Summary
A computer has two types of memory:
RAM - (random access memory) This is volatile meaning it needs a power supply to retain its content.
Cache - is a fast form of RAM used by the computer for fast access to data.
ROM - (read only memory). This is non-volatile and retains its content without the need for a power supply.
A computer also uses:
Virtual memory - this is when a computer uses a section of the hard disk to supplement the main memory
Flash memory - is solid state memeory that is used in a portable device or in removable devices to store data. It is secondary storage with slower access times than RAM, but faster access times than a magnetic hard disk.
RAM - (random access memory) This is volatile meaning it needs a power supply to retain its content.
Cache - is a fast form of RAM used by the computer for fast access to data.
ROM - (read only memory). This is non-volatile and retains its content without the need for a power supply.
A computer also uses:
Virtual memory - this is when a computer uses a section of the hard disk to supplement the main memory
Flash memory - is solid state memeory that is used in a portable device or in removable devices to store data. It is secondary storage with slower access times than RAM, but faster access times than a magnetic hard disk.
Questions
1. Describe the difference between ROM & RAM and how these are used in a computer
2. What is virtual memory?
3. How does installing more RAM affect the use of virtual memory and how does this affect the performance of the computer?
4. A student uses a number of different computers in school and at home. Explain how a flash memory drive will help this student to manage his/her work.
5. While a computer is working what is stored in RAM?
6. How does a computer use ROM?
2. What is virtual memory?
3. How does installing more RAM affect the use of virtual memory and how does this affect the performance of the computer?
4. A student uses a number of different computers in school and at home. Explain how a flash memory drive will help this student to manage his/her work.
5. While a computer is working what is stored in RAM?
6. How does a computer use ROM?
Extension tasks
1. Investigate the sizes of flash memory drives available and the cost per GB of capacity.
2. Investigate new developments in memory technology and describe their benefits over existing dynamic and static RAM technologies.
3. Why do all devices using computers, for example washing machines, DVD players and televisions, have both ROM and RAM?
4. Find out how much memory a typical computer had between 1970 and now. Create a graph from the data. Write some comments on the results. What is Moore's law?
2. Investigate new developments in memory technology and describe their benefits over existing dynamic and static RAM technologies.
3. Why do all devices using computers, for example washing machines, DVD players and televisions, have both ROM and RAM?
4. Find out how much memory a typical computer had between 1970 and now. Create a graph from the data. Write some comments on the results. What is Moore's law?