• RAM stores data that is currently being used

• RAM stores instructions from the software programs that are currently running

• RAM is volatile – will be erased when the computer is turned off

• RAM is both readable and writable

• accessing data in RAM is much faster than accessing it from the hard disk

• reading data from RAM is usually faster than from ROM

• RAM addresses can be accessed in any order

• RAM is an example of primary storage.

Award [1] mark for identifying each characteristic of random access memory up to a maximum of [2] marks.

• USB drive/flash drive/thumb drive/SD card/pen drive

• external hard drive (accept responses without “external”)

• online servers / cloud storage

• DVD/CD

• magnetic tape / tape cartridges.

Award [1] mark for identifying a device that could be used to store the backup to a maximum of [2] marks.

Advantages:

• files stored in the cloud can be accessed from anywhere with internet access

• files stored in the cloud can be accessed from multiple devices

• if more storage space is needed then RZX can arrange with the cloud storage provider to make this possible almost immediately

• security measures are provided by the cloud service (backups, firewalls, access, encryption of stored files etc) which may reduce the burden on RZX’s IT department

• it may be cost effective for RZX to purchase cloud storage rather than purchasing extra storage

• the IT department will spend less time managing staff files

• files stored in the cloud would not take up storage space on the laptop

• computers leaving more room for applications etc.

• cloud storage located in countries with strong privacy laws could help protect stored files from access by third parties

• files stored in the cloud could be shared between employees / worked-on collaboratively etc.

• storing files in the cloud reduces the chance of important files being deleted during the vacation maintenance by the IT department.

Disadvantages:

• files cannot be accessed if there is no internet access

• if internet access is unavailable staff files cannot be saved in the cloud. Employees may save files to their laptop. This can lead to problems as files could be deleted/lost or even accessed by an unauthorized user

• employees may find if there are issues relating to the storage of their data getting them resolved may be more time consuming than simply walking to an employee in the same office

• security of staff files depends on the security measures provided by the cloud service. RZX needs to be assured that the cloud security is adequate

• cloud storage located in countries with weak privacy laws could risk files being accessed by third parties.

Donating the equipment:

• may be seen as an altruistic gesture and good PR for the company

• is a relatively simple process and ensures that existing equipment can extend its working life

• there may be financial benefits from donating such as tax relief compared to recycling

• donating provides IT equipment to less fortunate people

• a disclaimer would be essential so the recipients don’t expect RZX to install/set up the donated equipment or fix any problems

• all proprietary software would need to be deleted as this would breach licensing agreements

• all personal and company files would need to be deleted to avoid privacy and security issues

• recipients might just discard equipment when it no longer works instead of recycling it

• charitable organization would need IT support/infrastructure.

Recycling the equipment:

• recycling is a better option for items that cannot be donated as they are out of date

• will reduce the environmental impact as less raw materials may need to be extracted, etc

• may be a straighter forward process than donating, the items are simply collected from the offices

• the recycling process may be unethical, for example, children working long hours in poor conditions in some countries

• untrained / unprotected recyclers may be exposed to harmful chemicals/ toxins

• not all parts can be recycled so there is still waste that needs to be disposed of

• all personal and company files would need to be deleted to avoid privacy and security issues.

• recycling can be more expensive than donating (eg. recycling fees)

• charities who could benefit from donated equipment will lose-out as the equipment is being sent for re-cycling instead.

• Issues relating to proprietary software and company/personal files also apply to recycling as the equipment could be taken home by someone at the recycling depot.

In part (c) of this question it is expected there will be a balance in the ITGS terminology between IT technical terminology and the terminology related to social and ethical impacts.