Memory And Storage Flashcards
What is another name for primary memory?
RAM (Random Access Memory)
RAM is used for holding programs and data the computer is actively working on.
What is the typical size range for RAM?
1GB - 32GB
RAM sizes are generally low compared to storage capacity.
What type of memory is volatile?
RAM
It loses its contents when power is turned off.
Why is RAM considered fast?
It has no moving parts and is electronic.
How does the capacity and cost of storage compare to RAM?
Larger capacity & cheaper per GB than RAM (e.g. 500GB - 3TB)
Storage serves as a permanent record of data.
What is the nature of data stored in secondary memory?
Permanent (unless deleted)
It does not require electricity to maintain its contents.
What are the types of storage media?
- Magnetic (hard drive)
- Optical (CD, DVD)
- Electronic (flash drives)
What distinguishes Solid State Drives (SSDs) from traditional hard drives?
SSDs are electronic and very fast.
What is a disadvantage of SSDs compared to traditional hard drives?
They tend to be much smaller in capacity and more expensive per GB.
What is cloud storage?
A method of storing files online accessible from any device with an Internet connection.
List three advantages of cloud storage.
- Accessible from anywhere on any device
- Changes are all in one place
- Backup and security are managed by the storage provider
What is a significant disadvantage of cloud storage?
Only accessible when you have an Internet connection.
What is the difference between online storage and cloud computing?
Online storage refers to just storing files online; cloud computing involves using programs running on an Internet server.
What is the purpose of making backups?
To have a copy or ‘duplicate’ of files in case something goes wrong.
What are popular backup options?
- Flash drives or external hard drives
- Online backup services
- Tape drives, CDs, DVDs
What does archiving refer to?
Storing files that are static (not going to be changed).
What is the first step in burning a CD/DVD?
Open Windows Explorer.
How can you troubleshoot problems with CDs/DVDs?
Make sure the disc is clean and scratch-free.
What does formatting a disk do?
Clears ALL data from a disk.
What is the function of the motherboard?
Large circuit board that contains slots & connectors for various components.
What is the CPU responsible for?
Does all the processing work.
What is the speed of a CPU measured in?
GHz.
What is RAM used for?
Where the CPU goes to fetch instructions and data to work on.
What is ROM?
Read-Only Memory, a type of primary memory containing instructions to control basic hardware.
What happens when the computer starts up?
Instructions in ROM are sent to the CPU.
Fill in the blank: The boot program checks computer hardware for _______.
errors.
What does the boot program look for after checking for errors?
The operating system on the default storage device.
