A Level Computer Science OCR Practice Exam

Random Access Memory (RAM) is recognized for being volatile and having fast access times. Volatile memory means that it loses its data when the power is turned off, which is a key characteristic of RAM. Its primary function is to temporarily store data and programs that are actively being used by the computer, allowing for quick read and write access. This results in significantly faster performance compared to non-volatile storage devices, enabling efficient multitasking and rapid data retrieval during processing tasks.

In contrast, optical storage, such as CDs and DVDs, is non-volatile but has slower access times as it relies on a physical laser mechanism to read data. Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), although they can store large volumes of data, are slower due to their mechanical parts and are also non-volatile. Solid State Drives (SSD) are fast and non-volatile, but they reflect a different category than RAM as they do not lose data when powered off. Thus, RAM stands out for its volatility and speed, making it the correct answer.