1.2 Memory and Storage

Overview

Memory and storage are crucial components in computer systems. Memory, often referred to as RAM (Random Access Memory), is like the computer's short-term memory. It temporarily holds data and instructions that the CPU (Central Processing Unit) needs to perform. When the computer is turned off, the data in memory is lost.

On the other hand, storage, such as a hard drive or SSD (Solid State Drive), acts as the computer's long-term memory. It permanently stores data, programs, and files, even when the computer is powered off.

Both memory and storage are essential because they enable the computer to work efficiently. Memory ensures quick access to data, speeding up processing, while storage allows us to store our files and programs, so we can access them later. Without sufficient memory and storage, the computer would struggle to handle multiple tasks and store necessary data, hindering its overall performance.