Hardware Flashcards
Hardware
Described as the physical parts of a computer, and include parts such as the CPU, motherboard, graphics/audio cards, memory (RAM), and hard disks
Hertz
A standard unit, and in computing is measured by how many operations (instructions) a CPU can complete in one second.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Part of a computer that performs the input/output
Instruction Cycle
An instruction cycle is a set of predetermined steps that the CPU takes in order to grab instructions, and then execute them
Steps:
1) Fetch
2) Decode
3) Execute
Fetch
This step fetches the next instruction from the memory at an address stored in the program counter
Decode
The decode interprets the instruction
Execute
During execute, the CPU performs the action told by the decoded instruction.
Pipeline
A computing pipeline is a ‘series’ or analogically a pipe of processes of data, where the output of one unit is the input in the following unit.
Serial/Parallel Processing
A serial process is one that occurs in series, where one process needs to be finished before the next can begin.
Bit
A bit is the basic bit of computing information. When we have eight bits together, we call that a byte.
8 bits = 1 byte
Memory Sizes
A byte is also what we use to measure memory sizes. The most common memory sizes you’ll hear today are kilobyte, megabyte, gigabyte, and terabyte.
Kilo = 1 thousand Mega = 1 million Giga = 1 Billion
Sequential Access Memory (SAM)
Memory that must be accessed in sequence (i.e. the first part of the memory must be read before moving onto the second part).
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Can be accessed at any pint or area in the memory. Unlike SAM, it doesn’t need to wait for the a full rotation of the platter or tape, but can jump directly to where the data is located.
Volatile Memory
Memory which is only maintained for as long as the computer is on and providing power. After shutdown, the memory is lost.
System Cache
Temporary storage memory which usually has a very fast access time It is for data intended to immediate use.
L1 Cache
First level of cache for the CPU, and is generally very small. This is the fastest level of cache, and the processor checks this first.
L2 Cache
Intermediate cache. Known as the secondary cache,
L3 Cache
The largest, and determines to a significant extent the speed of memory access a CPU has.
Data Storage/Hard Drivers
Hard drives are used for storing permanent data.
Virtual Memory
Virtual memory is almost always slower than having everything in RAM. in the early 1980’s by Phillips and Sony.
Compact Disc (CD)
Form of physical media which was developed in the early 1980’s by Phillips and Sony. They can hold between 500 to 700 megabytes of data.
Flash Memory
Another form of permanent data storage. Common in phones, USB flash drives, and in solid state drives for personal computers.
Peripheral Devices
A peripheral device is a device which is connected to a computer but not part of the computer itself. This includes the mouse monitor, keyboard, and speaker.
If it has to be plugged into a computer, then it’s a peripheral.
Input/Output devices
Are used by people to communicate with a computer, and for the computer to communicate with people.
Input devices: Scanners, keyboards, and mice.
Output devices: Monitors, printers, and speakers.
