Define RAM and its role in a computer system.

RAM, or Random Access Memory, serves as temporary memory in a computer system, crucial for the operation of applications and processes currently in use. It is volatile memory, meaning that it loses its data when the power is turned off. This characteristic is what distinguishes it from permanent storage solutions, such as hard drives or SSDs.

The primary role of RAM is to provide quick read and write access to a storage medium that the CPU can access directly for active tasks. When you open applications or files, the operating system loads them into RAM so that the CPU can quickly retrieve and manipulate the data as needed, ensuring efficient performance.

Having sufficient RAM is essential for multitasking and running resource-intensive applications, as it allows the system to hold more data and programs simultaneously in memory, speeding up processing times and overall user experience. This makes RAM foundational for a computer's performance while actively running tasks, highlighting its role in the functionality of the computer system.