DMA, or Direct Memory Access, is a feature that allows certain hardware components to access the computer's memory directly, bypassing the central processing unit (CPU). This process enables faster data transfer between devices, such as hard drives or network cards, and the system memory, improving overall performance. By using DMA, the CPU can focus on executing other tasks while data is being transferred in the background. This is particularly beneficial in scenarios involving large data transfers, such as video streaming or file copying, where efficiency is crucial for maintaining smooth operation.