Key terms Chapter 1. Flashcards
memorize these key phrases
Byte
eight bits
Central processing unit(CPU)
carries out every command or process on the computer and can be thought of as the brain of the computer
Computer
an electronic device that processes data according to a set of instructions or commands, known as a program
Core
the central processing unit (CPU) and the main memory
Decimal
base-ten, numeral system that uses zero to nine
Digit
each number in the decimal system, zero to nine
Hardware
the physical parts of the computer, including devices such as the monitor, keyboard, speakers, wires, chips, cables, plugs, disks, printers, and mice
Hexadecimal
base 16, number system that uses 0-9 and a–f
Input and output (I/O) devices
how the user interacts with the computer
Main memory
memory that temporarily stores information while it is being sent to the CPU, also called RAM
Motherboard (logic board)
the standardized printed circuit board that connects the CPU, main memory, and peripherals
Nonvolatile
does not need a power supply. Information is physically written to the device
Nybble (or Nibble)
half byte, four bits
Operating system (OS)
the visual representation of the computer
Peripherals
the input and output (I/O) devices and the secondary memory
POST
power-on self-test
Power supply
converts AC electricity to the lower voltage DC electricity that is needed to power the computer
Random Access Memory (RAM)
memory that can be retrieved or written to anywhere without having to go through all the previous memory
Secondary Memory
used for long term storage and is physically changed when files are saved or deleted
Sequential memory
memory used to store back-up data on a tape
Volatile
needs a power supply. Turning off the power deletes information
Software
includes the operating system and the applications. It is usually stored on a computer’s hard drive and cannot physically be touched. At the lowest level, it is a series of ones and zeros
