Crash Course Computer Science: Memory and Storage

What is the main difference between volatile and non-volatile memory?

• Non-volatile memory is always faster than volatile memory.

• Volatile memory loses data when power is lost.

• Non-volatile memory loses data when power is lost.

• Volatile memory retains data without power.

What was the storage capacity of a standardized punch card in the 1940s?

• 1 kilobyte

• 960 bits

• 5 megabytes

• 128 bits

What was the main drawback of delay line memory?

• It was not reliable.

• It was too expensive.

• It could only read one bit of data at a time.

• It required too much power.

What technology surpassed delay line memory in the mid-1950s?

• Solid-state drives

• Optical storage

• Magnetic core memory

• Magnetic tape

What was the first big use of magnetic core memory?

• ENIAC

• UNIVAC

• RAMAC 305

• Whirlwind 1

What was a major advantage of magnetic tape over other storage technologies of its time?

• It was faster.

• It was more reliable.

• It was cheaper and more compact.

• It had random access memory.

What led to the development of hard disk drives?

• Magnetic tape

• Optical storage

• Magnetic drum memory

• Solid-state drives

What is a key feature of solid-state drives (SSDs) compared to hard disk drives (HDDs)?

• SSDs have moving parts.

• SSDs are slower than HDDs.

• SSDs have no moving parts.

• SSDs are more expensive per bit.

What is the main principle behind optical storage technologies like CDs and DVDs?

• Twisting metal wires to create waves

• Storing data magnetically

• Using physical divots to reflect light

• Using liquid to store data

What is the main reason computers today still use memory hierarchies?

• To reduce power consumption

• To balance cost and speed

• To simplify design

• To increase storage capacity