Computer Science for CAPE Examinations: Unit 1

Vocabulary flashcards to aid in the review of Computer Science concepts for CAPE Examinations.

Computer Architecture

The structure of all or part of a computer system, including the design of system software and the combination of hardware.

Input Device

A hardware component capable of providing information to a computer, e.g., keyboard, mouse.

Output Device

A hardware component capable of receiving information from a computer, e.g., printer, monitor.

Memory Types

Classifications of computer memory that store data either temporarily (volatile) or permanently (non-volatile).

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Volatile memory used by the CPU to store and manipulate data.

Read Only Memory (ROM)

Non-volatile memory used to store essential system instructions that cannot be modified.

Storage Device

A hardware component used to deposit, retain, or retrieve computer data.

Volatility

The characteristic of memory to lose its data when power is turned off.

Supercomputers

High-end computers designed to solve complex problems rapidly using many processors.

Mainframe

Large computers that support thousands of users simultaneously, often used in industries like banking.

Microcomputer

Inexpensive computers designed for general use by a single person.

Logic Gate

A digital switch that performs a logical operation on one or more inputs to produce a single output.

Truth Table

A mathematical table used to compute the functional values of logical expressions.

Flip Flop

A digital circuit with two output lines that store a single bit of information.

Multiplexor

A device that selects one of several input signals and forwards the selected input to a single output line.

Encoder

A digital circuit that converts a set of signals into a binary code.

Decoder

A digital circuit that decodes an input code, producing a set of output signals.

Bit

The smallest unit of information in computing, representing a binary state (0 or 1).

Byte

A group of eight bits, used as a basic data storage unit.

Signed Magnitude

A representation of binary numbers that allows for positive and negative values.

1's Complement

A binary number representation that flips all bits to represent negative values.

2's Complement

A method for representing negative binary numbers by inverting bits and adding one.

Floating Point

A method of representing real numbers in computing that can handle a wide range of values.

ASCII

A standard character encoding scheme that assigns binary values to letters, digits, and symbols.

C Programming Language

A high-level programming language used for system and application software development.

Function

A modular segment of code designed to perform a specific task within a program.

Array

A data structure consisting of a collection of elements, each identified by at least one array index.