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Computer Science > Data Storage > Flashcards

Data Storage Flashcards

1
Q

what is meant be primary storage

A

directly accessible by the CPU

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2
Q

secondary storage definition

A

not directly accessed by CPU - more permanent data storage

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3
Q

what is RAM used for

A
  • temporarily store instructions + data whilst computer in operation
  • copied from hard disk into main memory
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4
Q

is RAM volatile or non-volatile and why does it mean

A

Volatile - gets wiped as soon as power switched off

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5
Q

is ROM volatile or non-volatile and why does it mean

A

Non-volatile - Data permanently retained without power

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6
Q

what does ROM stand for

A

Read Only Memory

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7
Q

can ROM be overwritten

A

NO: read-only
- cannot be changed after being set by manufacturer

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8
Q

what is ROM memory used for

A
  • computer start up instructions
  • embedded systems
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9
Q

what storage types does secondary storage include

A
  • Hard drives
  • USB flash drives
  • CDs
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10
Q

is secondary storage volatile or non-volatile

A

non-volatile

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11
Q

what is secondary storage best for

A

longer term storage of files + data - will remain when power off

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12
Q

what type of storage media would you use in a laptop or tablet device. and why?

A

Solid State Drives (SSDs):
- require very little power
- create little heat - lack of moving parts –> small + reliable
- portable

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13
Q

what are the adv of SSDs over HDDs

A
  • 100x faster
  • do not require expensive cooling equipment
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14
Q

where are SSDs used

A
  • laptops
  • tablets
  • smartphones
  • desktop + larger computer systems
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15
Q

what are the adv of HDDs

A
  • cheaper
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16
Q

where are HDDs often used

A

Desktop computers

17
Q

what are USBs best used for

A

regular backup of small files - more durable

18
Q

what are CDs and DVDs used for

A

for music + video storage in short + medium term - 10-25 yrs

19
Q

describe the operation of SSDs

A
  • uses NAND or NOR gates in electrical circuits to store data
  • these use transistors as control gates and floating gates to control flow of current
  • current flowing = 1, no current = 0
20
Q

how do optical drives work (CDs / Blu-ray)

A
  • uses laser to reflect light off the surface of the disk
  • one long spiral track contains pit and lands
  • when laser beam hits curved start or end of pit –> light refracted and 1 recorded
  • where light reflected back directly from flat pit / land = 0 recorded
21
Q

describe the operation of a HDD

A
  • data stored on magnetic patters , divided into tracks and sectors
  • Data is read and written
    using electromagnets
  • iron particle on disk magnetised to be either north or south = 0 or 1
22
Q

what are the moving parts in a HDD

A
  • drive read/write head moves into position - movement takes time
  • drive spindle rotates disk
23
Q

what are the disadvantages of moving parts

A
  • easily damaged + issues if dropped
  • overheating
24
Q

what is virtual memory

A

small section in hard disk used when not enough space in RAM for all programs + data currently working on

25
Q

describe the process when data needs to be moved into the virtual memory. Example using Windows, Word, Word document

A
  • Windows, Word, Word document opened and loaded into RAM from the hard disk
  • fills up RAM
  • if Excel required, CPU must first transfer pages of data that compromise Word out of RAM into virtual memory - to free up space
  • RAM is divided into fixed sized pages (4KiB)
  • file currently in RAM may be help in several non-contiguous pages
26
Q

what saves the number and location of each page

A

page table

27
Q

what is cloud storage

A

remote file storage - accessed remotely in comparison to storing data locally
- often include *major 3rd party - Google, Microsoft

28
Q

what is needed for cloud storage

A

Physical servers + storage

29
Q

Adv of cloud storage compared to local storages

A
  • No need to purchase local storage devices / employ maintenance staff
  • online storage can shrink or grow as you need it
  • greater fault tolerance - all hardware + backup issues handled externally
  • Remote access to files from any Internet connected device - anywhere in world
  • enables file sharing + collaboration
  • more environmentally friendly
30
Q

Disadvantages of cloud compared to local storage

A
  • may need annual subscription
  • Backup + restore may be slower depending on internet connection speed
  • security of data managed by 3rd party - outside of user’s control
  • need internet connection
  • your responsible for security breaches over data - even though you have no control over security
31
Q

what does NIC stand for

A

Network Interface Cards

32
Q

what are NICs used for

A

NICs are physical component required to connect to any network enable device - e.g. home computers, smartphones, printers

33
Q

what are NICs

A

a physical component needed to operate with wireless connection or wired connection using Ethernet cable

34
Q

what is a MAC address

A
  • used to identify device with unique hexadecimal identification number
  • assigned to every network interface card used in networked devices
35
Q

will MAC address change

A

NO
- IP address may change
- MAC address is set by the manufacturer and is static - same forever

36
Q

hat do the first 3 bytes represent in a MAC address

A

unique manufacture’s code

37
Q

hat do the last 3 bytes represent in a MAC address

A

unique serial code

Computer Science (15 decks)

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