1.2 Memory

Question 1

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Answer 1

Volatile (data lost when power is off)
Read and write
Purpose: temporary store of currently executing instructions and their data.
E.g. applications currently in use

Question 2

Read Only Memory (ROM)

Answer 2

Non-volatile (data retained when power is off)
Read only
Purpose: stores instructions for starting the computer called the bootstrap.

Question 3

Virtual memory

Answer 3

Using part of the hard disk as if it were random access memory.
Allows more applications to be open than physical memory could hold.

Question 4

Flash memory

Answer 4

Solid state (no moving parts). Faster than a hard disk drive. Robust.
Used to store the BIOS.