2.1.2 Hardware

the processor, main memory and the cache.

the processor, secondary memory and the cache.

the processor, main storage and the cache memory.

store programs while they are running and the data used by these programs.

temporarily store programs while they are running and the files used by these programs.

temporarily store programs while they are running and the data used by these programs.

improve the performance of the CPU.

improve the performance of RAM.

improve the performance of ROM.

how many instructions per minute the processor can execute.

how many instructions per second the processor can execute.

how many bits of data per second the processor can execute.

run: instructions are stored in main memory, fetched by the processor one at a time, decoded and executed.

run: instructions are stored in main memory, fetched by the processor, decoded and executed.

run: instructions are stored in main memory, fetched by the processor one at a time and executed.

a type of memory that is read-write and volatile. Used for main memory.

a type of memory that is read-only and non-volatile. Used for main memory.

a type of memory that is write only and volatile. Used for main memory.

volatile memory that is hard-coded at the time of manufacture. Stores the start up programs, the boot strap-loader.

non-volatile memory that is hard-coded at the time of manufacture. Stores the start up programs, the boot strap-loader.

memory that is hard-coded at the time of manufacture. Stores all programs, the boot strap-loader.

first program that is loaded into main memory from ROM when a computer is switched on. This will load the operating system from main memory.

first program that is loaded into main memory from RAM when a computer is switched on. This will load the operating system from secondary storage.

first program that is loaded into main memory from ROM when a computer is switched on. This will load the operating system from secondary storage.

loses its contents when the power is turned off, e.g. RAM.

loses its contents when the power is turned off, e.g. ROM.

retains its contents when the power is turned off, e.g. ROM.

doesn't lose its contents when the power is turned off, e.g. hard disk.

does lose its contents when the power is turned off, e.g. hard disk.

doesn't lose its contents when the power is turned off, e.g. RAM.

part of the hard-disk that is configured to behave like an extension to main memory (ROM).

part of the hard-disk that is configured to behave like an extension to main memory (RAM).

part of the hard-disk that is configured to replace main memory (RAM).

hard disks, tape and floppy disks.

hard disks, CDs and floppy disks.

hard disks, DVDs and floppy disks.

hard disks, CDs and floppy disks.

CDs & DVDs.

CDs, DVDs and mini-discs.

CDs, DVDs & memory sticks.

memory sticks, cameras and phones.

memory sticks, cameras and DVDs.