RAM, which refers to Random Access Memory, is a computer storage media that can be accessed much faster than a hard drive, due to the fact that the information can be read randomly, skipping the bytes before the needed information is reached. On a hosting server, the RAM is employed to load scripts and web apps after they are executed, so the more RAM you can use, the more applications you'll be able to run all at once and the more people shall be able to browse your sites without any effect on the site’s/server’s overall performance. In contrast to a disk drive, however, the RAM is employed for temporary storage purposes, due to the fact that the information is lost as soon as the power is shut off. When you use a shared web hosting account, the physical memory that your scripts can use may be limited and may change based upon what the some other clients on the same web server use. Using a virtual or a dedicated hosting server, however, you shall have a set amount of RAM which will not be used by others even when you do not use it at a given time.