Hard disk memory is the amount of memory that is available to store ALL files and applications on your computer. Every time you install a new software program, your hard disk (HD for short) memory goes down. Your HD memory also goes down every time you save your work. If you are working on a large file, like an iMovie or photo album, your HD space will decrease more quickly.

So how do I know how much Hard Disk space is available on my computer?

Your HD space is shown every time you open a folder. Look at the example below:

If I open the 'Student Work' folder, notice how the title changes along with the number of items in this folder, but the Hard Drive memory available remains the same.

In this example, there is 7.61GB (gigabytes) of HD space available. That's a lot when you consider that there are 1,000MB (megabytes) in every GB. Check how much Hard Disk space is available on your computer. Is it enough? Do you need to throw some items in the Trash to make more room? While it is possible to replace a hard drive on a computer, it is very costly and very difficult. You'd most likely have to take it to a licensed computer technician.

How does RAM and HD Space work together?

Think of it this way: When you open an application, like AppleWorks or MS Word, a copy of that application is put into your computer's RAM space. As you work on a document, everything you do to it is stored in RAM until you SAVE your work. When you close the document, it is stored onto the Hard Disk and taken out of RAM, but the application is still open. You must QUIT the application to take it out of RAM. Make sense? If you understand this concept, you can see why it is important to SAVE YOUR WORK OFTEN so you always have enough RAM and HD Space available.

Remember the screen "About This Computer"? It will show you what applications are currently open and how much RAM each is using.

Watch a movie on Hard Drive space! CLICK HERE! (1:10)

Ready to review memory? Take a short QUIZ to check for understanding.