Primary Storage

Question 1

• Characteristics of primary storage

Answer 1

• Very quick as it is directly accessed by the CPU.
• Smaller in storage size (than secondary storage).
• Called ‘main memory’.
• Includes RAM and ROM.

Question 2

Volatile storage - definition and example

Answer 2

• Volatile storage is temporary - data is lost whenever the power is turned off.
• Example: RAM

Question 3

Non-volatile storage: definition and example

Answer 3

• Saves the data even when not being powered. Data can be stored long term and accessed when the computer is switched on.
• Example: ROM

Question 4

Why do computers need primary storage?

Answer 4

• Program instructions and data must be copied from the hard drive into RAM to be processed by the CPU because primary storage access speeds are much faster than secondary storage devices (such as the hard drive).

Question 5

RAM: definition

Answer 5

• A volatile storage that stores all programs that are currently running.

Question 6

ROM: definition

Answer 6

• Non-volatile storage that cannot be changed.

Question 7

What does ROM do?

Answer 7

• Stores the boot program / BIOS for when the computer is switched on. The BIOS then loads up the OS to take over managing the computer.

Question 8

What does RAM do?

Answer 8

• Stores parts of the OS to be accessed by the CPU.

Question 9

What is RAM made up of?

Answer 9

• Made up of a large number of storage locations, each can be identified by a unique address.

Question 10

Virtual Memory: definition

Answer 10

• Programs must be stored in RAM to be processed by the CPU.
• Even if there is insufficient space in RAM for all programs the computer can use the hard disk drive (HDD) as an extension of RAM - this is called virtual memory.

Question 11

Process of virtual memory -

Answer 11

• If new data is needed to be stored in RAM then unused data in RAM is moved to the hard drive so the new data can be transferred into RAM.
• When required, the data can be moved back from virtual memory into RAM.

Question 12

Advantage of virtual memory -

Answer 12

• Using virtual memory allows users to run more programs simultaneously with less system slow down.