11. OCR A Level (H046-H446) SLR3 – 1.1 RAM and ROM

What is the primary role of the central processing unit?

• To fetch instructions from memory

• To store data permanently

• To enhance the graphics

• To supply power to the computer

Answer explanation

The primary role of the central processing unit is to fetch instructions from memory.

How many main types of memory, also known as primary storage, are mentioned?

• One

• Two

• Three

• Four

Answer explanation

There are two main types of memory mentioned, also known as primary storage, which are the correct answer choice.

What is ROM soldered to?

• The motherboard

• The CPU

• The power supply

• The hard drive

Answer explanation

ROM is soldered to the motherboard, as it is a non-volatile memory chip that stores data permanently and is directly connected to the motherboard for easy access by the CPU.

What does ROM contain?

• User's personal files

• The first instructions for the computer

• The operating system

• Temporary data for running programs

Answer explanation

ROM contains the first instructions for the computer, not user's personal files, the operating system, or temporary data for running programs.

What is the software stored on the ROM referred to as?

• Freeware

• Shareware

• Malware

• Firmware

Answer explanation

The software stored on the ROM is referred to as Firmware, not Freeware, Shareware, or Malware. Firmware is a type of software that is embedded in hardware devices to control their basic functions.

What is the main purpose of RAM in a computer system?

• To keep the computer cool

• To store the BIOS

• To hold the operating system when the computer is running

• To make the computer look better

Answer explanation

RAM's main purpose is to hold the operating system when the computer is running, allowing for quick access to data and instructions needed for processing.

What happens when a computer is first turned on?

• It displays the user's desktop

• It plays music

• It performs a power on self-test

• It immediately loads the operating system from the hard drive

Answer explanation

When a computer is first turned on, it performs a power on self-test (POST) to check hardware components before loading the operating system.

What type of storage is ROM classified as?

• Non-volatile

• Volatile

• Optical

• Temporary

Answer explanation

ROM is classified as non-volatile storage because it retains data even when the power is turned off.

What happens to the data in RAM when the computer is turned off?

• It is permanently saved

• It is transferred to the ROM

• It is printed out

• It is lost

Answer explanation

When the computer is turned off, the data in RAM is lost as it requires power to maintain the stored information.

What is the first set of instructions passed from ROM to the CPU known as?

• The power on self-test

• The kernel

• The operating system

• The bootloader

Answer explanation

The first set of instructions passed from ROM to the CPU is known as the power on self-test, which checks the hardware components during the boot process.