Definitions Flashcards
Hardware
Collection of physical components attached to/forming part of the computer system, those items that you can see & touch
Software
Collection of non-physical parts of the system, operating system, application programs and data
Operating programs
Environment where program sits
Computer
A device that performs tasks at high speed
Central Processing Unit
CPU/processor continually interprets and executes the commands/instructions that are stored in RAM
Data
Raw, unorganised facts that can be processed to make it useful and meaningful
Information
Processed data - organised, structured/presented in a given context to make it useful
Operating system
A collection of many programs that manages the hardware and allows users to run software applications
Kernel
Smallest part of operating system that is always stored in memory
Embedded operating system
A specialised OS for use in the computers built into larger systems and is typically more compact than a desktop OS
Refresh rate
The time it takes for pixels to refresh. The higher rate the smoother clarity
Pixel
A light diode (bulb) that emites Red, Green, Blue
Motherboard
The large printed circuit board (PCB) that houses the essential electronic components of a device
Arithmetic Logic Unit
An electronic circuit, made up of combination of logic gates that performs simple arithmetic on integer numbers
Control Unit
Manages and directs executions of instructions by interpreting them and controlling data flow between ALU, RAM and input/output devices. Ensures all operations happen in the correct sequence
Registers
Small ‘memory’ holding places that store small processed instructions (processed by CPU)
BIOS
Non-volatile firmware used to initialise hardware when the computer starts up so that the operating system can take over and use hardware afterwards
Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
Constantly needs to be refreshed otherwise it will lose its contents. It wipes/flashes instructions
ROM
Non-volatile memory chip, used to permanently store data in computers and other electronic devices, e.g. BIOS firmware, embedded operating systems and appliance/robotic controllers
EEPROM
Electronically Erasable Programmable ROM that can be changed using a software program
Firmware
Used to describe software program or set of instructions programmed on a hardware device
Peripherals
Connected to the motherboard but not directly placed onto the motherboard
Component
Anything placed directly on the motherboard
Secondary Storage
Provides the permanent, non-volatile, storage that keeps data after the device has been switched off for revival later
Media
General word for describing what data is stored upon
Hard drive
Housed inside the computer case and stores all the user’s program and data permanently
External SSDs
Removable data, connected via USB port
Hybrid Drives
HDD is joined with a high-speed flash memory using SSD technology on the same drive to benefit from the efficiencies and cost benefits of both
Flash Drives
Small, very portable storage device that uses solid state technology with no moving parts only electronic circuits
Flash memory
It’s memory that is loaded onto compacitors that can be wiped when needed (because of speed)
Optical Drives
Use laser light to burn/etch data onto the disc for reading and writing
Write
Takes data and makes it permanent (Data -> HDD)
Read
Take data and moves it into RAM (Data -> RAM), creates more instructions & processes instructions
Port
Connects input and output devices to allow them to communicate with the computer/device appropriate for the device to send/receive the right data
USB
Universal Serial Bus. Common interface that enables communication between devices and a host controller such as a personal computer
Universal
Adopted around the world, a common standard
Bus
Connection point, groove/pathway for information
HDMI
High Definition Multimedia Interface Port. Provides a digital interface to receive and transmit both video and audio signals
