Data Storage

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Primary Storage

Primary storage is directly accessed by the CPU and holds data/instructions currently in use.
It is volatile (except ROM) and has small capacity but fast access times.
Examples: RAM, ROM, cache, and registers.
Primary storage is more expensive per gigabyte than secondary storage.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

RAM is volatile primary storage that holds data and instructions currently in use.
Contents are lost when power is off; data must be copied from secondary storage for CPU access.
RAM is read/write and has a much larger capacity than ROM.
Used in devices like smart TVs to store current video stream or active game state.

ROM (Read Only Memory)

ROM is non-volatile primary storage that holds the bootstrap loader and BIOS.
It is read-only and has a small capacity (e.g., 512 KB).
ROM is located on the motherboard and is faster than secondary storage but slower than RAM.
Its purpose is to store start-up instructions to boot the computer.

Secondary Storage

Secondary storage is non-volatile and used for long-term storage of programs and data.
It has large capacity but slower access than primary storage.
Three main types: magnetic, solid-state (flash), and optical.
Key characteristics: capacity, speed, cost, portability, durability, reliability.

Magnetic Storage

Uses magnetised particles on spinning platters to store binary 0s and 1s.
Data is organised into tracks and sectors; a read/write head accesses data via an actuator.
Advantages: high capacity, low cost per GB, moderate speed.
Disadvantages: moving parts prone to damage, noisy, less portable.

Solid-State (Flash) Storage

Uses electronic circuits (NAND/NOR gates) with floating-gate transistors to store charge.
Each cell holds one bit; a charge on the floating gate represents a 0 or 1.
Advantages: very fast, durable (no moving parts), silent, portable.
Disadvantages: higher cost per GB, limited read/write cycles.

Optical Storage

Uses a laser to create pits and lands on a disc surface to represent binary data.
Examples: CD, DVD, Blu-ray; CD-R is read-only, CD-RW is rewritable.
Advantages: very low cost, portable, silent.
Disadvantages: low capacity, slow speed, prone to scratches.

Virtual Memory

Virtual memory is an extension of RAM located on secondary storage.
Used when RAM is full: inactive pages are moved to virtual memory to free RAM.
Virtual memory is much slower than RAM and negatively impacts performance.
Increasing physical RAM reduces reliance on virtual memory and improves speed.

Cloud Storage

Cloud storage stores data on remote servers accessed via the Internet.
Advantages: accessibility from anywhere, scalability, automatic backups, collaboration.
Disadvantages: requires internet connection, ongoing subscription cost, security concerns.
Data is typically stored on magnetic or solid-state drives in data centres.

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1.Which of the following is a characteristic of RAM?
Easy
- AIt is non-volatile
- BIt is read-only
- CIt is volatile
- DIt holds the bootstrap instructions
2.What is the purpose of ROM in a computer?
Easy
- ATo store data currently in use by the CPU
- BTo store the bootstrap instructions for starting the computer
- CTo provide large-capacity long-term storage
- DTo act as virtual memory when RAM is full
3.Which type of secondary storage uses a laser to read and write data by creating pits and lands?
Easy
- AMagnetic storage
- BSolid-state storage
- COptical storage
- DCloud storage
4.Which of the following is an advantage of solid-state storage compared to magnetic storage?
Easy
- ALower cost per gigabyte
- BHigher storage capacity
- CNo moving parts
- DLouder operation
5.A computer has 4 GB of RAM and frequently uses virtual memory. What is a consequence of relying heavily on virtual memory?
Medium
- AThe computer's performance improves
- BThe computer's performance decreases
- CThe RAM size is effectively increased
- DData is lost when the power is turned off
6.Which of the following is a disadvantage of cloud storage?
Easy
- AData can be accessed from anywhere
- BAutomatic backups are provided
- CAn internet connection is required
- DStorage capacity can be scaled easily
7.In a magnetic hard disk, data is stored on:
Easy
- APits and lands
- BPlatters coated with magnetic material
- CNAND gates
- DFloating gates
8.Which of the following best describes why a computer needs both primary and secondary storage?
Medium
- APrimary storage is non-volatile and secondary storage is volatile
- BPrimary storage provides fast access for current data, while secondary storage provides long-term non-volatile storage
- CPrimary storage has a larger capacity than secondary storage
- DSecondary storage is directly accessed by the CPU

