RAM, that is short for Random Access Memory, is a computer storage media that may be accessed considerably faster than a hard disk, because the data can be read randomly, skipping the bytes before the needed data is reached. On a 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 apps you'll be able to run all at once and the more people shall be able to look through your sites with no effect on the site’s/server’s general performance. Different from a disk drive, however, the RAM is employed for momentary storage purposes, as the info is lost once the power is shut off. If you use a shared web hosting account, the physical memory that your scripts can use may be limited and could change based on what the other customers on the same web server use. With a virtual or a dedicated web server, on the other hand, you'll have a set amount of RAM which will not be used by others even if you don't use it at a given time.