key words

Question 1

explain the term algorithm.

Answer 1

An algorithm is a sequence of steps that can be followed to complete a task.

Question 2

explain the term decomposition.

Answer 2

Decomposition means breaking a problem into a number of sub-problems

Question 3

explain the term abstraction

Answer 3

Abstraction is the process of removing
unnecessary detail from a problem.

Question 4

what does input mean?

Answer 4

Data which is inserted into a system for processing and/or storage

Question 5

what does accumulator
mean?

Answer 5

A register used by the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) to store the results of calculations.

Question 6

what does application mean?

Answer 6

A software program that allows a user to perform a specific task.

Question 7

what does application software mean?

Answer 7

A software program that allows a user to perform a specific task.

Question 8

what does arithmetic logic unit (ALU) mean?

Answer 8

A component of the CPU that performs arithmetic and logic calculations.

Question 9

what does backup mean?

Answer 9

A copy of important files that is kept separately in case the original files are lost or damaged.

Question 10

what does binary mean?

Answer 10

A number system that contains two symbols, 0 and 1. Also known as base 2.

Question 11

what does API mean?

Answer 11

Application programming interface - a software library interface used to share data between software and, in particular, web applications.

Question 12

what does algorithm mean?

Answer 12

A sequence of logical instructions for carrying out a task.

Question 13

what does bug mean?

Answer 13

An error in a program.

Question 14

what does bus mean.

Answer 14

The wires through which data travels from one part of a computer to another on the motherboard.

Question 15

what does cache memory
mean?

Answer 15

A piece of temporary memory. It can refer to a part of the RAM, storage disk, CPU, or an area for storing web pages.

Question 16

what does clock mean?.

Answer 16

A component of the CPU that sends out regular pulses. Its job is to synchronise the computer’s hardware components.

Question 17

what does clock speed
mean.

Answer 17

The speed of a computer’s CPU, measured in hertz. This indicates the number of fetch-decode-execute cycles that can run per second.

Question 18

what does cloud mean?.

Answer 18

A term often used to describe a location on the internet from which software applications are run and where data is stored.

Question 19

what does hardware mean?.

Answer 19

The physical parts of a computer system, eg a graphics card, hard disk drive or CD drive.

Question 20

what does input mean.

Answer 20

Data which is inserted into a system for processing and/or storage.

Question 21

what does output mean?.

Answer 21

Data which is sent out of a system.

Question 22

what does systems software
mean?.

Answer 22

Software used to control the computer and run applications.