memory

Memory refers to the physical devices used to store programs or data on a temporary or permanent basis for use in a computer or other digital electronic device.

The term "primary memory" is used for the information in physical systems which function at high-speed, such as RAM. "Secondary memory" refers to physical devices for program and data storage which are slow to access but offer higher memory capacity. If needed, primary memory can be stored in secondary memory, through a memory management technique called "virtual memory".