Computer Memory Types Quiz

The main memory directly accessible by the CPU, functioning like a temporary workspace for ongoing data and instructions.

Non-volatile storage that is not directly accessed by the CPU, used for permanent data storage and transferring data between computers.

Volatile memory that allows both reading and writing, used for temporary storage of programs, data, and parts of the operating system currently in use.

Non-volatile memory that allows only reading, used to store the basic start-up instructions and firmware of a computer.

The difference between primary and secondary storage lies in their accessibility by the CPU, speed, purpose, and volatility.

The essential difference between RAM and ROM is their volatility, write operations, and purpose.

A remote-controlled toy car relies on both RAM and ROM to function. The RAM holds temporary instructions for movement, while the ROM stores the permanent program that controls the car's basic operations.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD) and Solid State Drive (SSD) are examples of internal secondary storage, while external secondary storage includes devices like DVDs, USB sticks, and removable hard drives.

A type of secondary storage that uses NAND/NOR chips to store data. These chips consist of transistors arranged in a grid, where transistors act as control gates and floating gates to manage electron flow.

A semiconductor device that uses transistors to control the flow of electrons, enabling data storage and retrieval.

The process of writing data onto solid-state storage devices by electronically storing bits as 0s and 1s in the transistors of NAND/NOR chips.

The process of retrieving data from solid-state storage devices by reading the binary values (0s and 1s) stored in the transistors of NAND/NOR chips.

SSD technology provides faster access speeds, greater durability, lower power consumption, and enhanced portability compared to magnetic storage media.

A memory management system that expands RAM capacity by utilizing secondary storage. It allows the system to access data from the hard drive as if it were in main memory.

Data stored in volatile memory is lost when the power supply is interrupted.

Data in non-volatile memory persists even when the device is powered off.

A type of memory that stores data permanently and cannot be easily modified. It's used for the basic instructions that a computer needs to start up. Think of it like a reference manual that tells the computer how to boot up.

A type of memory that stores data temporarily and can quickly be changed. It's used to store information that the computer is using right now, like the program you're running. Think of it like a scratch pad where you write notes while working.

Data is stored as tiny magnetic dots on a series of rotating platters. Think of it like a large record player where the information is written on the discs.

A method of storing data using tiny pits and lands on a disc. When a laser shines on these pits and lands, it reads the data. Think of it like a CD player, where the laser reads the bumps and dips on the disc.

A type of magnetic storage that is commonly found in computers. It uses spinning platters to store data. Think of it as the main data storage center within your computer.

A type of optical storage media used to store data. It uses lasers to read and write data on the disc. Think of it like a CD, but with more storage capacity.

A type of digital storage device used to store computer data, including software and files. It has a larger storage capacity than a CD. Think of it like a DVD, but with a higher resolution for video and data.

A type of optical storage media with the largest storage capacity among mainstream discs. It's used for storing high resolution video and large datasets. Think of it like a high-definition DVD with even more storage.

A technique used by operating systems to extend the available memory by using hard disk space as an extension of RAM, allowing the computer to run programs that require more memory than physically available.

The system divides data into 'pages' and transfers them between RAM and Virtual Memory on the hard drive as needed. If a data page is not being used, it can be 'swapped' to Virtual Memory, freeing up RAM for more active data.

When RAM is full, virtual memory helps to store inactive data pages on the hard drive. This allows the computer to continue running programs without crashing.

It provides a larger storage space than a local hard drive, offers easy access from anywhere with an internet connection, and allows automatic backups.

Since cloud storage is dependent on a network connection, users must have internet access and a reliable connection to store and retrieve data. Cloud storage also incurs a cost, unlike local storage, which is paid for upfront.

The loss of control over data storage when using cloud services. Cloud providers manage data storage, making it inaccessible to the company.

Cloud storage often leads to increased security risks due to multiple copies of the data often being stored. This increases the potential for data breaches.

Cloud storage makes data easily accessible from anywhere, increasing the risk of unauthorized access and hacking.

The need for a stable internet connection to access data stored in the cloud. Without reliable internet, employees face data access limitations.

The possibility of employees being pressured to work outside of regular hours due to the accessibility of data from any location.

The ability to access data from any location, allowing employees to work remotely and increase flexibility.

Cloud providers manage the hardware, its maintenance, and security, relieving the company of these responsibilities.

The ability to easily increase storage capacity in the cloud without physical hardware purchases, providing flexibility and scalability.

A method of file compression where no data is lost during the process, ensuring the original file can be perfectly restored. Used for files where data integrity is critical, such as code, text documents, or database files.

A technique that involves identifying and replacing repeating patterns of characters, pixels, or samples with two values: the number of repetitions and the pattern itself.

This method involves creating a table (dictionary) that indexes recurring characters/pixels/samples and replaces them with their corresponding index in the file.

A compression technique that permanently removes redundant information from a file, resulting in a smaller size without completely preserving the original quality. This is commonly used for images, audio, and video files.

Lossy compression allows for significantly smaller file sizes compared to lossless compression, making them suitable for storage and transmission over the internet.

A compression algorithm is applied to remove redundant information from an image, leading to a smaller file size. While this can slightly reduce the image's quality, it remains acceptable for most purposes.