Necessary Components

To store files in PC memory you need two things: short term memory (RAM), and long term memory (hard disk space).RAM works with any application or document that is immediately being used. Hard drive space stores all the programs and documents you are not currently working on, but which are saved on your computer.

Relationship

When you open a program, the information is loaded from the hard drive to the RAM and then executed from there. When you change to another program, the RAM transfers data from the previous application to the long term memory (the hard drive). The same process occurs when you save data or files.

RAM Features

RAM is made of electrically charged capacitors. Each capacitor either holds a charge or doesn´t. These capacitors are grouped in modules.The number of modules used depends on the type of RAM in the PC.

RAM Function

Each capacitor has a value of 1 when charged, and a value of 0 when not charged, creating values like, 010000010001, 0010011100011, and so on. The more modules RAM has more values can quickly be created. These values produce the letters or applications you make in a document or application.

Lost Files

RAM values continue changing and remain available until the user saves the document to the hard drive, or until the PC is turned off. When a PC is turned off the capacitors in the RAM lose all charges, and information not saved to the hard drive is lost.

Source:

Computer Memory Upgrade: How Computer RAM Works

Life 123 Magazine: How Does RAM Work?