Explain why a computer needs both primary and secondary storage - OCR - GCSE Computer Science - Question 5 - 2023 - Paper 1
Question 5
Explain why a computer needs both primary and secondary storage.
A computer requires both primary and secondary storage for effective data management and processing... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain why a computer needs both primary and secondary storage - OCR - GCSE Computer Science - Question 5 - 2023 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain why a computer needs both primary and secondary storage.
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Answer
A computer requires both primary and secondary storage for effective data management and processing. Primary storage, such as RAM, provides fast access to data and instructions that the CPU is currently using, allowing for quick processing and execution of tasks. However, primary storage is volatile and loses its data when powered off.
Secondary storage, like hard drives or SSDs, serves as a long-term storage solution where data can be stored persistently even when the computer is turned off. This combination ensures that a computer can operate efficiently while retaining necessary data for future use.
Step 2
Give one example of a secondary storage device that the artist's computer will have and an example of the data that will be stored on it.
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Secondary storage device: External Hard Drive.
Example data: Backup of high-resolution images.
Step 3
The computer has Virtual Memory (VM). Re-write any statement that is incorrect in the False column by changing the statement to make it true.
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False statement: Data from ROM is transferred into VM.
Corrected statement: Data from RAM is transferred into VM.
Step 4
State the need for utility software in a computer.
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Utility software is essential for maintaining, managing, and optimizing computer resources, as it helps perform tasks like file management, system diagnostics, and disk cleanup. It ensures that the system runs efficiently and securely.
Step 5
Identify the computer that is acting as the client in this scenario and justify your choice.
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Client computer: The artist's computer.
Justification: The artist's computer uploads images to the website, requesting service from a remote server, therefore acting as the client.
Step 6
Identify the computer that is acting as the server in this scenario and justify your choice.
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Server computer: The web server hosting the website.
Justification: The server stores and manages data for the website and responds to requests from the artist's computer when images are uploaded.
Step 7
Describe two benefits to the artist and programmer of releasing the software as open source.
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Collaboration: Open source allows multiple developers to contribute, enhancing the software's features and security through community input.
Cost savings: Releasing the software as open source can reduce development costs as users can contribute to the codebase, allowing the artist and programmer to focus on new features.
Step 8
Describe one benefit to the users of releasing the software as open source.
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Users benefit from customization: They can modify the software to suit their specific needs, leading to a more tailored and satisfactory user experience.