Information Technology in FOCUS for CSEC

SECTION 1 OF SYLLABUS: CHAPTER 3: Primary Storage Device Uses and Functions

Activity # 3

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Chapter 3: Primary Storage Device Uses and Functions

Examination based short answer questions

INSTRUCTION: Answer all questions in your own words as accurately as possible.

1. Explain what is meant by primary storage. (1 mark)

Possible Solution
Primary storage is referred to as the main storage or memory. Primary storage devices provide
quick access and high transfer speeds.

2. RAM and ROM are both primary storages.

(i) State TWO similarities and TWO differences between both of them. (4 marks)

Possible Solution

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ROM AND RAM

1) RAM is Random Access Memory.
ROM is Read Only Memory.

2) RAM is the memory available for the operating system, programs and processes to
use when the computer is running.
ROM is the memory that comes with your computer that is pre-written to hold the
instructions for booting-up the computer.

3) RAM requires a flow of electricity to retain data (e.g. the computer powered on).
ROM will retain data without the flow of electricity (e.g. when computer is powered
off).

4) RAM is a type of volatile memory. Data in RAM is not permanently written. When you
power off your computer the data stored in RAM is deleted.
ROM is a type of non- volatile memory. Data in ROM is permanently written and is
not erased when you power off your computer.

5) There are different types of RAM, including DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)
and SRAM (Static Random Access Memory).
There are different types of ROM, including PROM (programmable read-only memory)
1
Information Technology in FOCUS for CSEC
SECTION 1 OF SYLLABUS: CHAPTER 3: Primary Storage Device Uses and Functions

that is manufactured as blank memory (e.g. a CD-ROM) and EPROM (erasable

programmable read-only memory).

SIMILARITIES BETWEEN ROM AND RAM

1) There are many differences between RAM and ROM memory but there are also a
couple similarities (and these are very easy to remember). Both types of memory
used by a computer, and they are both required for your computer to operate
properly and efficiently.

2) RAM and ROM has one thing in similar ie both of them are hardware components in
the motherboard. Both of them serve for somewhat similar purpose ie storing although
in a different way. ROM /BIOS (BASIC INPUT OUTPUT SYSTEM) both of them have flat
shape. RAM (Random Access Memory) can be modified. ROM (Read only memory) is
just that, Read only. Both are "chip" based memory, but only RAM can me modified.

(ii) Briefly explain the terms volatile and non – volatile (2 marks)

Possible Solution

1) VOLATILE MEMORY: Memory that loses its contents when the power is turned off.
All RAM except the CMOS RAM used for the BIOS is volatile. ROM, on the other hand,
is non-volatile.

2) NON - VOLATILE MEMORY: Computer memory that is not lost when power is
switched off. Data stored on magnetic (disk, diskette, tape) or magnetic-optical
(CD, DVD) media, and in some semiconductor (silicon) devices is non-volatile,
whereas that stored on silicon random access memory (RAM) is volatile and is lost
on loss of power.

3. There are several types of RAM.

(i) List TWO types of RAM. (2 marks)

Possible Solution

1) Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), or Dynamic RAM

2) Static Random Access Memory (SRAM)

2
Information Technology in FOCUS for CSEC
SECTION 1 OF SYLLABUS: CHAPTER 3: Primary Storage Device Uses and Functions

(ii) Explain the difference between the TWO. (2 marks)

Possible Solution

1) SRAM is static while DRAM is dynamic

2) SRAM is faster compared to DRAM
3) SRAM consumes less power than DRAM
4) SRAM uses more transistors per bit of memory compared to DRAM
5) SRAM is more expensive than DRAM

6) Cheaper DRAM is used in main memory while SRAM is commonly used in cache
memory

4. There are several types of ROM.

(i) List THREE types of ROM. (3 marks)

Possible Solution

1) PROM - Programmable Read Only Memory

2) EPROM - Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory
3) EEPROM - Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory
4) Flash EEPROM memory

(ii) Explain ANY TWO. (4 marks)

Possible Solution

1) PROM
PROM stands for Programmable Read Only Memory. This form of ROM is
initially blank. The user or manufacturer can write data/program on it by using
special devices. However, once the program or data is written in PROM chip, it
cannot be changed. If there is an error in writing instructions or data in PROM,
the error cannot be erased. PROM chip becomes unusable.

