1.1 Systems Archictecture 1.2 Memory & 1.3 Storage

1.1 Systems Archictecture 1.2 Memory & 1.3 Storage

1. Hardware

   • The physical (you can touch them) components that make up a computer system (e.g. RAM, fan, mouse)

2. Software

   • The virtual (you can't touch them) programs or applications that a computer can run (e.g word processor, browser, file manager)

3. 0Input device

   • Device that transmits data into the computer so that it can be processed (e.g. buttons, gamepad, keyboard, microphone)

4. Output device

   • Device that presents the results of processing to the user (e.g. screen, speakers, LED, Motor)

5. CPU

   • Central processing Unit - This processes all of the data and instructions that make a computer system work

6. Von Neumann architecture

   • Traditional computer architecture that forms the basis of most digital computer systems. Programs and data can be stored in the same memory unit.

7. Harvard architecture

   • Stores programs and data in separate memory units. Entering or altering programs is harder with this method

8. Peripheral

   • Also known as a device. A piece of hardware connected to the central processing unit / computer to provide input, output or backing storage

9. MAR (Memory address register)

   • Holds memory address about to be used by the CPU

10. MDR (Memory Data Register)

    • Holds data or instructions that have been fetched from memory

11. Program Counter

    • Holds the memory address of the instruction for each cycle

12. Accumulator

    • Stores the results of the calculations done by the ALU

13. ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)

    • Performs logical operations (AND, OR, NOT), Shift operations and Arithmetic operations (+,-, *, / )

14. CU (Control Unit)

    • Controls activities in the CPU (Such as flow of data between CPU and other parts) and makes FDE cycle happen in correct order

15. Cache

    • Sits between the CPU and RAM. Very fast. Holds frequently used data so that the processor doesn't have to keep going back and forth to the RAM.