Computer Science - Memory and Storage Part 1 Flashcards
What does RAM stand for?
Random Access Memory
What is RAM?
The main memory in a computer, which can be read and written to
Is RAM volatile or non-volatile?
Volatile
What does RAM store?
Data, files and programs currently in use
What does ROM stand for?
Read Only Memory
Is ROM volatile or non-volatile?
Non-volatile
What does ROM come on?
A small factory-made chip built into the motherboard
What does ROM store?
The instructions needed to boot (BIOS)
What is volatile memory?
Temporary memory which requires power to retain its data
What is non-volatile memory?
Permanent memory which keeps data even when the power is off
When is virtual memory created?
When RAM is full/running slowly
How is virtual memory created?
The operating system moves data from RAM to a location on secondary storage (virtual memory). The data can be swapped back to RAM if needed
What is primary storage?
Memory which is directly accessed by the CPU
Give 4 examples of primary storage:
ROM, RAM, Cache, Registers
Is secondary storage volatile or non-volatile?
Non-volatile
What does secondary storage store?
Data which is not in use (operating systems, applications, user files)
What does SSD stand for?
Solid State Drive
What are solid state storage devices?
Storage devices with no moving parts
Do SSDs have fast/slow read/write speeds?
Fast
What are solid state storage devices?
Storage devices with no moving parts
Give 2 examples of Solid State storage:
Any 2 from:
SD card
USB stick
SSD internal/external drive
Give 2 examples of optical storage:
Any 2 from:
CD, DVD, Blu-Ray
Advantages of optical storage?
Very portable, cheap per GB
Give 2 examples of magnetic storage:
Any 2 from:
Hard drives, magnetic tape, Floppy disk drive
