Memory and Storage

Question 1

What are the two types of primary storage

Answer 1

RAM
ROM

Question 2

What is RAM

Answer 2

RAM is the main memory of a CPU. It is volatile, meaning data is removed when the computer is turned off

Question 3

What is ROM

Answer 3

ROM is Read Only Memory. Since it is read only, data cannot be written on it but it is non volatile meaning data will not be removed after the computer is switched off

Question 4

What is primary storage

Answer 4

RAM (main memory)

Question 5

What is hardware

Answer 5

Physical components of a CPU

Question 6

What is software

Answer 6

Programs that a computer uses

Question 7

What are examples of software

Answer 7

Word processors
Internet Explorer
Microsoft

Question 8

What are examples of hardware

Answer 8

Mouse
Keyboard
USB sticks
CPU
RAM
ROM
Motherboard

Question 9

What is secondary storage

Answer 9

Non volatile memory which stores data and instructions when not in use.

Question 10

What are the 3 common types of secondary storage

Answer 10

Optical
Magnetic
Solid State

Question 11

What is a drive

Answer 11

Devices that read and write data from secondary storage

Question 12

What is an optical disk

Answer 12

When data is stored as pits and lands burnt or pressed into a spiral track circulating outwards from the centre

Question 13

What are the advantages of optical memory

Answer 13

1. Cheap and robust
2. Good portability
3. Waterproof
4. Takes up little space

Question 14

What are the disadvantages of optical memory

Answer 14

1. Slow read and write speeds
2. 100% scratchable
3. Cannot compete with flash storage devices
4. Have a low storage capacity per disc
5. Streaming and downloading services have been removed

Question 15

What can we use optical memory for

Answer 15

1. Songs and videos
2. Backup and archiving of data
3. Multi media storage

Question 16

What is a magnetic disk

Answer 16

When mechanical parts move over to the disk’s surface to read and write data magnetically or a drive head reads a magnetic tape

Question 17

What are the features of magnetic disks

Answer 17

1. Concentric circles named tracks
2. Different divided sectors

Question 18

What are advantages of magnetic storage

Answer 18

1. Cheap
2. Large storage capacities
3. Fast writing speeds

Question 19

What are disadvantages of magnetic storage

Answer 19

1. Lots of mechanical parts
2. Durability issues
3. Poor portability
4. Platter precision
5. Sealed unit due to disk head

Question 20

What can we use magnetic storage for

Answer 20

1. Personal computers
2. Store large data quantities

Question 21

What is solid state memory

Answer 21

Non volatile flash memory to store information. It uses no moving parts

Question 22

What is flash memory

Answer 22

Large electric current to force electrons through a barrier and trap them on the other side. They remain on the other side until “flashed” with a new current, hence the name

Question 23

What is virtual memory

Answer 23

An extension of RAM when combined with temporary space of a hard disk

Question 24

What are advantages of SSD

Answer 24

1. Great durability
2. No moving parts
3. Fast read and write speeds
4. No noisy fan or drive arm
5. Faster start up times

Question 25

What are disadvantages of SSD

Answer 25

1. More expensive than magnetic hard disks
2. Low storage capacity as optical memory

Question 26

What can we use SSD for

Answer 26

1. Higher end computers
2. Laptops
3. Smartphones and tablets

Question 27

What are some examples of solid state devices

Answer 27

Microprocessor chip
Memory cards
Solar cells
LED lamps
CCD
Semiconductor lasers