UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Read Only Memory is used to store firmware such as the system BIOS that must be available whenever the computer starts. Its contents remain intact even when power is removed, making it non volatile. Because it is usually not modified during normal operation, it is considered more stable than RAM. Thus, the appropriate term is ROM.

Option A:
Option A, cache, is a small, fast memory that may be volatile and is designed for temporarily holding frequently used data, not permanent firmware.

Option B:
Option B, RAM, is volatile and loses data when power is lost, so it cannot be relied upon for essential startup routines.

Option C:
Option C is correct because ROM is the standard type of memory used for permanent, non volatile storage of firmware in computer systems.

Option D:
Option D, register, refers to very small, fast storage locations within the CPU used during computation rather than for long term firmware storage.

Secondary storage refers to non-volatile devices used for long-term retention of data and programs. Hard disks, solid state drives and optical discs are common examples that preserve information without continuous power. Users rely on these devices for storing operating systems, software and personal files. Thus, the devices described in the stem are secondary storage.

Option A:
Option A, volatile, would apply to RAM where data is lost when power is removed, so it does not describe permanent retention.

Option B:
Option B, primary, usually denotes main memory directly accessed by the CPU, which is typically volatile and smaller in capacity than secondary storage.

Option C:
Option C is correct because the key features mentioned—non-volatility and use for permanent data retention—are standard characteristics used to define secondary storage in ICT.

Option D:
Option D, cache, refers to a small, very fast memory that stores copies of frequently used data and is usually volatile, so it is not primarily for long-term retention.

The hard disk drive is a primary form of secondary storage that retains data even when the computer is powered off. It holds the operating system, applications and user files. Whether implemented with spinning platters or solid state technology, it is still referred to as a hard disk drive in common usage. Hence, the correct term for the blank is hard disk.

Option A:
Option A, random access, by itself does not specify a storage device and more often describes the way memory is accessed. It is therefore incomplete and ambiguous.

Option B:
Option B is correct because hard disk drive is the established name for the non volatile storage device described, widely used in ICT literature and everyday practice.

Option C:
Option C, optical, refers to technologies such as CDs and DVDs, which are different categories of storage media.

Option D:
Option D, cache, denotes a smaller, faster memory used to speed up access to frequently used data and does not typically store large amounts permanently.

Random Access Memory (RAM) is a working area that holds data and instructions currently being processed by the CPU. When power is turned off, its contents are lost, which is why it is called volatile. Read Only Memory (ROM) retains its contents even without power and usually stores firmware like the BIOS that helps start the system. This division of roles is fundamental to understanding ICT hardware.

Option A:
This option incorrectly suggests that neither kind of memory is volatile or changeable. In reality, RAM is volatile and ROM is often programmed at manufacture or through special procedures. The statement fails to capture the essential difference between them.

Option B:
This option mistakenly reverses volatility properties, claiming that RAM retains data without power and ROM does not. Standard computer design is exactly the opposite; ROM is used precisely because it remains stable when the system is off.

Option C:
This option correctly distinguishes temporary working memory from permanent firmware storage. It explains why the system needs both types to operate efficiently and reliably. RAM supports fast processing, while ROM ensures that basic instructions are always available for booting.

Option D:
Suggesting that a computer can start without any RAM or ROM overlooks the fact that instructions and data must be stored somewhere for the CPU to execute them. At minimum, some form of non-volatile memory is required to provide boot code, and volatile memory is needed for normal operation.