Semiconductor-based computer memory that stores program code and data in locations that can be accessed in any order. As the primary working memory of a computer, RAM stores program code and data that can be accessed, read, and written to by the central processing unit (CPU) and other hardware devices. RAM is characterized as read/write memory to distinguish it from ROM (Read Only Memory), which is the primary storage memory. RAM is volatile, meaning that any data stored in RAM is lost and unrecoverable if power is lost. Many programs set aside some amount of RAM as a temporary workspace for data until it can be printed, transmitted, or stored on a hard drive, floppy disk, or other permanent or semi-permanent medium. See also ROM.