1.2 Virtual Memory

Question 1

When is virtual memory needed?

Answer 1

Virtual memory is needed when there is not enough physical RAM to store the open programs.

Question 2

Where is virtual memory held?

Answer 2

Virtual memory is held on a hard disk.

Question 3

When are programs transferred out to virtual memory?

Answer 3

Programs are transferred out to virtual memory from the RAM when they are not currently being executed.

Question 4

When are programs transferred back to the RAM?

Answer 4

Programs are transferred back to RAM from virtual memory when they are needed.

Question 5

What is RAM?

Answer 5

Random Access memory

Question 6

What is ROM?

Answer 6

Read Only Memory

Question 7

What does RAM hold?

Answer 7

RAM holds the operating system, programs and data in use by the CPU when the computer is running

Question 8

What is secondary storge needed for?

Answer 8

Storage of programs and data when power is turned off, Semi-permanent storage of data that can change, Backup of data files and Archive of data files

Question 9

What are the characteristics of Optical (CD-R/RW, DVD/RW, Blu-Ray)

Answer 9

Low capacity compared to other storage types of storage, Slow to access data, Thin, lightweight and portable

Question 10

What are the characteristics of A Magnetic (Hard disk drive, tape?

Answer 10

High storage capacity, Quick to access data, Has moving parts, which eventually fail, Hard disks perform better if they are fragmented

Question 11

What are the characteristics of A Solid-state (SSD, Memory sticks, Flash memory cards)

Answer 11

Medium storage capacity, Very quick to access data, No moving parts, very reliable, No noise, Low power. No need to defragment, Limited number of read/write cycles, Expensive compared to other types of storage

Question 12

Why is secondary storage needed?

Answer 12

Secondary storage is needed because ROM is read only, and RAM is volatile