Computer Systems

Hardware

The physical components or parts of a computer that can be touched and seen.

Input Devices

Devices that allow users to input data, e.g. Keyboard, mouse.

Output Devices

Devices that output data from the system, e.g. Monitor, printer.

Storage Devices

Devices that store data, e.g. SSD, HDD, USB drive.

Processing Devices

Devices that process instructions and render images, e.g. CPU, GPU.

Software

Set of programs or instructions that control hardware and perform tasks.

System Software

Software that includes operating systems, utilities, and drivers.

Application Software

Software that includes word processors, web browsers, and games.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The main processor of a computer that executes instructions and performs calculations.

Control Unit (CU)

The component of CPU that manages execution of instructions.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

The part of the CPU that performs calculations and logic.

Registers

Small, fast storage located within the CPU used to store temporary data.

Cache

A small, fast memory that stores frequently accessed data.

Data Bus

Transfers data between the CPU and memory.

Address Bus

Transfers memory addresses or locations of data.

Control Bus

Sends control signals from the CPU to other components.

Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle

The process where an instruction is fetched from memory, decoded, and executed by the CPU.

Von Neumann Architecture

A computer design model that uses a single memory space to store both instructions and data.

Logic Gates

A group of transistors connected together to provide outputs based on inputs.

Primary Storage

Storage that includes RAM and ROM.

Secondary Storage

Long-term data storage that includes magnetic, optical, and solid-state storage.