2) EPROM
EPROM stands for Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory. This form of
ROM is also initially blank. The user or manufacturer can write program or data
on it by using special devices. Unlike PROM, the data written in EPROM chip
can be erased by using special devices and ultraviolet rays. So program or data
written in EPROM chip can be changed and new data can also be added. When
EPROM is in use, its contents can only be read.
3
Information Technology in FOCUS for CSEC
SECTION 1 OF SYLLABUS: CHAPTER 3: Primary Storage Device Uses and Functions

3) EEPROM
EEPROM stands for Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory.
This kind of ROM can be written or changed with the help of electrical devices.
So data stored in this type of ROM chip can be easily modified.

5. List THREE devices that can be considered as a ROM. (3 marks)

Possible Solution
CD-Rom
CD-R
CD-RW

6. You are typing your assignment one night and the power goes out shutting down the
computer. When the power returns you turn on the computer and realize that all your
information is lost.
(i) Explain why your data was lost from the computer’s memory. (2 marks)

Possible Solution
All the data was lost from the computer’s memory because the data was temporarily
stored in RAM and ram requires a continuous supply of power to keep information (volatile)
so when the power goes out so does all the memory stored in RAM causing complete data
loss.

7. State one difference between the following;

(i) ROM and an EPROM. (2 marks)

Possible Solution

1) Difference between these two lies in the possibility of modification of their contents.
ROM once created by manufacturer cannot be modified in any way whereas EPROM chips
are custom made to accommodate individual user needs they can be erased and rewritten
again.

(ii) RAM and a PROM. (2 marks)

Possible Solution

1) ROM: ROM is only programmable once. For example, it could be programmed at the factory
where they make the chip. And indeed, it’s usually used in firmly hardcoded chips made by
the company.

4
Information Technology in FOCUS for CSEC
SECTION 1 OF SYLLABUS: CHAPTER 3: Primary Storage Device Uses and Functions

2) RAM: RAM is a volatile memory and requires power in order to keep the data accessible, if
power is lost all data contained in memory lost.

(iii) PROM and an EPROM.

(2 marks)
Possible Solution

1) EPROM (Electronic Programmable Read Only Memory) chips can be erased if it needs to be
updated or fixed. It can be erased electronically only these are comparatively expensive than
PROMs.

2) PROM is the Programmable ROM that allows the user to store data. An instrument called a
PROM programmer does the storing by 'burning in', once the data has been burned, the data
cannot be erased. On the other hand, an EPROM allows the data to be erased by the help of
uv lights. i.e EPROM is uv light erasable and electrically reprogrammable.

8. You are using your computer and suddenly the power went off. What would happen to the
data in the RAM? (2 marks)

Possible Solution
The data would be lost.

9. Give an example of an instruction contained in the ROM. (1 mark)

Possible Solution
BIOS

10. Store programs and data that are currently being used by the processor. (1 mark)

Possible Solution
RAM

11. What can be done to prevent data loss from a computer memory when the computer is shut
down? (2 mark)

Possible Solution
Follow proper shutdown procedures

12. What do the following acronyms stand for? (5 marks)

Possible Solution

5
Information Technology in FOCUS for CSEC
SECTION 1 OF SYLLABUS: CHAPTER 3: Primary Storage Device Uses and Functions

(i) PROM - Programmable Read-Only Memory

(ii) EPROM - Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory
(iii) EEPROM - Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory
(iv) CD – ROM - Compact Disc Read-Only Memory
(v) CD –RW - Compact Disc-ReWritable

13. Which of the following increase the speed of data transference in a computer system:
(1 mark)
(i) ROM
(ii) RAM

Possible Solution
RAM

14. Identify the types of memory seen below: (4 marks)

(i) (iii)
RAM RAM

(ii)
(iv)
EPROM
PROM

TOTAL 45 MARKS