ch 1 Flashcards
program
is a set of instructions that a computer follows to perform a task
volatile memory
RAM is volatile because when the computer is off, the contents are erased
CPU
the part of the computer that runs programs: carries out calculations
system software
controls and manages basic computer operations
main memory
RAM
stores a program while the program is running as well as the data the program is working with
secondary storage
can hold data for long periods of time even when there is no power to the computer
input device
collects data from people or other devices and sends it to the computer
fetch decode execute cycle
performed by the CPU
read
understand
perform
byte
is enough memory to store a letter of the alphabet or small number
made of 8 bits
binary numbering system
all numeric values are written as sequences of 0 and 1
ASCII
set of 128 numeric codes that represents english letters various punctuation and other characters
unicode
extensive encoding scheme that can represent characters from many languages of the world
two’s compliment
is a technique for encoding negative numbers
IDLE
integrated development environment
python shell
the python interpreter in interactive mode
decode part of the cpu cycle
determines which operation it should perform
machine language (binary)
the only instructions a machine can follow
key words
make up high level programming languag language
syntax
are rules that must be followed when writing a program
compiler
translates a high level language program into a separate machine language program
interpreter
a program that both translates and executes the instructions in a high level language program
assembler
converts mnemonics/assembly language to machine language
utility software
program to enhances computer operation
virus scan
file compression
back up
application software
everyday tasks, most people spend most of their time on computers doing something with application software like word, browsers and games
why is the CPU the most important component in a computer?
it is what allows data to be used and operated on
without one it would be like gears without teeth, they would just be there an not be useful
also data would not be readily accessible as cpu is required to produce output
how do you store negative and real numbers in memory?
two’s compliment and floating point notation
how do you determine binary value
each 1 or 0 corresponds to 2 to the power of its place in order from right to left
what operations does the CPU perform?
reading a piece of data from RAM move a piece of data from one memory location to another adding two numbers subtracting one number from another multiplying two numbers dividing one number by another determine if one value equals another
translator program
is any program that converts any language higher than machine language to machine language it can involve interpreters compilers and assemblers
low level language use assemblers
high level language use compilers and then interpreters to execute
software that controls internal operations is
system software specifically
operating system
when was python created and by whom
Guido van Rossum
1989 successor to ABC language
what does bdfl mean
benevolent dictator for life is a title given to small number of open source software development leaders
