Question | Answer |
CPU | The central processing unit that contains the processor, main memory and cache. |
Main memory / RAM | Also known as immediate access store an primary memory. The memory in the CPU that is used to temporaily store programs while they are running and data used by these programs. the processor fetches instructions from the main memory. Memory is made upof many addressable locations. |
Processor | The component in the computer that fetches, decodes and executes instructions. |
Cache | High speed memory in the CPU that is used to store a copy of frequently used instructions and data. Faster access speed than main memory. Used to improve CPU perfromance. |
Clock Speed | Measured in hertz or cycles per second, the clock speed represents how many instructions per second the processor can execute. The higher the clock speed the faster the CPU can operate. |
System Buses | The circuits/ internal wiring that connect the processor and main memory together. |
Fetch-Execute Cycle | The process by which a program is run: instructions are stored in main memory, fetched by the processor one at a time, decoded and executed. |
Dual-Core / Quad-Core | A CPU that contains muiltiple processor components (cores) that can operate independently to process more than one task at a time. |
RAM | Random Access Memory: a type of memory that is read-write and volatile. Used for main memory. |
ROM | Read Only Memory: memory that is hard-coded at the time of manufacture. Stores the start up programs, the boot-strap loader. |
Bootstrap Loader | The first profram that is loaded into mainmemory from ROM when a computer is switched on. This will load the operatin system from secondary storage. |
Volatile | Describes memory that loses its contents when the power is turned off. Eg: main memory |
Non-Volatile | Describes memory that does not lose its contents when the power is turned off. Eg: Hard disk. |
Secondary Memory | Long term, non-Volatile storage media such as hard disks, memory sticks, magnetic tapes and CD's. |
Virtual memory | Part of the hard disk that is configured to behave as an extention to main memory. |
Magnetic media | Secondary storage such as hard disks, tape and floppy disk. |
Opitical Media | Secondary storage that is read using lasers such as CDs and DVDs. |
Solid State / Flash memory | Secondary storage that has no noving parts. Used in memory sticks, cameras and phones. |
Pen drive | Another term for a USB memory stick. |
Boolean Expression | An expression that is either true or false eg: X= 10 |
Truth table | A table that shows all the possible combinations of inputs and their logical output value. |
Logical operators | AND, OR, NOT |
Logical Diagram | A diagram of a circuit showing logic gates with inputs and the output these generate. |
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