Chapter 1: Introduction Flashcards
What do computers do?
execute very basic instructions in rapid succession
What is a computer program?
a sequence of instructions and decisions
What is hardware?
the physical computer and peripheral devices
What is software?
the programs the computer executes
What is programming?
the act of designing and implementing computer programs
What does CPU stand for?
Central Processing Unit
What does the CPU do for?
performs program control and data processing
What is the CPU?
the heart of the computer
What is a transistor?
the hundreds of millions of structural elements
What is the other word for primary storage?
memory
What is primary storage?
storage made from electronic circuits that can store data, provided they are supplied with electric power
What is secondary storage?
storage that provides slower less expensive storage that persists without electricity
What is secondary storage usually?
a hard disk or solid-state drive
What are some computers interconnected through?
networks
What is specified in a high-level language program?
the actions that you program should carry out
What does a compiler do?
translates the high-level instructions into the more detailed instructions (called machine code)