Computer Systems (Topic 1) - Keywords

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Topic Number 1 of Textbook
Leann McLeod
Flashcards by Leann McLeod, updated more than 1 year ago
Leann McLeod
Created by Leann McLeod over 8 years ago
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Question Answer
CPU (Central Processing Unit) the main component in a computer for processing data and instructions
Input Device a device which allows data such as text, images, video or sound to be entered into a computer system
Output Device a device which allows data to be communicated and displayes by the computer in a human-friendly form.
Backing Storage (a.k.a. secondary Storage) a place where data is stored when it is not being actively used, usually for retrieval at a later date.
Port (hardware) a piece of hardware that serves an an interface between the computer and other computers or devices. Physically, it's a piece of equipment to which a plug or cable connects
Port (software) ports which allows multiple software applications to use different software ports on the same physical connection
Controller A component of the CPU which manages the execution of instructions. It sends and receives signals from all parts of the computer. It ensures that all processes take place at the right time in the right order
ALU (Arithmetic and Logic Unit) It processes and manipulates data. It performs simple calculations on the data that is stored temporarily on the registers. It can also perform comparisons that allow programs to make use of choice e.g. an IF statement.
Registers A storage location found on the CPU where data or control information is temporarily stored. It is a fast access temporary data store.
Internal Memory (a.k.a Level 1 cache memory) fast access temporary storage on the CPU. Data is moved from the registers to the internal memory when it is not being actively used.
Buses a device which allows data to be transferred to different parts of the computer and connects different parts of the computer.
Cache Memory a fast access tyupe of memory that is very expensive. Only a little amounts of cache memory is present in most computer systems
Clock Speed The speed at which the processor operates. The clock speed is measured in Hertz (Hz)
Overlocking The result of the clock speed in the CPU being set to run faster than its original design
Underclocking The result of the clock speed in the CPU being set to run slower than its original design
Core a processing component within the CPU
RAM A volatile temporary storage place of currently running programs and data. It consists of a large number of store locations each of which is identified by a unique address.
ROM A place used for the permanent storage of data. The data in each store location cannot be changed. ROM is permanent.
Flash memory a place used for the permanent storage of data. The data stored in flash memory can be changed. Flash memory is permanent.
Cache Memory a place used for the temporary storage of frequently accessed data and instructions. It consists of a SMALL number of store locations that can be accessed by the CPU quicker than the RAM. Cache memory is volatile.
Optical Technologies Uses lasers to read and write information to a disk. These laser beams are projected onto a CD/DVD or Blu-ray. If light is REFLECTED, the data is read as a 1. If it's not reflected, the data is read as a 0.
Magnetic Technologies Uses a magnetic medium to store data. The data is stored onto that medium by writing data using a write-head. Data can be read using a read-head. EXAMPLE: FLOPPY DISKS
Solid State EXAMPLE: USB MEMORY STICKS Uses no moving parts.
Storage in the Cloud a contemporary storage facility that allows users to store their data on third-party servers. They can access that data from many computing devices.
HCI (Human-Computer Interaction) The term used to describe the communication between people and computer systems.
GUI (Graphic User Interface) allows users to interact with a computer system through graphical icons.
Menu driven a type of interface that allows people to interact with a computer system by presenting the user and allowing them to work through a series of menus
Voice-driven (a.k.a voice recognition) A type of interface that allows people to interact with a computer system by issuing commands to the computer systems vocally.
CLI (Command Line Interface) an entirely text-based interface that allows a user to communicate with a computer system by typing in commands.
Touch Sensitive Interface A type of interface that allows the user to interact with a computer system by issuing commands by touching the screen with your finger or a stylus pen. Also one can tap, swipe and pinch the screen.
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