A good answer might be:

• Where (in the computer system) is the program you are running?
  • In main memory.
    • (A permanent copy will also be on your hard disk.)
• Where are the characters you have typed?
  • In main memory.
    • (When you "save" your document, they will be copied to a file on the hard disk.)

Secondary memory is where programs and data are kept on a long-term basis. Common secondary storage devices are the hard disk and floppy disks.

• The hard disk has enormous storage capacity compared to main memory.
• The hard disk is usually contained in the systems unit of a computer.
• Programs that you expect to run are kept on the hard disk.
• Data that you save is kept on the hard disk.
• There may be several hard disks in the systems unit.

A hard disk might have a storage capacity of 8 gigabytes. This is about 250 times the amount of storage in main memory (assuming 32 megabytes of main memory.) However, a hard disk is very slow compared to main memory. The reason for having two types of storage is this contrast:

• Main memory:
  1. Fast
  2. Expensive
  3. Low capacity
  4. Connects directly to the processor

• Secondary memory:
  1. Slow
  2. Cheap
  3. Large capacity
  4. Can't connect directly to the processor

Floppy disks are mostly used for transferring software between computer systems, and for casual backup of software. They have low capacity, and are very, very slow compared to other storage devices.

QUESTION 5:

You have just purchased a copy of the computer game "Myst" (you were waiting for the price to fall below $20.) You follow the directions on the package and install the game on your computer. Myst© consists of

• A program (that controls the action of the game.)
• Data (the images and other information.)