RAM, that refers to Random Access Memory, is a computer storage media which can be accessed much faster than a hard drive, as the data can be read randomly, skipping the bytes before the needed data is reached. On a server, the RAM is employed to load scripts and web programs when they are executed, so the more RAM you can use, the more applications you'll be able to run at the same time and the more people shall be able to surf your Internet sites with no effect on the site’s/server’s functionality. In contrast to a disk drive, however, the RAM is used for temporary storage purposes, as the info is lost as soon as the power is shut off. If you use a shared web hosting account, the physical memory your scripts are able to use may be limited and may change based upon what the other customers on the same hosting server use. Through a virtual or a dedicated web server, however, you'll have a fixed amount of RAM which won't be used by anyone else even if you do not use it at a certain time.