RAM stands for random-access memory. It is a form of electronic computer memory used to store working data and machine code. Thank you, Wikipedia! And now for the analogy so we can wrap our heads around this.
Data storage on your computer, also called memory, is the bits and bobs of hardware on your computer where your files and programs are stored. Let’s call it long-term memory. RAM is the part of your computer that is used to run the code of the programs you are currently using. It’s the short-term memory.
Long- vs short-term memory
When we save a file, it is moved to a physical location inside your laptop or on a server (big computer) if you back it up to a cloud. The file sits there until you want to look at it again or change it in some way. When you click on it, you open the file. You also open a program that shows you the file, or allows you to work with it in some way.
When programs are not in use, their code sits in storage too. As soon as they are opened, though, their code needs to be run. That’s the IT way of saying that another program on your computer (your operating system, like Windows) turns lines of code (words with numbers and signs) into images, buttons, words, etc. In short, something you can interact with.
The code in use is run in the RAM, the random-access memory. When you store a file yourself, it’s just there. If you want to get rid of it, you need to delete it. If it’s a program, you need to uninstall it. But the code in RAM does not stay there. Only the lines of code that are currently used are in that spot.
Why does this matter?
Have you ever looked at computers online or went to a shop? The sellers always tell you how much RAM it has. That’s because it’s really important. The more memory for current tasks your computer has, the faster it works.
8GB of RAM are pretty standard these days. 16GB are even better and gaming computers often have up to 32GB of RAM. What this tells the potential buyer is that the computer/laptop can handle many programs running at the same time.
At the speed of light?
Not quite that fast, but if you have ever wondered why today’s computers are so much faster and why you can open so many more tabs in your internet browser without it crashing, this is why. The standard amount of RAM has increased.
So the next time you want to upgrade, pay attention to the number in front of RAM. 8GB are perfect for the average user. If you work with graphics programs, like Photoshop or Affinity, I highly recommend 16GB. It really makes a big difference.