1.2 Memory Flashcards Preview

GSCE Computer Science OCR > 1.2 Memory > Flashcards

Flashcards in 1.2 Memory Deck (17)
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1
Q

What is Primary Memory?

A

the component of the computer that holds data, programs, and instructions that are currently in use

2
Q

What are the 2 types of Primary Memory?

A

RAM and ROM

3
Q

What is RAM?

A

Volatile memory that holds programs and instructions that are currently in use

4
Q

What is ROM?

A

A non-volatile piece of memory that holds the bootloader, for example, the BIOS.

5
Q

When is Virtual Memory used?

A

Virtual memory is used when the computer has no more available random access memory (RAM).

6
Q

What are the disadvantages of using Virtual Memory?

A

It is very slow

And can cause disk thrashing

7
Q

What is Flash Memory?

A

A non-volatile piece of memory that can be written to and overwritten

8
Q

What is the BIOS an example of?

A

Firmware

9
Q

What is Firmware?

A

Hardware-specific software built into a device

10
Q

What are the dangers of overclocking the CPU?

A

Can lead to overheating
Crashes
Permanent damage

11
Q

What is a GPU?

A

Graphic Processing Unit

12
Q

What is the purpose of Virtual Memory?

A

Allow user to run programs there is insufficient RAM for
Move data not recently used to HDD to free up space in RAM
Allows user to run more programs simultaneously with less slow down

13
Q

Why does the computer need system software?

A

Provide an interface between software and hardware or control the hardware

14
Q

What are the benefits from the Operating System performing memory management?

A
Allocates memory to applications - so employees can run more than one piece of software at once
Removes data (from memory) that is no longer needed to free up memory for the employee’s other data / programs
Moves data from RAM to VM/ into swap files- allows user to perform tasks as though the computer had more RAM
15
Q

What are the three types of primary storage?

A

Cache
RAM
ROM

16
Q

Where is virtual memory held?

A

On the hard disk

17
Q

Why is secondary storage needed?

A

Storage of programs and data when the power is turned off

Backup of data files

Archive of data files