Computer Fundamentals and Microprocessor Basics

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering computer systems, architecture, internal components, memory types, and storage technologies based on lecture materials.

Computer system

A collection of various units and software designed to achieve a specific goal, basically divided into hardware and software.

Word length

The number of bits that the CPU can process in parallel at a time, typically varying from $8$ to $64$ bits.

Computer Architecture

A specification detailing how a set of software and hardware technology standards interact to form a computer system, focusing on high-level design and functional behaviors.

Computer Organization

The structural and behavioral description of a computer system as seen by the user, dealing with low-level design issues and physical components like circuits and signals.

ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)

The component of the CPU that performs computational operations such as addition and subtraction, as well as logical operations like comparing values.

CU (Control Unit)

Known as the 'Nervous System' of the computer, it produces timing and control signals and manages the flow of data between the CPU, memory, and peripherals.

Register Array

High-speed temporary storage locations within the CPU used to store data during the execution process.

Primary Memory

Memory that the CPU can directly communicate with, such as RAM, which holds data and instructions currently being processed; it is typically volatile.

Secondary Memory

Non-volatile auxiliary memory used for permanent storage and transferring data between computers, such as hard disks or flash drives.

Microprocessor

A multipurpose, programmable silicon chip mounted on a motherboard that combines all CPU functions in a single IC using VLSI technology; first released as the Intel 4004 in $1971$.

Instruction Set

The collection of all possible machine code instructions and commands that a microprocessor can understand and execute.

Clock speed

The measure of how many operations per second a processor can perform, typically expressed in megahertz ($MHz$) or gigahertz ($GHz$).

Cache memory

Fastest access RAM integrated into or near the processor to store frequently used data and instructions; includes Level 1 (on-chip) and Level 2 (motherboard-mounted).

Super computer

The largest and fastest type of computer, used for specialized calculations like weather forecasting and nuclear research, often composed of multiple microprocessors.

Mainframe Computer

A large general-purpose computer considered the 'heart of business' for large-scale data processing, storage, and centralized computing.

Mini computer

Medium-sized computers, often referred to as third-generation computers, used in small businesses or as internet servers.

Micro Computer

The smallest class of computer based on a microchip, designed for single-user support of high-level languages and multimedia.

Mobile computing

A system allowing the transmission of data without physical connections, enabling users to be linked 'anytime, anywhere' via portable devices and wireless connections like Wi-Fi.

Internal system bus

The communication path or wires that connect internal components inside the computer system.

Address Bus

A unidirectional bus used to carry signals that define specific memory addresses within the system.

Data Bus

A bi-directional bus, also called a memory bus, that handles the flow of data within the system across $8$, $16$, $32$, or $64$ parallel lines.

DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)

A type of volatile memory made of transistors and capacitors that is unstable and must be constantly refreshed, which can slow down the CPU.

SRAM (Static Random Access Memory)

A faster and more expensive type of memory that holds data as long as power is supplied without needing constant refreshing; commonly used in cache memory.

ROM (Read Only Memory)

Non-volatile memory containing permanent information stored by the manufacturer, such as the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System).

Firmware

A combination of hardware and software in a single device, specifically refers to programs stored on ROM.

EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory)

A type of ROM that can be reprogrammed or erased using high-voltage Ultraviolet (UV) light.

Buffer

An intermediate temporary storage device used to manage the flow of data when transferring from a fast processor to a slow processor.

Seek time

The time required to position the read/write head of a disk drive over the specific track to be accessed.

Latency time

The time it takes for the specific sector of a spinning disk to rotate under the read/write head.

Optical Storage device

Storage media based on laser technology, such as CDs and DVDs, where data is stored as reflective 'pitches' (pumps) and flat 'lands.'

Flash memory

A type of EEPROM that does not require a backup power supply to retain data; commonly used in pen drives.

Smart cards

Credit card-sized devices containing a microprocessor for I/O and processing or a memory chip for data storage, accessed via special card readers.