What type of memory is typically used for temporary data storage while a computer is running?

RAM, or Random Access Memory, is the type of memory used for temporary data storage while a computer is running. It is designed for fast read and write operations, making it ideal for holding data that is actively being processed or accessed by the CPU. When you run applications or open files, the operating system loads these into RAM to allow quick access, significantly improving performance.

In contrast, ROM (Read-Only Memory) is primarily used for permanent storage of firmware and is not meant for temporary data storage. SSD (Solid State Drive) and HDD (Hard Disk Drive) are types of storage drives used for long-term data storage. While SSDs are much faster than HDDs, they still serve the purpose of retaining data even when the computer is powered off, rather than providing the volatile memory needed for immediate processing tasks like RAM does.