File System

Where and how your files are stored. Ignorance in this area is the single biggest cause of problems for computer users.

Computing 101

When you open a document, it is loaded from disk storage (HDD, usually) to working memory (RAM). As you make changes to your document, they are only made in memory. When you choose save, you are copying the document back from RAM to HDD. The key here is that RAM is not permanent. When you lose power, you lose all the contents of RAM. Your disk storage is permanent. So, you don't lose your saved work. Unfortunately, you cannot work directly on files in disk storage - it is just too slow.

RAM is fast, but volatile. HDD storage is slow, but permanent. It is a bit like your filing cabinet [HDD] (lots of storage, but very awkward to work in) and your desk [RAM] (limited space, but easy to work on). Saving your work is like putting it back in the filing cabinet, where it is safe from your hyperactive cleaner, who wipes everything off your desk every time the power goes out.