Chapter 2, Topic 2

Question 1

Explain Primary Memory

Answer 1

• The only storage directly accessible by CPU.
• At any time, may hold both data and
  instructions that are currently running on the computer system, stored as binary machine code.

Question 2

Function of RAM

Answer 2

• Very important.
• Stores the executing program instructions as well as any data that is needed.
• Instructions and data in RAM are stored in unique memory locations and every such location has an address as well as content.
• Content is where the instructions and data are, memory location us used by CPU to find, retrieve and access data in order to send it to ALU for processing.
• RAM is volatile, when power is lost, contents of its memory are wiped.

Question 3

Function of ROM

Answer 3

• Holds instructions and data in unique memory locations, which have a location, address and content.
• ROM is used to store permanent instruction and data that cannot be changed. Used to boot and operate computer.
• Stores instruction and data that cannot be altered/over-written.
• Stores the BIOS: small program that has boot up instructions.

Question 4

Function of Cache

Answer 4

A type of small, high-speed memory inside the CPU used to hold frequently used data.

Question 5

Difference between SRAM and DRAM

Answer 5

• SRAM is faster but more expensive than DRAM. DRAM is preferred for the main RAM of computer system.
• Cache is a type of SRAM.

Question 6

Difference between Level 1 and Level 2 Cache

Answer 6

L1 cache is placed on the microprocessor itself whereas L2 cache is placed between primary memory and microprocessor. Check slide 12.