What is the key difference between memory and storage?
Memory (RAM) is temporary and used while you work; storage is long‑term and holds data even when the device is off.
What is storage often compared to?
A filing cabinet that keeps files long‑term.
What is memory (RAM) often compared to?
A desktop where you temporarily place items you’re actively working on.
Is storage volatile or non‑volatile?
Non‑volatile — it keeps data when power is off.
Is memory (RAM) volatile or non‑volatile?
Volatile — it loses data when power is off.
What happens to files in storage when a computer powers off?
They stay saved.
Give examples of storage devices.
HDD, SSD, USB drives.
What happens when you open a file?
It moves from storage into memory (RAM).
What happens to data in RAM when the computer shuts down?
It disappears unless saved to storage.
Why is there only one song in memory even if your phone stores thousands?
Because memory only holds what you’re currently using.
Why do you sometimes recover files after your computer shuts down unexpectedly?
AutoSave periodically copies data from memory to storage.
How often does Microsoft Office AutoSave by default?
Every 10 minutes.
How much work can you lose if your computer crashes right before AutoSave runs?
Up to 10 minutes of work.
Where can you change AutoSave frequency?
In the software’s Options or Settings menu.
How big is 1 Byte?
The size of one character, like “A.”
Size of 1 KB and example?
~1,000 Bytes; a short email.
Size of 1 MB and example?
~1,000 KB; a photo or MP3 song.
Size of 1 GB and example?
~1,000 MB; a movie or several thousand photos.
Size of 1 TB and example?
~1,000 GB; a full laptop hard drive or ~250 HD movies.
Typical amount of RAM in modern laptops?
8 GB to 16 GB.
Typical storage in modern laptops?
256 GB to 1 TB SSD.
What happens if your computer doesn’t have enough memory?
It slows down, apps freeze or crash, and “Out of memory” errors may appear.
What’s the fastest way to free up RAM?
Close unused apps and browser tabs.
How does restarting help memory issues?
It clears temporary memory and resets processes.
