Unit #16 Objectives: Storage and Memory

The objective of unit Storage and Memory is to learn to recognize and understand the 11 key unit vocabulary terms. This is accomplished by completing the readings and other activities.

Unit Vocabulary

Below is a list of key vocabulary terms in this unit. You can also Print out the vocabulary list.

a non-volatile (permanent) memory type that is erasable via ultra-violet light and reprogrammable

EPROMs are popular for use in critical firmware applications, such as BIOS's, because they are both non-volatile and they can be updated when necessary.

a legacy storage device which can read and write data slowly from a removable magnetic medium (normally 3.5" in diameter and holding 1.44 MB of data)

Floppy disk drives were once included with almost all computers, but are now considered obsolete. They have been gradually replaced by DVD-R and USB drive technology.

a storage device using rotating magnetic platters to quickly store and retrieve digital data

A hard disk drive can fail at any time, normally causing data corruption and loss. So it is vitally important to have a backup routine in place.

A storage technique using patterns of charged particles on a metallic surface to store data; examples include hard disk drives, tape drives, floppy disk drives

Magnetic drives have been around since the 1950's and are typically used to store large amounts of data.

a data storage technique using a pattern of markings on a disc that can be read by a laser; examples include CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM technology

Optical storage is a good choice for distributing software packages because it has a good mix of storage size, portability, and a low cost to manufacture.

a type of computer memory known for being volatile (temporary) and fast.

My computer was performing slowly when changing programs, so my technician installed more RAM and this solved the problem.

a type of memory which is manufactured with permanent contents which cannot be modified

The boy gave a puzzled look when the man showed him an old Atari 800 computer ROM cartridge.

a type of storage using integrated circuits to store data; examples include RAM, ROM, and flash memory

All computers created today use at least some form of semiconductor storage.

a newer data storage device meant to replace a traditional hard disk drive; these are characterized by non-moving parts and lower energy consumption

Many new laptop models use solid-state drives, although they are more expensive and have less capacity than traditional hard disk drives.

A legacy storage device using magnetic ribbon inside a plastic cassette

The system administrator used to do a tape drive backup every week. Now he uses a DVD-R backup because it is cheaper and more reliable.

This is either dedicated or shared memory set aside specifically for the graphics processor

Modern games such as Quake IV load textures which can fill 512 megabytes of dedicated video memory.