1.2 Memory and storage (1.2.1 Primary storage)

Question 1

two types of memory

Answer 1

RAM (random access memory) and ROM (read only memory)

Question 2

What is RAM often referred to as?

Answer 2

main memory, primary memory, primary storage

Question 3

RAM (5)

Answer 3

• access to RAM is much faster than a hard drive (secondary storage)
• CPU can access any part of the memory in the same amount of time
• it stores the operating system, the software currently in use
• the data which the software/ instructions is using
• where all the data, files and programs are stored while they’re being used

Question 4

meaning of volatile

Answer 4

when the computer is turned off, data stored in the RAM is lost
- ram is volatile

Question 5

meaning of non-volatile

Answer 5

all programs and data being stored permanently on a hard drive

Question 6

is ROM volatile

Answer 6

no

Question 7

is RAM volatile

Answer 7

yes

Question 8

ROM (4)

Answer 8

• it stores the initial program that is run when the computer is turned on (known as the bootstrap)
• it tells the computer where it will find the operating system on the hard drive
• it stores the basic input/output system
• it stores data which needs to be permanently held in primary storage

Question 9

differences between RAM and ROM (2)

Answer 9

• you can write to RAM but not ROM

- RAM is volatile while ROM is not

Question 10

what is virtual memory

Answer 10

virtual memory is part of the hard drive and is used as an extension to RAM
- it is secondary storage

Question 11

why do we need primary storage

Answer 11

to hold both data and programs that are in current use by the CPU