1.2 RAM and ROM

Question 1

purpose of RAM

Answer 1

random access memory

where the computer temporarily stores data and instructions when an application is running

programs in use are transferred to the RAM from the hard disk

holds the operating system while the computer is running

Question 2

advantages and disadvantages of RAM

Answer 2

• data can be read from and written to RAM
• large compared to the ROM

-volatile, contents are lost when the power is turned off

Question 3

ROM

Answer 3

read only memory

used to store instructions that don’t need to be changed during normal use

contains the bootstrap - instructions needed for the computer to start up

can be used in computer systems as game cartridges, CDs etc

Question 4

advantages and disadvantages of ROM

Answer 4

-ROM is non volatile, retains data even if the power is turned off

• data can ony be read from ROM
• small compared to the RAM

Question 5

Devices require different amounts of RAM.

About how much would these devices require?

a) smartphone
b) games console
c) laptop
d) workstation

Answer 5

a) 2 GB
b) 4 GB
c) 8 GB
d) >16 GB

Question 6

Descibe the role of programs stored in ROM [2]

Answer 6

programs stored in ROM carry out specific tasks, including initialising hardware components and starting the operating system when a computer is switched on

Question 7

Describe the difference between volatile and non volatile memory [2]

Answer 7

the content of non-volatile memory is not lost when the computer is turned off whereas the content of volatile memory is erased

the content of volatile memory changes constantly whereas the content of non-volatile memory is fixed and cannot be altered

Question 8

State which type of memory is used to store application data during execution [1]

Answer 8

RAM

Question 9

Give two differences between RAM and ROM [2]

Answer 9

RAM is volatile and ROM and not

RAM can be written to ROM cannot