Grade 11 CAT - Storage, Memory and Processing - Summary

STORAGE, MEMORY AND PROCESSING
Module 1.3
Memory and Storage


What is Memory and Storage?


Memory
 Holds the data and instructions that the computer is using whilst it is on and working
 Memory is electronic
 Memory is fast to access
 Needs power to keep its contents (volatile)


Storage
 Holds programs and data far more permanently
 Magnetic (hard drive), optical (CD, DVD) or electronic (flash drives and SSD)
 Slow because its works mechanically
 Keeps contents even when computer is switched off (non-volatile)


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 Where the advert refers to RAM it indicates memory
 Terms such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive) and DVD writer refer to the
storage on the computer


Online Storage
 Disk space that is allocated to you on a server on the internet
 Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud etc


Advantages
 Accessible from anywhere on any device with internet access.
 Saves space on the user’s computer.
 Changes all in one place – all devices always the latest version
 Backup and security managed by storage provider
 Easy to share files with other people
 Data is still accessible even if your computer ‘crashes’ or is stolen