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6.1.1 Give TWO reasons why the use of cache memory allows the CPU to perform tasks faster than when RAM is used - NSC Information Technology - Question 6 - 2020 - Paper 2
Question 6
6.1.1 Give TWO reasons why the use of cache memory allows the CPU to perform tasks faster than when RAM is used. 6.1.2 Name TWO other physical aspects of the CPU th... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:6.1.1 Give TWO reasons why the use of cache memory allows the CPU to perform tasks faster than when RAM is used - NSC Information Technology - Question 6 - 2020 - Paper 2
Step 1
Give TWO reasons why the use of cache memory allows the CPU to perform tasks faster than when RAM is used.
Answer
Cache memory is physically closer to the CPU, which reduces access time. Additionally, it stores frequently accessed data and instructions, allowing for faster retrieval compared to RAM.
Step 2
Step 3
The available memory (RAM) also has an influence on a computer's performance. Therefore, the operating system allocates additional memory if the available memory is limited. (a) What is the additional memory which is allocated by the operating system if required, called?
Answer
The additional memory allocated by the operating system is called 'virtual memory'.
Step 4
(b) Explain how the operating system uses the additional memory when required.
Answer
The operating system manages virtual memory by swapping less frequently used data from RAM to a designated space on the hard disk, allowing the RAM to be used for more immediate tasks. This process makes it possible to run applications even when physical RAM is full.