A school is purchasing new computers. The specification includes 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD and a 3.2 GHz processor. (a) Explain why the amount of RAM affects th...
Question 1 Report
A school is purchasing new computers. The specification includes 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD and a 3.2 GHz processor.
(a) Explain why the amount of RAM affects the performance of a computer. [2]
(b) Explain the difference between RAM and an SSD (Solid State Drive). [2]
(c) Explain what '3.2 GHz processor' means and how it affects performance. [2]
Answer Details
(a) More RAM allows the computer to hold more programs and data in active memory at the same time. [1] When RAM is insufficient, the operating system must swap data between RAM and the much slower storage drive (a process called virtual memory or paging), which significantly slows the computer down. [1]
(b) The difference between RAM and an SSD:
- RAM is temporary (volatile) memory used to store data and programs that are currently being used by the processor. Its contents are lost when the computer is turned off. [1]
- An SSD (Solid State Drive) is permanent (non-volatile) storage used to store files, programs and the operating system. Data on the SSD is retained when the computer is turned off. [1]
(c) A "3.2 GHz processor" means the processor's clock runs at 3.2 gigahertz, which is 3.2 billion clock cycles per second. [1] A higher clock speed means the processor can execute more instructions in a given time period, making the computer faster at running programs and completing tasks. [1]
Download The App On Google Playstore
Everything you need to excel in your exams
