The Difference Between Memory and Storage in Computers

Storage in computers and the difference between memory and hard drive are a very large subject in itself. There are three main types of storage which are hard disk, solid state and solid media. Within the three main categories there are sub categories within each main category. So what is it that we are talking about when we talk about the difference between memory and storage? It may seem simple but it can be quite confusing.

Hard drives are designed to store data and allow the computer to function just like a regular hard drive would. They are normally attached to the computer’s motherboard but can also be built into the case if the user so desires. The data which is stored on these drives is usually stored on a magnetic disc which needs to be read by the computer system. This is the kind of storage, which is built into the hard drive of modern computers and has been for a long time. The difference between memory and hard drive is simply that the computer is not able to function without the latter.

On the other hand, memory is what is on hand when a computer is turned on and is ready to perform. Memory can also be built into a computer but is not always available from the manufacturers. This is why it is important to purchase your own computer with memory built in, as this is the only way to get your computer to run without the need for extra hard drives or even external sources of memory which are referred to as ram. When the operating system starts to load, it uses memory as well as the hard drive to help it run.

So what is the difference between the two when memory is mentioned? As already explained, memory allows the computer to function without the hard drive, but the hard drive is what stores all the information that the computer needs to run. As the computer starts to run the hard drive fills up so does the amount of space on the hard drive, making the computer bulky in appearance and size.

When looking at the internal components of a computer, you will notice that most of them have two major parts: the hard drive and memory. The hard drive stores all the information which is needed to run while the memory stores all the files which are needed to be stored and kept when the computer is started. Often people tend to think that the computer will only need one component but this is not always the case as sometimes additional hard drive space is required along with the memory. This extra storage can either come with the computer or purchased separately. The additional hard drive can be an external disk drive, which plugs into a USB port whereas the memory is usually purchased in a regular disk or memory card form.

The size of the hard drive will vary depending on the size of the computer. The larger the hard drive, the bigger the memory is needed. Before purchasing the memory or the storage unit for the computer, it is important to make sure that the right one is being considered for the computer so as to make sure that all the critical programs are running properly.