1.2 Storage & Memory Part 1 - Keywords

Comprised of random-access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). It holds data and instructions that the CPU can access more quickly and easily than from secondary storage devices.

• primary storage

• secondary storage

• cache

• virtual memory

Volatile (data is lost when the computer is powered off). Read-and-write. Purpose: Temporary storage of currently executing instructions and data – e.g., applications and the operating system.

• Random Access Memory (RAM)
• Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Solid State Drive (SSD)
• Read-Only Memory (ROM)

Non-volatile (data is retained when the computer is powered off). Read-only. Purpose: Stores startup instructions, otherwise known as the bootstrap.

• GPU
• ROM
• CPU
• RAM

Using part of the hard disk as if it were random-access memory. Allows more applications to be open than physical memory can hold.

• Virtual Memory
• Memory Extension
• Random Access Storage
• Physical Memory

Permanent storage of instructions and data not currently in use by the processor. Stores the operating system, applications and data. Read-and-write and non-volatile.

• RAM
• ROM

• Primary storage

• Secondary storage

CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW. Use: Music, films and archive files. Low capacity. Slow access speed. High portability. Prone to scratches. Low cost.

• USB drives
• Optical discs
• External hard drives
• Floppy disks

Hard disk drive is an example. Use: Operating system and applications storage. High capacity. Medium data access speed. Reliable but not durable. Medium cost.

• Solid state storage

• Optical storage

• Flash drive
• Magnetic storage

Memory cards and solid-state hard drives (SSD) are examples. Used in: Digital cameras and smartphones. Medium capacity. High portability. Reliable and durable. No moving parts. Fast data access speed. High cost.

• Floppy disks and CD-ROMs
• Optical storage

• Magnetic storage

• Solid-state storage

The amount of data a storage device can store.

• Memory size
• Data capacity
• Storage space
• Storage capacity

The read/write access speed of a storage device.

• Storage capacity
• Bandwidth
• Storage speed

• Latency