Why is the RAM called the RAM?

Answer 1

RAM

R = Random

A = Access

M = Memory

Let me explain it to you. So you type an "A" on the keyboard, it is stored in the RAM until the CPU (processor) is ready to display it on the screen in your text document. The CPU tells the RAM to send the data (the "A" in this case) and it is sent to the video card (into its RAM) and then after the video card does its thing it sends the "A" to the screen so you can see it.

RAM stores data directly from storage devices to help the CPU keep up its speed. RAM is like a hard drive but once its done its thing it loses it instantly so it can make way for other tasks this is why its Random Access Memory. Hard Drives store information.

Answer 2

The time it takes to transfer information to or from any location on RAM is the same, while on magnetic tape it depends on the location of the data, hence the name Random Access Memory.