1.6 Storage Devices Flashcards
1
Q
Random Access Memory
A
- Volatile
- Read and Write
- Stores os, programs, data currently being used
2
Q
ROM
A
- Non-volatile
- Read only
- Stores boostrap
3
Q
Virtual Memory
A
An extension of memory to RAM using secondary storage
4
Q
Primary Storage
A
RAM which is volatile
5
Q
Secondary storage
A
Non-volatile storage
6
Q
Hard Disk
A
- Concentric racks are created on a magnetic disk
- They can spin at high speeds from 3.6k to 7.2k rpm
- Data is read or written as sector moves under the head
- Spinning platters are read by drive heads
7
Q
SSD’s
A
- Use electrically programmable non-volatile flash memory
8
Q
Advantages/Disadvatanges of SSD
A
- Durable
- Faster
- Consumes less power
- Portable
- More portable
- More expensive
9
Q
USB flash drives
A
- Can stores up to 128gb
- Very cheap
- Can be used for password protection
- Useful for transferring data between computers
10
Q
Why are capacities of discs different when they are the same physical size?
A
- Different laser wavelengths ‘burn’ smaller pits
- The spiral track can be more tightly wound, creating a longer track
11
Q
What are the available optical disk formats?
A
- Read
- Recordable
- Re-writable
12
Q
Software mailing
A
- Often best suited to optical disks
- Cheap to manufacture and distribute
- Robust during carriage
- Lightweight
13
Q
CD-ROM
A
- “Pressed” at the time of manufacture
- Software distribution
14
Q
CD-R
A
- Can be written to once
- Copying documents
15
Q
A
- Can be written, read many times, erased and written again
- Short/medium term backup
- Transferring files from one pc to another
