Computer Science: Primary vs Secondary Storage

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Questions and Answers

What is a characteristic feature of primary storage?

It is directly accessible by the CPU. (correct)

It is slower than secondary storage.

It holds data permanently even without power.

It includes magnetic or optical media.

What type of memory is known for being volatile?

Flash memory

Read-only memory (ROM)

Random-access memory (RAM) (correct)

Magnetic tape

Which component of the CPU is responsible for performing arithmetic and logic functions?

Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) (correct)

Control Unit (CU)

Random-access memory (RAM)

Immediate Access Store (IMAS)

Why must data from secondary storage be loaded into RAM?

Because the CPU can only process data held in primary storage. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes RAM's role when the computer is powered on?

It temporarily holds data and instructions for processing. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the data in RAM when the computer is rebooted?

Data is lost because RAM is volatile. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately defines primary storage?

It is directly accessible by the CPU and volatile. Signup and view all the answers

What is required to retain applications and data once power is lost?

Secondary storage devices Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary advantage of fixed head disk drives compared to moveable head disk drives?

They eliminate seek time for data access. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the RAID storage system?

It can recover data using multiple copies stored on different drives. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of external hard drives?

They connect to the system unit via USB ports. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of removable hard disk packs?

To offer very high storage capacity in a compact unit. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the storage capacity of typical PC hard drives?

They can store between 500 GB and 8 TB or more. Signup and view all the answers

How are data and instructions typically organized on hard drives?

Stored as magnetized and unmagnetized spots. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes external hard drives from internal hard drives?

External drives connect via USB and can be used on multiple computers. Signup and view all the answers

What type of storage device typically offers the largest storage capacity among those listed?

Removable hard disk packs Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of ROM that distinguishes it from RAM?

ROM retains its data even when the power is turned off. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about PROM is true?

PROM must be programmed before use and can only be written to once. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary functions of secondary storage?

To provide long-term storage of data and instructions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT true about magnetic disks?

They are the most expensive type of secondary storage medium. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes hard disks from other types of disks mentioned?

They are constructed with thin, rigid metal platters. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a CD-ROM?

To allow the reading of data only, without the ability to change it Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of RAM storage is true for 2019 models?

The storage capacity can vary from 4 GB to 32 GB. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about ERPROM is accurate?

ERPROM allows for data to be deleted and reprogrammed. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of optical disk allows data to be written only once?

CD-R Signup and view all the answers

Which memory type is characterized as being nonvolatile?

ROM Signup and view all the answers

How does a CD-RW allow data to be deleted?

By using a higher intensity laser to melt selective data areas Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'X' in CD-ROM drive speed represent?

The multiplication factor of the basic transfer speed Signup and view all the answers

Which type of optical disk is best suited for frequent data changes?

CD-RW Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum storage capacity typically associated with CD-ROMs?

800 megabytes Signup and view all the answers

What feature distinguishes DVD-RW from CD-RW?

DVD-RW has a greater storage capacity than CD-RW Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the raised areas on a CD that are interpreted as '1' bits?

Lands Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Primary Storage

Primary storage, also called main memory or immediate access store (IMAS), holds data and instructions currently being processed by the CPU.
This storage is directly accessible to the CPU.
This storage is located on the motherboard's memory chips.
The processing unit can only access data and instructions held in primary storage.
Two types of primary storage:
Random-access memory (RAM): Temporary, holds data and instructions while processing; also known as working memory. Data is lost when power is off. Capacity varies, 4GB to 32GB in 2019 professional computers, and is a component of final computer costs.
Read-only memory (ROM): Holds instructions crucial for starting the computer. Instructions are fixed at time of manufacture; non-volatile, retains data even without power. Frequently used to store essential system programs, such as the BIOS.

Secondary Storage

Secondary storage, also known as auxiliary or backup storage, stores data when not actively being processed.
Data remains permanent even after power is off.
Cheaper than primary storage and unlimited in capacity, in comparison to RAM
Used devices include magnetic disks, magnetic tapes, optical disks (CDs, DVDs), flash memory, and USB drives.

Magnetic Disks

Common secondary storage type.
Provides direct access to data (i.e., specific data can be accessed without reading other data).
Capacity and access speed vary among devices and types.
Types include diskettes (obsolete) and hard disks.

Hard Disks

Thin, rigid disks made of metal.
Data is stored as magnetized or unmagnetized spots on the surfaces.
Constant rotation; read/writes heads can be fixed or movable. Fixed heads are more efficient and expensive. The more expensive systems access data faster.
Large storage capacity (500 GB to 8TB or more).
Used to store operating systems and software (word processors, spreadsheets, databases).
Common in PCs.

External Hard Drives

Used when there's insufficient space within the PC's system unit.
Connected via USB.
Portability & removal from one computer to another.
Available in varying sizes (1TB to 8TB).

Removable Hard Disk Packs

Storage capacity from 1TB to 10TB.
Housed in a sealed unit; usually contains multiple disks.
Removable and store considerably more data than fixed disk systems.

Fixed Disk Drives

Similar to PC and phone drives; high storage capacity.
Reliable and more reliable than removable storage.
Multiple drives can be housed in a single cabinet (between 20 and 100+ drives).
CPU accesses data through a single data path.

RAID Storage Systems

Redundant array of independent disks.
Multiple disk drives housed in a cabinet.
Storage capacity exceeds that of a fixed drive.
Data copies to different drives create redundancy and recovery options (data loss prevention).

Optical Disks

Store information using laser light.
Data stored in surface features (pits and lands).
Three common types:
CD-ROM: Read-only, used for storing software and other non-changeable data.
CD-R: Recordable, can be written to but not erased.
CD-RW: Rewritable, can be written to and erased repeatedly.

DVDs

Similar physical format to CDs but holds more data
Commonly used to store video data.
Varied storage capacities.

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Description

This quiz explores the concepts of primary and secondary storage in computer systems. Learn about various types of memory like RAM and ROM, and understand their roles in processing data efficiently. Ideal for anyone looking to enhance their knowledge of computer architecture.