Cache memory

Cache memory, also called CPU memory, is random access memory (RAM) that a computer microprocessor can access more quickly than it can access regular RAM. This memory is typically integrated directly with the CPU chip or placed on a separate chip that has a separate bus interconnect with the CPU

Virtual memory

Virtual memory:

Extra memory used by RAM. It obtains this memory via page swapping with the backing store. It takes a long time to open up as it has to spin disks and fully run the program. The next time you open it, it will not take as long to run the program as the address is saved so it can be accessed quicker.

Data Bus

A data bus is a computer subsystem that allows the transferring of data from one component to another on a motherboard or system board, or between two computers. This can include transferring data to and from the central processing unit (CPU) to other components. Each one is designed to handle so many bits of data at a time. The amount of data a data bus can handle is bandwidth. 

A typical data bus is 32-bits wide. This means that up to 32 bits of data can travel through a data bus every second. Newer computers are making data buses that can handle 64-bit and even 96-bit data paths. At the same time they are making data buses to handle more bits, they are also making devices that can handle those higher bitrates. 

Data Protection Principles

A law designed to protect personal data stored on a computer or in a organised paper filing system.

The act contains eight “Data Protection Principles”. These specify that personal data must be:

1. Processed fairly and lawfully.

2. Obtained for specified and lawful purposes.

3. Adequate, relevant and not excessive.

4. Accurate and up to date.

5. Not kept any longer than necessary.

6. Processed in accordance with the “data subject’s” (the individual’s) rights.

7. Securely kept.

8. Not transferred to any other country without adequate protection for the rights and freedoms of data subjects in relation to the processing of personal data. 

Backing Storage

Backing storage (sometimes known as secondary storage) is the name for all other data storage devices in a computer: Hard drive, etc.

Backing storage is usually non-volatile, so it is generally used to store data for a long time.

Backing storage devices are slower to access, but can hold data permanently. Memory is fast to access, but only holds data temporarily. 

The Need For RAM

The Need For RAM

1. State what the initials RAM stand for:

Random Access Memory

2. Explain why this type of memory is called ‘random access’ and how this affects the
speed at which data can be retrieved from it.

You can read data that is stored in RAM and you can change/write data stored in RAM at any point-randomly without needing to start at the first memory location.

3. What is the main function of RAM in a computer?

It saves data by randomly saving it somewhere on the RAM and then clearing the space. This makes it able to save information quickly.

4. (a) In what form is data saved in RAM?

It is saved in binary
(b) How much data can be saved in each memory location?
It is in 1 byte or 1 bit

You can think of a bus as a highway on which data travels within a computer. When used in reference to personal computers, the term bus usually refers to internal bus. This is a bus that connects all the internal computer components to the CPU and main memory.

ROM

Read-only memory (ROM) is a class of storage medium used in computers and other electronic devices.
Short for Read-Only Memory, ROM is a type of "built-in" memory that is used with computers and other electronic devices. As the name indicates, data stored in ROM may only be read; it is either modified with extreme difficulty or not at all.