1.2:MEMORY AND STORAGE PWH Flashcards
What is a synonym for memory?
Storage
What are the three categories of memory?
Primary
Secondary
Tertiary
What is contained in the primary storage?
Cache
Registers
ROM
RAM
Where is the primary storage located?
Close to the CPU
What are the characteristics of RAM?
Fast access
Volatile
Contains current programs and instructions
Link between the CPU and hard drive
What are some characteristics of ROM?
Non volatile
Contains essential commands
Contains POST and BIOS
What is virtual memory?
The use of secondary storage as memory when the RAM is full
What is a disadvantage of virtual memory?
It is much slower than other types of memory
The capacity is set by the operating system is around 1-2GB
What are the three types of secondary storage?
Magnetic
Solid state
Optical
Which examples of secondary storage can be used in magnetic storage
HDD
Tape
Which examples of secondary storage can be used in solid state storage
SSD
Flash Drive
SD card
USB
Which examples of secondary storage can be used in optical storage
CD
DVD
Blu-ray
What are the 6 dimensions to compare storage?
Cost (£/Gb)
Capacity
Portability
Speed (Gb or Mb/s)
Durability (Read/write)
Resiliency (Sturdy)
What are tracks?
The name of the concentric circles on the HDD
How does magnetic storage read and write data?
Disk heads mounted on mechanical arms
How are the 1s and os stored in magnetic storage?
polarities
What are the pros of magnetic storage?
Cheap
Large storage capacity
Fast access speeds