Understanding Computer Systems

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the notes on computer systems.

Computer system

A combination of hardware and software required to process and store data using a computer.

Hardware

The physical devices of a computer (e.g., keyboards, mice, speakers, printers) that perform input, processing, and output.

Software

Computer instructions that tell the hardware what to do; programs.

Program

A set of instructions that tell the computer how to perform tasks; examples include software that plays music or games; you can write your own programs.

Programming

Writing software instructions and designing the program logic—the complete sequence of steps to solve a problem.

Application software

Programs that help you perform tasks such as word processing, spreadsheets, payroll, inventory, and games.

System software

Software that manages the computer and supports the operation of application software.

Embedded devices

Very small devices embedded into products such as phones, cars, and thermostats that contain computer hardware.

Input

Data items entered into the computer, such as text, numbers, images, or user actions, via input devices like keyboards and mice.

Processing

Manipulating data items (e.g., organizing, sorting, checking accuracy, performing calculations) using the CPU.

Output

The result of processing data, usually presented as information on output devices like printers or monitors.

Data

Raw facts such as text, numbers, and other materials entered into a computer for processing.

Information

Processed data that has been organized and interpreted so it is meaningful and usable.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The hardware component that performs processing tasks and executes program instructions.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Volatile internal memory that stores programs and data currently in use for quick access.

Volatile memory

Memory that loses its contents when power is lost.

Permanent storage

Non-volatile storage devices (e.g., hard drives, flash memory) that retain data when power is off.

Non-volatile storage

Storage that retains data without power, used for long-term retention.

Cloud

Remote storage accessible over the Internet; data stored remotely and not directly readable from the storage devices while at rest.

Source code

The programming language statements written by a programmer before translation into machine language.

Object code

The translated machine language produced from source code.

Compiler

A program that translates source code into machine language for execution.

Interpreter

A program that translates and runs code, often translating one statement at a time.

Machine language

Binary language consisting of zeros and ones that the computer can execute directly.

Binary language

Another name for machine language—the language of 0s and 1s used by hardware.

Syntax

The rules governing the structure and punctuation of statements in a programming language.

Syntax error

Mistakes in programming language syntax that prevent translation or execution.

Program code

The collection of source code and instructions that make up a program.

Programming language

A formal language with rules for writing software; examples include C, C++, Java, Visual Basic.

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

A processor specialized for graphics tasks; many devices include GPUs or multiple processors for improved performance.

Execution

The process of carrying out program instructions; a program runs or executes.