Chapter 3-Hardware

When the amount of RAM is exceeded due to multiple programs running

That if a system crash is caused due to the amount of available RAM being exceeded through multiple programs running, it can be solved by using the HDD or SSD.

Memory management system that makes use of secondary storage and software to enable a computer to compensate for the shortage of actual physical RAM memory. It is RAM storage+swap space on hard disk or SSD

Data is loaded into memory from HDD/SSD when required

Part of the Operating system which carries out certain functions such as virus checking, defragmentation and screensaver

The larger the RAM the faster the CPU can operate

Problem in a hard disk drive caused by excessive swapping in and out of data causing a high rate of read/write head movements during vital memory operations

It reduces the need to buy and install more (expensive) RAM, but accessing data from virtual memory is slower than physical. No need to waste space on data that is not being used (Eg. During error handling) Programs larger than physical memory can still be executed

Point at which the execution of a program comes to a halt because the system is so busy moving data in and out of memory rather than executing the program

Premature failure of HDD

By installing more RAM Using an SSD instead of an HDD Reducing the size of a swap file Reducing the number of programs running at once

Unnecessary storing of the same data on several storage devices at the same time. Done in case of maintenance and repair, so that customer can access data at any time

Method of data storage where data is stored on remote/offline servers. The physical storage may be on hundreds of servers in many locations

A hosting company, may include hundreds of servers in many locations.

In the cloud

Private cloud Public cloud Hybrid cloud

Storage environment where customer/client and cloud storage environment provider are different companies

Storage provided by dedicated environment behind company firewall. Customer/client and cloud storage provider are integrated and operate as a single entity

A combination of the 2 other enviroments. Some data resides in the private cloud, and less sensitive/commercial data can be accessed from a public cloud storage provider

No need for customer/client to carry external storage device on them or even use the same computer to restore/retrieve information Almost unlimited storage capacity Cloud storage will allow recovery of their data if a customer/client has a failure on their hard disk or back-up device Customer/client files stored can be accessed at anytime anywhere in the world provided there is internet access Helps alleviate data loss and recovery as it provides the user with remote back-up of data

Costs can be high if large storage capacity is needed and the high down/upload data transfer with the ISP can be expensive Risk of loss of all backup data if the cloud storage company fails Would be problems accessing/downloading data/files if there is poor internet connection

What physical security exists regarding the building where the data is housed? How good is the service provider’s resistance to natural disasters and power cuts? What safeguards exist regarding persons; who work for the company-can they use their authorisation codes to access confidential data for monetary purposes?

Network Interface Cars Hardware component (circuit board/chip required to allow a device to connect to a network (internet)

Media Access Control Unique identifier which acts as a network address for a device. Takes form NN-NN-NN-DD-DD-DD Manufacturer code=NN - device code =DD 48 bits shown as six groups of hexadecimal digits