3.3 - Data Storage Flashcards
1
Q
What are the two distinct groups that memory and storage devices are split up into? [2]
A
- primary memory
- secondary storage
2
Q
What is the main difference between primary memory and secondary storage? [2]
A
- PM is directly addressable by the CPU whereas SS is not directly addressable by the CPU
3
Q
What does the PM include? [2]
A
Random Access Memory and Read-only Memory
4
Q
What is RAM? [2]
A
- working area of the computer
- data currently being used is temporarily stored
5
Q
What is ROM? [2]
A
- contains data that cannot be changed or written to
- needs to be stored permanently
6
Q
What are the differences between RAM and ROM? [2]
A
- RAM = temporary whereas ROM = permanent
- RAM = volatile memory whereas ROM = non-volatile
7
Q
What is secondary storage? [2]
A
- not directly accessed by
the CPU - is necessary for more permanent storage of data
8
Q
What are examples of secondary memory? [3]
A
- HDD
- SSD
- DVD
9
Q
What are the 2 types of RAM? [2]
A
- SRAM
- DRAM
10
Q
What is SRAM? [2]
A
- it makes use of flip flops which holds each bit of memory
- it doesn’t need to be constantly refreshed
11
Q
What is DRAM? [2]
A
- contains transistors and capacitors
- it needs to be refreshed constantly
12
Q
What are the differences between SRAM and DRAM? [4]
A
- SRAM is more expensive whereas DRAM is less expensive
- SRAM uses transistors whereas DRAM uses capacitors
- SRAM has a faster data access time than DRAM which has less
- SRAM has less storage capacity than DRAM which has a higher capacity
13
Q
Why is ROM needed in a computer? [1]
A
- they are used to store information that the computer needs to access when powering up for the first time
14
Q
What are the 3 types of secondary storage? [3]
A
- solid state drive
- magnetic drive
- optical drive
15
Q
What are magnetic harddrives? [2]
A
- uses platters which are divided into tracks and sectors
- data is read and written
using electromagnets
