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Computer Science > Memory and Storage Finished > Flashcards

Memory and Storage Finished Flashcards

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1
Q

What is memory

A

The component of the computer that holds data, programs and instructions that are currently in use

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2
Q

What is primary memory

A

Memory built into the computer that allows it to be read quickly

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3
Q

What are the two types of primary memory

A

Read only memory (ROM)

Random access memory (RAM)

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4
Q

Which type of primary memory is volatile

A

RAM

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5
Q

What does volatile mean

A

It will lose its memory when the computer is turned off

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6
Q

What is the standard size of primary memory

A

4 GB

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7
Q

What are the properties of ROM (3)

A

Can be read from
Cannot be edited
Contents are not lost when the computer is turned off

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8
Q

What does BIOS stand for

A

Basic Input Output System

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9
Q

What does the BIOS do

A

Checks the hardware is functioning correctly

Runs the bootup program that loads the computer’s operating system

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10
Q

What is RAM used for

A

To hold data and instructions that are currently in use

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11
Q

What is virtual memory

A

The use of secondary storage as additional primary memory

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12
Q

What happens when there isn’t enough RAM to hold all running programs

A

Part of the computer’s secondary storage is used to temporarily hold data

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13
Q

What is swapping

A

When unused data that has been transferred to the hard disk is needed again, it will swap that data for some of the data in RAM

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14
Q

Why is using virtual memory slower

A

The processor has to wait while data is swapped between hard disk and RAM

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15
Q

What is cache memory

A

A type of high-speed RAM which is built into the processor

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16
Q

What is cache used for

A

Holding data and instructions temporarily that the processor is likely to reuse

17
Q

Why is the amount of cache in a computer small

A

It is very expensive

18
Q

What are the two types of cache and what do they do

A

L1 cache - extremely fast transfer rates, very small. Used by the processor to hold the most frequently used data and instructions
L2 cache - Bigger than L1 but slower. Used to hold data and instructions that are used less frequently

19
Q

What is flash memory

A

A special type of memory that can be written to and overwritten but is non-volatile

20
Q

What are the advantages of flash memory (3)

A

Fast to access and write to, although not as fast as RAM
Requires little power
Contains no moving parts

21
Q

What is flash memory used for (2)

A

Memory in devices such as tablets, smartphones and cameras

External secondary storage, such as USB memory sticks

22
Q

What is secondary storage used for

A

Holding programs and data indefinitely

23
Q

What are the characteristics of a hard disk drive (2)

A

High capacity

Reasonable access speed

24
Q

What are the characteristics of a USB stick (3)

A

Smaller in capacity
Extremely fast
Portable

25
Q

What are the types of secondary storage (3)

A

Magnetic - hard disk drives
Optical - CD, DVD, Blu-ray
Solid state - USB drives

26
Q

How do magnetic devices work

A

Magnetic fields magnetise tiny sections of a metal spinning disk to represent binary

27
Q

How is a magnetic device written to/read from

A

A read/write head moves across its surface while it’s spinning. To write, it magnetises, to read, it makes a not of if the section is magnetised or not

28
Q

What are the advantages of magnetic storage (3)

A

Cheap
High in capacity
Durable

29
Q

What are the disadvantages of magnetic storage (2)

A

Susceptible to damage if dropped

Vulnerable to strong magnetic fields

30
Q

How are optical disks read from

A

A laser scans the surface of a spinning disk made of plastic and metal to look for tracks which are divided into flat areas (lands) and hollow areas (pits). When the laser shines on the disc lands will reflect light and represent a 1 and pits will scatter the light and represent a 0

31
Q

What are the types of optical storage media and what are their characteristics (3)

A

ROM media - has data pre-written on them and cannot be overwritten
R media - a blank optical device that can be written to only once. It works by having a laser burn pits in the disc to represent 0s
RW media - similar to R, but can be written to more than once

32
Q

How do solid state devices work

A

They use non-volatile RAM to store data indefinitely

33
Q

What are the advantages of solid state devices (4)

A

Fast access time
Durable due to no moving parts
Require little power
Portable

34
Q

What are the disadvantages of solid state devices

A

Expensive

35
Q

What are the factors of secondary storage that should be taken into account (6)

A 
Cost per GB
Capacity
Speed of access
Portability
Durability
Reliability

Computer Science (10 decks)

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