Key Terms

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Binary
A number system that contains two digits, 0 and 1. Also known as base 2.
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Bit
The smallest unit of data in computing represented by a 1 in binary.
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CPU
Central processing unit - the brains of the computer that processes program instructions. Also called a microprocessor.
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Denary
The number system most commonly used by people. It contains 10 unique digits 0 to 9. Also known as decimal or base 10
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Execute
To run a computer program.
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Hard Drive
A device used to store vast amounts of data.
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RAM
Random Access Memory (RAM): Memory that is constantly being written to and read from. It does not retain its contents without a constant supply of power, ie when a computer is turned off, everything stored in its RAM is lost.
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Software
The programs, applications and data in a computer system. Any parts of a computer system that aren't physical.
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Transistor
Microscopic devices that open and close circuits to communicate electrical signals. CPUs contain millions of transistors.
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Application
A software program that allows a user to perform a specific task.
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Buffer
A temporary area of computer memory used to store data for running processes.
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Command Line
A method of running programs and working on a computer using only text. This contrasts with a graphical interface which uses clickable icons and menus.
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Corrupt
A computer file that is damaged, possibly unusable.
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Hardware
The physical parts of a computer system, eg a graphics card, hard disk drive, CD drive, etc.
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Operating System
The software that runs a computer.
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Peripheral
A piece of hardware that connects to a computer, eg a mouse, keyboard, printer or scanner.
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Storage
The hardware of a computer that stores data long term, such as a memory card or hard drive.
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ROM
Read Only Memory (ROM): memory or storage that has data stored on it that cannot be changed
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Analogue
Continuous data, eg the second hand on an analogue watch displays each second and the space in between.
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ASCII
merican Standard Code for Information Interchange. A 7-bit character set used for representing English keyboard characters.
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Byte
A unit of data containing 8 bits.
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GB
Gigabyte (GB) - a measurement of file size or storage capacity, 1,024 megabytes, or 1 billion bytes.
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GUI
Graphical user interface - used to interact with a computer through icons and menus.
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Motherboard
The circuit board inside a computer that houses the CPU, memory and connections to other devices.
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Non-volatile
A form of computer memory that stores data even when not powered.
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gHz
Gigahertz. One billion hertz per second = one gigahertz. This is a measure of frequency and is used to describe bus speeds and CPU clock speeds.
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Volatile Memory
The memory used to store computer program data while is being executed. RAM is the main type of volatile memory. It is volatile because when power is switched off it no longer retains any data.
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Algorithm
A sequence of logical instructions for carrying out a task. In computing, algorithms are needed to design computer programs.
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Pseudocode
A method of writing up a set of instructions for a computer program using plain English. This is a good way of planning a program before coding
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

The smallest unit of data in computing represented by a 1 in binary.

Back

Bit

Card 3

Front

Central processing unit - the brains of the computer that processes program instructions. Also called a microprocessor.

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

The number system most commonly used by people. It contains 10 unique digits 0 to 9. Also known as decimal or base 10

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

To run a computer program.

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
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