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There are several ways a computer remembers information. Here are some glossary terms to start us out:
Processor: The processor is the central brain of the entire computer. It is the main chip that does the mathematical calculations that allows a computer to do what the program and the user has asked it to do.
RAM (Random Access Memory): RAM is the volitable memory of a computer. Much like a person's short-term memory. It is what the computer uses to run programs, remember what you've just typed, send things to the printer while your doing something else, etc. RAM is much faster than a hard drive and more of it generally allows the computer to run faster. The reason we say that RAM is volitable is because it will loose all memory as soon as it looses power whereas a hard drive will retain what you have saved on it.
Computer programs and operating systems are getting more advanced, requiring more and more RAM to run efficiently. One gigabyte (1Gb) is enough to run Windows XP without any fancy programs. We recommend three gigabytes (3Gb) for Windows Vista. Most personal computers today can be increased to at least 4Gb.
Cache: Cache is the memory on the processor itself. The processor runs at speeds much faster than the memory (RAM), motherboard, and especially disks, so the processor will very temporarily place things in a buffer, or cache, either before or after it goes to the processor. This helps the computer run smoothly.
Hard Drive: The hard drive is the magnetic, internal disk that spins at great speeds and usually has large amounts of perminate or temporary storage. It is non-volitable as when the computer turns off, the contents of the disks stay intact. This is where your documents and programs are stored.
The difference between RAM (or memory) and hard drive (or space), is that memory is much faster, and is volitable. This means that the contents of RAM are deleted when the computer is turned off. A RAM chip is basically an array of microchips that store information for short amounts of time and high rates of speed. This makes them very sensitive to static electricity. When handling RAM chips, use special care not to bring them into contact with static electricity for that could ruin them. Be sure to be grounded by touching another person, or the base of the computer before you actually touch the chip. Also, wear shoes when handling them, don't wear socks or bare feet as you can damage the chip.
Hard disks are non-volitable storage, so when the computer is shut off, the contents stay in tact. Hard drives generally store more information, but are slower than RAM. Both are very important to a computer. A hard disk is magnetic material, so don't allow a magnet to come into contact with a disk drive. This is the same for floppy drives as well. Be careful to not place magnets near a hard drive as a magnet can alter, scramble, or delete the contents of a disk. Note that many audio speakers are magnitized. Be sure to use magnetically shielded speakers around your computer.
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