Primary storage: RAM, ROM

• What is primary storage in a computer?

  Short-term memory for immediate data use
• How does primary storage affect computer performance?

  It makes the computer run fast
• What are the characteristics of primary storage?

  • Short-term memory
  • Holds immediate instructions and data
  • Smaller than secondary storage
  • Faster than secondary storage
  • Temporary storage while powered on
• What is the third key property of RAM?

  Temporary
• What does it mean that RAM is volatile?

  Data is lost when power is off
• What is the primary function of ROM in a computer?

  To store essential firmware for operation
• How does ROM differ from RAM?

  ROM is permanent, while RAM is temporary
• When does primary storage store information?

  While the computer is turned on
• What happens to RAM when you turn off your computer?

  It clears all stored data
• How can ROM be compared to an instruction manual?

  It serves as a permanent instruction manual
• How do the speed characteristics of RAM and ROM compare?

  • RAM is made to have quick-fire response times, which is why the old adage is "The more RAM, the better."
  • ROM will always be "slow" in comparison to RAM, but most computers startup fairly quickly these days.
• What is the primary function of RAM?

  It stores data and instructions for immediate use
• How does RAM differ from secondary storage?

  RAM is volatile, while secondary storage is not
• What is the physical appearance difference between RAM and ROM?

  Your RAM tends to be much bigger than ROM, since you can add or upgrade more.
• How do the buses in a computer system work together to enable data processing?

  • Control Bus coordinates the overall operation
  • Address Bus specifies memory locations to access
  • Data Bus transfers the actual data between components
• How can you visualize the function of RAM in a computer?

  • Think of RAM as a desk
  • Stores papers and tools for immediate access
  • Cleared when finished, similar to turning off the computer
• What are the main functions of the buses in a computer system?

  • Control Bus: Coordinates flow of data and control signals
  • Address Bus: Specifies memory locations to be accessed
  • Data Bus: Transfers data between components
• What is the purpose of the Control Bus in the computer system?

  It coordinates the flow of data and control signals between the CPU, Memory, and Input/Output
• Why does RAM rely on electricity to work?

  RAM is a volatile form of memory that relies on electricity in order to work.
• What are the main components of a computer system shown in the image?

  CPU, Memory, Input & Output
• How does ROM differ in data retention compared to RAM?

  ROM stores data even when off
• What is the key difference between RAM and ROM in terms of data retention?

  • RAM is volatile and loses data when power is turned off, while ROM's data is permanent and written into the hardware itself.
• What is the first key property of RAM?

  Volatile
• What are the main uses of ROM?

  • Starting the computer: Contains BIOS for boot process
  • Firmware in devices: Provides instructions for various devices
• What does the fast property of RAM refer to?

  Access time in nanoseconds
• What type of memory is ROM used for?

  Essential firmware storage
• How does the capacity of RAM compare to that of ROM?

  RAM has a larger capacity than ROM
• What type of data does primary storage hold?

  Instructions and data for immediate use
• How do the ease of writing data differ between RAM and ROM?

  • Writing and reading data on RAM is much faster in comparison to ROM.
  • Writing data on ROMs is traditionally more difficult than RAMs, but EEPROMs make writing data much easier these days.
• What is the second key property of RAM?

  Fast
• What are the capacity and writing characteristics of RAM compared to ROM?

  • RAM has larger capacity (up to 32GB)
  • RAM allows easier data writing
  • ROM has limited capacity for basic functions
  • ROM is permanently programmed
• What are the main uses of RAM?

  • Running programs: Stores software instructions in use
  • Multitasking: Enables seamless switching between apps
  • Temporary storage: Holds files that disappear on shutdown
• What type of memory is RAM used for?

  Working memory
• How does RAM facilitate multitasking?

  It enables seamless switching between multiple apps
• How does primary storage differ from secondary storage?

  Primary storage is smaller and faster
• Why is RAM considered volatile?

  It loses data when powered off
• What is the typical storage capacity limit for most users' RAM?

  Realistically, RAM has unlimited storage capacity. Most of us don't need above 32GB, though.
• What is the key difference between RAM and ROM in terms of data retention?

  ROM's data is permanent. It is written into the hardware itself and never forgotten (once programmed).
• Why is ROM considered fast-access?

  It retrieves instructions quickly
• What is the role of RAM in running programs?

  It stores software instructions currently in use