Memory Unit II - SS2 ICT Past Questions and Answers - page 2
What is the key difference between volatile and non-volatile memory?
Volatile memory is faster
Non-volatile memory is faster
Volatile memory loses its contents when powered off
Non-volatile memory loses its contents when powered off
What type of memory has a larger storage capacity?
Primary memory
Secondary memory
Which type of memory is used for long-term storage of data and programs?
Primary memory
Secondary memory
What is the purpose of saving data from primary memory to secondary memory?
To improve data access speed
To retain data after power loss
To free up primary memory space
To enhance CPU performance
Which type of memory is often categorized as static RAM (SRAM) and dynamic RAM (DRAM)?
Primary memory
Secondary memory
Which memory type provides the workspace for the CPU to operate?
Primary memory
Secondary memory
Explain the difference between primary memory and secondary memory
Primary memory, also known as main memory or RAM, is a type of volatile memory that provides fast access to data and instructions for the CPU. It is used to temporarily store the data that the CPU is currently working with. Secondary memory, on the other hand, is non-volatile and provides long-term storage for data, programs, and the operating system. It has a larger storage capacity but slower access times compared to primary memory.
Why is primary memory considered volatile, and what are the implications of this volatility?
Primary memory is considered volatile because it loses its contents when the computer is powered off or restarted. This means that any data or programs stored in primary memory will be lost if not saved to secondary memory. The implications of this volatility include the need to regularly save data to secondary memory to avoid data loss, as well as the requirement to reload programs and data into primary memory each time the computer is turned on.
Provide examples of storage devices that fall under the category of secondary memory
Examples of storage devices that fall under the category of secondary memory include hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), optical disks (CDs, DVDs), USB flash drives, and magnetic tapes. These devices are used for long-term storage and data archival.
How does the storage capacity of primary memory compare to that of secondary memory?
The storage capacity of primary memory is relatively small compared to that of secondary memory. Primary memory is designed to hold the data and instructions needed for immediate processing by the CPU. It typically ranges from a few gigabytes (GB) to several terabytes (TB) in size. In contrast, secondary memory devices, such as hard drives and SSDs, can have storage capacities ranging from hundreds of gigabytes to multiple terabytes.