What is the purpose of primary storage?
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What is the purpose of primary storage?
Primary storage holds the data and instructions that the CPU needs to access while the computer is turned on.
Define volatile.
Volatile means the contents are lost when power is turned off.
Define non-volatile.
Non-volatile means the contents are retained even when power is turned off.
True or False?
Primary storage has a large capacity.
False.
Primary storage has a small capacity compared to secondary storage.
What is an advantage of primary storage over secondary storage?
Primary storage has much faster access times than secondary storage.
Why is primary storage more expensive than secondary storage?
The faster performance of primary storage results in a higher cost.
Give an example of primary storage.
Examples of primary storage are:
RAM
ROM
Cache memory
How does the primary storage work together with the CPU?
The CPU fetches instructions from RAM by accessing specific memory addresses where the instructions are stored.
True or False?
Primary storage is used for long-term storage.
False.
Primary storage is used for short-term working memory, not long-term storage because it is volatile.
How does the capacity of primary storage in a device affect its ability to store and access data?
The limited capacity of primary storage results in the need to make use of virtual memory, where data not immediately needed is stored on secondary storage devices, impacting system performance.
Define RAM.
RAM (Random Access Memory) is primary storage that holds data and instructions currently in use.
Is RAM volatile or non-volatile?
RAM is volatile, meaning its contents are lost when powered off.
What does read/write mean for RAM?
Read/write means data can be read from and written to RAM.
Give one example of what could be stored in the RAM of a smart TV.
A smart TV could store:
Current channel
Volume
Video
Currently running apps
Define ROM.
ROM (Read Only Memory) is primary storage that holds the BIOS and the boot up instructions.
State the differences between RAM and ROM.
ROM is non-volatile, RAM is volatile
Content of ROM cannot be changed, content of RAM can be changed
Is ROM volatile or non-volatile?
ROM is non-volatile, meaning its contents are not lost when powered off.
True or False?
Data can be written to ROM.
False.
ROM is read-only memory, so data cannot be written to it.
Which has a larger capacity, RAM or ROM?
RAM has a much larger capacity compared to ROM.
What is virtual memory?
Virtual memory is an extension of primary storage (RAM) located on secondary storage which is used when RAM becomes full.
When is virtual memory used?
Virtual memory is used when RAM is close to being full.
What happens when virtual memory is used?
Programs and data not being used are transferred from RAM to virtual memory on secondary storage.
True or False?
Virtual memory is faster than RAM.
False.
Virtual memory is much slower than RAM.
What is one disadvantage of using virtual memory?
Using virtual memory will negatively impact system performance compared to having enough RAM because secondary storage has a slower read/write speed.
How can the use of virtual memory be avoided?
Adding more RAM to the system can avoid the need to use virtual memory.
Give an example of what is transferred to virtual memory.
If RAM is full, an unused program such as video editing software could be transferred to virtual memory.
What happens when data in virtual memory is needed?
Data in virtual memory is transferred back into RAM when it is needed by the CPU.
True or False?
Using virtual memory is always better than upgrading RAM.
False.
Upgrading physical RAM is better than relying on slower virtual memory.
Why does a computer need secondary storage?
A computer needs secondary storage for long-term storage of programs and data.
What property of secondary storage makes it suitable for backups?
Secondary storage is non-volatile, allowing data to be retained even when powered off.
Give an example of why a games console needs secondary storage.
A games console needs secondary storage to store:
Game data
Saved game progress
User data
Downloaded content.
What are the characteristics used to evaluate secondary storage devices?
Capacity, speed, cost, portability, durability, and reliability.
Define capacity in terms of secondary storage.
Capacity is the maximum amount of data that can be stored on the device.
Define speed for a storage device.
Speed refers to how fast data can be read from and written to the device.
What does portability refer to for storage?
Portability is how easy the storage device is to move around based on size and weight.
Define durability for a storage device.
Durability is how robust and resistant to damage or rough handling the storage media is.
What does reliability mean for storage?
Reliability is the probability that the device will consistently perform its function properly.
True or False?
Primary storage has a higher capacity than secondary storage.
False.
Secondary storage has much higher capacity than primary storage.
What are the three types of secondary storage?
Magnetic, solid state, and optical storage.
Define magnetic storage.
Magnetic storage uses magnets (polarity) to store binary data on a magnetic surface.
What is an advantage of magnetic storage?
Magnetic storage has high capacity and low cost per gigabyte.
What is a disadvantage of magnetic storage?
Magnetic storage has moving parts so it is not portable or durable.
Define solid state storage.
Solid state storage uses electronic circuits with no moving parts to store binary data.
What is an advantage of solid state drives?
Solid state drives have very fast read/write speeds and are durable with no moving parts.
What is a disadvantage of solid state drives?
Solid state drives are very expensive per gigabyte of storage capacity.
Define optical storage.
Optical storage uses lasers to burn pits and lands onto a surface to store binary data.
What is an advantage of optical storage?
Optical storage is very cheap per disc and has no moving parts.
What is a disadvantage of optical storage?
Optical storage has very low capacity, slow speeds, and can be scratched easily.
Give an example of a magnetic storage device.
A hard disk drive (HDD) is a magnetic storage device.
Give an example of a solid state storage device.
A solid state drive (SSD) and USB flash drive are solid state storage devices.
True or False?
Blu-ray is an example of an optical storage device.
True.
CD, DVD, and Blu-ray discs are optical storage devices.
What factors determine the suitability of a storage device?
Capacity, speed, cost, portability, durability, and reliability.
Give one scenario would a solid state drive be suitable.
A solid state drive would be suitable for a portable laptop due to durability and portability.
Give one scenario would a hard disk drive be suitable.
A hard disk drive would be suitable for backing up a school's data due to its large capacity and low cost per GB.
Give one scenario would an optical disc be suitable.
An optical disc like a Blu-ray would be suitable for distributing a new video game release due to low cost and portability.
What is the trade-off between solid state and magnetic storage?
Solid state is faster but more expensive per GB, while magnetic is slower but cheaper per GB.
True or False?
Portability is not a factor for devices like smart TVs.
True.
Portability is not a major factor for storage in a smart TV that remains stationary.
Which form of secondary storage has the fastest read/write speeds?
Solid state storage has the fastest read/write speeds compared to magnetic and optical.