IGCSE O-Level Computer Coursebook

Chapter 7: Memory, Storage Devices and Media

Q.1 Explain the difference between primary storage and secondary storage.
Ans: The primary storage of a computer is its cache memory (RAM) or its boot memory
(ROM). While the secondary storage of a computer would be directly attached drive unit or a
network-attached storage.
Q.2 Describe three ways in which RAM differs from ROM.
Ans: The differences are:

Random Access Memory Read Only Memory

1. RAM uses a volatile method to store 1. ROM uses a non-volatile method to

data and information.
2. RAM is usually higher in capacity
than ROM, but lower than HDDs.
3. RAM is completely open-source to
the user.
store data and information.
2. ROM is mostly the smallest capacity
storage.
3. ROM is restricted to the
manufacturer only.

Q.3 Explain how hard disk drive read and writes data.
Ans: Hard disk drives have an electromagnetic pin that uses the magnetic field to manipulate
arrays of data stored inside the disk. As the disk spins, the pin can then go from platers to
individual sectors of
Q.4 What enables a Blu-ray disk to hold more data than a compact disk?
Ans: All types of optical drives make use of a laser to read and right data into them. It is just
the architecture of the disk itself that sets it apart from themselves. Blu-rays usually have a
more suitable disks to go with higher frequency lasers, hence the tightly packed data for
greater capacities.
Q.5 A company sends out an electronic catalog to its customers. Suggest a suitable
storage medium and justify your choice with reasons,
Ans:
Q.6 A 16-bit color image is 4 inches × 1 inch in size, with a resolution of 600 dots per
inch. Calculate the storage requirements for this image.
Ans: The calculation is as follows:

4” × 1” = 4inch²
600dpi × 4inch² = 2400px
2400px × 16bit = 38400bit
38400bit ÷ 8 = 4800b
4800byte ÷ 1024 = 4.688Kb

Raihanul Kabir raihanulkbr@gmail.com +880 190852-5889

IGCSE O-Level Computer Coursebook
Chapter 7: Memory, Storage Devices and Media
Q.7 Explain why data on a magnetic tape may be accessed quickly or slowly.
Ans:
Q.8 Explain two reasons why solid-state storage is not as common in desktop PCs
and laptops as hard disk drives.
Ans: Solid-state storage is not as common as hard disk drives because they are generally
more expensive and they contain less capacity than typical HDD.

Raihanul Kabir raihanulkbr@gmail.com +880 190852-5889