Memory

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Memory is a generic term for all types of computer storage. The definition of the term "memory" is vague because there are so many kinds, one must judge the meaning based on the context. Most of the time, however, the term memory refers to RAM (Random Access Memory) which is a place where computers store temporary information: the computer programs that are currently running and data that is currently open.

Hard-disk or removable device storage (such as flash drives) can also be considered memory of a more permanent kind, information on such devices remains until it is deleted and will not be lost if the computer reboots or powers down.

On UNIX and other operating systems, RAM can be augmented by hard-disk storage called "swap space" which acts as if it were RAM leading to further ambiguity.

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