Test 5/18 Vocab Flashcards
the comp’s main memory, where it keeps the software and data its currently using; volatile; large amount of this helps the comp run faster
RAM (random access memory)
kind of memory whose contents can be read, but not updated or changed by the comp; non-volatile; most comps have only a small amount of this
ROM (read only memory)
a device in a computer that produces direct current of one or more voltages from wall-socket power; regulates voltage to minimize spikes and surges
power supply
complex electronic circuit on a chip; collection of microscopic transistors and other components, built in layers on the surface of a silicone wafer
integrated circuit
“brain” of the computer that usually carries out the basic operations of computation, reading instructions and data from memory, manipulating the data, and writing results back into memory
CPU (central processing unit)
main printed circuit board in a comp that carries the system it buses; equipped with sockets to which devices are connected
motherboard
internal “highway” within a comp for power and signals, connecting CPU, memory; allows these to work together; width and clock rate determine how many bites per sec
bus
way to attach peripherals and have them recognized by the comp; many diff kinds
USB (universal serial bus)
sending or receiving multiple bits of data simultaneously, each bit on a separate wire
parallel data transmission
sending or receiving data one bit at a time
serial data transmission
first software that runs when the comp starts; runs the POST to ensure critical hardware components are running; loads the bootstrap loader and boot sector of the hard drive
BIOS (basic input-output system)
reserved section of hard drive containing the bootstrap loader
boot sector
built-in diagnostic program that checks the computer hardware to ensure that everything is properly functioning, before BIOS begins the actual boot
POST (power on self test)
comp memory which loses its contents info when powered off
volatile memory
comp memory which can retain its contents when powered off
non-volatile memory
unique identifier (#) that specifies a location in a comp’s memory
memory address
basic unit of storage on a comp; 8 bits; smallest addressable amount of memory in a comp
byte
empirical observation that says the complexity of comp chips and other integrated circuits doubles every 18-24 mos.
moore’s law
any electronic system that includes a CPU chip, but is not a general-purpose comp; found anywhere: plane, car, trains, toys, etc.
embedded system
set of all instructions that a processor can execute
instruction set
process that starts the operating system when the comp powers on
booting
special small program capable of loading enough other software to start OS
bootstrap loader
set of programs that manage a comp’s resources and performs basic tasks
operating system
piece of software that allows an OS to work with a hardware device; middleman between OS and hardware
device driver
