Differences between RAM and ROM
- RAM is volatile and ROM is non-volatile.
- RAM can be upgraded easily whilst ROM cannot be.
- RAM can swap instructions in and out whilst ROM can’t.
- Functionality - since RAM is volatile the read and write speed is higher.
Characteristics of Flash Memory
- Non-volatile
- No moving parts
- Faster access time
- Lower power consumption
Example of Flash Memory
USB drives
Impact on the user of the varying sizes of RAM and ROM
- Accessibility- RAM provides read and write access whereas ROM provides only read access
- Volatility
- Data Stored- RAM stores temporary whereas ROM stores permanent
- RAM can be upgraded
what would happen if there is not enough space in RAM
Performance will be negatively effected. cannot run multiple applications simultaneously. Virtual memory is created using secondary storage
what is virtual memory and when is it created
Virtual memory is an area of secondary storage used to store data when RAM does not have enough space
what is the benefit of using SSD as a secondary storage over HDD
faster access time
what is a drawback of using SSD as secondary storage
due to constant swapping the performance will reduce
What does PROM
programmable read only memory
what is EPROM
Erasable Programmable read only memory
what is EEPROM
electrically erasable read only memory
how is EPROM and EEPROM different from ROM
it can be erased from and written
defining CPU and its functions
Central Processing Unit
carries out software instructions
what does it mean to have more ‘cores’ in a processor
more cores working during each processor cycle
how is processor speed measured?
in clock cycles per second
what units are clock cycles measured in
hertz, kilohertz, megahertz and gigahertz (additional 3 zeroes)
what are other factors that an affect how much work a processor can do
how many work it can do each cycle, instructions per core in each cycle
CPU and user experience
better CPU with multiple cores can carryout instructions quickly and effectively
define clock cycle
used to measure processor speed, the number of times per second the processor can carry out one or more instructions
benefits of increasing the amount of RAM in system to improve user experience
- more programs can be open at the same time
- no need to use virtual memory from secondary storage
- faster access times
