Memory and storage systems-2

Question 1

Cache Memory

Answer 1

• Cache memory is a small, fast and expensive memory
  that stores the copies of data that needs to be
  accessed frequently compared to the main memory.
• The processor, before reading data from or writing
  data to the main memory, checks for the same data
  in the cache memory.
• If it finds the data in the cache memory the processor
  reads the data from or writes the data to the cache
  itself because its access time is much faster than the
  main memory.
• The cache memory is always placed between CPU
  and the main memory of the computer system.
• The transfer of data between
  the processor and the cache
  memory is bidirectional

Question 2

cache hit

Answer 2

The availability of data in the
cache is known as cache hit.

Question 3

There are usually two types of cache memory found in
the computer system:

Answer 3

• Primary cache
• Secondary cache

Question 4

Primary cache

Answer 4

– It is also known as Level 1 (L1) cache or internal cache.
– The primary cache is located inside the CPU.
– It is smaller but fastest type of cache that provides a quick
access to the frequently accessed data by the microprocessor.

Question 5

Secondary cache

Answer 5

– It is also known as Level 2 (L2) cache or external cache.
– The secondary cache is located outside the CPU.
– It is normally positioned on the motherboard of a computer.
– The secondary cache is larger but slower than the primary
cache.

Question 6

Secondary Memory/Storage Systems

Answer 6

• Secondary memory/ storage systems are the
  devices—such as hard disks, optical disks and
  magnetic disks—used for data storage.
• The main objective is to permanently store
  data—which can be of any type, such as images,
  videos and text—for future use.

Question 7

Types of Storage Devices:

Answer 7

– Magnetic
– Solid state
– Optical
– Magneto optical

Question 8

Magnetic storage systems

Answer 8

• Store the data on a
  magnetised
  medium, with the
  help of magnetised
  particles.
• Example:– Magnetic tapes,
  magnetic disks, hard
  disks, floppy disks.

Question 9

Magnetic Tapes

Answer 9

• • Magnetic tapes are the plastic tapes with
    magnetic coating that are used for storing
    the data, such as text, audio or video.
• The data stored on the magnetic tapes can
  be accessed using the sequential access
  method.