What Is the Difference Between PC Memory & Hard Drive Capacity?

Hard drives and memory are two of the most vital components in your computer. The word "memory" is sometimes used in describing storage space, which may lead to confusion regarding these two components and how each functions. When you use your computer for business, it's crucial to understand the differences between these two components to get the most out of your computer.

Hard Drive Capacity

1. Your computer's hard drive is where it stores all of your data. From your operating system down to your mp3 collection, all of it resides on your hard drive. If you think of your hard drive like a closet, higher-capacity drives equate to more room inside the closet. Hard drive capacity is measured in gigabytes. Larger drives are measured in terabytes. A 1TB hard drive has roughly 1,000GB of storage space. The larger your hard drive, the more data and files you can store on it.

Memory

1. Memory -- short for Random Access Memory -- is another vital computer component measured in GB. Your computer's RAM plays a large role in your computer's speed and stability, especially when multitasking and using resource-intensive applications. RAM is also a storage device, but not in the same sense as your hard drive. When you're not using a particular program, it remains inactively stored on your hard drive. Your computer can access data stored in RAM much faster than it can access data stored on your hard drive. When you open the program, your computer transfers some of the program's data to RAM for easier access, resulting in smoother, quicker performance. The more programs are open, the more memory your computer uses. Once you get close to your computer's limit, you may experience slow performance. Closing open programs frees up memory to be used elsewhere.

Upgrading

1. Both your computer's hard drive and RAM are typically upgradeable. Desktops usually have more room for RAM and additional hard drives, but laptops can be upgraded as well. For both components, the desktop version is larger than the laptop version. For desktops, look for Dual Inline Memory Modules and 3.5-inch hard drives. For laptops, you'll need Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules and a 2.5-inch hard drive. While you can upgrade your hard drive to any available capacity, memory is a bit more tricky. The memory you buy has to be compatible with your computer, and your computer can only hold a certain amount. Check your computer's manual for compatible memory and limitations.

Flash Memory

1. The term "flash memory" may lead to confusion. While it is a type of memory, flash drives are used for storage. For example, plugging a 32GB USB flash drive into your computer gives you 32GB of additional storage space so long as the drive is connected. Files on the drive stay there when you remove it, making flash drives convenient for traveling and sharing data between devices.