<Tr> <Td> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> <P> Random - access memory (RAM / ræm /) is a form of computer data storage that stores data and machine code currently being used . A random - access memory device allows data items to be read or written in almost the same amount of time irrespective of the physical location of data inside the memory . In contrast, with other direct - access data storage media such as hard disks, CD - RWs, DVD - RWs and the older magnetic tapes and drum memory, the time required to read and write data items varies significantly depending on their physical locations on the recording medium, due to mechanical limitations such as media rotation speeds and arm movement . </P> <P> RAM contains multiplexing and demultiplexing circuitry, to connect the data lines to the addressed storage for reading or writing the entry . Usually more than one bit of storage is accessed by the same address, and RAM devices often have multiple data lines and are said to be "8 - bit" or "16 - bit", etc. devices . </P>

What is ram in a computer used for