, also known as RAM, is used by the computer to store and access data that is actively being used. On the other hand, , such as a or , is used to store data for long-term storage. Hard drives have been the traditional choice for secondary memory, offering larger storage capacities at a lower cost. However, SSDs have become increasingly popular due to their faster read and write speeds, making them ideal for tasks that require quick access to data. Overall, a combination of primary and secondary memory is crucial for a computer to function efficiently and effectively.