Computer Science GCES AQA
-
Representing Algorithms Aqa4 主题
-
Efficiency Of Algorithms Aqa1 主题
-
Searching Algorithms Aqa3 主题
-
Sorting Algorithms Aqa3 主题
-
Data Types Aqa1 主题
-
Programming Concepts Aqa5 主题
-
Arithmetic Relational And Boolean Operations Aqa1 主题
-
Data Structures Aqa3 主题
-
String Manipulation Aqa1 主题
-
Random Number Generation Aqa1 主题
-
Structured Programming Aqa2 主题
-
Robust And Secure Programming Aqa4 主题
-
Number Bases Aqa2 主题
-
Converting Between Number Bases Aqa3 主题
-
Units Of Information Aqa9 主题
-
Hardware And Software Aqa4 主题
-
Boolean Logic Aqa3 主题
-
Programming Languages And Translators Aqa2 主题
-
Cpu Architecture Performance And Embedded Systems Aqa4 主题
-
Memory Aqa2 主题
-
Secondary Storage Aqa3 主题
-
Fundamentals Of Computer Networks Aqa8 主题
-
Fundamentals Of Cyber Security Aqa1 主题
-
Methods Of Preventing Cyber Security Threats Aqa1 主题
-
Relational Databases Aqa2 主题
-
Ethical Legal And Environmental Impacts Aqa2 主题
The Need For Secondary Storage Aqa
Exam code:8525
The Need for Secondary Storage
-
Computer systems need both main memory and secondary storage to operate
-
Both types of storage play a crucial role in the operation of a computer system
-
A quick comparison of main memory and secondary storage shows:
|
Main memory |
Secondary storage |
|---|---|
|
Volatile (with the exception of ROM) |
Non-volatile |
|
Small capacity |
Large capacity |
Why do you need secondary storage?
-
A computer needs secondary storage for long term storage of programs and data that are currently not in use
-
Secondary storage is needed as ROM is read only and RAM is volatile
-
Secondary storage holds the programs and data whilst the computer is turned off (non-volatile)
-
Performance of secondary storage is slower than primary storage but capacity is much higher which makes it perfect for backup & archive of data files
What are the characteristics of secondary storage?
-
Capacity – What is the maximum amount of data that can be stored?
-
Speed – How fast can data be read from and written to? (R/W)
-
Cost – How much does it cost?
-
Portability – How easy is it to move around? What is the physical size? Weight?
-
Durability – How robust is the storage?
-
Reliability – What is the probability that the device will consistently perform its function?
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
-
Responses