Storage, memory and processing

Question 1

Memory

Answer 1

• Where the computer holds all the instructions and data it is busy working on
• Only supplied with power (volatile)
• RAM comes in sticks called DIMMS - Dual incline memory modules
• Electronic therefore fatser

Question 2

Storage

Answer 2

• Where programmes and data are kept permanantly
• Stored in files organised into folders
• 1TB = 1024GB
• Magnetic therefore slower

Question 3

Advantages of online storage

Answer 3

• Accessible from anywhere with an internet connection
• Saves space on computer
• Easy to share files with other people
• Data is accessible if your computer is damaged/stolen

Question 4

Disadvantages of online storage

Answer 4

• Only accessible with an interet connection
• Large files may be unusable over slow connections
• If a company goes bankrupt, you may loose all your data

Question 5

Cloud computing vs online storage

Answer 5

Online storage: Only stores files online

Cloud computing: Programmes run on a server; you access those programmes though a web browser

Question 6

Most common wasy to backup media

Answer 6

1. flash drives
2. portable hard drives
3. online backup services

Question 7

ways in which the Disk Cleanup utility attempts to free up disk space

Answer 7

• Emptying Recycle Bin
• Removing temporary files from Internet
• Removing temporary files created by operating system / Windows
• Uninstalling components of the operating system not needed
• Uninstalling programs you never use

Question 8

Disk fragmentation

Answer 8

• When different parts of the files can
  become scattered across the disk
• This can cause the computer to become slower in retrieving the files in order to open or save them

Question 9

Disk defragmentation

Answer 9

• The ‘scattered’ parts of files on disk are rearranged so that they can be retrieved more quickly.
• The same ‘volume’ of data is still being stored on disk so no new disk space is being made available.

Question 10

Why are hard drives ideal for backups?

Answer 10

• Easy to plug in to USB port
• Highly portable
• Large capacities

Question 11

Difference between backing up files and archiving files

Answer 11

Backing up files: making a duplicate copy of the files (on external storage)

Archiving files: removing seldom used files from the computer and writing them to external storage.

Question 12

Disk scanning

Answer 12

Utility software that checks drive for errors
File explorer, drive, properties, tools tab, error checking

Question 13

Problems with CD’s and DVD’s

Answer 13

Slower, little storage, prone to damage and scratches, CD ports are rarer today

Question 14

Managing backups

Answer 14

Specialist backup software to compress the data

Question 15

Formatting

Answer 15

Preparing a disk to store data
Clears all data on disk