Q:
A: RAM (random access memory) is different from storage memory. When people talk about "computer memory", they mean RAM. RAM comes in the form of a stick. All data that is on RAM is cleared when you turn the computer off. RAM is used to load your operating system, programs, shut down the operating system, just about everything. Hard drive space is the storage memory on your computer. Although hard drive capacities are much, much higher than those of RAM sticks and they don't lose information when you shut down your computer, hard drives are much slower than RAM and have a shorter life span because they have moving parts. A hard drive typically looks like a small, metal box. Inside it are spinning magnetic platters, which is where your data is stored. NEVER get a magnet close to flash drives, floppy disks, hard drives, or CRT monitors. In the case of flash drives, floppy disks, and hard drives, the data on the disk may be erased or become corrupted. In the case of a CRT monitor, you could ruin the image (although pressing the degauss button can usually fix the problem). So although you can increase your storage space by adding a new hard drive, you cannot increase your computer's memory. And yes, as the previous answer said, it's not recommended to use your hard drive as RAM (Virtual Memory). It may actually slow down your computer, not speed it up.