What is the purpose of memory in a computer system?

The purpose of memory in a computer system is to store data, instructions, and results. Memory serves as a temporary holding area that allows the CPU to quickly access the information it needs to perform tasks. When a program runs, the necessary instructions are loaded from permanent storage into memory, allowing the CPU to execute these instructions efficiently. Furthermore, memory is also used to store any data that the program needs to operate, as well as the results generated during processing. This rapid access to stored data and instructions is crucial for the performance of the entire system.

In contrast, the other options refer to different functions within a computer system. Executing network protocols pertains to the networking components rather than memory. Facilitating user input relates to input devices and how they communicate with a computer, while managing hardware connections is typically handled by the motherboard and various device drivers, not memory. Each of these functions play important roles, but they do not align with the primary purpose of memory.