RAM is considered what type of storage?

Random Access Memory (RAM) is classified as temporary storage because it is used to hold data that is actively in use by the computer while it is powered on. When the device is turned off or restarted, the information stored in RAM is lost. This impermanent nature allows RAM to provide quick read and write access to a processor, contributing to the system's overall performance during active tasks.

In the context of computing, permanent storage refers to hard drives or solid-state drives where data is retained even when the power is off. Archive storage is used for data that needs to be stored long-term but is not actively accessed frequently, such as backups of older files. Backup storage is specifically intended for copies of data to be used in case of data loss or corruption. Each of these types serve different purposes, but RAM's characteristic of losing its contents upon power down is what distinctly categorizes it as temporary storage.