Memory And Storage

Question 1

What is another name for primary memory?

Answer 1

RAM (Random Access Memory)

RAM is used for holding programs and data the computer is actively working on.

Question 2

What is the typical size range for RAM?

Answer 2

1GB - 32GB

RAM sizes are generally low compared to storage capacity.

Question 3

What type of memory is volatile?

Answer 3

RAM

It loses its contents when power is turned off.

Question 4

Why is RAM considered fast?

Answer 4

It has no moving parts and is electronic.

Question 5

How does the capacity and cost of storage compare to RAM?

Answer 5

Larger capacity & cheaper per GB than RAM (e.g. 500GB - 3TB)

Storage serves as a permanent record of data.

Question 6

What is the nature of data stored in secondary memory?

Answer 6

Permanent (unless deleted)

It does not require electricity to maintain its contents.

Question 7

What are the types of storage media?

Answer 7

• Magnetic (hard drive)
• Optical (CD, DVD)
• Electronic (flash drives)

Question 8

What distinguishes Solid State Drives (SSDs) from traditional hard drives?

Answer 8

SSDs are electronic and very fast.

Question 9

What is a disadvantage of SSDs compared to traditional hard drives?

Answer 9

They tend to be much smaller in capacity and more expensive per GB.

Question 10

What is cloud storage?

Answer 10

A method of storing files online accessible from any device with an Internet connection.

Question 11

List three advantages of cloud storage.

Answer 11

• Accessible from anywhere on any device
• Changes are all in one place
• Backup and security are managed by the storage provider

Question 12

What is a significant disadvantage of cloud storage?

Answer 12

Only accessible when you have an Internet connection.

Question 13

What is the difference between online storage and cloud computing?

Answer 13

Online storage refers to just storing files online; cloud computing involves using programs running on an Internet server.

Question 14

What is the purpose of making backups?

Answer 14

To have a copy or ‘duplicate’ of files in case something goes wrong.

Question 15

What are popular backup options?

Answer 15

• Flash drives or external hard drives
• Online backup services
• Tape drives, CDs, DVDs

Question 16

What does archiving refer to?

Answer 16

Storing files that are static (not going to be changed).

Question 17

What is the first step in burning a CD/DVD?

Answer 17

Open Windows Explorer.

Question 18

How can you troubleshoot problems with CDs/DVDs?

Answer 18

Make sure the disc is clean and scratch-free.

Question 19

What does formatting a disk do?

Answer 19

Clears ALL data from a disk.

Question 20

What is the function of the motherboard?

Answer 20

Large circuit board that contains slots & connectors for various components.

Question 21

What is the CPU responsible for?

Answer 21

Does all the processing work.

Question 22

What is the speed of a CPU measured in?

Answer 22

GHz.

Question 23

What is RAM used for?

Answer 23

Where the CPU goes to fetch instructions and data to work on.

Question 24

What is ROM?

Answer 24

Read-Only Memory, a type of primary memory containing instructions to control basic hardware.

Question 25

What happens when the computer starts up?

Answer 25

Instructions in ROM are sent to the CPU.

Question 26

Fill in the blank: The boot program checks computer hardware for _______.

Answer 26

errors.

Question 27

What does the boot program look for after checking for errors?

Answer 27

The operating system on the default storage device.