Which computer component is primarily responsible for managing temporary data while a system is running?

The component primarily responsible for managing temporary data while a system is running is RAM, or Random Access Memory. RAM is a type of volatile memory, meaning it loses its stored data when the power is turned off. It is used as the main memory in a computer system to hold data that the CPU needs to access quickly. When applications are run or files are opened, they are loaded into RAM so that the CPU can quickly read and write data, facilitating fast performance and efficient multitasking.

Mass storage, on the other hand, refers to long-term storage devices like hard drives and SSDs, which retain data even when the computer is turned off but are much slower to access compared to RAM. Disk cache acts as a buffer between the RAM and storage, temporarily holding frequently accessed data for quick retrieval, but it does not manage data during runtime in the same way that RAM does. Lastly, while the CPU processes data, it relies on RAM to provide it with the necessary data and instructions during operation.