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What is the difference between memory and hard disk space?


Absolutely legitimate question about the difference between main memory and hard disk space!



 
Content:

1.) ... Difference between main memory and hard drive space!
2.) ... RAM and hard drive storage explained technically?

1.) Difference between main memory and hard drive space!


Storage and hard disk space both refer to the internal storage space in a computer (notebook, laptop, Surface, ...). Each is used for a different purpose.

The term "memory" / "main memory" usually comes from RAM (Random Access Memory); RAM is the hardware that allows the computer to efficiently perform more than one task at the same time (multi-tasking).

The term "disk space" usually refers to hard disk space. Hard disk space is typically used for long-term storage of various types of files. Higher capacity hard drives can store larger quantities and sizes of files such as videos, music, pictures, and documents.

There is also what is known as "virtual memory" This is the hard disk space that acts as RAM. It helps the computer multitask when there is not enough RAM for the tasks.

Computers also contain a small amount of read-only memory (ROM) with permanent instructions on how to check the hardware and to start the computer. On a PC this is called BIOS .

See also:

►► What do all the memory information such as physical memory, ...?
►► Why the RAM or memory test for Windows 10, 8.1, ...?
►► Faster storage  benchmark  - Test your storage speed!



2.) RAM and hard drive storage explained technically?

Random access memory (RAM) and hard drive storage (HDD or SSD) are two different types of memory in a computer system, each with different functions and characteristics.

1. Memory (RAM):

- RAM is temporary memory that is directly connected to the CPU.

- Its main function is to temporarily store data that the CPU can quickly access while executing programs.

- RAM is much faster than hard drive storage, but is also more expensive and more limited in storage capacity.

- The data in RAM is deleted when the computer is turned off. Therefore, it serves as short-term storage for currently running programs and data.

2. Hard Disk Storage (HDD or SSD):

- Hard disk storage is persistent storage used for long-term storage of data.

- It consists of magnetic disks (for HDDs) or NAND flash memory chips (for SSDs) that store data even when the computer is turned off.

- Hard disk storage has a much higher capacity compared to RAM, but is slower in reading and writing data.

- HDDs are traditionally slower than SSDs due to mechanical movements (read head, rotating platters), while SSDs are faster because they have no moving parts and are based on flash memory chips.

Info:

Technically speaking, RAM and hard drive storage are both storage devices, but they have different purposes and characteristics. The main memory is used for temporary data storage for currently running programs and processes and provides quick access for the CPU. Hard drive storage, on the other hand, is used to permanently store data and programs that should remain intact even after the computer is switched off.





FAQ 117: Updated on: 21 April 2024 13:20 Windows
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