Chapter 7. Ethics and Ownership

Question 1

What are the main types of memory in a computer?

Answer 1

• RAM (Random Access Memory): Volatile memory used for temporary data storage.
• ROM (Read-Only Memory): Non-volatile memory used to store firmware.

Question 2

What is the difference between volatile and non-volatile memory?

Answer 2

• Volatile memory loses its data when the power is turned off (e.g., RAM).
• Non-volatile memory retains data even when power is off (e.g., ROM, SSDs).

Question 3

What is the purpose of RAM in a computer?

Answer 3

• Provides fast, temporary storage for data and instructions that are currently being used by the CPU.
• Allows for quick read and write access.

Question 4

What are the differences between DRAM and SRAM?

Answer 4

• DRAM (Dynamic RAM): Requires periodic refreshing, slower but cheaper.
• SRAM (Static RAM): Does not require refreshing, faster but more expensive.

Question 5

What is the function of cache memory?

Answer 5

• A small, high-speed memory located inside or near the CPU.
• Stores frequently accessed data to speed up processing.

Question 6

What is the difference between primary and secondary storage?

Answer 6

• Primary storage: Directly accessible by the CPU, includes RAM and cache memory.
• Secondary storage: Non-volatile, used for long-term storage, includes HDDs and SSDs.

Question 7

What is an HDD (Hard Disk Drive)?

Answer 7

• A data storage device that uses magnetic storage to store and retrieve digital information.
• Contains spinning disks and read/write heads.

Question 8

What is an SSD (Solid State Drive)?

Answer 8

• A data storage device that uses flash memory to store data.
• Faster and more durable than HDDs, but generally more expensive.

Question 9

What are the benefits of using SSDs over HDDs?

Answer 9

• Faster data access and boot times.
• More durable, no moving parts, less prone to mechanical failure.

Question 10

What is virtual memory?

Answer 10

• A portion of a storage drive used as RAM when physical RAM is full.
• Allows a computer to handle larger workloads than the available physical RAM.

Question 11

What is the function of a memory address?

Answer 11

• A unique identifier for a memory location where data is stored.
• Used by the CPU to access data in memory.

Question 12

What is flash memory?

Answer 12

• A type of non-volatile memory that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed.
• Commonly used in USB drives, SSDs, and memory cards.

Question 13

What is the role of a memory management unit (MMU)?

Answer 13

• Manages the allocation of memory resources.
• Translates virtual memory addresses to physical addresses.

Question 14

What are optical storage devices?

Answer 14

• Devices that use laser technology to read and write data.
• Examples: CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs.

Question 15

What is the purpose of ROM?

Answer 15

• Stores firmware and essential system instructions.
• Non-volatile, data is retained even when the computer is powered off.

Question 16

What is the difference between PROM and EPROM?

Answer 16

• PROM (Programmable ROM): Can be programmed once.
• EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM): Can be erased and reprogrammed multiple times.

Question 17

What is a hybrid drive?

Answer 17

• A storage device that combines a traditional HDD with a cache of SSD.
• Offers a balance between large storage capacity and improved performance.

Question 18

What is cloud storage?

Answer 18

• A service that allows data to be stored on remote servers accessed via the internet.
• Provides scalability and remote access to data.

Question 19

What are the advantages of using cloud storage?

Answer 19

• Accessibility from any device with internet access.
• Reduces the need for physical storage hardware.