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Computer Systems and Architecture
Quick questions on Memory and storage explained: O-Level Computing
6short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is rAM?Show answer
RAM is the computer's main memory: it holds the programs and data the computer is currently using, so the CPU can read and write them quickly. When you open a program, it is loaded from storage into RAM to run.
What is rOM?Show answer
ROM is memory that can normally only be read, not written to. It is non-volatile, so it keeps its contents without power. ROM typically stores the start-up instructions (the boot program or firmware) the computer runs first when switched on, before the operating system loads.
What is secondary storage?Show answer
Secondary storage is the large, permanent store for files and programs, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid state drive (SSD). It is non-volatile, so data stays when the power is off. It is much larger and cheaper per byte than RAM, but slower for the CPU to access directly, which is why data is loaded into RAM to be used.
What is q1?Show answer
State what is meant by volatile memory. [2 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
Give one example of what is stored in ROM. [1 mark]
What is q3?Show answer
Explain why a computer needs secondary storage as well as RAM. [2 marks]
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