine code. RAM is a volatile memory, meaning that it requires power to maintain the stored information. This is in contrast to non-volatile memory, which can retain information even when powered off.

The term "random access" means that any byte of memory can be accessed directly, without touching the preceding bytes. This is in contrast to sequential access memory, where data must be accessed in order, such as on magnetic tape. RAM allows data to be accessed and stored quickly, making it ideal for temporary data storage.

When a computer is powered on, the operating system and other essential programs are loaded into RAM from storage devices like hard drives or solid-state drives. Applications and data currently in use are also loaded into RAM. The speed at which a computer can access and process this information is heavily dependent on the amount and speed of its RAM.

There are several types of RAM, including DRAM (Dynamic Random-Access Memory) and SRAM (Static Random-Access Memory). DRAM is the most common type used in personal computers and is more energy-efficient but slower than SRAM. SRAM is faster and does not need to be refreshed as often as DRAM, but it is more expensive and consumes more power, making it suitable for cache memory. The amount of RAM a computer has is a key factor in its performance, especially when running multiple applications or demanding software.