2.1 Primary Storage

• What are the two categories of storage in a computer system?

  Primary Storage and Secondary Storage
• Why is primary storage considered very quick?

  Because it is directly accessed by the CPU
• What is another name for primary storage?

  Main memory
• What types of memory are included in primary storage?

  RAM and ROM
• What is the difference between volatile and non-volatile storage?

  Volatile storage loses data when power is off, while non-volatile storage retains data
• Give an example of volatile storage.

  RAM
• Give an example of non-volatile storage.

  ROM
• Why do computers need primary storage?

  To allow the CPU to access program instructions and data quickly
• What happens to program instructions and data before they are processed by the CPU?

  They must be copied from the hard drive into RAM
• Why is primary storage access faster than secondary storage?

  Because primary storage is directly accessed by the CPU
• What does RAM stand for?

  Random Access Memory
• What type of storage is RAM?

  Volatile storage
• What does RAM store?

  All programs that are currently running and parts of the operating system
• What does ROM stand for?

  Read-Only Memory
• What type of storage is ROM?

  Non-volatile storage
• What information is stored in ROM?

  The boot program/BIOS for when the computer is switched on
• What does the BIOS do?

  It loads up the operating system to manage the computer
• What is virtual memory?

  Using the hard disk drive as an extension of RAM
• What happens when there is insufficient space in RAM?

  Unused data in RAM is moved to the hard drive
• What is a benefit of using virtual memory?

  It allows more programs to run at the same time with less system slow down
• What are the differences between primary and secondary storage?

  • Primary Storage:
  • Very quick, directly accessed by the CPU
  • Smaller in storage size
  • Includes RAM and ROM
  • Secondary Storage:
  • Slower, not directly accessed by the CPU
  • Typically larger in storage size
  • Used for long-term storage of data and files
• What are the differences between volatile and non-volatile storage?

  • Volatile Storage:
  • Temporary, data lost when power is off
  • Example: RAM
  • Non-volatile Storage:
  • Retains data even when not powered
  • Example: ROM
• Describe the types of primary storage.

  • Random Access Memory (RAM):
  • Volatile storage, stores running programs and parts of the OS
  • Read-Only Memory (ROM):
  • Non-volatile storage, stores boot program/BIOS
• What is the process of using virtual memory?

  1. Programs must be stored in RAM to be processed by the CPU.
  2. If RAM is insufficient, unused data is moved to the hard drive.
  3. New data is transferred into RAM.
  4. Original data can be moved back from virtual memory into RAM when needed.