1.2 Memory and Storage Flashcards
What is primary memory?
Primary memory is a type of memory that is accessed directly by CPU.
List the types of primary memory
Registers
Cache
RAM
Virtual Memory
What is latency?
Latency is the time taken by components to respond to a request.
How is the access time reduced?
By copying frequently used data and instructions to the cache.
What is RAM?
A temporary memory which stores data, files and parts of the operating system that are currently in use.
What are the types of RAM?
Static RAM and Dynamic RAM
What is the difference between SRAM and DRAM?
SRAM is made of ‘flip-flops’ and need not be constantly refreshed.
DRAM is made of transistors and capacitors, and has to be constantly refreshed.
Which type of RAM is used for cache memory?
SRAM
Which of the types of RAM offers higher capacity?
DRAM
What is ROM?
A permanent memory that is used to store the instructions that are executed once the computer is switched ON.
How is ROM made?
ROM is made by interconnecting several transistors.
What are the types of ROM?
PROM, EPROM, EEPROM and Flash ROM.
What is Flash ROM?
A type of ROM that is programmed by applying slightly large electric current that forces an electron through a barrier.
True or False. Flash memory is non-rewritable.
False: Flash memory is rewritable.
When is virtual memory required?
When a computer has too many processes running at the same time and the capacity of RAM is not enough.
What is virtual memory?
A section of hard drive is allocated for storing temporary data when the capacity of RAM is not enough.
What is swapping
Swapping (or paging) is the process by which the OS transfers data between RAM and virtual memory.
What type of data is copied to virtual memory?
Data that is not immediately required by a CPU is removed from RAM and is copied to the virtual memory .
Based on what principle does a hard disk drive operates?
Magnetism
What are the advantages of using hard disk drives?
Provides high storage capacity and is cost-effective.
List some applications of hard disk drives.
Large storage facilities, computers and laptops.
Why is the access time of a hard disk drive higher compared to RAM?
Due to a large number of head movements
True or False: Latency is lower in an SSD compared to a HDD.
True
Based on what principle does a solid state drive operate?
Electronic properties
List some applications of solid state drives.
Used in portable devices such as tablets and mobile phones.
Compare the reliability of an SSD and a HDD.
HDDs are less reliable as the moving parts could break. SDDs are highly reliable as no moving parts.
Based on what principle does an optical storage system operate?
Optics and light-sensitive materials
List some optical storage devices.
DVD, CD and Blu-ray discs
What are the different types of optical storage devices?
Read only and Read/write
True or False: The time taken to transfer data to CDs is comparatively higher than that of flash memory
True
What are read-only devices used for?
For storing programs, movies and songs distributed by its producers.
What are optical devices used for?
Storing back ups, programs and transferring large files.
What parameters are considered for choosing a storage device?
Capacity, speed, portability, durability and reliability.
What are the different types of memory access?
Direct memory access and sequential memory access.
