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Give and explain two reasons, in each circumstance why the boot-up programs are stored. (i) In ROM (ii) On Disk

      

Give and explain two reasons, in each circumstance why the boot-up programs are stored.
i) In ROM
ii) On Disk

  

Answers


gregory
Two reasons why boot up programs are stored.
1. In Rom
Rom (read only memory) is a memory clip into which fixed data is written permanently at
the time of its manufacture.
Bootstrap program refers to a computer start up program which is held in the form of a
Rom.
The reasons why it is held in Rom include:
i) New data cannot be written into the memory and so the data on the memory clip is
unchangeable and irremovable. This means that data cannot be corrupted and so the
system maintains its consistency.
ii) Rom is a =non volatile‘ memory which means that its contents do not disappear
when the computer power source is switched off. This ensures that data is securely
held and suffers no risk of getting lost. In this case, Rom chips will consist of items
of software such as the computer operating system and various pieces of translation
software.
2. On Disk
A disk is a storage medium which consists of a flat circular disk covered on both sides
with a magnetic material. Data is held on a number of circular concentric tracks on the
surface of the disk and is read or written by rotating the disk past read/write heads.
Disks can be used to store up boot-up programs due to the following reasons:
1. Disks have large storage capacities and can be written or read more quickly by the
computer. This minimise the computer start-up time i.e. the Winchester disk contains
a number of flat sealed airtight packs.
2. Disk storage medium is less expensive than Rom storage media. For example, the
magnetic disks can store substantial data, say a number of programs or lengthy
programs.
gregorymasila answered the question on November 29, 2017 at 09:30


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