Plus de questions

9.Which of the following is an example of solid-state storage?
Easy
- AHard disk drive (HDD)
- BCD-RW
- CUSB flash drive
- DBlu-ray disc
10.What does volatile mean in the context of computer memory?
Easy
- AThe memory can be written to and read from
- BThe memory loses its contents when power is turned off
- CThe memory retains its contents when power is turned off
- DThe memory is used for long-term storage
11.A student's computer is running slowly because many programs are open. The computer uses virtual memory. What is the most likely reason for the slowness?
Medium
- AVirtual memory is faster than RAM
- BThe hard disk is fragmented
- CData is being swapped between RAM and virtual memory, which is slower
- DThe CPU is overheating
12.Which of the following is a benefit of using cloud storage for a business?
Easy
- AData is stored locally on the business's own servers
- BEmployees can access files from any device with an internet connection
- CThere are no ongoing costs
- DData is automatically encrypted and cannot be intercepted
13.A smart television uses RAM to store data while it is in use. Which of the following is an example of data that would be stored in the television's RAM?
Easy
- AThe current video stream being watched
- BThe television's operating system firmware
- CThe user's saved channel preferences
- DThe television's serial number
14.What is the purpose of ROM in a computer system?
Easy
- ATo store the bootstrap instructions needed to start the computer
- BTo store data and programs currently being used by the CPU
- CTo provide long-term storage for files and applications
- DTo extend the capacity of RAM when it is full
15.A computer has 4 GB of RAM and uses virtual memory. The computer is running several applications and the operating system reports that 90% of RAM is in use. Which of the following best describes what will happen next?
Medium
- AThe operating system will move some data from RAM to the hard disk to free up space
- BThe computer will immediately crash because it has run out of memory
- CThe operating system will increase the size of RAM by allocating more virtual memory
- DThe computer will automatically close some applications to free up RAM
16.A school is considering using cloud storage instead of local servers. Which of the following is a disadvantage of cloud storage for the school?
Easy
- AData may not be accessible if the internet connection fails
- BThe school would need to purchase additional hardware
- CData would be less secure than on local servers
- DThe school would lose the ability to back up data
17.Which of the following is a characteristic of solid-state storage compared to magnetic storage?
Easy
- AIt has no moving parts
- BIt is cheaper per gigabyte
- CIt has a larger storage capacity
- DIt is more prone to mechanical failure
18.A hard disk platter rotates at 7200 RPM. The read/write head is positioned over a track that is 3 cm from the centre. The disk has 1000 tracks per cm. How many tracks are there on the platter?
Hard
- A3000
- B7200
- C1000
- D300
19.An optical disk uses a laser to read data. When the laser hits a transition from pit to land, what happens to the reflected light?
Medium
- AThe light scatters and is not reflected as strongly
- BThe light is reflected more strongly
- CThe light is absorbed by the disk
- DThe light passes through the disk
20.A student claims that virtual memory increases the total amount of RAM in a computer. Is this statement correct?
Medium
- ANo, virtual memory is a temporary space on secondary storage, not an increase in physical RAM
- BYes, virtual memory adds extra RAM chips to the motherboard
- CYes, virtual memory is part of the RAM that is reserved for system use
- DNo, virtual memory reduces the amount of available RAM
21.A photographer stores 500 photos on a memory card. Each photo is 12 MB. The memory card has a capacity of 8 GB. How much free space remains on the card after storing the photos? (1 GB = 1024 MB)
