7/30/2019 T03 - Storage Devices

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Computer Studies 2014 Syllabus

Mr. A. Gatt Page 1 of 2

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 floppiesare 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]

7/30/2019 T03 - Storage Devices

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Computer Studies 2014 Syllabus

Mr. A. Gatt Page 2 of 2

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

1 1 1 1 0

1 1 1 1 0

1 0 1 0 0

1 0 1 0 0

0 0 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