Difference between memory and storage.

Memory and storage are both crucial components of a computer system, but they serve different functions.

Memory, often referred to as RAM (Random Access Memory), is used by the computer to temporarily store data that is actively being used or processed.

It is much faster than storage but is volatile, meaning it loses its data when the computer is turned off.

RAM allows the computer to access data quickly for tasks like running programs (Applications (Apps)), loading files, and multitasking.

On the other hand, storage, such as a hard drive or solid-state drive (SSD), is used to store data long-term, even when the computer is turned off. It is non-volatile, meaning it retains data even without power.

Storage is used to store the operating system, programs, files, documents, photos, videos, and other data that you want to keep for the long term. 💽

In summary, memory (RAM) provides quick access to data for the computer to perform tasks, while storage provides a place to store data for the long term. 💾

A computer has to bring just about everything it works on into temporary working memory (RAM).

How much RAM you need depends on what you will be doing with the computer, and how long you plan to keep it. Two of the main ways of prolonging a computer's useful life used to be to add more RAM and to add more storage. With Apple Silicon Macs, you cannot add more RAM later – but you can add external storage. So ordering enough RAM is usually more important than ordering the largest amount of internal storage.

8 GB of RAM is enough for everyday uses like Web browsing, word processing, and light photo editing. Since new applications and revisions of applications tend to get more "RAM-hungry" over time, 16 GB might be the minimum to look for if you were planning on keeping a computer a long time.

Adobe recommends 16 GB or more of RAM for their professional photography applications: Photoshop, Lightroom, and Lightroom Classic. Some professional photographs with heavy-duty workflows might benefit from up to 32 GB of RAM.

If you're doing something like producing a feature-length Hollywood movie, or running some specialized scientific application that works with very large data sets, you might need more RAM than that. Running another operating system (such as Microsoft Windows for ARM) inside of a virtual machine is another type of use that eats RAM like RAM was so much cotton candy. (Then you have the overhead of two OSes running at the same time.)

To throw another term into the mix, you may see references to "flash (memory / storage) in Technical Specifications for some iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

This is not main memory (RAM). It is a type of long-term storage.

It powers USB flash drives, digital camera memory cards, and SSDs. It stores things electronically, like RAM does, but it is much slower than RAM, and unlike RAM, it does not lose its contents the instant you shut power off. SSDs that use fast flash memory will absolutely slaughter old-style mechanical hard drives on performance on the jobs of starting up your computer (from power off), or launching applications.

This is why all current Macs come with, and start up from, internal SSDs.

You’re welcome! 👋🏼😁