Memory vs. Hard Disk
Main DifferenceA computer architecture is a complex system and there are many terms which although look very similar, but are different from each other with the slightest of variations. There are many devices used in a computer hardware which performs several functions but is related to each other and two such devices are known as a hard disk and memory. The differences between them will be discussed in this space. The main one is that a hard disk is a device which stores memory while the memory is the information which is stored on a hard disk. The memory on a hard disk can be stored magnetically only while information of a memory device is stored in the form of electric signals and data. There are other ways of showing this difference too, for example, a memory can be lost when power is shut down but it can still exist if stored on a hard disk. Another way of telling the difference is that upgrading the space for memory is a relatively difficult process while adding another hard disk on the computer is an easy process. There are many other differences which will be explained in the end while a detailed explanation of both these types is given in the next two paragraphs.
Difference Between Memory and Hard Disk
Memory vs. Hard Disk
Memory can be lost in most cases when power is shut down immediately while the if the memory is on a hard disk it will not be lost.
Memory vs. Hard Disk
The hard disk is the device which stores memory while the memory is the information which is stored on a hard disk.
Memory vs. Hard Disk
Memory helps the computer runs in a faster manner while hard disk does not play any such function.
Memory vs. Hard Disk
Data is stored on a hard disk in the form of magnetic memory while it is stored on a memory stick in the form of electric formats.
Memory vs. Hard Disk
Upgrading the space for memory is a relatively difficult process while adding another hard disk on the computer is an easy process.
Memorynoun
(uncountable) The ability of the brain to record information or impressions with the facility of recalling them later at will.
Memory is a facility common to all animals.Memorynoun
A record of a thing or an event stored and available for later use by the organism.
I have no memory of that event.My wedding is one of my happiest memories.Memorynoun
(computing) The part of a computer that stores variable executable code or data (RAM) or unalterable executable code or default data (ROM).
This data passes from the CPU to the memory.Memorynoun
The time within which past events can be or are remembered.
in recent memory; in living memoryMemorynoun
which returns to its original shape when heated
Memory metal; memory plastic.Memorynoun
(obsolete) A memorial.
Memorynoun
A term of venery for a social group of elephants, normally called a herd.
Memorynoun
something that is remembered;
search as he would, the memory was lostMemorynoun
the cognitive processes whereby past experience is remembered;
he can do it from memoryhe enjoyed remembering his fatherMemorynoun
the power of retaining and recalling past experience;
he had a good memory when he was youngerMemorynoun
an electronic memory device;
a memory and the CPU form the central part of a computer to which peripherals are attachedMemorynoun
the area of cognitive psychology that studies memory processes;
he taught a graduate course on learning and memoryComparison Chart
| Memory | Hard Disk |
| The process in which information is obtained and stored and then encoded in a manner that it can be obtained at a later time. | This is a data storage device which is used to store and access information which is present on the computer. |
| Data Loss | |
| can be lost in most cases when power is shut down immediately | Anything on it stays there in case of power shortage |
| Information | |
| Data is stored on a memory stick in the form of electric formats. | Data is stored on a hard disk in the form of magnetic memory |
| Price | |
| Free | Costly |
Definition of Hard Disk
This is a data storage device which is used to store and access information which is present on the device, it is entered into the device by the user who wants to keep it at a place where it can be accessed at any time. This can be done in the form of folders and files while information such as documents, videos, audio and even pictures. The structure is simpler where the rotating disks are placed which is coated with magnetic material. These are connected with magnetic heads which are placed on the moving arm that helps to read and writing the data. This data is accessed through RAM which means the information which is present on the device can be opened without any proper sequence. It was first introduced in 1956 and has increased its space over the years. It has been produced by more than 150 companies over the years but the most famous ones are Seagate and Toshiba. The size of normal HDD is 3.5 inches for computers while the size for a laptop is around 2.5 inches. USB are the devices which have originated from the hard disks and gaining popularity.
Definition of Memory
In simple words, memory is the process in which information is obtained and stored and then encoded in a manner that it can be obtained at a later time. This allows information from the outside sources to be arranged in a proper manner, this data is changed into codes which are only understood through the encoding and gives it a safe space to exist where it cannot be lost. This is a computer hardware which is used to store information in such a manner that it can be used at any time by the computer and the functions keep on running. The memory is operated at high speeds and can exist in several places such as RAM and hard disk, there are different cases in which memory is used and kept safe on these devices which will not be favorable to discuss in this space.
ConclusionThe two terms Memory and hard disk are different ones in the working and functions. This article, therefore, gives a proper understanding of the two types for people to get a clearer idea. The task is achieved by adding more differences and giving more details about the topic which hopefully will be helpful.
