1.2 Memory And Storage Part 1 Flashcards
RAM:
Random Access Memory is the main memory in a computer. It can be read and written to. RAM is volatile. RAM stores data, files and programs currently in use.
ROM
Rom comes on a small factory- made chip built into the motherboard. It stores the instructions needed to boot (BIOS)
Volatile:
Volatile memory is temporary memory. It requires power to retain its data. Non-volatile is permanent memory; it keeps data even when the power is off.
Virtual Memory:
When RAM is full the operating system moves data from RAM to a location on secondary storage called Virtual Memory. The data is swapped back to RAM if needed
Primary Storage:
Primary storage refers to the memory that is directly accessed by the CPU e.g. ROM, RAM, Cache, Registers
Secondary storage:
Secondary storage is non-volatile. It is where all data (the operating system, applications and user files) are stored when not in use
SSD:
Solid State Drives (SSDs) are storage devices with no moving parts. SSDs have fast read/write speeds. E.g. SSD Internal / External drive, USB Stick, SD Card. High capacity, portable, reliable. Low energy
Optical Storage:
Optical storage includes CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray. Optical storage is very cheap per GB and is very portable.
Magnetic Storage:
Magnetic storage includes hard
drives and magnetic tape. Both of these have a large storage capacity and have a low cost per GB.
Capacity:
The amount of data that can be stored on the device.
Reliability:
The shelf life of the media. How long it will retain data so that it can be accessed reliably and without error in the format in which it was originally saved.
Speed:
How quickly can the data be accessed from or written to the media
Portability
Can the media be easily moved about? This depends on both the size and weight of the media.
Cost:
How expensive the media is in
terms of cost per gigabyte of storage.
Durability:
How resistant the media is to damage; whether it is rugged enough to survive knocks, scratches, etc.
