Memory

Question 1

what are the two main types of storage systems a computer has?

Answer 1

• Main Memory (where OS resides)
  > Directly connected to the motherboard
  > where programs and data are kept while being used
• Secondary storage (e.g. CD’s, Harddrive - these are non-volitile)

Question 2

what two types of main memory are there? What is the difference beetween them?

Answer 2

• ROM (Read-only memory)
• RAM (Random Access Memory)
• RAM is volitile - it loses its contents when the computer is turned of
• ROM is non-volitile - so it doesnt

Question 3

What are the 3 charactersisitc of main memory?

Answer 3

• Its components can be accessed directly from the CPU
• It has relativley small capacity
• It can be read very quickly

Question 4

What are the differences between main and secondary storage?

Answer 4

• Secondary storage has a much larger capacity to store data
• This storage cannot be accessed directly from the CPU, but must go through the main memory to be processed, which can make it slower to execute instructions

Question 5

What does ROM store?

Answer 5

• Stores information for instructions for the computer to boot up after being shut down
• Stores data, such as software for booting up the computer (e.g. the BIOS)
• Can never be erased or lest

Question 6

What dose RAM store?

Answer 6

• A temporary memory that programs, applications and data are held in whilst the computer is switched on
  > This includes Operation System and Application Software
  (when powedered down, all data is lost)

Question 7

What is Cache memory and where is it located?

Answer 7

• A type of special RAM which is (almost always) located inside a microchip in the CPU.
• Programs run from cache memory run alot faster than orindary RAM because it is directly linked to the CPU