Results
#1. Optical discs are read and written using a:
Optical discs use a laser to read and write data. The laser detects patterns on the disc surface.
#2. Cache memory that is built directly into the processor is typically labelled:
Level 1 cache is the smallest and fastest, built into the processor core. Higher levels are larger but slower.
#3. Which of the following is volatile memory?
RAM is volatile, losing its contents without power. ROM and storage media retain data without power.
#4. A byte is able to represent how many distinct values?
A byte of eight bits can represent 2 to the power 8, which is 256 distinct values. This ranges from 0 to 255.
#5. The main memory directly accessible to the processor is also called:
Main memory is sometimes called the immediate access store because the CPU can reach it directly. Secondary storage is the backing store.
#6. A bit can hold one of how many possible values?
A bit can hold one of two values, 0 or 1. This is the basis of binary representation.
#7. A small portable storage device using flash memory that plugs into a USB port is a:
A USB flash drive uses flash memory and connects through a USB port. It is portable and non-volatile.
#8. ROM is described as non-volatile memory because it:
ROM is non-volatile and retains its contents without power. It typically holds start-up instructions.
#9. In binary terms, one kilobyte is exactly:
In binary terms a kilobyte is 2 to the power 10, which is 1,024 bytes. The decimal approximation is one thousand.
#10. The main advantage of ROM for holding start-up instructions is that it:
ROM keeps its contents when the power is off, so it can reliably hold the instructions needed to start the computer. This is its key advantage.
#11. When a computer is switched off, data held only in RAM is:
Because RAM is volatile, any data held only in RAM is lost when power is removed. This is why saving to storage matters.
#12. The term memory in computing most directly refers to:
Memory refers to the components that store data and instructions for the CPU. RAM and ROM are the main types.
#13. Storage that holds data permanently but cannot be accessed directly by the CPU is called:
Secondary storage, such as a hard disk, holds data permanently but is not directly accessed by the CPU. Data must be loaded into main memory first.
#14. Reducing the size of a file so it takes up less storage is called:
Compression reduces file size so that files occupy less storage and transfer faster. It can be lossless or lossy.
#15. Flash memory is a type of storage that is:
Flash memory is non-volatile and can be electrically erased and rewritten. It is used in memory cards and solid-state drives.
#16. The abbreviation RAM stands for:
RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It is the main working memory of a computer.
#17. The reason programs are loaded from disk into RAM before running is that:
Programs are loaded into RAM because the CPU works with main memory, not directly with disk. RAM is fast enough for execution.
#18. Approximately how many bytes are in one kilobyte?
A kilobyte is about one thousand bytes. In binary terms it is 1,024 bytes.
#19. Cache memory is generally ___ than main memory.
Cache is smaller in capacity but faster than main memory. This trade-off is central to the memory hierarchy.
#20. The number of bits in one byte is:
There are eight bits in one byte. This is a fundamental unit relationship in computing.
#21. The smallest unit of data in a computer is the:
A bit is the smallest unit of data, holding a single binary value of 0 or 1. Larger units are built from bits.
#22. A DVD can store more data than a CD mainly because it:
A DVD stores data more densely than a CD, giving it greater capacity. Blu-ray discs are denser still.
#23. When RAM is full, data may be temporarily moved to disk in an area called the:
Swap space is disk space used to hold data moved out of RAM when it is full. It supports virtual memory.
#24. A memory card commonly used in cameras and phones typically uses:
Memory cards use flash memory to store data. They are compact and non-volatile.
#25. The purpose of cache memory is to:
Cache holds frequently used data and instructions to reduce the time the CPU waits for main memory. This improves performance.
#26. Compared with secondary storage, primary memory is generally:
Primary memory is faster but costs more per unit of capacity than secondary storage. This is why computers have limited RAM but large disks.
#27. A type of RAM that does not need constant refreshing and is faster is:
Static RAM holds data without refreshing and is faster than dynamic RAM. It is often used for cache.
#28. The main advantage of secondary storage over main memory is that it:
Secondary storage retains data without power and provides large capacity at low cost. It is slower than main memory.
#29. Which sequence lists the units from smallest to largest?
From smallest to largest the order is bit, byte, kilobyte, megabyte. Each unit is larger than the one before.
#30. The read/write head of a hard disk moves across the surface of the:
The read/write head moves across the spinning platter to access data. The platter is coated with magnetic material.
#31. Using part of the hard disk to act as an extension of RAM is called:
Virtual memory uses disk space to simulate additional RAM. It allows larger programs to run than physical RAM alone would permit.
#32. RAM is described as volatile memory because it:
RAM is volatile, meaning its contents are lost when power is removed. This is why work must be saved to storage.
#33. A CD, DVD or Blu-ray disc is an example of:
CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray discs are optical storage media. Data is read and written using a laser.
#34. Compared with a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive is generally:
A solid-state drive is generally faster and more resistant to shock than a hard disk because it has no moving parts. It is often more expensive per unit of capacity.
#35. A type of ROM that can be erased using ultraviolet light and reprogrammed is:
Erasable Programmable ROM can be erased with ultraviolet light and reprogrammed. It is a variant of ROM.
