Chapter 2

Question 1

CPU

Answer 1

The central processing unit that contains the processor, main memory and cache.(sometimes people say CPU when they mean processor so look for the context).

Question 2

Main Menory /RAM

Answer 2

Also known as Immediate Access Store and Primary Memory The memory in the CPU that is used to temporarily store programs while they are running and the data used by these programs. The processor fetches instructions from main memory. Memory is made up of many addressable locations.

Question 3

Processor

Answer 3

The component in the computer that fetches, decodes and executes instructions.

Question 4

Cache

Answer 4

High speed memory in the CPU that is used to store a copy of frequently usedinstructions and data. Faster access speed than main memory. Used to improveCPU performance.

Question 5

Clock Speed

Answer 5

Measured in hertz or cycles per second, the clock speed represents how manyinstructions per second the processor can execute. The higher the clock speed thefaster the CPU can operate.

Question 6

System Busses

Answer 6

The circuits/internal wiring that connect the processor and main memory.

Question 7

Fetch-Execute Cycle

Answer 7

The process by which a program is run: instructions are stored in main memory,fetched by the processor one at a time, decoded and executed.

Question 8

Dual-Core/Quad Core

Answer 8

A CPU that contains multiple processor components (cores) that can operate independently to process more than one task at a time.

Question 9

RAM

Answer 9

Random Access Memory: a type of memory that is read-write and volatile.Used for Main Memory.

Question 10

ROM

Answer 10

Read Only Memory: memory that is hard-coded at the time of manufacture. Stores the startup program, called the bootstrap loader.

Question 11

Bootstrap Loader

Answer 11

The first program that is loaded into main memory from ROM when a computer isswitched on. This will load the operating system from secondary storage.

Question 12

Volatile

Answer 12

Describes memory that loses its contents when the power is turned off, e.g. main memory

Question 13

Non-Volatile

Answer 13

Describes memory that does not lose its contents when the power is turned off, e.g. hard disk.

Question 14

Secondary Memory

Answer 14

Long term, non-volatile storage media such as hard disks, memory sticks, magnetic tapes, DVDs and CDs.

Question 15

Virtual Memory

Answer 15

Part of the hard disk that is configured to behave as an extension to main memory.

Question 16

Magnetic Media

Answer 16

Secondary storage such as hard disks, tape and floppy disks.

Question 17

Optical Media

Answer 17

Secondary storage that is read using lasers such as CDs and DVDs.

Question 18

Solid State / Flash Memory

Answer 18

Secondary storage that has no moving parts. Used in memory sticks, cameras and phones.

Question 19

Pen Drive

Answer 19

Another term for a USB memory stick

Question 20

Boolean Expression

Answer 20

An expression that is either true or false, e.g. X=10

Question 21

Truth Table

Answer 21

A table that shows all the possible combinations of inputs and their logicaloutput value.

Question 22

Logical Operators

Answer 22

AND, OR, NOT

Question 23

Logic Diagram

Answer 23

A diagram of a circuit showing logic gates with inputs and the output these generate.