Medium
- A2048 MB
- B6000 MB
- C8192 MB
- D2192 MB
22.Which of the following is an advantage of using cloud storage for a business?
Easy
- AData can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection
- BData is stored on local servers owned by the business
- CThe business has full control over data security
- DThere is no need for an internet connection to access data
23.Which of the following storage devices uses magnetism to store data?
Easy
- AHard disk drive
- BSolid-state drive
- CDVD-RW
- DUSB flash drive
24.A computer has 8 GB of RAM and uses virtual memory. The operating system is currently using 2 GB of virtual memory. What is the total amount of memory available for programs?
Medium
- A10 GB
- B8 GB
- C6 GB
- D2 GB
25.A computer has 8 GB of RAM and is running several applications. The operating system reports that 90% of RAM is in use. How much virtual memory (in GB) must be used if a new application requiring 2 GB of RAM is opened, assuming no data is moved out of RAM?
Hard
- A1.2 GB
- B0.8 GB
- C2.0 GB
- D0.2 GB
26.Which of the following is a characteristic of ROM?
Easy
- AIt is volatile
- BIt can be written to by the user
- CIt is non-volatile
- DIt has a large capacity
27.A student measures the time to read a 100 MB file from three different storage devices: a magnetic hard disk (HDD), a solid-state drive (SSD), and a CD-RW. Which order of read times (fastest to slowest) is correct?
Medium
- ASSD, HDD, CD-RW
- BHDD, SSD, CD-RW
- CSSD, CD-RW, HDD
- DCD-RW, HDD, SSD
28.A hard disk platter has 1000 tracks and each track is divided into 64 sectors. Each sector stores 512 bytes. What is the total storage capacity of one platter?
Medium
- A32 MB
- B32 KB
- C64 MB
- D32 GB
29.A tablet computer uses a solid-state drive (SSD) instead of a magnetic hard disk. Which of the following is a disadvantage of using an SSD?
Easy
- AIt is more likely to be damaged if dropped
- BIt is more expensive per gigabyte
- CIt is slower at reading data
- DIt makes more noise
30.A technician wants to measure the read speed of an optical drive. She reads a 700 MB file from a CD and it takes 2 minutes. What is the average read speed in MB/s?
Medium
- A5.83 MB/s
- B350 MB/s
- C0.058 MB/s
- D11.67 MB/s
31.Which of the following best describes the purpose of virtual memory?
Medium
- ATo increase the total amount of RAM in a computer
- BTo allow the computer to run programs when RAM is full by using secondary storage
- CTo permanently store data that is not currently in use
- DTo speed up the computer by replacing RAM
32.A school stores all its data on local servers. They are considering switching to cloud storage. Which of the following is a disadvantage of cloud storage for the school?
Medium
- AData can be accessed from any device with an internet connection
- BThe school does not need to manage backups
- CIf the internet connection fails, teachers cannot access lesson files
- DStorage capacity can be increased easily
33.A computer has 4 GB of RAM and uses virtual memory. The operating system is currently using 2 GB of virtual memory. What is the total amount of memory available for programs?
Medium
- A6 GB
- B4 GB
- C2 GB
- D8 GB
34.Which type of storage uses a laser to read and write data?
Easy
- AMagnetic storage
- BSolid-state storage
- COptical storage
- DCloud storage
35.A hard disk platter has 1024 tracks and each track is divided into 64 sectors. Each sector stores 512 bytes. What is the total storage capacity of one platter?
Medium
- A32 MB
- B64 MB
- C128 MB
- D256 MB
36.A computer has 4 GB of RAM and uses virtual memory. The operating system is currently using 2 GB of virtual memory. What is the total amount of memory available to programs?
Medium
- A4 GB
- B6 GB
- C2 GB
- D8 GB
37.A technician measures the read speed of an optical drive by reading a 700 MB file from a CD. It takes 2 minutes. What is the average read speed in MB/s?
Medium
- A5.83 MB/s
- B350 MB/s
- C11.67 MB/s
