Chapter_3(Memory and processor)

Question 1

Memory can be accessed faster than secondary storage.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

What are three types of memory?

Answer 2

• RAM (Random Access Memory)
• ROM (Read Only Memory)
• Flash Memory

Question 3

From where processor load the software instructions?

Answer 3

Software instructions are loaded into RAM from a computer’s secondary storage which are fetched by the processor to execute them.

Question 4

Is RAM volatile or non-volatile and, where it is used?

Answer 4

RAM is volatile, meaning that it cannot store data when it has no power and they are used to store program that are in use.

Question 5

Why more RAM is better?

Answer 5

When more RAM is available, more programs can run at the same time.

Question 6

What does operating system do, when there is insufficient space in RAM?

Answer 6

Operating system create virtual memory in an area of secondary storage where it take more time for processor to fetch the instructions and execute the programs resulting a big decrease in system performance.

Question 7

When do programs are removed from RAM?

Answer 7

Programs are removed from RAM, when they are closed or no longer in use.

Question 8

Can you add more RAM to the system?

Answer 8

Yes but only up to the maximum amount supported by the computer and operating system.

Question 9

What is ROM and where are they used?

Answer 9

ROM stores data permanently and they are non-volatile, meaning data is not lose when the power is turned off. They are used in computer system with only one program and to boot the system and load the operating system from secondary storage in computers.

Question 10

Can you change memory in the ROM after manufacture?

Answer 10

No

Question 11

What does programmable ROM do?

Answer 11

It provides with ability to be written to once.

Question 12

What are the types of ROM which contents of them can be updated?

Answer 12

• EPROM (Erasable programmable read only memory)
• EEPROM (Electrically erasable programmable read only memory)

Question 13

How are data stored in EPROM and EEPROM erased?

Answer 13

Data stored in EPROM is removed by exposing it to strong UV light.

Data stored in EEPROM is removed by applying a voltage to one of the pins on the ROM chip.

Question 14

What are the difference between RAM and ROM?

Answer 14

• RAM is a volatile memory while ROM is non-volatile
• RAM stores data temporarily and ROM stores data permanently
• RAM can be upgraded but ROM can’t
• RAM can swap instructions in and out while ROM can’t

Question 15

What is flash memory?

Answer 15

Flash memory is a type of EEPROM which doesn’t have moving parts and has fast access time and low power consumption.

Question 16

Where do flash memory used?

Answer 16

They are often used as removable storage in USB drives and SD cards and in SSDs that are used in portable devices.

Question 17

Using SSD as secondary storage is better.

Answer 17

True, since data is swapped to and from the SSD quickly and frequently, but frequent data transfer can potentially slow down its peformance.

Question 18

Although SSD are great secondary storage, what is its one flaw?

Answer 18

Constant data swapping can greatly reduce the performance of SSD.

Question 19

What does a processor made up of?

Answer 19

A processor is made up of one or more Central Processing Units.

Question 20

Each CPU can refer to as _____.

Answer 20

Core

Question 21

What is processor cycle?

Answer 21

The process of fetching a program instruction from memory, decoding the actions required by the instruction and then executing those actions.

Question 22

How is the processor speed measured?

Answer 22

It is measured in clock cycles per second.

Question 23

What is clock cycle per second?

Answer 23

It is used to measure processor speed; the number of times per second the processor can carry out one or more instructions.