Questions and Answers
What is RAM?
RAM is high speed, volatile memory used as the main memory in a computer. It requires power to retain its data.
What is the main memory?
The main memory is where all data, files, and programs are stored while they are being used.
What happens when a computer boots up?
The operating system is copied from secondary storage to RAM.
What occurs when software applications, documents, and files are opened?
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What is virtual memory?
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What happens when RAM is full?
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Why might virtual memory be needed?
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What must the CPU do to read data stored in virtual memory?
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How does using virtual memory affect a computer's speed?
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What is BIOS?
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What is ROM?
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Where does ROM come from?
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What does ROM contain?
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What does the CPU do as soon as the computer is powered on?
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Can the BIOS on a ROM chip be updated?
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How fast is RAM compared to other types of memory?
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What is a ROM chip?
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Study Notes
RAM (Random Access Memory)
- RAM is high-speed, volatile memory used as the main memory in a computer.
- It allows data to be read from and written to, but it requires power to retain information.
- Unlike non-volatile memory, which retains data without power, volatile memory loses its contents when turned off.
Main Memory
- Main memory stores all data, files, and active programs while they are in use.
Booting Process
- Upon startup, the operating system is loaded from secondary storage into RAM.
Application Data Handling
- When files or applications are opened, they are copied from secondary storage to RAM and remain there until closed.
Virtual Memory
- Virtual memory acts as extra RAM by using secondary storage when available RAM is insufficient.
- As applications are opened, RAM fills up; virtual memory provides additional space for data storage.
Management of Virtual Memory
- When RAM is full, less frequently used data is moved to secondary storage, known as virtual memory.
- This situation may occur due to having too many applications open or using memory-intensive applications.
Data Transfer to RAM
- Accessing data stored in virtual memory requires transferring it back to RAM, which is slower due to lower data transfer rates on secondary storage.
Performance Impact
- Using virtual memory can slow down computer response times when switching between applications or running memory-heavy software, as data must constantly swap between RAM and virtual memory.
BIOS (Basic Input Output System)
- BIOS is firmware, a type of hardware-specific software embedded within devices for control.
ROM (Read Only Memory)
- ROM is non-volatile memory that can only be read and not written to, preserving data even without power.
- It is found on a factory-made chip integrated into the motherboard.
Boot Instructions
- ROM contains critical instructions for booting the computer, including the BIOS.
- When powered on, the CPU reads these instructions to perform startup checks and prepare the system, such as testing memory and identifying hardware.
BIOS Updates
- Although the CPU can only read from ROM, it is possible to update the BIOS by "flashing" the ROM chip.
Speed Comparison
- RAM is slower than CPU cache but significantly faster than secondary storage.
ROM Chips
- ROM chips often utilize flash memory, a common type of non-volatile memory used in devices like SD cards, USB sticks, and solid-state drives (SSDs).
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Description
This quiz covers the essential concepts of RAM, main memory, and the booting process in computers. It explains how RAM functions as volatile memory and the role of virtual memory in application data handling. Test your knowledge on how data is managed in modern computing systems.