key words Flashcards
explain the term algorithm.
An algorithm is a sequence of steps that can be followed to complete a task.
explain the term decomposition.
Decomposition means breaking a problem into a number of sub-problems
explain the term abstraction
Abstraction is the process of removing
unnecessary detail from a problem.
what does input mean?
Data which is inserted into a system for processing and/or storage
what does accumulator
mean?
A register used by the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) to store the results of calculations.
what does application mean?
A software program that allows a user to perform a specific task.
what does application software mean?
A software program that allows a user to perform a specific task.
what does arithmetic logic unit (ALU) mean?
A component of the CPU that performs arithmetic and logic calculations.
what does backup mean?
A copy of important files that is kept separately in case the original files are lost or damaged.
what does binary mean?
A number system that contains two symbols, 0 and 1. Also known as base 2.
what does API mean?
Application programming interface - a software library interface used to share data between software and, in particular, web applications.
what does algorithm mean?
A sequence of logical instructions for carrying out a task.
what does bug mean?
An error in a program.
what does bus mean.
The wires through which data travels from one part of a computer to another on the motherboard.
what does cache memory
mean?
A piece of temporary memory. It can refer to a part of the RAM, storage disk, CPU, or an area for storing web pages.
what does clock mean?.
A component of the CPU that sends out regular pulses. Its job is to synchronise the computer’s hardware components.
what does clock speed
mean.
The speed of a computer’s CPU, measured in hertz. This indicates the number of fetch-decode-execute cycles that can run per second.
what does cloud mean?.
A term often used to describe a location on the internet from which software applications are run and where data is stored.
what does hardware mean?.
The physical parts of a computer system, eg a graphics card, hard disk drive or CD drive.
what does input mean.
Data which is inserted into a system for processing and/or storage.
what does output mean?.
Data which is sent out of a system.
what does systems software
mean?.
Software used to control the computer and run applications.
