CAIE IGCSE Computer Science 3.3 Data Storage

Which of the following best describes the data commonly stored in RAM?

• All software installed on the computer.

• Permanently saved user files.

• The currently running parts of software.

• The operating system boot files.

Answer explanation

RAM stores the currently running parts of software, allowing quick access for the CPU. It does not hold permanently saved files or all software, which are stored on the hard drive.

Why is 'Software' considered an inaccurate description of what is stored in RAM?

• Software is too large to fit into RAM.

• Software is primarily stored on external devices.

• Only the currently running parts of software reside in RAM.

• RAM only stores user-generated data.

Answer explanation

'Software' is an inaccurate description for RAM because only the currently running parts of software are loaded into RAM, while the complete software resides on external storage devices.

Which of the following is a primary characteristic of secondary storage?

• Volatile

• Directly accessed by the CPU for immediate processing

• Non-volatile

• Used for storing currently running applications.

Answer explanation

Secondary storage is characterized as non-volatile, meaning it retains data even when the power is off. In contrast, volatile storage loses data when power is lost, and secondary storage is not directly accessed by the CPU for immediate processing.

What is the main purpose of secondary storage?

• To store data that the CPU is actively processing.

• To provide temporary storage for calculations.

• For non-volatile/permanent/long-term storage of files/data.

• To increase the speed of data transmission within the computer.

Answer explanation

The main purpose of secondary storage is for non-volatile, permanent, long-term storage of files and data, unlike primary storage which is temporary and volatile.

Which of the following is a key component of solid-state storage?

• Magnetic platters

• Lasers

• Transistors

• Moving read/write heads

Answer explanation

Transistors are the key component of solid-state storage, enabling data storage and retrieval without moving parts. In contrast, magnetic platters, lasers, and moving read/write heads are associated with traditional storage methods.

How are transistors arranged in solid-state storage?

• In a linear sequence

• In a grid

• In a circular pattern

• Randomly

Answer explanation

Transistors in solid-state storage are arranged in a grid to optimize space and allow for efficient data access and storage. This grid layout enables the organization of memory cells, facilitating faster read and write operations.

What controls the flow of electrons in solid-state storage?

• Magnetic fields

• Lasers

• Gates

• Mechanical switches

Answer explanation

In solid-state storage, gates control the flow of electrons by acting as switches that can open or close pathways for electron movement, enabling data storage and retrieval.

What is the role of virtual memory?

• To permanently store user data.

• To directly speed up CPU processing.

• To allow more data to be stored when RAM is full.

• To manage the allocation of memory addresses to peripherals.

Answer explanation

Virtual memory allows a computer to use disk space to extend RAM capacity, enabling it to store more data when RAM is full. This helps in running larger applications and multitasking effectively.

How is virtual memory typically created?

• By adding more physical RAM.

• By partitioning the hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD).

• By using cloud storage as an extension of RAM.

• Through a function of the CPU's cache memory.

Answer explanation

Virtual memory is created by partitioning the hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD) to use as an extension of RAM, allowing the system to manage larger workloads than the physical RAM alone can handle.

What happens to pages of data when virtual memory is in use?

• They are permanently deleted from RAM.

• They are duplicated in both RAM and virtual memory.

• They are transferred between RAM and virtual memory when needed.

• They are compressed to take up less space in RAM.

Answer explanation

When virtual memory is in use, pages of data are not permanently deleted or duplicated. Instead, they are transferred between RAM and virtual memory as needed, allowing efficient use of memory resources.