In what way can RAM influence application performance?

RAM, or Random Access Memory, plays a critical role in application performance because it serves as the system's short-term memory, allowing for quick access to data that is actively being used by applications. The amount of RAM available directly influences how many applications can run concurrently and how effectively they perform. When there is sufficient RAM, applications can operate more smoothly and respond promptly to user inputs.

When an operating system and applications work more efficiently with adequate RAM, they experience less lag, leading to improved user experience and productivity. Insufficient RAM can cause applications to slow down, as the system may need to swap data in and out of the slower hard drive, creating bottlenecks. Therefore, having ample RAM enhances the speed and responsiveness of applications, making it essential for overall system performance. This understanding is crucial for anyone configuring workstations to ensure that they meet the demands of the applications used.