what is a memory Computer memory is any physical device capable of storing information temporarily or permanently. For example, Random Access Memory ( RAM ), is a volatile memory that stores information on an integrated circuit used by the operating system , software , and hardware . type of memory 1st-Volatile memory Volatile memory is computer memory that requires power to maintain the stored information. Most modern semiconductor volatile memory is either static RAM ( SRAM ) or dynamic RAM ( DRAM ). SRAM retains its contents as long as the power is connected and is easy for interfacing, but uses six transistors per bit. Dynamic RAM is more complicated for interfacing and control, needing regular refresh cycles to prevent losing its contents, but uses only one transistor and one capacitor per bit, allowing it to reach much higher densities and much cheaper per-bit costs. SRAM is not worthwhile for desktop system memory, where DRAM dominates, but is used