RAM, which is short for Random Access Memory, is a computer storage media that can be accessed considerably faster than a hard drive, because the info can be read randomly, skipping the bytes before the needed info is reached. On a hosting server, the RAM is used to load scripts and web programs once they are executed, so the more RAM you can use, the more apps you shall be able to run at the same time and the more people will be able to surf your Internet sites without any effect on the site’s/server’s performance. In contrast to a disk drive, however, the RAM is employed for momentary storage purposes, as the info is lost when the power is shut off. In case you use a shared web hosting account, the physical memory that your scripts are able to use may be limited and may change based upon what the other customers on the same hosting server use. With a virtual or a dedicated server, however, you shall have a fixed amount of RAM that will not be used by anyone else even if you don't use it at a certain time.