# How Computers Work: Memory  ## Metadata - Author: [[codecademy.com]] - Full Title: How Computers Work: Memory - Category: #articles - Summary: Computer memory holds data either temporarily or permanently. RAM is fast, temporary memory the CPU uses and it is lost when the computer turns off. Hard drives and other secondary storage keep files long-term so you can open them later. - URL: https://www.codecademy.com/courses/fundamentals-of-operating-systems/lessons/how-computers-work/exercises/memory ## Highlights - the CPU retrieves data from Random Access Memory, or RAM, in order to access what instructions it needs to execute. Accessing data from RAM is significantly faster than accessing data from other memory systems. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01k695cttx54nr5bkm35pg55ae))