1.2.1 - Primary Storage
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What is primary storage?
Small capacity, quickly accessed storage that holds the data needed while a computer is running
What does ROM stand for?
Read only memory
What is ROM and what does it store?
ROM is memory that can be read from but not written to (read only) Stores data and instructions programmed by the manufacturer. This includes the bootstrap which loads the operating system into RAM
Is ROM volatile or non volatile
Non volatile
What does RAM stand for
Random access memory
What does RAM store?
RAM is used to hold data and instructions that are currently in use. Can hold operating systems
Can the data in RAM be overwritten?
Yes, the contents can be changed if a document is closed and another is opened
Is RAM volatile or non volatile
Volatile
What is the definition of volatile and non volatile
Volatile = data isn’t retained after the power for the computer is turned off Non volatile = computer keeps data after being switched off
What is virtual memory
Virtual memory is the use of secondary storage as additional primary memory (RAM)
When is virtual memory needed?
When RAM is nearly full and can’t hold all of the running instructions
How does virtual memory work?
Through the process of swapping. Not currently used data in RAM is held in virtual memory. When it is needed again, data in RAM that isn’t currently used is swapped out before the original data goes into RAM.
What is the problem when it comes to virtual memory
Using virtual memory slows the computers speed