Year 9 EoY Definitions Flashcards
Computer system
A system that takes a set of inputs, processes them and creates a set of outputs
Embedded system
System with a dedicated function within a larger system
Dedicated computer
Made to do a specific task, eg- a washing machine
CPU
Processes data via the fetch decode execute cycle
Fetch
The CPU fetches data from the RAM and stores it in temporary memory called registers. For this to happen, the address bus sends the address of the next instruction to the RAM, and the RAM snds data back to the CPU via the data bus.
Decode
The CPU understands the instruction it has been sent and gets ready for the next step
Execute
The CPU carries out the instruction. When the cycle ends, another begins. Billions of cycles happen every second.
Address bus
A wire that sends the address of the next instruction to the RAM
Data bus
Wire that sends data back to the CPU
ALU
Does maths and logic with logic statements and operations 
Cache
Stores the data which is to be immediately processed. It is faster and smaller than the RAM. 
CU
Manages monitors hardware,
Manages input and output signals Manages fetch decode execute cycle 
RAM
Enables multitasking, which means having an opening several programs at once. It stores all the instructions or modules from the open programs that the CPU will require for processing. RAM is volatile memory and it loses data when there’s no power. 
ROM
‘ Read, only memory’
Stores the boot up sequence and load the OS. it is a nonvolatile memory, meaning it can store data without power. It is directly accessed by the CPU and is classed as a primary storage. 
Magnetic storage
Magnetises points in a pattern. Magnetised equals one unmagnetised equals zero 
