(pronounced “RAM”) (n.) A memory storage chip installed in a computer. RAM holds information that a microprocessor can access rapidly. Generally, the operating system and the application programs are loaded into RAM. This part of a computer’s memory can read (find and display) and write (record) information, and the user can update or amend it. RAM takes the form of a volatile integrated circuit (IC) containing Static RAM (SRAM) or Dynamic RAM (DRAM). In RAM, the order in which the microprocessor accesses different locations does not affect the speed of access.
random access memory [RAM]
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