Data Storage
Data Storage
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Primary Storage
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Primary Storage
Primary storage is directly accessed by the CPU
Computer systems need both primary and secondary storage to operate
Both types of storage play a crucial role in the operation of a computer system
A quick comparison of primary and secondary storage shows:
Primary Secondary
RAM
What is RAM?
RAM (Random Access Memory) is primary storage that is directly connected to the CPU and holds the
data and instructions that are currently in use
RAM is volatile which means the contents of RAM are lost when the power is turned off
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For the CPU to access the data and instructions they must be copied from secondary storage
RAM is very fast working memory, much faster than secondary storage Your notes
RAM is read/write which means data can be read from and written to
In comparison to ROM, it has a much larger capacity
EXAM TIP
Just knowing what RAM is and what it stores is not enough, you must be able to apply your
understanding of RAM to real world contexts where RAM is a component, e.g. TVs, game consoles
and other smart devices
WORKED EXAMPLE
A smart television allows the user to search the Internet and watch videos online.
The smart television uses RAM
Give two examples of data that the smart television could store in RAM [2]
How to answer this question
Think about the main function of a smart television, watch channels, use apps to stream content
and browse the web etc
For each function, try to think of what data would have to be in the RAM whilst you were actually
doing it (in use!)
Possible answers
Current channel being watched
Current volume
Current video/file/tv program being watched
Web browser/applications that are running
Data being downloaded/buffered
EXAM TIP
Examiners will accept anything reasonable when answering these style of questions BUT brand
names will not be be awarded without giving an example
ROM
What is ROM?
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ROM (Read Only Memory) is primary storage that holds the first instructions a computer needs to start
up (Bootstrap)
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ROM contains the BIOS (Basic Input Output System)
ROM is a small memory chip located on the computers motherboard
ROM is fast memory, much faster than secondary storage but slower than RAM
ROM is non-volatile which means the contents of ROM are not lost when the power is turned off
ROM is read only which means data can only be read from
In comparison to RAM, it has a much smaller capacity
EXAM TIP
RAM & ROM are examples of primary storage, they can be referred to as Main Memory or Primary
Memory in the exam
WORKED EXAMPLE
Quinn has 512 kilobytes of ROM and 16 gigabytes of RAM in her computer
1. Describe the purpose of the ROM in Quinn's computer [2]
2. Describe the purpose of the RAM in Quinn's computer [2]
Answer
1. ROM
Store start-up instructions/bootstrap
Used to start the computer
2. RAM
Stores the parts of the OS / programs that are running
Stores data currently in use
...for access by the CPU
Guidance
Do not confuse the purpose with characteristics, describe what it does, not what it is
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Secondary Storage
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Secondary Storage
Storage devices are non-volatile secondary storage, that retain digital data within a computer system
They provide a means of storing, accessing, and retrieving data, which can include software
applications, documents, images, videos, and more
There are 3 types of storage:
Magnetic
Solid-state (flash memory)
Optical
Computer systems need both primary and secondary storage to operate
Both types of storage play a crucial role in the operation of a computer system
A quick comparison of primary and secondary storage shows:
Primary Secondary
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WORKED EXAMPLE
A games console has secondary storage.
State, using an example, why the games console needs secondary storage [2]
How to answer this question
They keyword is 'why', why does a games console need secondary storage? give an example,
do not just describe what secondary storage is!
Answer
To store data once the power is turned off / permanently // for non-volatile storage
Examples could include:
Storing games
Save games
User data/profiles
Downloaded content/applications/updates
Magnetic Storage
What is magnetic storage?
Magnetic storage is a type of non-volatile media that uses magnets (polarity) to store binary 0s and 1s
A magnetic hard disk is made up of several metal discs coated with a magnetic material
These are called platters
Iron particles on each platter are magnetised to represent a 0 or 1
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Each platter is divided by concentric circles creating several tracks and wedge shaped sectors
Where they intersect is a track sector
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The hard drive spins the metal disk(s) at a high speed (typically around 5400-7200 RPM) using a motor
A read/write arm, controlled by an actuator, moves the head over the surface of the disc to the Your notes
location of the data
The data is read/written using electromagnets
Advantages Disadvantages
Capacity - High storage Durability - Moving parts can get damaged if dropped
Cost - Low per gigabyte Portability - Heavy & bulky making them less convenient for
transport
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Solid-state (flash memory) is memory made up of tiny cells that can contain one bit of data (1 or 0)
Each cell contains a transistor that acts as a switch that can be turned on or off Your notes
The transistor contains two main parts:
Control gate - top layer of transistor, connects to circuit and controls if current can flow through
the transistor
Floating gate - can hold a charge (like a tiny rechargeable battery) and is sandwiched between two
layers of insulating material (Oxide)
To store data a charge is placed on the floating gate
A high voltage is applied to the control gate, which allows electrons to be pushed through the
oxide layer and onto the floating gate
To remove data, a high voltage charge is applied in the opposite direction, pulling the electrons off
the floating gate
Advantages Disadvantages
Noise - Silent
Optical Storage
What is optical storage?
