Why does a computer need primary storage as well as secondary storage?

Primary storage, the purposes of RAM and ROM, volatile and non-volatile memory, cache and the speed ranking of storage, and how virtual memory works when RAM is full.

What you need to know

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Key term

State three differences between RAM and ROM.

Key term

Rank cache, RAM and secondary storage by access speed, fastest first.

Key term

What is primary storage?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
What is primary storage?
Model answer
Primary storage is the memory that the CPU can access directly. Primary storage holds the data and instructions currently in use.
2
Why does a computer need primary storage as well as secondary storage?
Model answer
The CPU needs very fast access to the programs and data it is running. Secondary storage is far too slow for the CPU to work from directly.
3
Which types of memory make up primary storage?
Model answer
Primary storage is usually made up of RAM and ROM. Cache is also a form of primary storage.
4
What does RAM stand for, and what is its purpose?
Model answer
RAM stands for random access memory. RAM holds the operating system, programs and data that are currently in use.
5
What does ROM stand for, and what is its purpose?
Model answer
ROM stands for read-only memory. ROM holds the start-up instructions, such as the BIOS, that get the computer running when it is switched on.
6
What does it mean to say that RAM is volatile?
Model answer
Volatile memory loses its contents when the power is switched off. RAM needs a constant power supply to keep its data.

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