1.2.1 primary storage

What is Primary storage?

Memory in computers.

Used to store data and instructions being used and needs to be accessed by CPU.

What is RAM?

Random Access Memory- can access any part of the memory in the same time.

Can be READ from and WRITTEN to.

Volatile- if software or computer is closed everything will be lost.

What is RAM used for?

OS- operating systems.

Software currently in use.

Data that the software is using.

What is ROM?

Read Only Memory- can only be READ from.

What is ROM used for?

Stores initial program that is run when computer switches on (BI/OS)

POST- power on self test.

loads OS into RAM

takes care of drivers to allow control to computers hardware.

Configuration systems

What is Virtual memory?

An extension to RAM made by using an area of the hard disk drive.

Programs are transferred out of RAM into here and only the data and programs that are being used are stored in RAM.

Pros and Cons of Virtual memory.

Cheap, files remained open but not prioritized.

Extremely slow.