1.2 Memory And Storage Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is ROM?
Read Only Memory
It is non-volatile and holds start up instructions for the computer
What is RAM?
Random Access Memory
Stores currently in use data/instructions
Volatile
Why is it important that ROM is non volatile?
It stores important start up instructions when the power is off. Therefore it must be non-volatile.
What died it mean by volatile?
It is not saved. It is deleted.
What is secondary storage?
It is the long term, non-volatile storage that holds programs and data even when computer is turned off.
What are the three types of Secondary storage?
Optical
Solid State
Magnetic
Characteristics of secondary storage that must be considered (6)
Capacity, Durability, Costs per MB, Read + Write speed, Reliability, Portability.
What is ROM?
Read Only Memory
Non Volatile
Holds start up instructions for the computer
What is RAM?
Random Access Memory
Holds currently in use instructions
Volatile
What is Virtual Memory?
It is used when theres not enough RAM to load up a new program into the RAM.
Programs that have not been recently used is transferred to the Virtual Memory.
When programs are needed from the Virtual Memory, they are moved back to RAM.
What is secondary storage?
It is a long term, non volatile storage for files and programs
What is the term Volatile?
Data is not saved when the power is turned off, it is deleted.
Why is it important that ROM is nom-volatile?
It stores important start up instructions when the power is off, therefore it must be volatile.
What are the three types of secondary storage?
Magnetic
Optical
Solid State
What are the 6 key characteristics of storage that we must consider?
Capability
Durability
Reliability
Cost per MB
Capacity
Read + Write speed
Which type of secondary storage has the slowest read + write speed and why?
Optical, as it has to spin.
