flash memory is different from ram because ram is volatile (not permanent). when power is turned off, ram loses all its data. flash can keep its data intact with no power at all. a hard drive is also permanent (non-volatile) storage, but it is bulky and fragile. flash memory is one kind of non-volatile random-access memory. it is slower than ram but faster than hard drives. it is often used in small electronics because of its small size and lack of moving parts.