1.3

Question 1

What is the main purpose for RAM ?

Answer 1

Stores programs that are running
Stores data currently in use
For access by the CPU

Question 2

What is the purpose of ROM ?

Answer 2

Stores the BIOS
Loads the operating system

Question 3

What is virtual memory ?

Answer 3

A memory management technique:

A computer uses a portion of its hard drive or solid-state drive
Used as (an extension of its) RAM,

Allowing it to run more programs and data than physically available RAM can hold

Question 4

When is Virtual Memory needed ?

Answer 4

When there isn’t enough physical memory

Question 5

When is Virtual Memory used ?

Answer 5

When RAM is full

Question 6

How can Virtual Memory be used to compensate for lack of RAM ?

Answer 6

Virtual Memory is used when RAM is full

Part of the Secondary Storage is used as RAM

Data from RAM is moved to Virtual Memory (to make space in RAM)

RAM can then be filled with new data

When data in Virtual Memory is needed it is moved back to RAM

Question 7

Why is it more beneficial to have more RAM and be less reliant on Virtual Memory?

Answer 7

More RAM improves the performance of the computer

Virtual Memory is slower to access than RAM direct

Moving data between RAM and Virtual Memory takes processor time

Question 8

What is secondary storage ?

Answer 8

Long term storage of data

Question 9

Why do devices need secondary storage ?

Answer 9

For long term storage of data, when device powered off

To store data

For transferring data