CIS 200 Reading 2

Hardware

Consists of the physical devices associated with a computer system

Software

The set of instructions the hardware executes to carry out specific tasks

Computer

An electronic device operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory that can accept, manipulate, and store data

Central Processing Unit

The actrual hardware that interprets and executes the program and coordinates how all the other hardware devices work together

Control Unit

Interprets software instruction and literallhy tells the other hardware decives what to do

Arithmetic/logic unit

performs all arithmetic operations and all logic operations

Megahertz and Gighertzs

Mega: The number of millions of CPU cycles per second

Gigahertz: the number of billions of CPU cycles per second

Complex Instruction set computer (CISC) or Reduced instruction set computer (RISC)

CISC: type of CPU that can recognize as many as 100 or more instructions

RISC: Limits the number of instructions the CPU can execute to increase processing speed.

Primary Stroage

computers main memory which consists of random access memory, cahce memory, and read only memory.

Random Access Memory

The computers primary working memory where the program instructions and data are stores so that they can be accessed dirctly by the CPU

Volatility

A device’s ability to function with or without power.

RAM is volatile which means it must have power to function

Cache Memory, Read Only Memory

small unit of ultra fast memory that is used to store recently accessed data.

Read Only is the portion of a computers storage that does not lose its contents when power is off.

Flash Memory/ Memory cards

Flash Memory: A type or rewriable read-only memory that is compact and portable

Memory cards: contain high-capacity storage that holds data such as images. Removable and downloadable.

Secondary storage

equipment designed to store large volumes of data for long term storage

Magnetic medium

uses magnetic techniques to store are retrieve data on disks or tapes coated with magnetically sensitive material. One form is magnetic tape. Other forms are hard drives and solid state drives.

Input Device

Equipment used ot capture information and commands such as a stylus or a mouse

Output Device

Equipments used to see, hear, or accept the results of information processing. This could be printers or monitors.

Communication device

Equipment used to send information and recieve it from one location to another. This could be a cable connecting devices.

System Software

controls how the various technology tools work together with application software. Includes operating system software and utility software.

Operating system software /Embedded operating system

controls the application software and manages how the hardware devices work together.

Some computers have two operating systems so they can dual boot (provide the user with two options)

Embedded Opearting system: used in computer appliances and special-purpose applications. Such as an ATM

Utility Software

Provides additional functionality to the operating system. Includes anitvirus, screen savers.

Customized by using the control panel.

Application Software

used for specific information processing needs such as payroll and customer relationship