A computer runs on two main types of memory: RAM and hard drive memory. Both are necessary for basic computer functions. RAM is short-term temporary memory, while hard drive memory is long-term memory and can be permanent.
Every time a user presses the “save” button, a file is stored on the computer’s hard drive.
A hard drive is a 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 presses the “Save” button in most applications. Inside the hard drive is a metal disk that spins while a head writes information to it.
The long-term memory capacity of a computer is called the hard drive.
RAM is sometimes referred to as “memory”, 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 put that information somewhere to access it. Temporarily writes the file to RAM for easy access, and this type of memory also temporarily saves the files you are currently working on.
A computer motherboard.
The main difference between RAM and hard drive memory is their permanence. Files stored in RAM are sent to the chip by small electrical charges that are needed to keep the files intact. If the computer shuts down or crashes, electrical loads will be interrupted and files will be lost. Hard drive memory is written to disk when a program is “saved”, so these files are not lost in the event of a power outage or failure. Computer users should save their work as it is written, as each time this is done, the file is rewritten in its new form to the hard drive.
A RAM card.
Another big difference between these types of memory is that RAM can be upgraded frequently. Computers have ports on the motherboard to plug in RAM chips, and in many cases these chips can be easily removed and new ones plugged in. If a user has 32 MB of RAM in his computer divided between two chips, he will have two 16 MB chips. If you buy two 64MB chips, they can replace the old ones and give you 128MB of RAM. This small, simple upgrade is relatively inexpensive and can make a big difference in a computer’s speed and performance, although computers are generally only able to use certain types of RAM in specific amounts or configurations.
Adding computer RAM can allow for a larger buffer to improve media streaming.
Computer owners often want to know if they have enough RAM and memory to run a certain program. The RAM will be significantly smaller than the hard drive memory and is typically 128MB to 1GB. Since hard drive memory needs capacity to store many more files, average capacities range from 1 to 400 GB. Individual programs will list the amount of RAM and disk space required to run effectively.
Adding RAM, or random access memory, to your computer can increase its performance.
If the computer shuts down or crashes, files stored in RAM may be lost.
