LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Design a wix page template for Computer Science.
SUCCESS CRITERIA
Success Criteria:
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Define the term Virtual memory and why we used it..
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know the purpose of Virtual learning
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To be able to calculate the size of a file.
1.2 Memory
Learners should have studied the following:
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the difference between RAM and ROM
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the purpose of ROM in a computer system
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the purpose of RAM in a computer system
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the need for virtual memory
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flash memory.
EXAM TIP
People often interchange “memory” with “storage,” and vice-versa.
EXAM TIP
People often interchange “memory” with “storage,” and vice-versa.
did you know?
HOME LEARNING
MEMORY - LESSON 2
STARTER
Write down 3 facts you have learned from last lesson.
KEYWORDS
Virtual memory: A section of the hard disc used as if were RAM to supplement the amount of main memory available to the computer.
Operating system - the software that support computer's functions.
Paging - Separating data into sections called pages and switching the storage of them between RAM and Virtual memory depending on how often they are used.
the principles of Flash memory
virtual MEMORY
Memory and computer performance
It was mentioned that data and programs are stored in RAM, ready for use by the CPU. But there is only a limited amount of RAM available in any computer system.
What happens when you run out of memory?
Answer: the computer stops running or 'crashes' unless the operating system deals with it intelligently.
Therefore you must be careful that you work within the limitations of the RAM you have available. If you only have a modest amount of memory, then only open one or two applications at the same time. The more memory you have available the more applications you can have open at the same time.
Although the amount of RAM is limited, the operating system uses some clever tricks to make part of the hard disk appear as extra RAM. This is called 'virtual memory'. But it is very slow compared to 'real' RAM and so the operating system may give a warning such as 'you are low on virtual memory, please close some applications'.
You must have enough RAM installed in the computer to run the applications you intend use. This minimum is usually stated on the side of the box it came in. Even the operating system has to have a minimum amount of RAM for it to run.
A typical home computer will have about 1 to 4 Gigabytes of RAM whilst a supercomputer will have Terabytes in order to process a huge amount of data.
Video
Watch the Virtual video and make notes on Virtual memory. Identify the advantages and disadvantages of Virtual memory.
taSK 1
Answer the following questions
1. What is virtual memory?
2. How does installing more RAM affect the performance of the computer?
3 Name three components that could be updated to improve the performance of a computer?
4. Jackson decide to increase the RAM in his PC from 4 GB to 8 GB. He was disappointed to find no noticeable increase in his computer's performance. Explain why this may be be case.
TASK 2
Click on the link below to complete the worksheet.