KS3 Computer Science
Computer Hardware: Memory and Storage
Name: Class: Teacher:
Introduction
The storage of data and instructions is important because the CPU needs to be able to
access the data or instructions quickly and easily and the a user needs to be able to
store their work for future use. The computer two type of storage for this data:
• Primary memory
• Secondary storage
Primary memory is memory that is used to store data that is being used, is about to be
used or has been used by the CPU (Central Processing Unit).
Secondary storage is used to store longer-term data such as work stored by the user or
software that the user needs.
Types of Memory
There are two type of memory that your computer uses:
• Volatile memory
• Non-volatile memory.
Volatile memory is memory that is deleted when the power to the computer system is
turned on. In other words it needs power to hold what is stored on it.
Non-volatile memory does not need power to retain what is stored on it. This is used to
store files that that you need to use the next time the computer is turned on.
To see how it
developed watch
this video.
Primary Memory Hardware
Read Only Memory (ROM)
The ROM is used to store data or instructions that do not need to
be changed. An example of this is the BIOS (Basic In Out System)
which is a set of instructions that the CPU uses when the
computer is first switched on.
The data that is stored on the ROM is required every time the
computer is turned on and therefore this memory is non-volatile. In other words it can
store the data when the power is turned off.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
The RAM makes up the bulk of the memory that is used in computer systems. RAM does
store data when the power is turned off so it is volatile data. Usually the data in the RAM
can be accessed quicker than the ROM
wherever it happens to be stored.
RAM is used to store the data and instructions
that the CPU is currently using and data and
software applications that the user is currently
using.
If you want to
know how it
works watch
this video.
Activity 1: Primary Memory and Secondary Storage
Question 1
What is primary memory?
Question 2
What is secondary storage?
Question 3
What is meant by volatile memory?
Question 4
What is meant by non-volatile memory?
Question 5
What does ROM stand for?
Question 6
What is ROM used for?
Question 7
What does RAM stand for?
Question 8
What is RAM used for?
Secondary Storage Types
Magnetic Storage Devices
Device: Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
Use: Stores data when the computer is switched off
so that it can be used later by the computer system
or the user.
Advantages:
• Very large storage capacity
• Relatively cheap for large capacities
compared to flash memory storage
devices.
Disadvantages:
• Easily damaged by knocks, heat and
magnetic fields.
• Not as suitable for removeable
devices compared to flash memory as
hard disk should not be moved when
in use.
Device: Floppy Disk
Use: Older form of storage used to transport data from one computer to another. Not
commonly used today as technology has moved on.
Advantages:
• Easily transported
• Older computers can use them
• Not as easily damaged as hard disks
Disadvantages
• Not commonly used in newer
computers
• Very small storage capacity
• Easily lost or stolen
• Can be damaged by magnetic fields or mishandling.
If you want to know how
hard disk drives
work watch this
video.
Optical Storage Devices
Device: CD (Compact Disk)
Use: This was originally used for storing music. Later CD drives for computers were able
to read and write data to the disks. CDs can store about 700 mb of data which is about
80 minutes of music. Computer games are often sold on CD-ROM as these cannot be
erased.
Advantages:
• Write once (CD-R) are cheap to buy.
• CD-RWs can be written on more than once.
• All modern computers can use them.
Disadvantages:
• CD-ROM cannot be written to after manufacture.
• Small capacity compared to DVD, Blu-ray, flash-memory
• Easily damaged, e.g. scratches
Device: DVD (Digital Versatile Disk)
Use: This mainly used for storing videos and movies. It has a larger capacity than a CD
depending on the type of DVD used but single sided DVDs can store 4.7 gb and
double sided 9 gb. DVD-ROM is used to store computer software for sale.
Advantages:
• Write once are cheap to buy
• All modern computers can use them
• Large storage capacity
Disadvantages:
• Rewritable DVD-RWs are expensive
• Double-layer DVDs are expensive
• Some devices cannot use the plus and minus type of DVD
• Cannot be used on CD drives of older computers
• Easily damaged, e.g. scratches.
The name “Blu-ray” comes
Device: Blue-ray from the type of laser used
- it has a short wavelength
Use: They are used to store very large amounts of
in the blue-violet part of the
data and is typically used for high-definition audio
spectrum.
and video.
Advantages:
• Very large storage capacity
Disadvantages:
• Devices and media are expensive.
• Not useable by CD or DVD drives.
• Easily damaged, e.g. scratches
If you want to know how
optical storage devices
work watch this video.
Flash Memory Storage Devices
Device: USB Memory Sticks, SD Cards, Mirco SD Cards, Solid State Drives (SDD)
Use: These devices are used to store and transport data between computers. They are
used to store working files, music and videos. Solid State Drives can (SSD) also be found
in laptops and desktops as a replacement for Hard Disk Drives (HDD).
Advantages:
• All modern computers can use flash memory via USB
• Large storage capacity
• Not easily damaged.
Disadvantages:
• Very expensive for large capacity devices compared to hard disk drives.
• They can only be used reliably about 10,000 times approximately.
• Easily lost or stolen when used as removable media.
If you want to know how
flash memory works
watch this video.
Activity 2: Secondary Storage
Question 1
What are the three types of secondary storage?
Type 1:
Type 2:
Type 3:
Question 2
Fill in the table below:
Primary Memory
Storage Device Magnetic, Optical
Name Or
Image Or Flash
Secondary Storage
Question 3
What is virtual memory?
HOUSE POINT ACTIVITY
How does a computer store data on a Hard Disk Drive (HDD)?
