Computer Systems and CPU Architecture

Flashcards covering key concepts, definitions, and terminology from the lecture on Computer Systems and CPU Architecture.

Von Neumann Architecture

Uses a single shared memory for data and instructions, leading to the von Neumann bottleneck.

Harvard Architecture

Uses separate memory for data and instructions, improving performance.

Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle

The process by which a CPU retrieves an instruction from memory, decodes it, and executes it.

Control Unit

Sends control signals and decodes instructions in the CPU.

ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)

Performs arithmetic and logic operations in the CPU.

Little Man Computer (LMC)

A simplified model CPU used for teaching purposes.

Accumulator (in LMC)

Stores intermediate results during processing in the Little Man Computer.

Primary Storage

Includes RAM (volatile) and cache for immediate data access.

Secondary Storage

Includes HDD, SSD, optical disks, and magnetic tape for long-term data retention.

Virtual Memory

Uses secondary storage as an extension of RAM to handle larger workloads.

ASCII

7-bit character encoding standard for representing text in computers.

Compiler

A translator that converts source code into machine code.

Agile Methodology

An iterative software development methodology focused on flexibility and user feedback.

Operating System

Manages hardware and software resources of a computer system.

Firewall

A security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic.

Malware

Software designed to disrupt, damage, or unauthorized access to computers.

Phishing

A cyber attack that attempts to acquire sensitive information by masquerading as a trustworthy entity.

Packet Switching

A method of data transmission where data is broken into packets and sent independently across the network.

Device Drivers

Software that allows the operating system to communicate with hardware devices.