Memory And Interfaces

Question 1

Explain advantages of DRAM over SRAM

Answer 1

Much cheaper

Less complex

Question 2

Explain advantages of SRAM over DRAM.

Answer 2

Faster to access data

Does not require refreshing as often

Question 3

Name two functions of ROM

Answer 3

Contains basic startup instructions

Bootstrap loader - selects and starts operating system

Question 4

Name in order of speed of access the four main memory holders

Answer 4

Registers
Cache
Main memory
Backing Storage

Question 5

What two factors affect the amount of memory a computer can address

Answer 5

The size of the address bus

The size of the data bus

Question 6

Consequences of increasing clock speeds

Answer 6

Processor can execute mor instructions per second

Voltage and overheating problems

Question 7

Why will extra RAM not always speed up your computer?

Answer 7

It will only work when virtual RAM is having to be used

Question 8

Name the five functions of an interface

Answer 8

Buffering
Protocol Conversion
Voltage Conversion
Data format Conversion
Handling of status signals

Question 9

Name and describe the two types of interface

Answer 9

Serial- one bit is sent after another

Parallel- multiple bits sent at a time over seperate lines

Question 10

Name the features of virtualisation

Answer 10

Reduced hardware costs- two on one

More efficient use of existing hardware

Question 11

What does volatile mean?

Answer 11

When power is lost, all contents are lost