SDEV_140 Ch1 Flashcards

Computing Agent

The entity that executes instructions in an algorithm.

Algorithm

A finite sequence of instructions that, when applied to a problem, will solve it.

Executed

To carry out the instructions of a program.

Data

The symbols that are used to represent information in a form suitable for storage, processing, and communication.

Information Processing

The transformation of one piece of information into another piece of information.

Input

Data obtained by a program from the external world during execution.

Output

Information that is produced by a program and sent to the external world.

Hardware

The computing machine and its support devices.

Software

Programs that make the machine (the hardware) do something, such as word processing, database management, or games.

Programs

A set of instructions that tells the machine (the hardware) what to do.

Programming Languages

A formal language that computer scientists use to give instructions to the computer.

Memory

The ordered sequence of storage cells that can be accessed by address. Instructions and variables of an executing program are temporarily held here.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

A major hardware component that consists of the arithmetic/logic unit and the control unit. Also sometimes called a processor.

Input/ Output Devices

Devices that allow information to be transmitted between the central processing unit of a computer and the external world.

Ports

Channels through which several clients can exchange data with the same server.

Networks

A collection of resources that are linked together for communication.

Binary Digits

A digit, either 0 or 1, in the binary number system. Program instructions are stored in memory using a sequence of binary digits.

Bits

Binary digits.

Primary Memory

A device that provides temporary storage for data and programs for fast access by a computer’s central processing unit.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Memory where a program and data are loaded for execution. Same as primary memory.

Processor

The hardware components that perform computation and control the flow of execution.

Secondary Memory

A device such as a hard drive or flash stick where data can be backed up or stored permanently.

Magnetic Storage Media

Any media that allow data to be stored as patterns in a magnetic field.

Semiconductor Storage Media

Devices, such as flash sticks, that use solid state circuitry to store data permanently.

Optical Storage Media

Devices such as CDs and DVDs that store data permanently and from which the data are accessed by using laser technology.

Machine Code

The language used directly by the computer in all its calculations and processing.

Loader

A software program that copies program code and data from secondary memory into primary memory before program execution begins.

System Software

The programs that allow users to write and execute other programs, including operating systems such as Windows and macOS.

Operating System

A large program that allows the user to communicate with the hardware and performs various management tasks.

File System

Software that organizes data on secondary storage media.

User Interfaces

Software and hardware devices that present information to human users and receive input data or commands from them.

Terminal-Based Interface

A user interface that allows the user to enter input from a keyboard and view output as text in a window.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

A means of communication between human beings and computers that uses a pointing device for input and a bitmapped screen for output. The bitmap displays images of windows and window objects such as buttons, text fields, and drop-down menus. The user interacts with the interface by using the mouse to directly manipulate the window objects.

Touchscreen Interface

A user interface that allows the user to enter input by tapping or gesturing while touching its screen.

Applications Software/ Apps

Programs that allow human users to accomplish specialized tasks, such as word processing or database management. Also called applications or apps.

High Level Programming Languages

Programming languages whose vocabulary and sentence structure are fairly close to those of English.

Text Editor

A program that allows the user to enter text, such as a program, and save it in a file.

Translator

A program that converts a program written in one language to an equivalent program in another language.

Syntax Errors

Errors in spelling, punctuation, or placement of certain key symbols in a program.

Run-Time System

Software that supports the execution of a program.

Interpreter

A program that translates and executes another program.

Virtual Machine

A software tool that behaves like a high-level computer.