Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of primary storage?
What is a characteristic of secondary storage?
What is an example of primary storage?
What is a characteristic of primary storage?
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What is an example of secondary storage?
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What is the primary difference between primary and secondary storage?
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What is a characteristic of secondary storage?
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What is the typical capacity of primary storage?
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Study Notes
Primary Storage
- Also known as main memory or RAM (Random Access Memory)
- Temporary storage for data and program instructions that the CPU uses while running applications
- Volatile, meaning data is lost when power is turned off
- Data is stored in a volatile state, meaning it can be changed or written
- Fast access times, allowing for quick data retrieval and processing
- Limited capacity, typically ranging from a few gigabytes to several dozen gigabytes
Characteristics of Primary Storage
- Volatile: Data is lost when power is turned off
- Volatile state: Data can be changed or written
- Fast access: Quick data retrieval and processing
- Limited capacity: Typically ranging from a few GB to several dozen GB
Secondary Storage
- Also known as auxiliary storage or non-volatile memory
- Long-term storage for data and programs, even when power is turned off
- Non-volatile, meaning data is retained even when power is turned off
- Data is stored in a non-volatile state, meaning it cannot be changed or written
- Slower access times compared to primary storage
- Higher capacity, ranging from hundreds of gigabytes to several terabytes
Characteristics of Secondary Storage
- Non-volatile: Data is retained even when power is turned off
- Non-volatile state: Data cannot be changed or written
- Slower access: Slower data retrieval and processing compared to primary storage
- Higher capacity: Ranging from hundreds of GB to several TB
Examples of Secondary Storage
- Hard Disk Drives (HDD)
- Solid-State Drives (SSD)
- Flash Drives
- Optical Drives (CD, DVD, Blu-ray)
- Magnetic Tapes
- External Hard Drives
Primary Storage
- Main memory or RAM (Random Access Memory) provides temporary storage for data and program instructions while running applications.
- Data is lost when power is turned off due to its volatile nature.
- Data can be changed or written in primary storage due to its volatile state.
- Primary storage offers fast access times, enabling quick data retrieval and processing.
- Capacity is limited, typically ranging from a few gigabytes to several dozen gigabytes.
Secondary Storage
- Auxiliary storage or non-volatile memory provides long-term storage for data and programs, even when power is turned off.
- Data is retained even when power is turned off due to its non-volatile nature.
- Data cannot be changed or written in secondary storage due to its non-volatile state.
- Secondary storage offers slower access times compared to primary storage.
- Capacity is higher, ranging from hundreds of gigabytes to several terabytes.
Examples of Secondary Storage
- Hard Disk Drives (HDD) are a type of secondary storage.
- Solid-State Drives (SSD) are a type of secondary storage.
- Flash Drives are a type of secondary storage.
- Optical Drives (CD, DVD, Blu-ray) are a type of secondary storage.
- Magnetic Tapes are a type of secondary storage.
- External Hard Drives are a type of secondary storage.
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Description
This quiz covers the basics of primary storage, also known as main memory or RAM, including its characteristics, uses, and limitations.
