COMPUTER ORGANIZATION | VOCABULARY
Central processing unit (CPU)
The part of a computer that performs the majority of the processing and calculation tasks.
Arithmetic logic unit (ALU)
The part of the CPU responsible for performing arithmetic and logical operations.
Control unit (CU)
The part of the CPU responsible for coordinating and controlling the other components of the CPU.
Registers
Small areas of memory within the CPU used to store and manipulate data quickly.
Primary memory
The main memory used by a computer to store data and program instructions that are currently being used.
Random access memory (RAM)
A type of primary memory that is volatile and can be read from and written to by the CPU.
Read-only memory (ROM)
A type of primary memory that is non-volatile and contains instructions that cannot be altered.
Cache memory
A small amount of high-speed memory used to store frequently accessed data for faster access by the CPU.
Machine instruction cycle
The process of fetching, decoding, executing, and storing machine instructions within the CPU.
Secondary memory
Long-term storage used to store data and programs that are not currently being used.
Operating system
Software that manages the resources and activities of a computer, and provides a user interface for interacting with the computer.
Application software
Software designed for specific tasks or purposes, such as word processing, spreadsheets, or graphic design.
Binary representation
A method of representing data using only two digits, 0 and 1.
Bit
A single unit of binary data, either 0 or 1.
Byte
A group of 8 bits, used to represent a larger unit of data.
Boolean operators
Logical operators used to combine or manipulate binary data, including AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, and XOR.
Truth tables
Tables used to represent the outputs of Boolean expressions for every possible combination of inputs.
Logic gates
Electronic components used to implement Boolean expressions and perform logical operations.
Denary/Decimal
A base-10 numbering system, used to represent decimal numbers.
Hexadecimal
A base-16 numbering system, used to represent binary data more efficiently.
Graphical user interface (GUI)
A user interface that allows users to interact with a computer using graphical elements, such as icons, windows, and menus.
Logic diagrams
Diagrams that use logic gates and Boolean expressions to represent and solve problems.
AND
A Boolean operator that returns true if and only if both of its inputs are true.
OR
A Boolean operator that returns true if at least one of its inputs is true.
NOT
A Boolean operator that negates the input, returning true if the input is false, and vice versa.
NAND
A Boolean operator that returns false if and only if both of its inputs are true.
NOR
A Boolean operator that returns true if both of its inputs are false.
XOR
A Boolean operator that returns true if and only if exactly one of its inputs is true.
Thinking logically
A problem-solving approach that involves breaking down problems into smaller parts and using reasoning to arrive at solutions.
Connecting computational thinking and program design
The process of using computational thinking principles to design effective and efficient programs.
Volatile
Memory that loses its contents when power is removed.
Non-volatile
Memory that retains its contents even when power is removed.
Data bus
The communication pathway between the CPU and other components that transfers data.
Address bus
The communication pathway between the CPU and other components that carries memory addresses.
String
A sequence of characters used to represent text in a computer program.
Integer
A whole number used to represent numerical values in a computer program.
Characters
Single letters, digits, symbols, or other marks used in a computer program.
Unicode
A character encoding standard that allows computers to represent and manipulate text from different writing systems.
Ergonomics
The study of designing equipment and devices that are comfortable and efficient for human use.
Accessibility
The degree to which a system or device can be used by people with disabilities or special needs.