What is primary storage?
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What is primary storage?
Primary storage is directly accessed by the CPU and holds the data and instructions that the CPU needs to access while the computer is turned on.
True or False?
Primary storage is always volatile.
False.
Primary storage is volatile with the exception of ROM.
RAM
RAM is Random Access Memory, a type of primary storage that holds data and instructions currently in use, is volatile, and has fast access times.
What does ROM stand for?
ROM stands for Read Only Memory.
True or False?
RAM is faster than secondary storage.
True.
RAM is faster than secondary storage.
What is stored in ROM?
ROM stores the first instructions a computer needs to start up (Bootstrap) and the BIOS (Basic Input Output System).
True or False?
ROM is volatile.
False.
ROM is non-volatile.
What is the main difference between RAM and ROM in terms of data persistence?
RAM is volatile and loses its contents when power is turned off, while ROM is non-volatile and retains its contents.
BIOS
BIOS is the Basic Input Output System stored in ROM.
True or False?
RAM has a larger capacity than ROM.
True.
RAM has a larger capacity than ROM.
What is secondary storage?
Secondary storage is non-volatile storage that retains digital data within a computer system when the power is turned off.
Name the three types of secondary storage.
The three types of secondary storage are magnetic, solid state, and optical.
True or False?
Secondary storage has a smaller capacity than primary storage.
False.
Secondary storage has a larger capacity than primary storage.
Magnetic storage
Magnetic storage is a type of non-volatile media that uses magnets (polarity) to store binary 0s and 1s.
Solid state storage
Solid state storage is a type of non-volatile media that uses electronic circuits to store binary 0s and 1s.
Optical storage
Optical storage is a type of non-volatile media that uses lasers to burn the surface of a disk, creating pits and lands suitable for storing binary 0s and 1s.
What is the main advantage of solid state storage over magnetic storage?
The main advantage of solid state storage over magnetic storage is faster read/write access speeds.
True or False?
Optical storage has the highest capacity among secondary storage types.
False.
Optical storage typically has the lowest capacity among secondary storage types.
What is the main disadvantage of magnetic storage?
The main disadvantage of magnetic storage is its susceptibility to mechanical failure due to moving parts.
True or False?
Solid state storage is more expensive per gigabyte than magnetic storage.
True.
Solid state storage is more expensive per gigabyte than magnetic storage.
What is virtual memory?
Virtual memory is an extension of primary storage (RAM) located on secondary storage, used when RAM is close to being full.
True or False?
Virtual memory improves system performance.
False.
Virtual memory is much slower than RAM and its use will impact negatively on system performance.
What are pages in the context of virtual memory?
Pages are units of data that programs are stored as and transferred between RAM and virtual memory.
True or False?
Virtual memory is faster than RAM.
False.
Virtual memory is much slower than RAM.
What happens when RAM is full and virtual memory is used?
When RAM is full, programs and data not currently being executed are transferred to virtual memory.
How can the use of virtual memory be avoided?
The use of virtual memory can be avoided by increasing the size of the RAM.
True or False?
Virtual memory is a type of primary storage.
False.
Virtual memory is an extension of primary storage located on secondary storage.
What triggers the use of virtual memory?
Virtual memory is used in situations where RAM is close to being full.
True or False?
Programs in virtual memory are immediately accessible to the CPU.
False.
Programs in virtual memory must be transferred back to RAM when they are needed by the CPU.
What is the main purpose of virtual memory?
The main purpose of virtual memory is to allow the computer to remain operational when RAM is close to being full.
What is cloud storage?
Cloud storage is long-term (secondary) storage of data that resides in a remote location, accessible only via a wide area network (Internet).
True or False?
Cloud storage requires a constant internet connection for access.
True.
Cloud storage requires a constant internet connection for access.
Name two advantages of cloud storage.
Two advantages of cloud storage are:
Accessibility - data can be accessed from anywhere
Scalability - storage capacity can be easily increased or decreased as needed.
What is a potential security risk of cloud storage?
A potential security risk of cloud storage is that data being sent over the internet has the potential to be intercepted.
True or False?
Cloud storage is always free.
False.
Cloud storage often requires payment, typically through a monthly or yearly subscription plan.
What is a benefit of cloud storage for collaboration?
A benefit of cloud storage for collaboration is that multiple people can access the same file at the same time.
Name two disadvantages of cloud storage.
Two disadvantages of cloud storage are:
Reliance on internet connection for access
Potential costs for large amounts of data storage.
True or False?
Users have complete control over security in cloud storage.
False.
Security is managed by the cloud storage provider, which means the user does not have complete control over it.
What is an environmental benefit of cloud storage?
An environmental benefit of cloud storage is that one cloud storage centre is more environmentally friendly than millions of individual servers.
True or False?
Cloud storage providers often use multiple servers to store and backup data.
True.
Cloud storage providers often use multiple servers to store and backup data, reducing the risk of data loss due to hardware failure.