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RAM, or Random Access Memory, is the amount of memory that your computer has to enable it to cope with all the tasks that you want to perform. For example, you might want to be using the word processor and an accounting package at the same time. Alternatively, you might want to use even more programs. You can only do this if you have enough memory for the computer programs to access and operate within.

Most programs need a certain amount of RAM memory to be able to operate, and it is important to know that ones computer can cope with this need before purchasing such programmes.

It is also remember that the more programs that are open at any one time, the more memory will be used. This can have the effect, on some computers, of slow the computer down, which even closing the program may not rectify, as it leaves certain parts in memory in case they are needed later. To deal with the problem of slowness, a computer shut down and restart will usually clear everything out of memory and allow additional speed to be returned.

RAM is different to the amount of space that you have on your hard drive, although the two often are confusing, especially with computer novices. The space left on the hard drive can be likened to that which you would find in any storage situation, such as a filing cabinet.

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