Memory and Storage Flashcards
What are the two types of primary storage
RAM
ROM
What is RAM
RAM is the main memory of a CPU. It is volatile, meaning data is removed when the computer is turned off
What is ROM
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
What is primary storage
RAM (main memory)
What is hardware
Physical components of a CPU
What is software
Programs that a computer uses
What are examples of software
Word processors
Internet Explorer
Microsoft
What are examples of hardware
Mouse
Keyboard
USB sticks
CPU
RAM
ROM
Motherboard
What is secondary storage
Non volatile memory which stores data and instructions when not in use.
What are the 3 common types of secondary storage
Optical
Magnetic
Solid State
What is a drive
Devices that read and write data from secondary storage
What is an optical disk
When data is stored as pits and lands burnt or pressed into a spiral track circulating outwards from the centre
What are the advantages of optical memory
- Cheap and robust
- Good portability
- Waterproof
- Takes up little space
What are the disadvantages of optical memory
- Slow read and write speeds
- 100% scratchable
- Cannot compete with flash storage devices
- Have a low storage capacity per disc
- Streaming and downloading services have been removed
What can we use optical memory for
- Songs and videos
- Backup and archiving of data
- Multi media storage
What is a magnetic disk
When mechanical parts move over to the disk’s surface to read and write data magnetically or a drive head reads a magnetic tape
What are the features of magnetic disks
- Concentric circles named tracks
- Different divided sectors
What are advantages of magnetic storage
- Cheap
- Large storage capacities
- Fast writing speeds
What are disadvantages of magnetic storage
- Lots of mechanical parts
- Durability issues
- Poor portability
- Platter precision
- Sealed unit due to disk head
What can we use magnetic storage for
- Personal computers
- Store large data quantities
What is solid state memory
Non volatile flash memory to store information. It uses no moving parts
What is flash memory
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
What is virtual memory
An extension of RAM when combined with temporary space of a hard disk
What are advantages of SSD
- Great durability
- No moving parts
- Fast read and write speeds
- No noisy fan or drive arm
- Faster start up times
What are disadvantages of SSD
- More expensive than magnetic hard disks
- Low storage capacity as optical memory
What can we use SSD for
- Higher end computers
- Laptops
- Smartphones and tablets
What are some examples of solid state devices
Microprocessor chip
Memory cards
Solar cells
LED lamps
CCD
Semiconductor lasers
