Memory Flashcards
(13 cards)
What are the two types of main memory and what do they stand for?
ROM - Read Only Memory
RAM - Random Access Memory
What dos ROM do?
Stores things such as BIOS which starts up the computer
What does RAM do?
RAM is used to hold data and programs that are currently in use
What is cache?
Memory that is stored in the CPU that stores frequently used programs to speed up the computer
What are the four main types of secondary storage?
The Cloud
Optical Disks
Solid State drives
Magnetic Drives
What is the cloud?
A storage space that isn’t physically there but you rent space of giant servers where you store data
What are optical disks?
Disks that have small bits of them burnt out by a laser to signal 1’s and 0’s
What are solid state drives?
Drives where the data is electrically stored in silicone chips called cells
What are magnetic drives?
Drives where multiple disks where tiny sections are magnetically charged to represent 1’s and 0’s
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the cloud?
Advantages - The cloud is very large
The cloud is less likely to crash and can’t be lost
Disadvantages - Your data is stored in places that can crash
Costs a lot for a lot of storage space
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the optical disks?
Advantages - Cheap per MB
Disadvantages - Can only be written once
Have to have special readers to read them
What are the advantages and disadvantages of solid state drives?
Advantages - No moving parts so portable
Lasts longer because no heat is produced because no moving parts
Disadvantages - Very expensive
Prone to losing old memory
What are the advantages and disadvantages of magnetic drives?
Advantages - Fairly cheap High in capacity Durable Disadvantages - Prone to damage if dropped Strong magnetic fields can erase them
