‘O’ level sake

Question 1

Random-access memory (RAM)

Read-only memory (ROM)

Answer 1

RAM
Where data and instructions are stored temporarily so that they can be quickly accessed by the processor when needed
ROM
Where data and instructions that rarely need to change or would be needed for a computer to start up are stored

Question 2

Bi-directional

Uni-directional

Answer 2

Bi
2, to and fro
Uni
1

Question 3

Secondary storage (definition, factors)

Answer 3

Way of storing large amounts of data that will not be lost when power supply is interrupted

Capacity 
Speed
Portability 
Durability 
Cost

Question 4

Magnetic storage media

Answer 4

Advantages
1. Large storage capacity of up to terabytes of data
2. Relatively cheaper than optical and solid-state storage media
Disadvantages
1. Easily damaged and will eventually break over time
2. Much slower than solid-state storage media

Question 5

Optical storage media

Answer 5

Advantage
Large capacity storage of up to gigabytes of data
Disadvantage
Vulnerable to scratches and fingerprints

Question 6

Solid-state storage media

Answer 6

Advantage
Much faster than magnetic or optical storage media
Disadvantage
Much more expensive than magnetic or optical storage media

Question 7

Data bus, address bus

Answer 7

DATA BUS
Bi-directional because data can be sent in both directions between the processor and memory
ADDRESS BUS
Uni-directional because address information is always sent in one direction between the processor and memory

Question 8

Stages of developing a program

Answer 8

Gather requirements
Plan solutions 
Write code
Test and refine code
Implement code

Question 9

Compiler

Answer 9

Code translator program that translates source code into machine code completely before running the compiled program

Question 10

Interpreter

Answer 10

Code translator program that translates source code into machine code while the interpreter program is running

Question 11

Compiler advantage and disadvantage

Answer 11

ADVANTAGE
Syntax errors are detected even before the program runs
DISADVANTAGE
Compilers usually do not offer an interactive mode

Question 12

Interpreter advantage and disadvantage

Answer 12

ADVANTAGE
Interpreters usually have an interpreter mode, which facilitates learning and experimentation
DISADVANTAGE
Syntax errors may interrupt the running of a program