Scratch space is space on the hard disk drive that is dedicated for only temporary storage. It cannot be used to permanently back up files. Scratch disks can be set to erase all data at regular intervals so that the disk space is left free for future use. The management of scratch disk space is typically dynamic, occurring when needed.
Scratch space is commonly used in graphic design programs, such as Adobe Photoshop. It is used when the program needs more memory, and the amount of available system RAM is insufficient. A common error in that program is "scratch disks full", which occurs when one has left the scratch disks configured to the default setting, being the boot drive. Many computer users gradually fill up their primary hard drive with permanent data, slowly reducing the amount of space the scratch disk may take up.
Partitioning off several gigabytes of hard drive and leaving that space empty will ensure a reliable scratch disk. Hard drive space, on a per-gigabyte basis, is far cheaper than RAM, though performs far slower. Even if on a separate physical drive (even a high-spindle drive such as a 'WD Raptor' or an SSD), to the main operating system and software, a scratch disk cannot match RAM for speed. However, since 10,000 RPM hard drives or SSDs can be purchased with capacities of up to 300 GB or beyond - whereas few motherboards can handle more than 32 GB of RAM - for applications such as video editing, it is a reasonable solution.
Read more about Scratch Space: See Also
Famous quotes containing the words scratch and/or space:
“Man has lost the basic skill of the ape, the ability to scratch its back. Which gave it extraordinary independence, and the liberty to associate for reasons other than the need for mutual back-scratching.”
—Jean Baudrillard (b. 1929)
“Mere human beings can’t afford to be fanatical about anything.... Not even about justice or loyalty. The fanatic for justice ends by murdering a million helpless people to clear a space for his law-courts. If we are to survive on this planet, there must be compromises.”
—Storm Jameson (1891–1986)