Chapter 2 Hardware Flashcards
Main memory/RAM
The Main 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.
CPU
The central processing unit that contains the processor, main memory and cache.
Processor
The component in the computer that fetches, decodes and executes instructions
Cache
High speed memory in the CPU that is used to store a copy of frequently used instructions and data. Faster access speed than main memory. Used to improve CPU performance
Clock speed
Measured in herz or cycles per second the clock speed defines how many instructions per second the processor can execute. The higher the clock speed, the faster the CPU can operate.
Level 1 cache
Cache that is not in the processor chip
Level 2/3 cache
Cache that is not on the processor, not on the motherboard.
System buses
The circuit/internal wiring that connect together the components within the CPU
Fetch-execute cycle
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
Dual core/quad core
A CPU that contains multiple processing components (cores) that can operate independently to process more than one task at a time.
RAM
Random access memory. A type of memory that is read-write and volatile, used for main memory
ROM
Read-only memory. Memory that is hard-coded at the time of manufacture. Stores the startup programs called the bootstrap loader
Bootstrap loader
The first program that is loaded into the main memory from ROM when a computer switched on. This will load the operating system from secondary storage.
Volatile
Describes memory that does not lose its content when the power is turned off
Non-volatile
Describes memory that does not lose its content when the power is turned off
Secondary memory
Long term, non volatile storage media such as hard disks, memory sticks, magnetic tapes and CDs
Virtual memory
Part of the hard disk that is configured to behave as an extension to main memory
Magnetic media
Secondary storage such as hard disks and tapes
Optical media
Secondary storage such as CDs and DVDs that is read using lasers
Solid state/flash memory
Secondary storage that has no moving parts. Used in memory sticks, cameras and phones
Pen drive
Another term used for USB memory stick
EEPROM
Electronically erasable programmable read only memory a chip made up of a grid of transistors each of which can be set to the value 1 or 0. Type of memory used in flash memory
