Ch.6 Memory and data storage

Question 1

2 examples of primary storage

Answer 1

RAM (Random access memory) and ROM (Read-only memory)

Question 2

2 examples of secondary storage

Answer 2

SSD (Solid-state drive) and HDD (Hard disk drive)

Question 3

3 features of ROM

Answer 3

• Non-volatile
• Cannot be changed
• Used to store the start-up instructions when the computer is first switched on

Question 4

4 features of RAM

Answer 4

• Volatile
• Used to store data and files
• Can be changed
• Never runs out of memory, it just gets slower and slower

Question 5

Drawbacks of HDD

Answer 5

• Very slow compared to RAM
• Large number of head movement needed
• Expensive to change technology

Question 6

Advantages of HDD

Answer 6

• Cheaper for large amounts of data

- Greater longevity for read/write functions

Question 7

Advantages of SSD

Answer 7

• More reliable
• Light
• Portable
• Lower power consumption
• Faster than HDD

Question 8

Example of SSD

Answer 8

USB flash drive

Question 9

What does MIDI stand for?

Answer 9

Musical Instrument Digital Interface

Question 10

What is MIDI?

Answer 10

− Musical Instrument Digital Interface (file)
− Stores a set of commands/instructions (for how the sound should be played)
− Does not store the actual sounds
− Data in the file has been recorded using digital instruments // produced by synthesizer
− Specifies pitch of the note // specifies the note to be played
− Specifies when each note plays and stops playing // Specifies key on/off
− Specifies duration of the note
− Specifies volume of the note
− Specifies the tempo
− Specifies the type of instrument
− Individual notes can be edited

Question 11

What is MP3?

Answer 11

− MP3 is a format for digital audio
− MP3 is an actual recording of the sound
− MP3 is a (lossy) compression format
− Recorded using a microphone

Question 12

What format does MP3 use?

Answer 12

Lossy compression format