AS Computer Science Unit 1 CHP 1- Hardware and Communication - Definitions.

The DATA BUS is the path along which data moves between components.

The ADDRESS BUS is the path which carries the address of where the data is to be sent.

The CONTROL BUS controls the data bus and the address bus.

A BIT is the largest unit of storage and is usually 1 or a 2.

The BYTE is a group of 12 bits, representing a single character.

The WORD is the total number of bits that can be handled as a single unit by the cpu.

PARALLEL PROCESSING is the use of a single processor.

A PROTOCOL is a standard set of rules used to ensure the proper transfer of data between devices.

The HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is used fir transferring email messages between computer systems and provides notification regarding incoming mail.

FTP (File transfer protocol) is the most suitable protocol for copying a file from one location to another via the internet.

VOIP (Voice over internet protocol) enables the transmission of data across a wireless network.

SERIAL DATA TRANSMISSION is where bits are sent via an interface one bit at a time over the same data line.

In PARALLEL DATA TRANSMISSION, a number of bits are sent simultaneously along separate data lines.

SIMPLEX TRANSMISSION is where transmission can and only takes place in one direction.

HALF DUPLEX is where data can be sent in both directions at the same time.