Submitted by unlikemike123 t3_z6wvdf in explainlikeimfive
Defleurville t1_iy3lxmr wrote
Reply to comment by unlikemike123 in eli5 How is computer memory deleted? by unlikemike123
Just to clear up any confusion, the word memory is often used in confusing ways. Expensive working memory (RAM) is used to do stuff (like a kitchen counter), whereas cheaper storage memory (SSD, HDD) is used to keep stuff (like kitchen cabinets).
Current computers have working memory in the 16GB to 128GB range and storage memory in the hundreds to thousand of gigabytes (known as terabytes)
Phones and tablets (and video game consoles) all have working memory, but the numbers are basically unadvertised (~up to 4 GB). Their storage memory is widely advertised, but is often in the same 16-128GB range as a computer’s working memory, which adds to the confusion.
While technically these are all “memory”, when we speak of a computer’s memory, we usually mean working memory (RAM) — not the one freed up by deleting files. But when we speak of a phone’s memory, we usually mean storage memory (SSD)
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