How is data accessed in RAM?

Data in RAM (Random Access Memory) is accessed by providing the specific address of the data location within the memory. Each byte of RAM is assigned a unique address, and the CPU uses this address to read from or write data into the memory. This process allows for rapid access to data compared to other storage methods, such as hard drives, where data retrieval is considerably slower due to the mechanical movement involved in accessing different areas of the disk.

When the computer requires data, it sends the address of the desired data to the memory controller, which then fetches the data from that specified location. This method of accessing data is why it's called "random access," since any byte of memory can theoretically be accessed directly and quickly, regardless of its position in the overall memory structure.

The other options do not accurately describe how data is accessed in RAM. For instance, while direct memory access exists as a method for CPU operations, it is not how individual data is typically accessed from RAM by the CPU during standard processing tasks.