SLR 1.2 Memory Flashcards
What does RAM stand for?
Random Access Memory
What is RAM?
“Volatile main memory. Access times are very fast. Often referred to as Main Memory, although RAM can be used in main areas of computing and computing storage. When used as main memory RAM typically can be thought of as containing 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 by 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. More modern types of ROM can be written to in limited ways, these include, PROM, EPROM and EAROM.”
What is virtual memory (sometimes called virtual storage)?
“Used when sufficient immediate-access storage (main memory i.e. usually RAM) is not available. Part of a disk drive (Hard Disk Drive or other secondary storage e.g. flash memory) is allocated to be used as if it were main memory. This is very slow, and the software will attempt to use the immediate-access store if possible.”
What is immediate-access storage?
It is another name for main memory
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 and Cache are considered to be primary storage.
What is secondary storage?
Secondary storage is memory 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 is an embedded Operating System (OS)?
A highly specialised, often quite limited and cut down operating system design to fit inside a certain type of machine. For example computers in cards, tragic lights, cash machines, Point Of Sale (POS - credit card machines), lifts, drinks machines etc. In contrast to an operating system for a general-purpose computer, an embedded OS is typically quite limited, often running only a single application. However, that single application is crucial to the device’s operation.
What is a multi-tasking Operating System (OS)?
Any type of system that is capable of running or appearing to run more than one program at a time.
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.
Where is BIOS stored?
BIOS is stored in Read Only Memory (ROM)
What does POST stand for?
Power On Self-Test
