Asus Nexus 7 - Manual (Page 52)

Nexus 7 Guidebook TuNe PeRFoRMANCe 46
optimize memory usage
You typically don’t need to worry about managing apps beyond
installing, opening, and using them. but there may be times
when you want to know more about what’s happening behind the
scenes.
Apps use two kinds of memory: internal storage and RAM. They
use internal storage for themselves and any files, settings, and
other data they use. They also use RAM (memory designed for
temporary storage and fast access) when they’re running.
Android manages and carefully guards the portion of internal
storage where the system, apps, and most data for those apps are
stored, because this area may contain your private information.
it’s not possible to view this portion of internal storage when you
connect your device to a computer with a usb cable. The other
portion of internal storage, where music, downloaded files, and so
on are stored, remains visible for your convenience.
An droid also manages how apps use RAM. it may cache some
things you’ve been using recently, for quicker access if you need
them again, but it will erase the cache if it needs the RAM for new
activities.
You affect the way apps use internal storage directly and indi-
rectly in many ways — for example, by:
• installing or uninstalling apps.
• Downloading files in Chrome, Gmail, and other apps.
• Creating files (for example, by taking pictures).
• Deleting downloaded files or files you created.
• Copying files between your device and a computer via USB or
bluetooth.