Backing, Storage and Memory

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Richard Mealing        Theory        30/04/07

Backing, Storage and Memory

1(Q). What do ROM, RAM, hard and floppy disks, magnetic tape and optical discs all have in common?

1(A). All these devices have a storage capacity and are able to keep data secure either permanently or not, in other words they are volatile or non-volatile. Some of these storage devices when data has been written to them they can’t get rid of it, but this is not true in all cases e.g. a CD-RW.

2(Q). Explain the meanings of the words volatile and non-volatile when applied to computer storage media.

2a(A). Volatile in meaning is used to describe data that is vulnerable and that can be lost when the system is powered down. Non-volatile is the opposite.

2b(Q). Which of the media in Question 1 are non-volatile?

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2b(A). ROM, hard and floppy disks, magnetic tape and optical disks are all non-volatile from question 1.

3(Q) ROM and RAM chips make up the computer’s memory. The data is stored in a ROM chip; it is put in when the chip is manufactured. It is never lost and it cannot be changed. The data stored in a RAM chip can be changed and is lost when the power is turned off.

3a(Q) Which type of memory chip stores the computer program that runs when the computer is first turned on? Give a reason for your ...

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