RAM
RAM is the working space a device uses while it runs apps; more of it keeps more apps ready in the background without reloading.
On this page 3 sections
RAM is the working space a device uses while it runs apps. Think of it as a desk. The bigger the desk, the more papers can be spread out at once without putting any away.
How it works
When an app is opened, the device copies the parts it needs from storage into RAM, because RAM is far faster to read and write. When you switch to another app, the first one can stay in RAM, so returning to it is quick. When RAM is full, the system closes the apps used least recently to make room, and they must load again from the start.
What the numbers mean
- RAM is measured in gigabytes (GB). A larger figure means a larger desk.
- Virtual RAM or extended RAM borrows part of storage to act as extra memory. It is much slower than real RAM and is separate from the real RAM figure.
What it does not do
RAM does not make a processor faster, and it does not keep photos, videos or files for the long term. That is the job of storage. More RAM cannot make up for a slow processor or a lack of storage.