Optical storage is a type of non-volatile media that uses lasers to burn the surface of a disk, creating
pits and lands suitable for storing binary 0s and 1s
Examples of optical storage include:
Blu-rays have the largest capacity
CDs have the lowest capacity
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All optical devices work by shining a laser at the disk and processing the reflection
An arm moves the laser across the surface of the disk
In CD-Rs a laser burns the data, permanently on to the disk, by creating pits and lands
The laser is also used to read the data from the pits and lands
When the laser light hits the point where the pit changes into a land or vice versa the light scatters and
is not reflected back as well.
This is captured by a sensor and can be interpreted as a change in the binary value
Advantages Disadvantages
Noise - Silent
WORKED EXAMPLE
Zarmeen has purchased a new tablet computer. The tablet has an internal secondary storage
device.
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Virtual Memory
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Virtual Memory
What is virtual memory?
Example
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In the example above, the computer is turned on and the elements of the operating system are loaded
into RAM
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The user opens some spreadsheet and video editing software but RAM is full
The program not currently being used (video editing) is transferred to virtual memory
When the user wants to use the video editing software again, it is transferred back from virtual memory
to RAM
CASE STUDY
A student uses software to create 3D models.
3D modelling often means processing large amounts of data
This takes up a large amount of RAM
If there is not enough physical RAM, virtual memory is used to:
Extend the RAMs capacity
Ensure the software does not freeze/crash when RAM gets full
WORKED EXAMPLE
A computer only has 4GB of RAM, Fynn says that virtual memory can be used instead of adding more
RAM.
1. Explain how virtual memory can compensate for the lack of RAM in Fynn's computer [3]
2. Explain why it would be beneficial for Fynn to get more RAM instead of relying on virtual memory
[2]
How to answer these questions
1. What is the definition of virtual memory? how does it work?
2. What is the downside of using virtual memory? turn this into an advantage of adding more RAM
Answers
How can Virtual Memory compensate
Virtual Memory is used when RAM is full
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Cloud Storage
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Cloud Storage
What is cloud storage?
Cloud storage is a term to describe long-term (secondary) storage of data that resides in a remote
location, accessible only via a wide area network (Internet)
Data is stored on remote servers, typically using magnetic storage (HDD), but increasingly using solid
state (SSD)
Advantages Disadvantages
Reliability - Access data anywhere, any time, from any Cost - Typically a monthly/yearly
device subscription plan
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Benefit Explanation
Scalability Cloud storage providers allow customers to increase or decrease their storage
capacity as needed
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Reliability Cloud storage providers often use multiple servers to store and backup data,
reducing the risk of data loss due to hardware failure
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Security Cloud storage providers offer advanced security features, such as data encryption
and multi-factor authentication multi-factor authentication, to protect user data
from unauthorised access
There is no need to hire specialist staff as IT services being provided by the cloud
storage provider
WORKED EXAMPLE
A school currently stores all of their data on local servers. They are considering upgrading their
system to utilise cloud storage.
Explain two disadvantages to the school of storing their data in the cloud.
[4]
You need a constant internet connection [1]
if the internet connection failed, teachers would not be able to access lesson files [1]
if the internet connection failed, teachers would not be able to access student data/take
electronic registers [1]
if the internet connection failed, students would not be able to access their work/coursework [1]
Reliant on third party to carry out security procedures [1]
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but the school is still legally responsible if data is accessed by unauthorised people [1]
Data stored on the cloud could be hacked or intercepted [1]
Your notes
Explain two advantages to the school of storing their data in the cloud.
[4]
Additional storage can be purchased if needed [1]
The cloud hosting company provides back up [1]
The cloud hosting company provides security [1]
Data can be accessed from anywhere and from any device provided there is an internet
connection [1]
So teachers would be able to access data from home [1]
So students would be able to access work from home [1]
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