System Memory/ Types

Question 1

What is the difference between RAM and ROM

Answer 1

Random Access Memory

• Volatile (wiped when power is turned off)
• Holds temporary data currently in use such as the operating system, programs and data that the programs are using
• It is fast
• Read and write memory

Read Only Memory

• Non-volatile (Stays when power is turned off)
• Holds permanent data like BIOS
• Permanent form of memory where data is loaded in manufacturing
• Slow memory
• Read Only Memory

Question 2

What is virtual memory?

Answer 2

Virtual memory is an extension of the RAM inside the secondary storage (HDD, SSD) which is only used when RAM is full and holds extra data or programs in use; this keep the computer working.

Question 3

Primary storage examples

Answer 3

RAM and ROM

Question 4

Secondary storage examples

Answer 4

Hard Disk Drive (HDD) and Solid State Drive (SSD)

Question 5

Offline Secondary storage examples

Answer 5

CD, DVD, USB, flash drive, removable HDD, Magnetic tape.

Question 6

What are the storage symbols and their value?

Answer 6

Byte (B) - 8 bits
Kilobyte (KB) - 1024 B
Megabyte (MB) - 1024 KB
Gigabyte (GB) - 1024  MB
Terabyte (TB)- 1024 GB
Petabyte (PB) - 1024 TB
Exabyte (EB) - 1024 PB
Zettabyte (ZB) - 1024 EB
Yottabyte (YB) - 1024 ZB
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Question 7

What are embedded systems?

Answer 7

A small computer than forms part of a larger system, device or machine.
Allows for:
- control of the device
- user interaction

They typically have one or a few tasks assigned to them .

Question 8

What are the two types of embedded systems?

Answer 8

• Real-time system- Reacts fast to events in the outside world to decide an output.
• Standalone embedded system - it works by it’s self and is in a closed system.

Question 9

Examples of Real-time systems (An embedded system)

Answer 9

• Controlling heat
• Elevators
• Robots
• Traffic control system
• Radio, satellite and telephone communications

Question 10

Examples of standalone embedded systems

Answer 10

• Microwave
• MP3 player
• Digital camera
• Video game console
• Temperature measurement system

Question 11

What are the properties of an embedded system?

Answer 11

• Low cost
• Low power draw
• Low memory

Question 12

What is the advantages of cloud storage? (4)

Answer 12

• Data can be accessed on any device with an internet access
• Unlimited storage (with money)
• Takes up no space on own device
• Other employees can access the documents easily allowing for collaborative work

Question 13

What are the disadvantages of cloud storage? (3)

Answer 13

• Internet access maybe slow or unreliable
• Customer maybe concerned about data security
• Maybe too expensive (not justified by cost)

Question 14

What is a fragmented file?

Answer 14

A file that has broken into fragments and stored in different parts of the disk (HDD)

Question 15

What are the disadvantages of a fragmented file?

Answer 15

• The file is slower to load as data is stored in different parts
• Takes longer to read

Question 16

What is a non-fragmented file?

Answer 16

A file where all data is stored on a continuous part of the disk

Question 17

What happens during defragmentation?

Answer 17

A defragmentation utility program reorganises the different file parts and rewrite them into one place on the disk