Volatile memory
| Computer memory types |
|---|
| Volatile |
| RAM |
|
In development |
| Historical |
|
| Non-volatile |
| ROM |
| NVRAM |
| Early stage NVRAM |
| Mechanical |
|
| In development |
| Historical |
|
Volatile memory, contrary to non-volatile memory, is computer memory that requires power to maintain the stored information; it retains its contents while powered on but when the power is interrupted the stored data is lost very rapidly or immediately.
Volatile memory has several uses, for example as a RAM drive. In addition to usually being faster than forms of mass storage such as a hard drive, volatility can protect sensitive information, which becomes unavailable on power-down. Most general purpose Random Access Memory (RAM) is volatile.[1]