#36. The instructions a computer uses to start up, often stored in ROM, are called the:
The Basic Input Output System is start-up firmware often stored in ROM. It initialises hardware when the computer is switched on.
#37. The start-up firmware and the memory that holds it are examples of:
Start-up firmware is held in non-volatile memory so it survives power loss. This allows the computer to boot.
#38. Storage capacity of modern hard disks is most commonly measured in:
Modern hard disk capacity is commonly measured in gigabytes and terabytes. These units express large amounts of storage.
#39. The process of copying data to a separate medium for safekeeping is called:
A backup is a copy of data kept for safekeeping in case the original is lost. Magnetic tape and external drives are common backup media.
#40. A memory module commonly plugged into a motherboard to provide RAM is a:
A Dual In-line Memory Module is a common form of RAM module plugged into the motherboard. It provides the computer’s working memory.
#41. The contents of ROM are usually written:
ROM contents are typically written by the manufacturer and are not meant to be changed easily. They hold essential start-up code.
#42. The unit that is about one thousand gigabytes is the:
A terabyte is about one thousand gigabytes. It is commonly used to describe large disk capacities.
#43. Registers are faster than cache, and cache is faster than:
In the memory hierarchy, registers are fastest, then cache, then main memory. Speed decreases as capacity increases down the hierarchy.
#44. One byte is most commonly used to represent:
One byte is commonly used to represent a single character, such as a letter or digit. Character encodings map characters to byte values.
#45. A type of ROM that can be programmed once by the user after manufacture is:
Programmable ROM can be written once by the user after manufacture. After that its contents are fixed.
#46. A storage medium consisting of a long strip wound on reels, used mainly for backup, is:
Magnetic tape stores data on a long magnetic strip. It is used mainly for archiving and backup because it is cheap for large volumes.
#47. Which of the following is non-volatile?
ROM is non-volatile and retains its contents without power. RAM, cache and registers are volatile.
#48. A group of four bits is sometimes called a:
A nibble is a group of four bits, or half a byte. It corresponds to one hexadecimal digit.
#49. Data written once to a disc that cannot then be changed is described by the suffix:
A disc labelled ROM, such as CD-ROM, is read-only after writing. RW discs, by contrast, can be rewritten.
#50. Which unit is larger than a gigabyte?
A terabyte is larger than a gigabyte, being about one thousand gigabytes. The order continues with petabytes.
#51. A group of eight bits is called a:
A byte consists of eight bits. It is the standard unit for representing a single character.
#52. Access to any location in RAM takes roughly the same time regardless of position, which is why it is called:
RAM allows any location to be accessed in about the same time, hence random access. Magnetic tape, by contrast, uses sequential access.
#53. The number of bytes represented by 2 to the power 10 is:
Two raised to the power ten equals 1,024. This is the exact number of bytes in a binary kilobyte.
#54. Approximately how many kilobytes are in one megabyte?
A megabyte is about one thousand kilobytes. In binary terms it is 1,024 kilobytes.
#55. A small, very fast memory between the CPU and main memory is the:
Cache is a small, very fast memory that stores frequently used data close to the CPU. It speeds up access.
#56. A modern variant of ROM that can be erased and rewritten electrically is:
Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM can be erased and rewritten using electrical signals. It underlies flash memory.
#57. In the memory hierarchy, the fastest storage closest to the CPU is the:
Registers inside the CPU are the fastest storage in the hierarchy. They hold data currently being processed.
#58. A storage device with no moving parts that uses flash memory is a:
A solid-state drive uses flash memory and has no moving parts. It is generally faster and more durable than a hard disk.
#59. A rewritable optical disc is indicated by the suffix:
The suffix RW, as in CD-RW, indicates a rewritable optical disc. Its contents can be erased and written again.
#60. Storing data on remote servers accessed over the internet is known as:
Cloud storage keeps data on remote servers accessed over the internet. It allows access from many devices.
#61. A hard disk drive stores data on:
A hard disk drive stores data magnetically on spinning platters. Read and write heads access the surfaces.
#62. The memory that a computer uses as its main working area while running programs is:
RAM serves as the main working memory while programs run. The CPU reads and writes to it directly.
#63. Secondary storage is sometimes called:
Secondary storage is often called the backing store. It holds data and programs not currently in use.
#64. Organising a storage device to prepare it for use, erasing existing data, is called:
Formatting prepares a storage device for use and typically erases existing data. It sets up the file system.
#65. Magnetic tape is described as a sequential access medium because data must be read:
Magnetic tape is sequential, so reaching a particular item may require reading through preceding data. This makes it slower for random access.
#66. Approximately how many megabytes are in one gigabyte?
A gigabyte is about one thousand megabytes. In binary terms it is 1,024 megabytes.
#67. Main memory that the CPU can access directly is called:
Primary memory, such as RAM and ROM, can be accessed directly by the CPU. It is fast but limited in size.
#68. Adding more RAM to a computer generally allows it to:
More RAM lets a computer keep more programs and data in working memory at once. This can improve responsiveness.
#69. The abbreviation ROM stands for:
ROM stands for Read Only Memory. Its contents are normally fixed and not easily changed.
#70. A type of RAM that must be constantly refreshed to retain data is:
Dynamic RAM must be refreshed constantly to hold its data. It is used for main memory because it is cheaper.