Flashcards
Components of a Computer System
Cards in this deck (45)
- 1ALUThe arithmetic logic unit is the part of the CPU that carries out mathematical and boolean operations.
- 2AccumulatorThe part of the ALU that stores the intermediate results when doing a calculation.
- 3Cache MemoryQuick access memory in the CPU.
- 4CUThe control unit is the part of the CPU that controls the flow of data.
- 5Backup SoftwaresSoftware which creates a copy of the files and settings on your computer.
- 6BIOSSoftware stored in the ROM responsible for booting up a computer system.
- 7Clock SpeedThe number of instructions a processor can carry out each second. Measured in Hertz(hz)
- 8CompressionThe process of making the size of a file smaller
- 9CoresA processing unit inside the CPU
- 10CPUThe part of your computer system that processes the data.
- 11Dedicated SystemA computer system designed to carry out a specific task.
- 12DefragmentationRe-organising data on a hard drive to put broken up files back together and collect up the free space.
- 13Device DriverA piece of software that allows apps to communicate with a piece of hardware.
- 14Embedded SystemA computer built into another device.
- 15EncrytionCoding data so it can only be decoded with the correct key.
- 16Fetch-execute-decode cycleThe process that the CPU uses to retrieve and execute instructions.
- 17Flash MemorySolid State non-volatile data storage
- 18GPUA graphics processing unit is a piece of hardware that handles the processing of graphics and images.
- 19GUIThe graphical user interface allows the user to interact with the computer in a visual and appealing way.
- 20Hard Disk DriveTraditional internal storage for PCs and laptops that stores data magnetically.
- 21HardwareThe physical parts of a computer system.
- 22Incremental backupA record of all the changes since the last backup.
- 23Magnetic StorageHard disk drives and magnetic tapes that hold data as magnetised patterns and can be read using a magnetic head.
- 24MARThe memory address register holds the address of the data and instructions that the CPU needs.
- 25MDRThe memory data register is a register that holds data and instructions.
- 26MotherboardThe main circuit board in a computer that other hardware connects to.
- 27Multi-taskingWhen an operating system runs multiple programs and apps at once.
- 28Non-volatile memoryMemory that retains its content when it has no power.
- 29Open source softwareSoftware that can be modified and shared by anyone.
Examples include : Linux and Android - 30Optical discCD, DVD ir Blu-ray discs that is read and written by lasers.
- 31Operating SystemA piece of software responsible for running the computer, apps and resources.
- 32OverclockingRunning a CPU at a higher clock speed than was intended.
- 33PeripheralsExternal hardware connected to a computer. For example: Mouse and Keyboard
- 34Primary StorageMemory that can be accessed directly by the CPU.
- 35Proprietary SoftwareSoftware where modifying and sharing is not permitted. For example: iOS
- 36RAMRandom Access Memory that stores running applications but is volatile.
- 37ROMMemory that can be read but not written to. It is non-volatile and stores the BIOS.
- 38RegistersA temporary data store inside a CPU
- 39Secondary StorageExternal data storage that is used for non-volatile storage of large amounts of data.
- 40Solid State StorageAlternative to magnetically storage that uses flash memory and has no moving parts.
- 41Software licenceA legal agreement that states how software can be used and distributed.
- 42Utility SoftwareSoftware designed to help maintain a computer system. Examples include: backup and encryption
- 43Virtual memoryArea of secondary storage used by the CPU for temporary storage as an extension of RAM. Extremely slow memory
- 44Volatile MemoryMemory that loses its contents when it has no power.
- 45Von Neumann ArchitectureA type of CPU architecture which uses common memory locations and busses to store and transport data and instructions.
Information
- Description
- Flashcards on Components of a Computer System, created by Het Talati on 02/04/2019.
- Created by
- Het Talati
- Views
- 1
- Rating