Memory and Processors

Question 1

Differences between RAM and ROM

Answer 1

1. RAM is volatile and ROM is non-volatile.
2. RAM can be upgraded easily whilst ROM cannot be.
3. RAM can swap instructions in and out whilst ROM can’t.
4. Functionality - since RAM is volatile the read and write speed is higher.

Question 2

Characteristics of Flash Memory

Answer 2

1. Non-volatile
2. No moving parts
3. Faster access time
4. Lower power consumption

Question 3

Example of Flash Memory

Answer 3

USB drives

Question 4

Impact on the user of the varying sizes of RAM and ROM

Answer 4

1. Accessibility- RAM provides read and write access whereas ROM provides only read access
2. Volatility
3. Data Stored- RAM stores temporary whereas ROM stores permanent
4. RAM can be upgraded

Question 5

what would happen if there is not enough space in RAM

Answer 5

Performance will be negatively effected. cannot run multiple applications simultaneously. Virtual memory is created using secondary storage

Question 6

what is virtual memory and when is it created

Answer 6

Virtual memory is an area of secondary storage used to store data when RAM does not have enough space

Question 7

what is the benefit of using SSD as a secondary storage over HDD

Answer 7

faster access time

Question 8

what is a drawback of using SSD as secondary storage

Answer 8

due to constant swapping the performance will reduce

Question 9

What does PROM

Answer 9

programmable read only memory

Question 10

what is EPROM

Answer 10

Erasable Programmable read only memory

Question 11

what is EEPROM

Answer 11

electrically erasable read only memory

Question 12

how is EPROM and EEPROM different from ROM

Answer 12

it can be erased from and written

Question 13

defining CPU and its functions

Answer 13

Central Processing Unit
carries out software instructions

Question 14

what does it mean to have more ‘cores’ in a processor

Answer 14

more cores working during each processor cycle

Question 15

how is processor speed measured?

Answer 15

in clock cycles per second

Question 16

what units are clock cycles measured in

Answer 16

hertz, kilohertz, megahertz and gigahertz (additional 3 zeroes)

Question 17

what are other factors that an affect how much work a processor can do

Answer 17

how many work it can do each cycle, instructions per core in each cycle

Question 18

CPU and user experience

Answer 18

better CPU with multiple cores can carryout instructions quickly and effectively

Question 19

define clock cycle

Answer 19

used to measure processor speed, the number of times per second the processor can carry out one or more instructions

Question 20

benefits of increasing the amount of RAM in system to improve user experience

Answer 20

1. more programs can be open at the same time
2. no need to use virtual memory from secondary storage
3. faster access times