Computer Systems: Memory, CPU Components, and the Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle

Vocabulary flashcards covering primary memory, secondary storage, CPU components (ALU, CU, cores), and instruction processing from the handwritten lecture notes.

Primary Memory

Memory that stores data the CPU is currently using, such as RAM and ROM.

Secondary Storage

Storage used to keep data and files for long-term use, such as HDDs, SSDs, and USB drives.

RAM

Memory that temporarily stores data and instructions for the current program, losing its contents when switched off.

ROM

Memory that stores permanent instructions and keeps its data even after the computer is switched off.

Core

A unit within a computer that processes instructions and carries out tasks; having more cores enables the computer to handle more tasks at the same time.

Effect of Additional RAM

Allows a computer to run more programs at once without slowing down.

Binary

The form in which computer instructions are written, consisting of $0\text{s}$ and $1\text{s}$.

Decoding

The step in instruction processing where the CPU interprets the instruction to understand what to do.

Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle

The cycle in which the CPU fetches an instruction from memory, decodes it, and executes it.

CU (Control Unit)

The component of the CPU that controls and coordinates the CPU's activities.

ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)

The component of the CPU that performs arithmetic calculations and logical operations.