Computer Studies 2014 Syllabus

Test 03 Computer Storage

1. Complete the following paragraph. [8] Main memory usually is made up of the _________. This is not considered to be permanent storage because files are deleted when the computer is switched off; so this device is considered to be _________. The ROM stores a program called _________ which starts up the computer. ROM is not read and _________, since data can only be read from it. Although ROM is still used nowadays there is a newer version called _________ which allows data to be changed. An essential and most commonly used device for permanent storage is the _________ which can store up to _________ GB of data. An example of another secondary storage is the _________.

2.

Mention two devices which use flash memory. [2]

3. Why is flash memory preferred in gadgets over other type of storage such as a DVD? [2] 4. There are two types of RAM (dynamic and static). Mention a difference between them and one use for each. [2,2] 5. State under which category (Electronic, Magnetic or Optical) these devices fall: [4] CD, Floppy, DVD, Hard Disk, Tape, RAM, ROM, Flash Memory 6. Mention one advantage of the floppy when it was popular and mention two reasons why floppies are not used anymore. [1,2] 7. Draw what happens to the surface of the floppy when it is formatted (make sure to use labelling). [5] 8. What is the purpose of the write-protect tab in a floppy? [1] 9. Explain what a cylinder is in terms of hard disk; you can use a diagram to help you with your answer. [2] 10. What does RPM represent in terms of hard-disks? [2] 11. What is a filing systems and what is its purpose? [2] 12. The tape can only use serial data access. What does this mean? [2]

Mr. A. Gatt

Page 1 of 2

Computer Studies 2014 Syllabus

13. Consider the following data stored on tape using an even parity check. 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

a) What is parity checking used for? [2] b) What would be the parity number generated in this case? [2]

14. Draw how data blocks are saved on tape. [3] 15. How is data represented in optical devices? [2] 16. Draw the different layers found on a CD. [4] 17. What is the difference between a CD and DVD? Explain your answer in technical terms. [2] 18. Explain the difference between these 3 devices: CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW. [3]

Total Marks: 55

Mr. A. Gatt

Page 2 of 2