Computer Knowledge

Computer Memory and Storage

2,477 Questions

Computer memory and storage questions test foundational knowledge of hardware, cache mapping, and data transfer mechanisms. Key areas include Direct Memory Access, analog recording, and RAID levels. This section is essential for candidates preparing for banking and government computer proficiency tests.

Cache memory mappingDirect memory accessRAID storage levelsHard disk technologyOptical media storageMemory addresses

Computer Memory and Storage Questions

Multiple choice

The hardware in which data may be stored for a computer system is called

  1. Registers

  2. Bus

  3. Control unit

  4. Memory
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Memory is the hardware component where data and instructions are stored for processing by the computer system. Registers are temporary CPU storage, bus is a communication pathway, and control unit directs operations - none are primary data storage.

Multiple choice

Winchester disk is

  1. disk stack

  2. removable disk

  3. flexible disk

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Winchester disk refers to a sealed hard disk drive with multiple platters stacked together on a spindle. It is not removable or flexible like floppy disks - the disk stack is permanently sealed inside the drive.

Multiple choice

Which of the following are loaded into main memory when the computer is booted?

  1. Internal command instructions

  2. External command instructions

  3. Utility programs

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

In DOS, internal commands (like DIR, COPY, CD) are built into COMMAND.COM and are loaded into main memory during the boot process. External commands and utility programs remain on disk until invoked.

Multiple choice

Which of the following statements is false regarding a live CD?

  1. It is a complete bootable computer installation

  2. It is a read/write disc

  3. It can be used for data recovery

  4. A live CD can be used to troubleshoot hardware

  5. A live CD can be used for stealing passwords
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

A live CD, live DVD, or live disc is a complete bootable computer installation including operating system which runs in a computer's memory, rather than loading from a hard disk drive; the CD itself is read-only.

Multiple choice

In which addressing mode, the effective address of the operand is generated by adding a constant value to the contents of register?

  1. Absolute mode

  2. Indirect mode

  3. Immediate mode

  4. Index mode
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Index addressing mode computes the effective address by adding a displacement (constant) to the contents of an index register. Absolute mode uses only a constant address in the instruction, indirect mode dereferences a pointer to get the address, and immediate mode embeds the operand value directly in the instruction.

Multiple choice

Moving process from main memory to disk is called

  1. Scheduling

  2. Caching

  3. Swapping

  4. Spooling
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Swapping is the process of moving entire processes between main memory and secondary storage (disk) to free up RAM when needed. Scheduling determines which process runs on the CPU, caching stores frequently-used data in faster memory, and spooling buffers output for devices like printers.

Multiple choice

______ is temporary and ______ is permanent.

  1. Storage, Memory

  2. Memory, Storage

  3. Disk Storage

  4. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Memory (RAM) is volatile - it loses data when power is turned off, making it temporary. Storage devices like hard drives and SSDs retain data without power, making them permanent. This is a fundamental distinction in computer architecture.