Memory and Storage Flashcards
What is primary storage
Primary storage is the same as main memory. It hold data, programs and instructions being run at the time
What is RAM
Random Access Memory is the type of memory used as the computers main memory.
Random refers to that it can be written anywhere in the memory space at any time.
What are the functions of RAM
The main purpose of RAM is to act temporary storage for programs and data while the the program is being executed
What is ROM
The contents of Read Only Memory cannot be written over once it has been created. It is also non-volatile which means you leave the computer switched off for months and it will still start up as soon as it has power again.
What are the functions of ROM
ROM is used to store memory for BIOS/ bootstrap loader which is required at start-up of the computer.
How does virtual memory work
Virtual memory configures HDD, SSD memory to main memory and this works just like main memory but it is a little bit slower.
Why do computers need secondary storage
Secondary Storage is used for long-term saving files.
It is non-volatile, holds much more data, is relatively inexpensive, and tends to have slower access speeds.
What are the three types of secondary storage
Magnetic Storage
Optical Storage
Solid State Storage
What are the qualities of optical storage
Lazers write data to the disk and read data from it.
Optical storage devices have moving parts, which makes access times and data transfer speeds relatively slow in comparison with SSDs
Give some examples of optical storage devices
CDs
DVDs
Blu-ray
What are the qualities of Magnetic storage
The are read with a moving head inside the disk drive
moving parts make it slow
Makes the disk more open to damage
They are vulnerable to magnetic fields
Give and example of magnetic storage devices
Internal Hard disk
Portable Hard disk
What are the qualities of Solid State storage
Have no moving parts, so are unaffected by magnetic fields
They are more relaible being less vulnerable to shock and damage
considerably lighter
faster access times
lower power consumption
very thin
Give examples of solid state devices
Internal solid state
USB Memory Stick
Memory Card
What are the advantages of Optical storage
Easy to carry
Very cheap
