Which statement best differentiates RAM from storage?

Which statement best differentiates RAM from storage?

• A. RAM is volatile memory used for active data and programs; storage (SSD/HDD) is non-volatile and persists data.
• B. RAM is non-volatile memory used for active data and programs; storage is volatile and resets with power.
• C. RAM is volatile memory used only for cache; storage stores the operating system.
• D. RAM and storage are both non-volatile.

Answer: (A)

RAM is volatile memory used to hold data and programs that are actively in use. It is fast, letting the CPU quickly access and work with current tasks. Because it’s volatile, its contents disappear when the power is off, which is why unsaved work is lost. Storage, like SSDs or HDDs, is non-volatile and preserves data across power cycles. It stores the operating system, applications, and files for long-term access, even when the computer is turned off. The OS loads programs from storage into RAM to run, and when you save a document, it goes from RAM to storage to be kept permanently. In short, RAM provides fast, temporary workspace for active tasks, while storage provides durable, long-term preservation of data. The idea that RAM is non-volatile or that RAM is only for cache isn’t correct, and both RAM and storage are not non-volatile.

RAM is volatile memory used to hold data and programs that are actively in use. It is fast, letting the CPU quickly access and work with current tasks. Because it’s volatile, its contents disappear when the power is off, which is why unsaved work is lost.

Storage, like SSDs or HDDs, is non-volatile and preserves data across power cycles. It stores the operating system, applications, and files for long-term access, even when the computer is turned off. The OS loads programs from storage into RAM to run, and when you save a document, it goes from RAM to storage to be kept permanently.

In short, RAM provides fast, temporary workspace for active tasks, while storage provides durable, long-term preservation of data. The idea that RAM is non-volatile or that RAM is only for cache isn’t correct, and both RAM and storage are not non-volatile.