A computer has two types of memory: RAM and hard drive memory. RAM is temporary and contributes to speed, while hard drive memory is permanent and stores files. RAM can be upgraded easily, while hard drive memory cannot. Programs list required RAM and disk space.
A computer runs on two main types of memory: RAM and memory in the hard drive. The two are required for basic computer functions. RAM is short-term temporary storage, while hard drive memory is long-term and can be permanent.
A hard drive is your computer’s storage capacity, or long-term memory, and is also sometimes called “disk space.” Storage capacity is usually measured in gigabytes (GB) and is where files are saved when a user hits the “Save” button on most applications. Inside the hard drive is a metal disk that spins while a head writes information to it.
RAM is sometimes called “memory” for short, which further complicates the issue. It is a computer chip that contributes to the speed of the computer and is usually measured in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB), depending on the size of the chip. When a user chooses to open a file, the computer must enter that information somewhere in order to access it. It temporarily writes the file to RAM for easy access, and this type of memory also temporarily saves the files you are working on.
One of the main differences between RAM and memory on the hard drive is its permanence. Files stored in RAM are sent to the chip by small electrical charges needed to keep the files intact. If the computer is turned off or crashes, the electrical charges stop and files are lost. Hard drive memory is written to disk when a program is “saved,” so these files aren’t lost in the event of a crash or power failure. Computer users should save their work as it is being written, as each time this is done, the file is rewritten in its new form to the hard drive.
Another major difference between these types of memory is that RAM can be refreshed often. Computers have ports on the motherboard for connecting RAM chips, and in many cases, these chips can easily be removed and plugged in new ones. If a user has 32 MB of RAM in his computer split between two chips, then he has two 16 MB chips. If she buys two 64MB chips instead, they can replace the old ones and give her 128MB of RAM. This small, simple upgrade is relatively inexpensive and can make a huge difference in a computer’s speed and performance, although computers typically can only use certain types of RAM in specific amounts or configurations.
Computer owners typically want to know if they have enough RAM and memory to run a particular program. RAM will be significantly less in number than hard drive memory and is typically 128MB – 1GB. Since hard drive memory needs the capacity to hold much more files, average capacities range from 1GB to 400GB. Individual programs will list the required RAM and disk space needed to run effectively.
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