primary and secondary storage

Primary storage holds the data and instructions that the CPU needs to access while the computer is turned on.

Volatile means the contents are lost when power is turned off.

Non-volatile means the contents are retained even when power is turned off.

False. Primary storage has a small capacity compared to secondary storage.

Primary storage has much faster access times than secondary storage.

The faster performance of primary storage results in a higher cost.

Examples of primary storage are:

The CPU fetches instructions from RAM by accessing specific memory addresses where the instructions are stored.

False. ** Primary storage is used for short-term **working memory, not long-term storage because it is volatile.

The limited capacity of primary storage results in the need to make use of virtual memory, where data not immediately needed is stored on secondary storage devices, impacting system performance.

RAM (Random Access Memory) is primary storage that holds data and instructions currently in use.

RAM is volatile, meaning its contents are lost when powered off.

Read/write means data can be read from and written to RAM.

A smart TV could store:

ROM (Read Only Memory) is primary storage that holds the BIOS and the boot up instructions.

ROM is non-volatile, meaning its contents are not lost when powered off.

False. ROM is read-only memory, so data cannot be written to it.

RAM has a much larger capacity compared to ROM.

Virtual memory is an extension of primary storage (RAM) located on secondary storage which is used when RAM becomes full.

Virtual memory is used when RAM is close to being full.

Programs and data not being used are transferred from RAM to virtual memory on secondary storage.

False. Virtual memory is much slower than RAM.

Using virtual memory will negatively impact system performance compared to having enough RAM because secondary storage has a slower read/write speed.

Adding more RAM to the system can avoid the need to use virtual memory.

If RAM is full, an unused program such as video editing software could be transferred to virtual memory.

Data in virtual memory is transferred back into RAM when it is needed by the CPU.

False. Upgrading physical RAM is better than relying on slower virtual memory.

A computer needs secondary storage for long-term storage of programs and data.

Secondary storage is non-volatile, allowing data to be retained even when powered off.

A games console needs secondary storage to store:

Capacity, speed, cost, portability, durability, and reliability.

Capacity is the maximum amount of data that can be stored on the device.

Speed refers to how fast data can be read from and written to the device.

Portability is how easy the storage device is to move around based on size and weight.

Durability is how robust and resistant to damage or rough handling the storage media is.

Reliability is the probability that the device will consistently perform its function properly.

False. Secondary storage has much higher capacity than primary storage.

Magnetic, solid state, and optical storage.

Magnetic storage uses magnets (polarity) to store binary data on a magnetic surface.

Magnetic storage has high capacity and low cost per gigabyte.

Magnetic storage has moving parts so it is not portable or durable.

Solid state storage uses electronic circuits with no moving parts to store binary data.

Solid state drives have very fast read/write speeds and are durable with no moving parts.

Solid state drives are very expensive per gigabyte of storage capacity.

Optical storage uses lasers to burn pits and lands onto a surface to store binary data.

Optical storage is very cheap per disc and has no moving parts.

Optical storage has very low capacity, slow speeds, and can be scratched easily.

A hard disk drive (HDD) is a magnetic storage device.

A solid state drive (SSD) and USB flash drive are solid state storage devices.

True. CD, DVD, and Blu-ray discs are optical storage devices.

Capacity, speed, cost, portability, durability, and reliability.

A solid state drive would be suitable for a portable laptop due to durability and portability.

A hard disk drive would be suitable for backing up a school's data due to its large capacity and low cost per GB.

An optical disc like a Blu-ray would be suitable for distributing a new video game release due to low cost and portability.

Solid state is faster but more expensive per GB, while magnetic is slower but cheaper per GB.

True. Portability is not a major factor for storage in a smart TV that remains stationary.

Solid state storage has the fastest read/write speeds compared to magnetic and optical.