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?

  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 powered off
• Give an example of volatile storage.

  RAM
• Give an example of non-volatile storage.

  ROM
• Why do computers need primary storage?

  To process data quickly with the CPU
• How does primary storage access speed compare to secondary storage devices?

  Primary storage access speeds are much faster
• What does RAM stand for?

  Random Access Memory
• What must happen for program instructions to be processed by the CPU?

  They must be copied from the hard drive into RAM
• What type of storage is RAM?

  Volatile (temporary) storage
• What does ROM stand for?

  Read-Only Memory
• What does RAM store?

  Programs currently running and parts of the OS
• What type of storage is ROM?

  Non-volatile storage
• What information does ROM store?

  The boot program / BIOS for the computer
• What is virtual memory?

  Using HDD as an extension of RAM
• What does the BIOS do?

  Loads the operating system on startup
• How does virtual memory work?

  Moves unused data from RAM to HDD
• What is a benefit of using virtual memory?

  Allows more programs to run simultaneously
• What happens if original data in virtual memory is needed again?

  It can be moved back into RAM
• What is secondary storage characterized by?

  Slower access and larger storage size
• Why is secondary storage used?

  For long-term storage of data and files
• What types of storage are included in secondary storage?

  Magnetic, optical, and solid state storage
• What are the differences between primary and secondary storage?

  • Primary storage is quick and smaller
  • Secondary storage is slower and larger
  • Primary storage is directly accessed by the CPU
  • Secondary storage is used for long-term data storage
• What are the differences between volatile and non-volatile storage?

  • Volatile storage loses data when powered off (e.g., RAM)
  • Non-volatile storage retains data when powered off (e.g., ROM)
• What information is stored in each type of memory?

  • RAM: Programs currently running and parts of the OS
  • ROM: Boot program / BIOS for startup
  • Virtual Memory: Temporary data moved from RAM
• What are the characteristics of secondary storage?

  • Slower access speeds
  • Larger storage capacity
  • Used for long-term data storage