Mr W:end of half term storage and memory test, 23/10/2023 Flashcards
What is another way of saying Primary Memory?
Main Memory
What makes up primary memory?
ROM and RAM
(True/False): The ROM contains the Operating System (OS) of the computer
False! It contains the bootstrap loader, which tells the computer where the OS is on the hard disk and how to start it.
What are the instructions on the ROM called?
Firmware
What else does the ROM store?
The BIOS (Basic Input and Output System)
(True/False): The RAM is the fastest way of storing and accessing data
False! The CPU Cache is much closer to the CPU and thus much faster.
What are some examples of secondary storage?
Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Solid State Drive (SSD), SD Cards, CD/DVD, USB drive, Floppy Disk.
(True/False): The CPU is unable to access secondary storage.
True! The CPU needs to communicate with RAM to get data from secondary storage.
How is Magnetic Storage (e.g. HDD) edited?
Using Electromagnets to flip the polarity of magnets on the disk, where the polarity of the magnet can be a 0 or 1.
What are the Benefits of Magnetic Storage?
Large capacity (Most modern computers have 1TB of HDD), Fast to access compared to other secondary storage types.
What are the Downsides of Magnetic Storage?
Not very robust (easily damaged), Life Span of only 4-5 years.
How is Optical Storage (e.g. CDs) read?
Optical storage disks will have Pits (grooves) and lands (bits w/o grooves) that will thus reflect light differently, depending on how the light reflects back, that area is a 1 or 0
What are the Benefits of Optical Storage
Quite Fast
What are the Downsides of Optical Storage?
Not much storage.
What are the Benefits of Flash Storage (e.g. SSD) ?
Highly Durable, no moving parts, very fast read/write speeds, nearly silent, faster startup times, typical SSD has 100GB-16TB storage