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Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The main component of a computer that handles data processing.

Microprocessor

Contains the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) and Control Unit (CU).

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Handles arithmetic operations and logical comparisons.

Control Unit (CU)

Decodes instructions and controls the operation of the CPU.

Registers

Temporary storage areas within the CPU used to hold data and instructions.

Control Bus

Dictates the direction of data transfer in the CPU.

Data Bus

Transfers data between components like the ALU, RAM, and I/O devices.

Address Bus

Sends address data from the microprocessor to primary memory.

Primary Memory

Volatile memory (RAM) that stores program instructions and data.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

A type of primary memory that loses data when the computer is turned off.

Cache Memory

A smaller, faster section of RAM that stores frequently accessed data.

Machine Instruction Cycle

The process of Fetching, Decoding, Executing, and Storing instructions.

Persistent Storage

Secondary storage that keeps data safe when the system is powered off.

Resource Management

An operating system function that allocates hardware resources.

Memory Management

Controls access to memory and ensures process isolation.

Job Control Language (JCL)

Language defining and prioritizing system jobs.

User Interface

The means by which users interact with the computer system.

Binary

Base-2 system using digits 0 and 1 to represent data.

Bit

The smallest unit of data, either 0 or 1.

Byte

A group of 8 bits.

Boolean Operators

Logical operators that determine true or false outcomes (AND, OR, NOT).

CISC

Complex Instruction Set Computing; architecture with more instructions but slower execution.

RISC

Reduced Instruction Set Computing; architecture with fewer instructions for faster execution.