Computers π» | Storage Device | 3.3 Flashcards
What do storage devices allow for?
For users to store applications, data, and files.
Why are removable storage devices helpful?
They allow for data to be transferred between computers, or store data in a different location in case of data loss.
What are the two groups that memory and storage devices can be split into?
Primary memory and secondary storage
Define primary memory
The memory on a computer which is directly and quickly addressed by the CPU, always in use.
Define secondary storage
The non-volatile storage on a computer which cannot be directly addresed by the CPU, requiring to first be sent to primary memory and then accessed.
What are examples of internal secondary storage?
The HDD or SSD
What are examples of external secondary storage?
DVD, CD, Blu Ray, USB memory stic, flash memory, removable hard drive
What does RAM stand for?
Random Access Memory
Why is RAM βrandomβ?
Because any memory location in RAM can be accessed independent of which memory location was last used
What are the features of RAM?
- Can be written to or read from
- Stores data currently in use
- Is volatile
Why does a larger RAM size increase speed of the computer?
As RAM fills up, the CPU has to continually access secondary storage to overwrite old data, so with a larger RAM this happens less often.
What is the memory cache?
The high-speed portion of the memory: where often-accessed information is kept, using SRAM for quick retrieval.
What does ROM stand for?
Read-Only memory
What are the features of ROM?
- Is non-volatile
- Stores the BIOS and other data needed on start up
- Data stored cannot be altered
Define bootstrap
The first time start-up instructions of a computer, involving the BIOS
