RAM, which is short for Random Access Memory, is a computer storage media that can be accessed considerably faster than a hard drive, due to the fact that the information can be read randomly, skipping the bytes before the needed data is reached. On a hosting server, the RAM is employed to load scripts and web programs when they are executed, so the more RAM you are able to use, the more applications you'll be able to run at the same time and the more people will be able to look through your Internet sites without effect on the site’s/server’s performance. In contrast to a disk drive, however, the RAM is used for non permanent storage purposes, as the info is lost the moment the power is shut off. When you use a shared web hosting account, the physical memory which your scripts could use may be limited and could change based upon what the some other clients on the same server use. With a virtual or a dedicated web server, however, you shall have a guaranteed amount of RAM which won't be used by anybody else even when you don't use it at a certain time.