Paper 1: Hardware Flashcards
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The “brain” of the computer. It executes instructions and performs calculations.
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
A part of the CPU that performs arithmetic operations (like addition and subtraction) and logical operations (like AND, OR, NOT).
Control Unit (CU)
A part of the CPU that manages the execution of instructions. It fetches instructions from memory, decodes them, and coordinates the activities of other components.
Registers (CPU)
Small, high-speed storage locations within the CPU used to temporarily hold data and instructions that are being actively processed.
Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle
The fundamental process by which a computer retrieves and carries out instructions from memory:
* Fetch: Retrieve the next instruction from memory.
* Decode: Interpret the instruction.
* Execute: Perform the action specified by the instruction.
Clock Speed (CPU)
The number of instructions the CPU can execute per second, measured in Hertz (Hz) or Gigahertz (GHz). A higher clock speed generally means faster processing.
Cache Size (CPU)
A small amount of very fast memory within the CPU used to store frequently accessed data and instructions. A larger cache can improve performance by reducing the time the CPU spends waiting for data from main memory.
Number of Cores (CPU)
The number of independent processing units within a single CPU. More cores allow the CPU to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, improving multitasking performance.
Von Neumann Architecture
A computer architecture where the CPU and main memory use a single address space for both instructions and data. This is the most common architecture used in modern computers.
Input Device
A piece of hardware used to provide data and instructions to a computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone).
Output Device
A piece of hardware used to present information from a computer to the user (e.g., monitor, printer, speakers).
Primary Storage (Main Memory)
Memory that is directly accessible by the CPU and is used to store data and instructions that are currently being processed. Examples include RAM and ROM.
RAM (Random Access Memory)
A type of primary storage that is volatile (data is lost when power is turned off) and allows both reading and writing of data. It’s used for actively running programs and data.
ROM (Read-Only Memory)
A type of primary storage that is non-volatile (data is retained when power is off) and typically contains instructions that the computer needs to boot up. Data is usually written to ROM during manufacturing.
Secondary Storage
Non-volatile storage used to store data and programs permanently, even when the computer is turned off. Examples include hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs).
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
A type of secondary storage that uses magnetic platters to store data. Generally has a larger storage capacity but slower access speeds compared to SSDs.
Solid State Drive (SSD)
A type of secondary storage that uses flash memory to store data. Offers faster access speeds, is more durable, and consumes less power than HDDs.
Optical Storage
Storage devices that use lasers to read and write data on optical discs like CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs.
Magnetic Tape
A type of sequential access secondary storage, often used for backups and archival storage due to its high capacity and relatively low cost.
Virtual Storage
Using a portion of the hard drive as if it were RAM when the actual RAM is full. This can slow down the system.
Cloud Storage
Storing digital data on a network of servers rather than directly on the user’s device. It allows access to data from anywhere with an internet connection.
Embedded System
A computer system with a dedicated function within a larger mechanical or electronic system, often with real-time computing constraints (e.g., in washing machines, cars, digital cameras).
Universal Serial Bus (USB)
A common interface standard for connecting peripheral devices (like keyboards, mice, printers, external drives) to a computer. It also allows for data transfer and power supply.
