key terms Flashcards
algorithm
a set of instructions that achieve a task
sequence
following instructions one after the other
variable
a named container for a value (which can be inspected or altered by the program)
Iteration
a repeated set of instructions - common loops include forever, while true, while
selection
a choice of which set of code to follow is dependant on a true or false question - common selections are “if, then, else” and “when…., do…”
program
a set of algorithms that have been created to solve a problem - commonly known as apps(application software)
Input
a method of entering data onto a computer system, usually with an input device, such as a keyboard or mouse
Output
a method of displaying information to a user, e.g. a screen
CPU
central processing unit - every command passes through the CPU
RAM
random access memory - very fast, volatile data storage, contains the operating system current programmes and data
ROM
read only memory - non-volatile memory, contains the boot strap and BIOS
volatile
data is lost when machine is turned off
BIOS
basic input and output system
Motherboard
a circuit board that connects all of the other components
HTML
hypertext markup language - used to create web pages