- D2.92 MB/s
38.Which type of storage uses a laser to read and write data by creating pits and lands?
Easy
- AMagnetic storage
- BSolid-state storage
- COptical storage
- DCloud storage
39.A photographer stores 500 photos on a memory card. Each photo is 12 MB. The memory card has a capacity of 8 GB. How much free space remains on the card after storing the photos?
Medium
- A2 GB
- B1 GB
- C6 GB
- D0.5 GB
40.A hard disk platter rotates at 7200 RPM. The read/write head is positioned over a track that is 3 cm from the centre. The disk has 1000 tracks per cm. How many tracks are on the platter?
Hard
- A3000
- B6000
- C9000
- D12000
41.Which of the following is volatile?
Easy
- ARAM
- BROM
- CMagnetic hard disk
- DSolid-state drive
42.Virtual memory increases the total amount of RAM in a computer.
Easy
True or false?
43.Cloud storage is a type of primary storage.
Easy
True or false?
44.Match each storage type to its correct description.
Medium
- Magnetic
- Solid-state
- Optical
- Uses lasers to create pits and lands
- Uses electronic circuits with floating gates
- Uses magnetism to store data on platters
45.Order the following storage types from LOWEST to HIGHEST typical capacity:
Easy
- Optical disc (CD/DVD)
- Solid-state drive (SSD)
- Magnetic hard disk (HDD)
46.Which of the following are disadvantages of using cloud storage? (Select all that apply)
Medium
- ANo access without an internet connection
- BData may be less secure
- CRequires a monthly or yearly subscription
- DData cannot be accessed from different devices
47.Match each storage characteristic to the correct storage type (primary or secondary).
Medium
- Volatile (except ROM)
- Non-volatile
- Small capacity
- Large capacity
- Primary
- Secondary
- Primary
- Secondary
48.Arrange the following storage types in order from LOWEST typical capacity to HIGHEST typical capacity: CD, DVD, Blu-ray, Magnetic hard disk.
Easy
- CD
- DVD
- Blu-ray
- Magnetic hard disk
49.A hard disk platter rotates at 7200 RPM. The read/write head is positioned over a track that is 3 cm from the centre. The disk has 1000 tracks per cm. How many tracks are there on the platter if the usable area extends from 1 cm to 5 cm from the centre?
Hard
- A4000
- B2000
- C3000
- D5000
50.Which of the following are characteristics of solid-state storage compared to magnetic storage? (Select all that apply)
Medium
- AFaster read/write speeds
- BLower cost per gigabyte
- CMore durable (no moving parts)
- DHigher capacity typically
- ESilent operation
51.Complete the sentence.
Easy
RAM is an example of ____ storage, while ROM is an example of ____ storage.
52.A hard disk platter has 1024 tracks and each track is divided into 64 sectors. Each sector stores 512 bytes. What is the total storage capacity of one platter in kilobytes (KB)?
Medium
53.Complete the sentence about virtual memory.
Easy
Virtual memory is an extension of ____ that is located on ____.
54.A computer has 8 GB of RAM and is running several applications. The operating system reports that 90% of RAM is in use. How much virtual memory (in GB) must be used to accommodate a new application that requires 2 GB of RAM, assuming no data can be swapped out?
Hard
- A1.0
- B1.2
- C2.2
- D2.1
55.Describe the purpose of ROM in a computer system.
Easy
56.Explain how virtual memory allows a computer to run more programs than the physical RAM can hold.
Medium
57.A hard disk platter has 1024 tracks and each track is divided into 64 sectors. Each sector stores 512 bytes. What is the total storage capacity of one platter in kilobytes (KB)?
Medium
- A29491 KB
- B39322 KB
- C32768 KB
- D36045 KB
58.A computer has 8 GB of RAM and is running several applications. The operating system reports that 90% of RAM is in use. How much virtual memory (in GB) must be used to accommodate a new application that requires 2 GB of RAM, assuming no data can be swapped out?
Hard
- A0.8 GB
- B1.8 GB
- C2.8 GB
- D-0.2 GB

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