RAM, that refers to Random Access Memory, is a computer storage media that is accessed considerably quicker than a hard drive, as the data 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 apps once they are executed, so the more RAM you can use, the more applications you shall be able to run at the same time and the more people shall be able to look through your Internet sites without any effect on the site’s/server’s general performance. In contrast to a disk drive, however, the RAM is used for momentary storage purposes, due to the fact that the data is lost once the power is shut off. When you use a shared web hosting account, the physical memory which your scripts may use may be limited and could change based upon what the some other clients on the same machine use. With a virtual or a dedicated server, however, you will have a guaranteed amount of RAM which won't be used by anybody else even if you don't use it at a certain time.