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A Level Computer Science Paper 1: 1.1.3 Storage

Information Technology20 CardsCreated about 1 month ago

This flashcard set defines RAM (Random Access Memory) as fast, volatile memory used to store data and instructions for currently running programs. It also explains volatility, meaning data is lost when power is turned off.

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RAM

Random Access Memory

  • Any location can be opened

  • Holds data and instructions for currently running location

  • Volatile

  • Readable/writeable

  • Very fast access

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Key Terms

Term
Definition

RAM

Random Access Memory

  • Any location can be opened

  • Holds data and instructions for currently running location

Volatile

The contents of the memory are wiped when you turn it off

ROM

Read Only Memory

  • Holds the BIOS (used to start a computer) so it can’t be overwritten

  • You can only read from it

Primary vs Secondary Storage

Primary is directly accessible to the CPU (RAM, cache ROM)

Secondary is additional stor...

Storage device

The physical hardware that transfers the data onto the storage media

3 types of secondary storage

magnetic, optical and solid state

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A Level Computer Science Paper 1: 1.1.3 Storage
TermDefinition

RAM

Random Access Memory

  • Any location can be opened

  • Holds data and instructions for currently running location

  • Volatile

  • Readable/writeable

  • Very fast access

Volatile

The contents of the memory are wiped when you turn it off

ROM

Read Only Memory

  • Holds the BIOS (used to start a computer) so it can’t be overwritten

  • You can only read from it

Primary vs Secondary Storage

Primary is directly accessible to the CPU (RAM, cache ROM)

Secondary is additional storage

Storage device

The physical hardware that transfers the data onto the storage media

3 types of secondary storage

magnetic, optical and solid state

Magnetic storage

Spinning platters with read/write heads which use magnetism, read a sector at a time
Use polarised and unpolarised states, polarised has aligned poles that lets data be read, unpolarised scatters it

Magnetic storage advantages and disadvantages

+ cheap, huge capacity, fast read/write speeds
- not very portable, wear away, need power to continuously run (stopping running means it takes time to speed up), prone to failure

Virtual Storage

Extra storage is the main memory is full

Cloud storage: Data is stored online to be accessed on multiple devices

Virtual storage advantages and disadvantages

+ cheap, can access anywhere, unlimited capacity, durability relies on providers
- Third party (security issues), needs bandwidth, data can be lost if the storage array fails

Solid state/Flash

Commonly uses electrically programmed non-volatile flash memory
Use microchips and silicon semiconductors

Solid state advantages and disadvantages

+ no moving parts - less likely to break, more portable, faster read/write speeds, use less power so longer battery life and it makes no noise
- More expensive, lower capacity

Optical Storage

Uses a laser and light to process information
Different laser wavelengths burn smaller pits and lands on the track so it can be more tightly wound and longer
Pits represent 0, flats 1
Certain sections reflect or scatter light

Optical storage advantages and disadvantages

+ cheap to manufacture and distribute, lightweight, robust during carriage
- Quite expensive per GB, poor durability and reliability

CD formats

CD-ROM for software distribution
CD-R for copying and storing online
CD-RW for transferring and backing up files

DVD and blu-ray vs CD

DVD and Blu-ray have higher capacity

Flash memory typical capacity

512Mb - 128Gb

Hard disk typical capacity

512Gb - 4Tb

CD-ROM typical capacity

600Mb - 700Mb

DVD typical capacity

2.8Gb - 4.7Gb