What is the difference between RAM and storage?

RAM is short-term memory: it holds what your computer is working on right now and is wiped when you switch off. Storage (SSD or hard drive) is long-term memory for your files and programs. If your laptop slows down with many tabs or apps open, add RAM; if it is full or slow to start, upgrade to a faster or bigger SSD.

Think of RAM as your desk and storage as the filing cabinet. A bigger desk lets you spread out more work at once; a bigger cabinet lets you keep more things.