1.2.1 Primary Storage
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why do computers need Primary storage?
to hold the data/ instructions that the cpu needs to access while the computer is running.has considerably faster access times
Define ROM
Read only memory is primary storage that holds the BIOS and the boot up instructions.
Define RAM
Random access memory is primary storage that holds any applications and data currently in use for access by the CPU.
What is BIOS
Basic input output system controls what happens when the computer is first switched on.
What is virtual memory?
Virtual memory is an extension of primary storage (RAM) located on secondary storage which is used when RAM becomes full.
How does the virtual memory work?
Programs and data not being used are transferred from RAM to virtual memory on secondary storage.
What is an advantage of primary storage over secondary storage?
Primary storage has much faster access times than secondary storage
Why is primary storage more expensive than secondary storage?
The faster performance of primary storage results in a higher cost
How does the primary storage work together with the CPU?
The CPU fetches instructions from RAM by accessing specific memory addresses where the instructions are stored.
How does the capacity of primary storage in a device affect its ability to store and access data?
The limited capacity of primary storage results in the need to make use of virtual memory, where data not immediately needed is stored on secondary storage devices, impacting system performance
What are the differences between RAM and ROM?
ROM is non-volatile, RAM is volatile Content of ROM cannot be changed, content of RAM can be changed. RAM has a larger capacity compared to ROM.
When is virtual memory used?
When RAM is close to being full
What is one disadvantage of using virtual memory?
Using virtual memory will negatively impact system performance compared to having enough RAM because secondary storage has a slower read/write speed.
How can you avoid using virtual memory?
Adding more RAM to the system
What happens when data in virtual memory is needed?
Data is transferred back into RAM when it is needed by the CPU.
What is stored in virtual memory?
Programs and data not currently being executed