Memory and Storage

Question 1

Difference between primary and secondary storage

Answer 1

Primary storage is quicker because it’s directly accessed by the CPU
Secondary storage is smaller in storage size
Primary storage is sometimes called ‘Main Memory’
Secondary storage is used for long term storage of data and files because it is non-volatile
Primary Storage includes RAM and ROM
Secondary Storage contains magnetic, optical and solid state storage

Question 2

Why do we need primary storage?

Answer 2

Primary instructions and data must be copied from the hard drive into RAM to be processed by the CPU because primary storage access speeds are much faster secondary storage devices like the hard drive

Question 3

Describe RAM and the information stored inside it

Answer 3

RAM is volatile storage that stores all programs that are currently running. RAM also stores parts of the operating system to be accessed by the CPU

RAM is made up of a large amount of storage locations, each can be identified by a unique address

Question 4

Describe ROM and the information stored inside it

Answer 4

ROM is non-volatile storage that cannot be changed

ROM stores the boot program / BIOS for when the computer is switched on . The BIOS then loads up the operating system to take over managing the computer

Question 5

Describe Virtual Memory

Answer 5

Virtual memory is the use of secondary memory as an additional primary memory