What does "Partitioned" mean?

[mrsgkr]

Hello,
I recently aqcuired a computer from a friend and was told it is partitioned. The drives are as follows: A:\ 3.5"; C:\ local; D:\ local; E:\ local; F:\ removable; G:\ CD-ROM. The RAM is listed @ 48MB. Each of the drives (C thru E) have a minimum of 2GB. I don't understand what all this means. What's the difference between the amount of RAM and the amount of disk space? Which one determines how much info the puter holds? And what effect does partitioning have on memory? As you can tell, I'm new to this. I'd GREATLY appreciate anyone's help.
Thanks,
mrsgkr

[YODA74]

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEMORY AND STORAGE

People often confuse the terms memory and storage, especially when describing the amount they have of each. The term memory refers to the amount of RAM installed in the computer, whereas the term storage refers to the capacity of the computer's hard disk. To clarify this common mix-up, it helps to compare your computer to an office that contains a desk and a file cabinet.

The file cabinet represents the computer's hard disk, which provides storage for all the files and information you need in your office. When you come in to work, you take out the files you need from storage and put them on your desk for easy access while you work on them. The desk is like memory in the computer: it holds the information and data you need to have handy while you're working.

Consider the desk-and-file-cabinet metaphor for a moment. Imagine what it would be like if every time you wanted to look at a document or folder you had to retrieve it from the file drawer. It would slow you down tremendously, not to mention drive you crazy. With adequate desk space - our metaphor for memory - you can lay out the documents in use and retrieve information from them immediately, often with just a glance.

Here's another important difference between memory and storage: the information stored on a hard disk remains intact even when the computer is turned off. However, any data held in memory is lost when the computer is turned off. In our desk space metaphor, it's as though any files left on the desk at closing time will be thrown away.

this might help a little?

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Death has come to our windows.

-- Jeremiah 9:21
(undoubtedly a Biblical reference to a Microsoft product!)

YODA74@carolina.rr.com

[mrsgkr]

Yoda,
Thanks for reply. It did help me understand the difference. Thank you.
mrsgkr

[YODA74]

that just takes care of some of your question lets try a little of the other.

What does partitioning mean

A partitioned drive is simply one that has been divided into different segments, with each segment acting like a separate drive. Computer users might partition their hard drives to make it easier to organize their programs and files. For example, they might keep certain frequently used programs in one partition and the rest in another partition. Another reason computer users might partition a drive is so they can install multiple operating systems on one machine or even different versions of the same operating system. Each partition of a drive gets its own letter, so while an unpartitioned hard disk generally is designated the "C" drive on your computer, two partitions might be designated drive "C" and drive "D."

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another scenareo

My hard drive is partitioned into a C:/ and D:/ drive. Will applications that I install automatically go to my D:/ drive when my C:/ drive is full? Or should I spread applications between the two drives?
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While it would be a nice touch, your installed software will not automatically find its way to the drive with the most space. You have to designate what drive you put newly installed programs on. When you install the program, there should be a point during the setup process in which the software recommends that you install the software to a particular drive and folder. This is the part of the process in which you can designate which drive you'd like the program to be installed to. It's a good idea to install applications so that there is an ample amount of free hard drive space on each of the drives. Hard drives that have little or no free space will slow down your system. It is recommended that software programs you use the most be installed on your primary drive, which is most likely your C:/ drive. Programs that you use less frequently, you should put on your secondary drive, generally the D:/ drive.




------------------
Death has come to our windows.

-- Jeremiah 9:21
(undoubtedly a Biblical reference to a Microsoft product!)

YODA74@carolina.rr.com

[mrsgkr]

Yoda,
Thank you for your "plain english" description of "partitioned drives". I think I would still be lost if you had used computer terminology. You have helped me a great deal. Now that I know what is what on the computer, I will be able to use it more wisely. But I still have a lot to learn!
Thank you again,
mrsgkr

[YODA74]

Stick around their are a lot more people that have a lot of knowledge and are very good at what they do, also search the PC Guide Knowledge base for more answers than you can comprehend.GO HERE (http://www.pcguide.com/)


------------------
Death has come to our windows.

-- Jeremiah 9:21
(undoubtedly a Biblical reference to a Microsoft product!)

YODA74@carolina.rr.com

[This message has been edited by YODA74 (edited 03-05-2002).]

[mrsgkr]

Yoda,
Sticking around is one thing I intend to do. I have been looking through some of the posts and I already learned a few things. Why pay for computer classes when, with a little determination and patients, you can learn by asking questions!?!?
http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif