Computer Architecture Vocabulary

Flashcards covering vocabulary related to computer architecture concepts.

Datapath

Performs operations on data within the CPU, including registers and the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU).

Registers

Temporary storage of data during program execution.

Arithmetic-Logic Unit (ALU)

Responsible for performing arithmetic and logic operations.

Control Unit

Sequences the datapath, telling it what to do and controlling the activities of the computer system.

Cache Memory

Small, very fast memory within the computer used for immediate access to data and instructions.

Main (Primary) Memory

Fast memory that stores data and instructions while they are being executed (e.g., Random Access Memory or RAM).

Secondary (Storage) Memory

Memory that operates at slower speeds and stores data and instructions that are not currently being executed (e.g., flash memory).

Input/Output Devices

User-interface devices such as displays, keyboards, and mice, as well as storage devices like hard disks and network adapters.

Machine Code/Instruction Word

A number representing an instruction, stored in main memory.

Fetch

The process of reading an instruction word during program execution.

Decode

The process of understanding the 0s and 1s of an instruction during program execution.

Execute

The process of performing the action requested by an instruction during program execution.

High-level language

A level of abstraction closer to the problem domain, providing productivity and portability in programming.

Assembly language

A textual representation of the instructions in a program.

Hardware representation

Binary digits (bits) used to encode instructions and data.