Computing GCSE Chapter 2 Key words

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Computer Architechture
The internal, logical structure and organisation of the computer hardware.
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Binary
A system of numbers using only two digits, 0 and 1 (also call the base-2 system), unlike the decimal (or denary) system in everyday use that uses ten digits (base-10).
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CPU
Central processing unit of the computer containing the control unit, ALU and Cache Memory.
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Control Unit
The control unit works with the CPU to control the flow of data within the system.
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ALU
The ALU performs all the arithmetic and logical operations within the CPU.
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Random Access Memory (RAM)
Main memory of a computer that stores data, applications and the operating system whilst in use. When the power is turned off, RAM loses its data (volatile).
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Cache Memory
Special, high-speed memory used by a computer.
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Flash Memory
Solid-state memory used as low cost secondary storage in portable devices and as removable memory.
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Solid State
Technology based on electronics with no moving parts, e.g. transistors and capacitors as used in memory chips.
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Secondary Storage
Non-volatile storage used to store programs and files that need to be kept even when the power is not on.
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Fetch-Execute Cycle
The process of fetching the instructions from memory, decoding them and then executing them so that the CPU performs continuously.
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Read Only Memory (ROM)
A store for data in a computer the cannot be overwritten. Data in ROM is always available and is not lost when the computer is turned off.
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Clock Chip
The electronic device in a computer that controls the timing of signals.
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Bus
A part of the computer architecture that transfers data and signals between the components of a computer.
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Motherboard
The central printed circuit board (PCB) that holds the crucial components of the system.
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Dual-core/Quad-core
A CPU with multiple processors (a dual-core has two, a quad-core has four).
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Bit
Binary digit 0 or 1.
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Byte
8 bits.
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Kilobyte
1024 bytes.
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Volatile
Data is lost when there is no power.
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Non-Volatile
Data is retained even when the power is turned off.
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Virtual Memory
A section of the hard disk used as if it were RAM to supplement the amount of main memory available to the computer. Used when there is not enough main memory to run the programs required.
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Logic Gate
A circuit that produces an output based on the inputs.
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NOT Gate
A logic gate that outputs the opposite value to the input.
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AND Gate
A logic gate that outputs 1 if both inputs are 1.
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OR Gate
A logic gate that outputs 1 if either, or both of the two inputs are 1.
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Truth Table
A method for recording all the possible input combinations and determining the output for each.
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Logic Circuit
A circuit made by combining a sequence of logic gates.
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Boolean Algebra
A method for mathematicaly expressing a logic circuit.
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Input Device
A hardware device used to input data into a computer system for processing.
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Keyboard
A device that uses labelled keys to enable data input into a computer.
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Mouse
A device that controls the movement of a pointer on a screen, based on its own movement, and allows the user to select an object by pressing a button.
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Touch Screen
A touch sensitive surface that allows the user to select, control or move objects by touching icons and symbols using fingers.
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Microphone
A device for capturing sound.
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Camera
A device to capture still or moving images.
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Bar code
A pattern of thin and thick lines representing a number that can be scanned by a reader for input into a computer system.
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RFID
Radio frequency identification uses radio frequencies to represent a number that can be scanned for input into a computer system.
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Sensor
A device that can detect physical conditions such as temperature, weight, light, sound etc.
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Monitor
A device that can display images and text.
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Printer
A device to produce physical copies of output from a computer system.
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Speaker
A device to output sound.
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Actuator
A device to produce physical movement based on output from a computer system.
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Magnetic Hard Disk
Secondary storage device using magnetised platters to store data and files.
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Optical Disk
Secondary storage device using lasers to read (and write) data to a reflective surface. For storing files to be distributed or transferred or for backup of important files.
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CD
A type of optical device with a capacity of 700 MB.
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DVD
A type of optical device with a capacity of 4.7 GB.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

A system of numbers using only two digits, 0 and 1 (also call the base-2 system), unlike the decimal (or denary) system in everyday use that uses ten digits (base-10).

Back

Binary

Card 3

Front

Central processing unit of the computer containing the control unit, ALU and Cache Memory.

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

The control unit works with the CPU to control the flow of data within the system.

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

The ALU performs all the arithmetic and logical operations within the CPU.

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
View more cards

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