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Questions and Answers
What is a characteristic of ROM (Read Only Memory)?
What is a characteristic of ROM (Read Only Memory)?
Which type of memory allows you to access any memory cell directly if you know the row and column?
Which type of memory allows you to access any memory cell directly if you know the row and column?
What is the main purpose of an optical disc drive (ODD)?
What is the main purpose of an optical disc drive (ODD)?
What is the main characteristic of a Flash Disk?
What is the main characteristic of a Flash Disk?
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Which type of disk can store up to 8.4 GB of data?
Which type of disk can store up to 8.4 GB of data?
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What is the storage capacity of a Blu-ray disc?
What is the storage capacity of a Blu-ray disc?
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What is the primary function of RAM (Random Access Memory)?
What is the primary function of RAM (Random Access Memory)?
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Which type of memory is non-volatile and used for permanent storage?
Which type of memory is non-volatile and used for permanent storage?
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What is the primary advantage of optical disks (e.g., CDs, DVDs) over hard disk drives?
What is the primary advantage of optical disks (e.g., CDs, DVDs) over hard disk drives?
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Which type of storage device uses magnetic recording to store data?
Which type of storage device uses magnetic recording to store data?
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What is the primary advantage of flash memory over traditional hard disk drives?
What is the primary advantage of flash memory over traditional hard disk drives?
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Which type of memory is used to store system firmware and is read-only?
Which type of memory is used to store system firmware and is read-only?
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What is the primary function of Random Access Memory (RAM)?
What is the primary function of Random Access Memory (RAM)?
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Which type of memory is non-volatile and can retain data even when the power is turned off?
Which type of memory is non-volatile and can retain data even when the power is turned off?
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Which of the following is an example of an optical disk?
Which of the following is an example of an optical disk?
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What is the primary advantage of a hard disk drive (HDD) over other storage media?
What is the primary advantage of a hard disk drive (HDD) over other storage media?
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Which type of storage media is commonly used in portable devices like smartphones and digital cameras?
Which type of storage media is commonly used in portable devices like smartphones and digital cameras?
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What is the typical storage capacity range of a CD-ROM?
What is the typical storage capacity range of a CD-ROM?
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Study Notes
Memory
- Random Access Memory (RAM) is a memory scheme that stores data temporarily for prompt access by the processor.
- RAM is volatile, meaning data is erased when the power supply is turned off.
- Data is stored and accessed randomly in RAM.
ROM (Read Only Memory)
- A permanent form of storage that remains active regardless of power supply.
- Data stored on ROM devices cannot be modified.
Secondary Memory
- Stores data and programs permanently, even when power is turned off.
- Examples of secondary memory include:
- Hard Disk (Disk drive or HDD): stores and provides quick access to large amounts of data on an electromagnetically charged surface.
- Optical Disk: uses laser light to store data, with three main types: CD (up to 700MB), DVD (up to 8.4 GB), and Blu-ray disc (up to 50 GB).
- Flash memory: a storage module made of flash memory chips, with no mechanical platters or access arms.
Output Unit
- An output device communicates the results of data processing to humans.
- Converts electronically generated information into human-readable form.
- Examples of output devices include:
- Monitor
- Printer: transfers data from a computer onto paper, with types including Laser, Ink Jet, and Dot Matrix.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
- Also known as microprocessor or processor.
- Responsible for all functions and processes.
- Comprised of three main parts:
- Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): executes arithmetic and logical operations.
- Control Unit (CU): controls and coordinates computer components, reads code for the next instruction, and provides necessary data.
- Registers: stores data to be executed next, with very fast storage area.
Software
- A generic term for organized collections of computer data and instructions.
- Broken into two major categories:
- System software (Operating System): controls, integrates, and manages individual hardware components.
- Application software: accomplishes specific tasks, such as image viewing, spreadsheet, or text processing.
Unit of Measurements
- Storage size examples:
- 1 bit: answer to a yes/no question
- 1 byte: a number from 0 to 255
- 90 bytes: enough to store a typical line of text from a book
- 4 KB: about one page of text
- 120 KB: the text of a typical pocket book
- 3 MB: a three-minute song (128k bitrate)
- 650-900 MB: an CD-ROM
- 1 GB: 114 minutes of uncompressed CD-quality audio at 1.4 Mbit/s
- 8-16 GB: size of a normal flash drive
Computer Classification
- Computers can be classified by size and power into different categories.
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Description
Test your knowledge about different types of memory and storage devices including RAM, ROM, and secondary memory like hard disks, optical disks, and flash memory. Learn about random access, permanent storage, and data modification limitations.
