Primary and secondary storage, magnetic, optical and solid-state media, their uses, capacities and file sizes.
Primary and secondary storage
Primary storage is the internal memory directly accessed by the processor:
- RAM (Random Access Memory) — volatile (loses contents when power is off); holds the programs and data currently in use; can be read and written. - ROM (Read Only Memory) — non-volatile; holds permanent instructions such as the BIOS used to start the computer; normally read only.
Secondary storage is non-volatile storage used to keep data and programs permanently (when not in use). It is needed because RAM is volatile and limited. Secondary storage is magnetic, optical or solid-state.
Viewing only
This content is free to read on superexams.com and cannot be printed or downloaded.
Read the full note, free
Create a free account to read this note in full. Every free account gets 2 complete revision notes, no card needed.