What type of memory holds data that the computer is currently using?

The type of memory that holds data that the computer is currently using is RAM (Random Access Memory). RAM is a form of volatile memory, meaning that it temporarily stores data while the computer is powered on. It allows for quick read and write access to a storage medium that is significantly faster than other types of memory such as hard drives or SSDs. When applications are opened or data is being processed, they are loaded into RAM so that the CPU can access them quickly, enabling efficient multitasking and a smoother user experience.

In contrast, ROM (Read-Only Memory) is non-volatile and is primarily used to store firmware and essential system instructions that do not change frequently. Cache memory, while also fast and used to temporarily hold frequently accessed data for quicker retrieval, is a smaller, faster type of memory that serves as an intermediary between the CPU and the RAM. Flash memory, on the other hand, is non-volatile storage used in devices like USB drives and SSDs, designed for long-term storage rather than active processing.