2.1.5 Secondary Storage and OS

Question 1

Why do we need Secondary Storage?

Answer 1

Because we need persistent storage. e.g HDD/SSD.

Question 2

What is important for secondary storage?

Answer 2

Secondary Storage needs to be high capacity at low cost fast enough for loading and saving, and reliable so files aren’t lost or corrupted.

Question 3

What is the two types of secondary storage?

Answer 3

External and Internal

Question 4

What are the factors of secondary storage for comparing?

Answer 4

Capacity, Speed, Cost, Portability, Compatibility, Longevity, Reliability.

Question 5

Difference between primary and secondary (7)

Answer 5

Secondary storage is permanent storage device for data and applications and is non-volatile, whilst main memory is volatile, non-permanent storage used for data during processing. Main memory is faster but a lot less storage. Main memory is internal whilst secondary storage can be internal and external.

Question 6

Which is faster SSD or HDD?

Answer 6

SSD

Question 7

What is the OS?

Answer 7

The Operating System is system software that manages computer hardware, software resources, and provides common services for computer programs.

Question 8

What are the 5 functions of OS?

Answer 8

User interface
Manages Memory
Manage Peripherals
Multi-Tasking
Providing Security

Question 9

User Interface

Answer 9

The OS provides a link between user and computer hardware.

Question 10

Types of User Interface

Answer 10

• GUI - Graphical User Interface (menu and icons)
• CLI - Command line interface (user types in code)
• NLI - Natural Language Interface (user speaks to interface)
• MBI - Menu Based Interface (selection of options.

Question 11

Manages Memory

Answer 11

Keeping track of storage devices and controlling which application has access to which area of RAM.

Each area can be read, written to and modified by OS.

Question 12

How does OS help with file management?

Answer 12

• Organising into folders.
• Copying and Deleting Files.

Question 13

Manages Peripherals

Answer 13

Manages peripherals (input output devices) using device drivers.

A device driver allows hardware to be used by the OS, translating between the devices and computer system.

Question 14

Multi Tasking

Answer 14

The OS coordinates which application gets what CPU time. It makes decisions based on time and priority.

Time slicing is the allocation of giving a task a time slice.

Each task waits it’s turn.

Question 15

Providing Security

Answer 15

Os prevents unauthorised access.

It ensures security of the system through:

• Usernames and passwords
• Protects files from other unauthorised users.