1.2 - Memory

​ (a)   is the component of the computer that holds data, programs and ​ (b)   that are currently in use.

• Memory
• instructions
• Storage
• videos
• emails

​ (a)   memory is built inside the computer. As a result, data can be read from and written to primary memory extremely ​ (b)   . This gives the processor fast access to the data and instructions that the ​ (c)   memory holds.

• Primary
• quickly
• primary
• Secondary
• Core
• slowly
• secondary

There are two types of primary​ ​ (a)   :

​ (b)   (ROM)

​ (c)   (RAM)

• memory
• read only memory
• random access memory
• storage

ROM is ​ (a)   , whereas RAM is ​ (b)   ​ (c)   memory keeps its contents even when the computer is switched off. ​ (d)   memory loses its contents when ​ (e)   .

• non-volatile
• volatile.
• Non-volatile
• Volatile
• unpowered
• broken
• stored

Primary memory is comparatively limited in size, especially when compared with secondary storage. In a modern personal computer, primary memory is often around 4 ​ (a)   in size.

• GB
• MB
• KB
• bytes
• TB
• PB

​ (a)   can be read from, but not written to, hence the term 'read only'. This makes ​ (b)   ideal for storing instructions and data that are needed for the computer to run. These instructions and data are usually programmed by the computer's manufacturer and cannot be overwritten.

• ROM
• RAM
• MDR
• MAR
• ALU
• CPU
• DVD
• HDD

The ​ (a)   runs as soon as the computer is switched on. It checks that the hardware is functioning correctly, then runs a second program known as the bootup or bootstrap program that loads the computer's operating system from the hard drive into the ​ (b)   . The ​ (c)   is always needed so it is stored in ​ (d)   .

• BIOS
• RAM
• ROM
• CPU
• DVD
• CD
• MDR
• LAN

The contents of ​ (a)   can be changed at any time, simply by overwriting them with other data and/or instructions. For example, a user might close one document and open a second, or run a different program.

• RAM
• ROM
• BIOS
• ALU
• CPU

The more ​ (a)   a computer has, the more data and programs it can hold ​ (b)   . ​ (c)   can also be upgraded easily, unlike other types of primary ​ (d)   .

• RAM
• simultaneously
• memory
• consecutively
• ROM
• storage

There are times when the amount of ​ (a)   needed to hold all running programs and data is greater than the amount of​ (b)   available to the computer. When this happens, part of the computer's ​ (c)   storage, such as the hard disk, can be used to store data temporarily.

• RAM
• secondary
• primary
• ROM
• BIOS