Unit 1.2 Memory

Unit 1.2 Memory

1. RAM (Random Access Memory)

   • DRAM - Dynamic Random Access Memory requires constant power to store data
     • Volatile Storage that stores data as long as the computer is switched on and after it's switched off it goes
   • Static Random Access Memory doesn't need constant power to hold onto data
   • aka. Main Memory

2. ROM (Read Only Memory)

   • Non volatile storage that stores information even after the computer is switched off
     • Tends to be used for information used to start up the computer
       • BIOS is firmware used to perform hardware initialisation during booting process
         • Firmware is a type of computer program that provides the low level control for the device's specific hardware
     • Flash memory is also non volatile storage and is a storage medium that can be erased and reprogrammed

3. The CPU carries out instructions by performing the basic arithmetic, logical and control steps

   • The fetch, decode and execute cycle

4. The hard disk is responsible for everything to do with storage

5. A computer may run slowly because...

   • Too much memory in the CPU is being used up
   • Several programs are running at once in the main memory
   • The computer is struggling to execute all the instructions at once

6. Virtual Memory

   • Simulated memory on the hard drive
   • Simulates RAM when there is no more room in the RAM and lets more memory be used