1.2.1 Memory (Primary Storage) Flashcards
What is primary storage?
Main memory component of a computer system
Why do we need primary storage?
Essential for storing data and processes being carried out by the CPU
What does RAM stand for?
Random access memory
What is RAM?
Temporarily used area that a computer uses to store data in current use
Characteristics of RAM?
Quicker to access than computers hard-drive
Short term memory
Quickly recalls important information
Volatile memory
Read/write memory
Storage capacity is usually in order of GB
What does ROM stand for?
Read only memory
What is ROM?
Provide computer systems with important instructions that do not change and will have specific instructions
Characteristics of ROM?
Non-volatile memory
Read only memory
Access to ROM is slower than RAM
ROM storage capacity is small
What is the need for RAM?
Instructions and stored data need to be accessed quickly and RAM is quicker to access than the hard drive
Data and instructions that are in use are stored in RAM
Placed in any known storage locations but the CPU, they can be accessed in any order, speeding up the system
What is the need for ROM?
BIOS is used when a computer boots, stored with ROM
BIOS ensures all essential hardware can communicate effectively and launch the operating system
Manufactures place important instructions on it to ensure that these cannot be edited when BIOS is used
What does BIOS stand for?
Basic input output system
Virtual memory
Created using spare memory on the hard drive due to RAM becoming full
Process of virtual memory?
Hard drive memory is designated as temporary RAM and non-essential data is stored in RAM and is transferred to the hard drive
What happens if a system heavily depends on virtual memory?
Access to hard drive memory is slower than RAM, slowing down the system
Where is primary storage located and what does it include?
Located on the motherboard and normally includes RAM, ROM, and CPU cache
