Basic Computer: Secondary Storage MCQ — 15 Practice Questions with Answers

Explanation

Secondary storage is used for long-term storage of programmes, files and other data. The important feature is non-volatility: the stored data remains available even after the computer is switched off. RAM is the main working memory used for current processing and is volatile, so options about direct CPU working memory or data loss on shutdown point to primary memory, not secondary storage. Cache memory is much faster than ordinary secondary storage.

Explanation

Magnetic tape is a magnetic storage medium in which data is normally accessed in sequence, so I matches 3. A DVD is an optical disc; it is read using laser-based optical technology, so II matches 2. A pen drive is a small portable flash storage device that connects through USB, so III matches 1. The stem asks for device-feature matching, not for capacity comparison. Therefore the only correct set is I-3, II-2 and III-1.

Explanation

The question asks for the incorrect statement. A DVD is an optical secondary storage medium. Once data is written or pressed on it, it does not disappear merely because the computer is switched off. That behaviour belongs to volatile primary memory such as RAM, not to a DVD. The other statements are standard facts: CD-ROM is read-only for ordinary use, a pen drive normally connects through USB, and an external hard disk is often used for backup. Hence option D is the incorrect statement.

Explanation

An SSD uses flash memory chips to store data and does not depend on spinning platters or a moving read-write head. The clue in the stem is faster file opening, which is mainly about access time. In a traditional HDD, the mechanical parts must move to the required location on the disk. In an SSD, data can be accessed electronically, so seek time is much lower. SSDs are still secondary, non-volatile storage; they are not RAM and they do not use a laser like optical discs.

Explanation

The assertion is true: external hard disks and USB pen drives are common secondary storage devices used for copying, carrying and backing up files. The reason is also true because secondary storage is non-volatile; it does not need continuous electrical power to retain stored data. That property is exactly why these devices can be disconnected from one computer and used later on the same or another computer. Therefore, R correctly explains A.