3 Memory and processors Flashcards
Why is memory used?
Can be accessed faster than secondary storage so processor can fetch instructions quickly and access them
What are the 3 types of memory?
- Random access memory (RAM)
- Read only memory (ROM)
- Flash memory
What does RAM do?
RAM is a fast temporary type of memory in which programs, applications and data are stored
Give examples of what’s stored RAM?
the operating system
applications
the graphical user interface (GUI)
Is RAM volatile or non-volatile?
Volatile - if a computer loses power, all data stored in its RAM is lost
Define volatile
Data is lost if power is turned off
How does an increase in RAM impact the user?
The more RAM that is available the more programs can run at the same time
This is important for multi-tasking
What happens when there isn’t enough RAM and how does this impact user experience?
The OS creates virtual memory using secondary storage
Secondary storage is S L O W therefore performance DECREASES
Why are SSDs used for memory
SSDs can be used rather than hard disk drives as they have a faster access time
How can a user increase performance?
A user can add additional RAM to the computer’s capacity
What is ROM?
Read only memory which cannot be changed by the user
Is ROM volatile or non-volatile?
Non-volatile
Give examples of where ROM is used
In computer systems such as calculators, digital watches and washing machines
What type of memory does flash memory fall under?
ROM
What is the advantage of flash memory?
It has no moving parts so it has a fast access time and low power consumption
Give examples of where flash memory is used
SSDs
Used as removable storage in USB drives and SD cards
How many clock cycles per sec does Hertz, KiloHertz, MegaHertz, GigaHertz have?
1
1000
1000,000
1000,000,000
multiply by 1000 each time
Define clock cycles per second
Used to measure processor speed; the number of times per second the processor can carry out one or more instructions
List 3 characteristic of RAM that make it different to ROM
- Volatile
- Stored temporarily
- Upgradable
Explain 2 reasons why the characteristics of flash memory make it suitable for use as secondary storage in smartphones
Has no moving parts
So there is lower power consumption
What does disk formatting do?
Prepares storage media (e.g. hard disk drive, USB drive) for first time use
What happens if you format a disk that has already been used?
All data on the disk will be unreadable by normal applications
What does the OS do?
Allows user to control and manage computer’s hardware
What is a single-user operating system?
Only allow for a general use and don’t provide the option to customise user interface for different users
What is a network operating system?
Operating systems that have additional functionality
e.g. seperating user accounts to ensure they can’t access each other’s files
Providing access to a network storage and shared resources such as printers
Define memory management
A system that ensures the applications are able to run and don’t interfere with each other
Define resource managment
Allocating things to make sure every user area has all the resources it needs
Define firewall
A security system that can help protect your network by filtering traffic and blocking outsiders from gaining unauthorized access to the private data on your computer
Define authentication
A process to ensure that the right person is accessing something
Define print spooling
System enabling you to send large document files or a series of them to a printer, without needing to wait until the current task is finished
Define word processor
Allows you to create documents such as letters or reports
Define desktop publishing software
Allows to work with complicated page layouts
Define spreadsheet software
Allows you to record and analyse data in the form of a spreadsheet
Define database software
Allows you to store, organize and order large volumes of data
Define web authoring software
Allows to create web pages including text and images
Define graphic editing software
Allows to create or edit vector graphics
Define bitmap
Computer image that is stored as an arrangment of bits
Define vector
Cimputer image made up of points and lines
Define photo editor software
Allows to edit and enhance photographs and images
Define sound editing software
Allows to edit audio files or join together different audio files
Define presentation software
Creates engaging multimedia content as slides
Define control application
Used to make something happen in the physical environment
How do control applications work?
Take in input of sensors then makes a decision in response and outputs it
Define project management software?
Help plan and track individual tasks in a project
Define software license
Legal arrangement that gives a user the right to install and use software
Define free software
Gives users the right to study, modify, copy or distribute the program. (Free does not mean that there is no charge for this software)
Define open source software
A software that anyone has access to edit the code
Define freeware
Propreitary softare provided free of charge to users
Define propreitry software
A software where the code is locked from users and therefore can’t be edited to fit specific needs
