Computer Science 8 Chapter 4 Hardware

Flashcards for Computer Science 8 Chapter 4 Hardware

Hardware

The physical components of a computer.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The "brain" of the computer that processes commands.

Control Unit

The part of the CPU that executes instructions.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

The part of the CPU that performs calculations.

Instruction Cycle

The sequence a CPU goes through to execute a command: Fetch, Decode, Execute, Store.

Fetch

The step in the instruction cycle that retrieves the instruction from RAM/cache.

Decode

The step in the instruction cycle that determines what the instruction is.

Execute

The step in the instruction cycle that performs the command.

Store

The step in the instruction cycle that stores any result to RAM.

Clock Speed

The speed at which a processor executes the instruction cycle.

Gigahertz (GHz)

1 billion cycles per second.

Megahertz (MHz)

1 million cycles per second.

Multi-Core Processor

Two or more processors integrated on a single chip.

GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)

Reduces processing required of the system CPU for graphics-intensive processes.

Parallel Processing

Distributes processing across multiple processors.

Hyper-Threading

Single CPU appears as two logical processors.

Pipelining

Allows a single processor to process up to 4 instructions at the same time.

Heat Sink

Metal used to draw heat away from CPU.

Motherboard

Main circuit board of a computer; provides a way for devices to connect to a computer.

System Unit

Case that encloses and protects a computer’s internal components.

Ports

Used to connect peripheral devices directly to the motherboard.

USB

Most common type of port, can connect many types of devices.

Thunderbolt

Can connect many types of peripheral devices. Can connect up to six devices using one port; hot-swappable

Bluetooth

Short-range wireless technology used to connect many types of peripheral devices; Devices need to be paired

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)

A program stored on a chip on the motherboard used to boot the computer.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Temporary storage used by a computer to hold instructions and data while they are in use.

Cache Memory

Very fast memory that holds some instructions and data copied from the RAM.

Hard Drive

The primary mass-storage device in most computers.

SSD (Solid-State Drive)

Can be used in desktop and notebook computers instead of regular hard drive. Are much more reliable, faster to access.

Flash Drive

Small, portable solid-state drives that connect to a computer via a USB port.

Input Device

Used to enter data into a computer system (e.g. keyboard, mouse, scanner).

Output Device

Shows the result of processing data (e.g. Monitor, Printer).

Adaptive Technology

Used by individuals with disabilities to interact with technology.