CSP Finals Quizlet PART 2: COMPUTER BASICS

Hard Drive

A physical device which stores computer information

Solid State Drive

A device that holds "flash memory" chips which allows it to retain data even when not receiving power

- smaller
-faster, cannot physically break as easily
-uses less energy
-boots up instantly

Hard Disk Drive

A device that stores data with a magnetic disk and retains the data when it loses power

- larger
-slower
-older and now less commonly used overall
-could break easily due to spinning dis

Secondary Memory

A type of memory allows a user to store data and programs for as long as desired, in, for example, a hard disk drive.

-holds large amounts of data that the main memory cannot hold(ROM)

Read Only Memory

Main storage that holds the permanent data/instructions that are essential for the PC to function

- tells it how to 'turn on' and 'turn off'
-Maintains memory even when the PC is turned off

Firmware

permanent software/instructions built onto the ROM

- creates the software that allows the hardware of the PC to function

Random Access Memory

Temporary storage which holds data that is being actively used

-very fast so it can read and interpret operations and inputs
- only functions when the PC is on
-Higher ____ leads to the PC being better at handling and running multiple applications well

Volatile

Loses data when it is turned off

nonvolatile

Continues to maintain data even when turned off

USB

Universal Serial Bus. A type of connection used to attach devices such as flash drives, scanners, cameras, and printers to a computer.

CPU

Complex and central piece of technology that executes instructions in the computer.

1. Receives information
2. Decodes the information
3. Outputs to access data registry or algorithm/ logic calculation

Control Unit

The command center of the CPU Retrieves and decodes program instructions and coordinates activities of all other parts of the computer

1. Given instructions via computer inputs
2. Requests memory to "learn/know" how to do these functions
3. Sends output to the output device

Logic Unit

Circuitry in the CPU that makes mathematical calculations as well as true or false logic statements

- takes actions based on the conditions
1. Equal to: If A = B Then _____
2. Greater than: If A > B Then ____
3. Less Than: IF A < B Then ____

Registers

Stores data in CPU temporarily before control unit sends it out to the ALU which takes the information to the RAM

Cache

Fast layer of memory storage that holds frequently used data

L1 Cache

Cache used by a CPU for short-term storage of data and instructions. It is the fastest and closest to the CPU.

L2 Cache

A type of memory cache that is slightly slower than L1 cache, but has a much larger capacity held in RAM

L3 Cache

Cache on the motherboard that is separate from the processor chip.

BIOS

Software built into a PC that tells it something it can do without the need of memory

-already contains information for how to process keyboard clicks, display, etc

Operating System

manages the memory functions of a PC

- organizes data into files
-Bridges the gap between memory(& BIOS) to the hardware of the CPU

Peripherals

Additional devices that translate the computer information into real/visual aspects of the computer

- Monitor display

Device Driver

A software program that provides the instructions your computer needs to communicate with a device

-Communication between OS and hardware

Software

Set of instructions that operate a computer all done virtually

- applications, scripts, programs

Hardware

Physical components of a computer

Random Access

Transfer of info to or from memory

Abstraction

Picking out common or repeated features of producers and simplifying them to singular larger tasks

- frees up more space