Primary Storage Flashcards
1
Q
what is the need for primary storage
A
data can be read from and written to primary memory extremely quickly. This gives the processor fast access to the data and instructions that the primary memory holds.
2
Q
what are the two types of primary storage
A
RAM AND ROM
3
Q
what is RAM
A
main memory in computer
- read and write to
- volatile
- stores all the data which is being used
- when booted on the operating system is moved from secondary storage to the RAM
4
Q
What is ROM
A
is non-volatile primary memory. Its contents are not lost when the computer is turned off. ideal for storing instructions and data that are needed for the computer to run. The BIOS (Basic Input Output System) is an example of a program that is stored in ROM
5
Q
What happens when RAM is filled with data
A
moves data to location on secondary storage called virtual memory
6
Q
what is virtual memory
A
when too much applications are used so when a particular application is required it is moved back to RAM this is really slow