Computer Basics - Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering basic computer parts, CPU components, motherboard interfaces, input and output devices, memory types, storage devices, and unit conversions.

Computer

A system composed of many parts that work together to accept input, process data, store it, and produce output.

Input Processing Output cycle

The core cycle performed by computer parts working together to handle data from input to output.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The main part of a computer that processes all data and controls the working of other parts, commonly called the Brain of the Computer.

ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)

A main component of the CPU that performs arithmetic operations ($+$; $-$; $\times$; $\div$), logical operations ($>$; $<$; $=$), and carries out calculations.

CU (Control Unit)

A component of the CPU that controls all computer activities, fetches and decodes instructions from memory, and sends control signals to other parts.

Registers

Small and very fast memory locations inside the CPU that temporarily store data, instructions, and results.

Instruction Cycle

The sequential working cycle of the CPU consisting of four steps: Fetch $\rightarrow$ Decode $\rightarrow$ Execute $\rightarrow$ Store.

Single Core CPU

A CPU containing one processing unit (core) that can perform one task at a time, used in older and basic computers.

Multi Core CPU

A CPU containing two or more cores that can perform multiple tasks at the same time, making it faster and more efficient.

Motherboard

The main circuit board of a computer that connects all components and allows them to communicate with each other.

SMPS (Switch Mode Power Supply)

An internal component that converts AC power to DC power for internal computer components.

BIOS/UEFI

Basic software stored in ROM that remains saved on the motherboard even when power is off.

CMOS Battery

A battery on the motherboard that provides power to keep BIOS/UEFI settings saved even when power is off.

Heat Sink

An internal component that absorbs and removes heat from internal computer components.

DIMM

The type of slot on the motherboard used for installing RAM modules.

PCIe Slot

An expansion slot on the motherboard used for graphics cards and other expansion cards.

SATA

An interface used to connect HDD, SSD, and optical drives to the motherboard.

Input Devices

Hardware devices that allow users to enter data, instructions, and commands into a computer.

Joystick

An input device used to control movement in games and simulations.

OCR (Optical Character Recognition)

An input device technology that converts printed text into editable digital text.

OMR (Optical Mark Reader)

An input device that reads marked answers from OMR sheets.

MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Reader)

An input device that reads magnetic ink characters, used in banks for cheques.

Output Devices

Hardware devices that receive processed data from the computer and present the result in a form users can see, hear, or feel.

Plotter

An output device that produces high-quality large drawings and graphs, used by engineers and designers.

Braille Printer

An output device that produces printed output in Braille for visually impaired users.

Haptic Devices

Output devices that provide physical feedback, such as vibration or motion, to the user.

Computer Memory

The storage space in a computer where data, instructions, and results are kept either temporarily or permanently.

Primary Memory (Main Memory)

Memory directly connected to the CPU that stores data temporarily or permanently for immediate use, such as RAM, ROM, and Cache.

Secondary Memory (Auxiliary Memory)

Memory used to store data permanently for long-term use, which is slower than primary memory but offers larger storage capacity.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Temporary primary memory that stores data and instructions while the computer is working, losing its contents when power is switched off.

ROM (Read Only Memory)

Permanent primary memory that stores important system startup instructions like BIOS and retains data when power is off.

Cache Memory

Very small and very fast memory inside or near the CPU that stores frequently used data for fast access.

Storage Devices

Hardware devices used to store data, programs, and files permanently for long-term use.

Solid State Drive (SSD)

A fast storage device with no moving parts, used in modern computers for high-speed storage.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

A permanent storage device with large capacity used in computers and laptops.

CD (Compact Disc)

An optical storage device that stores data up to $700\,\text{MB}$.

DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)

An optical storage device that stores data up to $4.7\,\text{GB}$ on a single layer.

Blu-ray Disc

An optical storage device that stores data up to $25\,\text{GB}$ or more, used for high-quality videos and large files.

Bit

The smallest unit of computer memory, taking a value of $0$ or $1$.

Byte

A unit of memory equal to $8\,\text{bits}$.

Kilobyte (KB)

A memory unit equal to $1024\,\text{Bytes}$ ($2^{10}$).

Megabyte (MB)

A memory unit equal to $1024\,\text{KB}$ ($2^{20}$) or $1,048,576\,\text{Bytes}$.

Gigabyte (GB)

A memory unit equal to $1024\,\text{MB}$ ($2^{30}$) or $1,073,741,824\,\text{Bytes}$.

Terabyte (TB)

A memory unit equal to $1024\,\text{GB}$ ($2^{40}$) or $1,099,511,627,776\,\text{Bytes}$.

Petabyte (PB)

A memory unit equal to $1024\,\text{TB}$ ($2^{50}$).

UPS

An external component that provides backup power to the computer during an electricity failure.