2.1 - Primary Storage

Question 1

Describe differences between primary and secondary storage

Answer 1

Primary storage is quicker because directly accessed from CPU, smaller in storage size, includes RAM and ROM. Secondary storage is slower because not directly accessed from CPU, larger in storage size, includes magnetic, SSD, optical

Question 2

What is the difference between non-volatile and volatile storage?

Answer 2

Volatile storage is temporary - data lost when computer is off. Non-volatile storage saves data when not being powered and can be stored long-term.

Question 3

Give one example of volatile storage and one of non-volatile

Answer 3

Volatile - RAM. Non-volatile - ROM

Question 4

Why does the computer require primary storage?

Answer 4

Low capacity, internal storage that can be directly accessed by CPU. Program data copied from hard drive into RAM to be processed by CPU because primary storage access speed is faster than secondary storage access speed.

Question 5

What is RAM and what does it store?

Answer 5

Random access memory is volatile and stores currently running programmes

Question 6

What is ROM and what does it store?

Answer 6

Read only memory is non-volatile and stores start up instructions

Question 7

What is virtual memory and what does it store?

Answer 7

Virtual memory is held on the hard disk. VM is needed when there is not enough physical RAM storage to store all the open programmes. Programmes are transferred to VM from RAM when not currently executed and transferred back to RAM when needed.