P1 - Memory, Hardware and Storage Flashcards
What is virtual memory?
uses hardware and software to allow a computer to compensate for physical memory shortages (by temporarily transferring data from the RAM to HDD/SSD
How is virtual address space increased?
using active memory in RAM and inactive memory in HDD’s to form connecting addresses that hold both the application and data
Computers have a ______ amount of RAM
finite
Virtual memory was developed because at the time _______ memory (RAM) was expensive
physical memory (RAM)
A system with virtual memory uses a section of ______ to emulate the ram.
the hard drive
Virtual memory enables a system to load _____ or ______ programs
larger or multiple programs
The OS divides memory into ______ which are stored on a disk
pagefiles (or swapfiles)
What happens when a page is needed?
The OS copies it from the disk to the main memory and translates the virtual addresses into real addresses.
What are the two different types of storage devices? (in a computer)
- Primary Storage device (eg. RAM)
- Secondary Storage device (eg. HDD)
What are the two most common storage systems / devices in use today?
- Magnetic
- Optical
Give an example of a magnetic storage device:
- HDD
- Floppy disk
- Tape cassette
Give an example of an optical storage device:
- Blu-ray disk
- CD-ROM
- CD-R and CD-RW
How do magnetic storage devices work?
The surfaces of the disks and magnetic tapes are coated with million of tiny iron particles so that data can be stored on them. The write/ read heads contain electromagnets that generate magnetic field in the iron as the head passes over the disk or tape.
How do optical storage devices work?
The data is recorded by making marks in a pattern that can be read back with the aid of light (usually a laser) which is precisely focused on the spinning optical disc
