RAM is a _____ 

Random Access Memory (RAM):

• This memory allows writing as well as reading of data, unlike ROM which does not allow writing of data on to it.
• It is volatile storage because the contents of RAM are lost when the power (computer) is turned off.
• If we want to store the data for later use, we have to transfer all the contents to a secondary storage device.
• Hence, RAM is a temporary memory device. 

The memory of the computer is divided into two categories:
1. Primary Memory
2. Secondary Memory

1. Primary memory also called main memory or internal memory provides temporary storage of programs in execution and the data being processed. It is known as immediate access storage as this is the portion of the CPU that can be accessed directly. 

Primary memory can be further grouped into Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read-Only Memory (ROM).

2. Secondary or backing Memory

It maintains a permanent record of data and programs, maintains a store for the program and data being processed if the main memory cannot accommodate the data and program, and acts as an input/output device.