computer science term 1

• hardware

  the physical components of a computer system
• software


  the program or applications that run on the computer
• computer systems


  An electronic device which takes input, processes data, and delivers output
• CPU

  processes instructions and data. Controls other components and coordinates activity in the computer system
• RAM


  temporarily stores applications & data that are currently in use by the computer system
• HARD DRIVE

  stores applications and data permanently. Applications and data are copied from here, into RAM when they are being used
• KEYBOARD/MOUSE

  input devices used to give instructions or data to a computer system
• MONITOR/SPEAKER

  output devices used to give an output from a computer system
• general purpose systems


  computer systems with multiple uses
• embedded systems

  computer systems with one purpose
• FDE

  fetch-decode-execute
• arithmetic and logic unit ( ALU )


  performs the calculations, made of 2 main parts ( arithmetic and logic )
• control unit


  coordinates activities within the CPU.
• cache


  stores frequently used and currently in use data and instructions.
• registers


  temporarily stores tiny bits of data or instructions that are needed by the CPU