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GCSE Computer Science > Paper 1 : Memory and Storage > Flashcards

Paper 1 : Memory and Storage Flashcards

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1
Q

What is main memory?

A

Any memory that is directly connected to the CPU. However, it usually refers to the RAM.

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2
Q

What are the three types of main memory?

A

RAM, ROM and Cache.

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3
Q

What is volatile memory?

A

Memory that loses all of it’s data when it loses power.

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4
Q

What is non-volatile memory?

A

Memory that retains all if it’s data even if it loses power.

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5
Q

What does RAM stand for?

A

Random Access Memory

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6
Q

What does the RAM do?

A

It stores currently open programs and OS data from secondary storage so that the CPU can access it directly.

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7
Q

Is RAM volatile or non-volatile?

A

Volatile.

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8
Q

What does ROM stand for?

A

Read Only Memory

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9
Q

What does the ROM do?

A

It is memory that cannot be changed after being programmed for the first time. It contains the instructions the computer needs to start. This is known as the bootstrap or BIOS.

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10
Q

Is Rom volatile or non-volatile?

A

Non-volatile.

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11
Q

What does the Cache do?

A

The cache stores frequently used data. It is faster than RAM but lower in storage. It is checked during the ‘fetch’ stage.

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12
Q

Where is the Cache physically located in a computer?

A

The Cache is found in between the CPU processor and the RAM. But it is physically closer to the actual CPU.

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13
Q

Where else might you find a cache (excluding a CPU)

A

You could find it in secondary storage devices or your browser.

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14
Q

Is the cache volatile or non-volatile?

A

Volatile.

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15
Q

What is secondary storage?

A

Storage that is not directly connected to the CPU.

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16
Q

Fill in the blank: Secondary storage is always ________

A

Secondary storage is always non-volatile.

17
Q

What are 6 attributes to remember when comparing secondary storage devices?

A

Speed, cost, durability, portability, reliability and capacity.

18
Q

What are the 4 types of secondary storge?

A

Optical, Magnetic, Solid-state and Cloud.

19
Q

What are some examples of optical storage?

A

CD, DVD or Blue-Ray.

20
Q

What are some advantages to optical storage?

A

Portable, cheap, quite reliable, quite durable,

21
Q

What are some disadvantages to optical storage?

A

Can be damaged easily and not very high capacity.

22
Q

How does optical storage work?

A

It uses a laser beam to read bumps off a disk. Each bump represents a 1 or 0 in binary.

23
Q

What are some examples of magnetic storage?

A

Hard drives, casette tapes.

24
Q

What are some advantages to magnetic storage?

A

High capacity, cheap, reliable.

25
Q

What are some disadvantages to magnetic storage?

A

Not very durable, not very portable. Can also generate heat and noise.

26
Q

How does magnetic storage work?

A

There is a disk with parts of it being magnetised (a 1 in binary) or demagnetised (a 0 in binary). They use electro-magnets.

27
Q

What are some examples of solid-state storage?

A

Solid-state drive, SD card, Flash-drive / USB pen drive.

28
Q

What are some advantages of solid-state storage?

A

Fast, reliable, durable, very portable. Also silent and don’t defragging.

29
Q

What are some disadvantages to solid-state storage?

A

Quite expensive, can’t store as much.

30
Q

How does solid-state storage work?

A

It has no moving parts so it is non mechanical. It uses circuits and logic gates instead.

31
Q

How does cloud storage differ from the other 3 types.

A

It runs through the internet instead.

32
Q

What do the cloud storage servers usually run on.

A

Magnetic and solid state drives.

33
Q

What are some advantages of cloud storage?

A

Extremely portable, can be accessed anywhere, durable, mostly depends on service provided though.

34
Q

What are some disadvantages of cloud storage?

A

Might be expensive for smaller users, the service may not be reliable.

GCSE Computer Science (3 decks)

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