A computer’s memory, sometimes called its primary storage, is where it stores data and programs while they are not in use. The CPU can access data and instructions from memory much faster than from a storage medium such as a hard drive.

Memory is usually divided into two categories: random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). RAM is where the computer stores data and programs that are currently in use. Programs and data in RAM are accessible to the CPU at any time. ROM is a type of permanent memory that stores information that is not changed, such as …