SLR 1.2 Memory Flashcards
What does RAM stand for?
Random Access Memory
What is RAM?
“Volatile primary memory, often referred to as Main Memory. RAM typically contains the Operating System, programs in use and the data those programs are using while the computer is running.”
What does ROM stand for?
Read Only Memory
What is ROM?
“Memory for which the contents may be read but cannot be written to by the computer system. Software in ROM is fixed during manufacturing. It typically holds system boot up instructions. ROM is non-volatile.”
What is virtual memory?
“Used when sufficient main memory, i.e. RAM, is not available. Part of a disk drive (Hard Disk Drive or other secondary storage e.g. Solid State Drive) is allocated to be used as if it were main memory. Instructions and data will usually be transferred back into RAM before they are used.”
What type memory is usually referred to as “main memory”?
Random Access Memory
What is primary storage?
Primary storage is memory that can be accessed directly by the Central Processing Unit. Random Access Memory, Read Only Memory, registers (e.g. Program Counter, Memory Address Register, Memory Data Register) and Cache are considered to be primary memory.
What is secondary storage?
Secondary storage is storage which the Central Processing Unit cannot access directly and is non-volatile. Example include CDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), USB sticks, Solid State Drives (SSDs). Note that ROM is **NOT** secondary storage since it is accessed directly by the CPU.
What does BIOS stand for?
Basic Input Output System
What does BIOS do?
BIOS is part of the operating system that handles the input and output of the computer. It enables the operating system to use the particular features of the hardware being used. BIOS is called at the start of the ‘power-up’ routine when a computer is first powered on.
Where is BIOS stored?
BIOS is stored in Read Only Memory (ROM)
What does POST stand for?
Power On Self-Test
What does POST do?
Power On Self-Test checks hardware such as keyboard, Random Access Memory, disk drives etc. are working correctly. It is called by BIOS on starting up the computer.
What is a device driver?
A computer program that sits between the operating system of a computer and a particular type of device that is attached to a computer e.g. a printer. The driver’s job is to allow the operating system and device to communicate. Drivers are therefore specific to particular devices (e.g. an Epson E300X ink jet printer) and operating system (e.g. Windows 10)
Describe the features of RAM
MAIN FEATURES
- Volatile
- Read and write
Secondary features
- Removable
- Cheap
