Flash Memory

Uses of Flash Memory

Flash memory is usually based on a technology called Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM). EEPROM can be used to create many flash memory devices:

ROM chips

The Read-Only Memory chips on board modern Central Processing Units (CPUs) are made from EEPROM.
This provides the software needed for the computer to start.

Solid State Drives (SSD)

SSDs are often used in home computers because of their performance.
SSDs are a form of re-writable flash storage.

Secure Digital (SD) cards

SD cards are used to extend the capacity of devices such as:
- Cameras.
- Smartphones.
- Tablets.
They provide high capacity for their physical size. This is useful in these smaller devices.

Properties of Flash Memory

Flash memory is a type of memory technology that can be used to create primary or secondary storage. It is commonly used to make Read-Only Memory (ROM), and Solid State Drives (SSDs).

Non-volatile

Flash memory is non-volatile. This means that it will keep its contents once power is switched off.

Short lifetime

Flash memory can only be flashed (re-written) a certain number of times before it starts to degrade.
We may lose access to the drive once the flash memory has degraded past a point.
Re-writable devices often include several blocks of flash memory. This means that only one block must be flashed at a time and so the device will last longer.

Fast access

Flash memory is significantly faster than many other storage media such as Hard Disk Drives (HDDs).
This is partly because flash memory does not have any moving parts, and so we do not need to wait for parts to move before we can access the drive.

Robust

Flash memory is not easily damaged by shocks.
Flash memory is appropriate in scenarios where it might be exposed to lots of vibrations. For example:
- Industrial machinery.
- Vehicles.

1Computer Systems

1.1Systems Architecture

1.1.1Architecture Introduction

1.1.2Von Neumann Architecture

1.1.3Fetch-Execute Cycle

1.1.4Factors Affecting CPU Performance

1.1.5Elements of Computer Systems

1.1.6Exam-Style Questions - Von Neumann Architecture

1.2Memory & Storage

1.3Computer Networks, Connections & Protocols

1.4Network Security

1.4.1Forms of Attack

1.4.2Malware

1.4.3Social Engineering

1.4.4Phishing

1.4.5Common Active Attacks

1.4.6Information Security

1.4.7SQL Injection

1.4.8Network Administration

1.4.9Protecting Against Malware

1.4.10Authentication & Passwords

1.4.11Encryption

1.4.12End of Topic Test - Networks

1.5Systems Software

1.5.1Types of System Software

1.5.2Operating Systems

1.5.3Operating System Managers

1.5.4File Management

1.5.5Device Management

1.5.6User Management

1.5.7Utility Software: Encryption & Defragmentation

1.5.8Utility Software: Data Compression & Backup

1.6Ethical, Legal, Cultural & Environmental Concern

1.6.1Open Source vs Proprietary Software

1.6.2Licensing Issues

1.6.3Ethical Issues

1.6.4Ethical Issues 2

1.6.5Exam-Style Questions - Ethical Issues

1.6.6Legal Issues

1.6.7Legal Issues 2

1.6.8Freedom of Information Act (2000)

1.6.9Cultural Issues

1.6.10Environmental Issues

1.6.11Positive Environmental Impact

1.6.12Privacy Issues

1.6.13Stakeholders

1.6.14End of Topic Test - Software & Issues

2Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming

2.1Algorithms

2.1.1Computational Thinking

2.1.2Algorithmic Thinking

2.1.3Pseudocode & Flow Diagrams

2.1.4Interpreting & Correcting Algorithm

2.1.5Completing Algorithms

2.1.6Search Algorithms

2.1.7Binary Search

2.1.8Overview of Sort Algorithms

2.1.9Bubble Sort & Insertion Sort

2.1.10Merge Sort

2.1.11Exam-Style Questions - Sorting Algorithms

2.2Programming Fundamentals

2.2.1Fundamentals

2.2.2Program Flow 1

2.2.3Program Flow 2

2.2.4Arithmetic & Relational Operators

2.2.5Boolean Operators

2.2.6Data Types

2.2.7Arrays

2.2.8Strings

2.2.9File Handling

2.2.10Structuring Data

2.2.11End of Topic Test - Programming

2.2.12Exam-Style Questions - Translation

2.3Producing Robust Programs

2.3.1Defensive Design Considerations

2.3.2Defensive Design Considerations 2

2.3.3Maintainability

2.3.4Testing

2.3.5Test Plans

2.3.6Error Types

2.3.7End of Topic Test - Programming

2.3.8Exam-Style Questions - Testing

2.4Boolean Logic

2.4.1Computational Logic

2.4.2Boolean Logic

2.4.3Boolean Operators

2.4.4Grade 9 - Logic

2.5Programming Languages & IDEs

2.5.1High-Level vs Low-Level Languages

2.5.2Translation - Compliers & Interpreter

2.5.3Translation - Assemblers

2.5.4Integrated Development Environments

2.5.5Exam-Style Questions - Translation

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