Page 59 - Computer_Science_F5

Computer Science Deliverable: effectively utilising virtual memory and
the TLB, the computer can work with a
Write a one-page report summarizing
larger memory space while maintaining
what you learned about primary
fast access times for frequently used data.
and secondary memory, and the
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
importance of flash memory in
Exercise 1.11
modern devices. Reflect on how
understanding these concepts help 1. Imagine you are a librarian
in better appreciating the technology managing a library with two
they use daily. Document your sections: a reference section
findings in a portfolio. with readily available books on
shelves and a vast archive room
Virtual Memory for storing older materials. How is

Virtual memory expands a computer’s this analogy similar to the concept
usable memory by using both primary of primary and secondary memory
(RAM) and secondary (HDD/SSD) in a computer? Explain the key
storage. The operating system creates differences between primary and
a larger virtual memory space divided secondary memory in terms of
into pages, loading only active pages into speed and capacity.
RAM while keeping less-used pages in 2. You are working on a critical
secondary storage.). assignment and need to access
a document you saved earlier.
Translation Lookaside Buffer (TLB) However, when you try to open

Managing virtual memory involves it, you receive an error message.
translating virtual addresses used by What factors could be preventing
programs into physical addresses in RAM. you from accessing the document?
To speed up this translation process, the Explain the role of primary and
CPU’s Memory Management Unit (MMU) secondary memory in potentially
causing this issue.
utilizes a cache called the Translation
Lookaside Buffer (TLB). 3. Imagine you are working on a
complex group project. To ensure

The TLB stores recently used virtual-to- everyone has access to the latest
physical address translations. When the information, you might utilize a
CPU needs to access data in memory, it shared online document and a local
checks the TLB first. If the translation is copy on your device. Explain the
found (TLB hit), the physical address is concept of virtual memory and
retrieved quickly. If the translation is not the TLB in a way that relates to
found (TLB miss), the MMU consults this collaborative scenario. How
do they work together to optimise
the page table in the primary memory or memory usage?
secondary storage, which is slower. By

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for Advanced Secondary Schools

Computer Science Form 5.indd 50 23/07/2024 12:32