Digital Data Representation and Computer Components

Digital data representation

The process of representing data in a format that can be understood by a computer.

Coding systems

Systems used to represent data and programs in a way that computers can understand.

Binary computer

A type of digital computer that operates using only two states: off and on, represented as 0 and 1.

Bit

The smallest unit of data that a binary computer can recognize, represented as a single 0 or 1.

Byte

A unit of data that consists of 8 bits; commonly used to express the size of documents and files.

Kilobyte (KB)

A prefix used to express larger quantities of bytes, equal to 1024 bytes.

Megabyte (MB)

A prefix used to express larger quantities of bytes, equal to 1024 kilobytes.

Gigabyte (GB)

A prefix used to express larger quantities of bytes, equal to 1024 megabytes.

Terabyte (TB)

A prefix used to express larger quantities of bytes, equal to 1024 gigabytes.

Petabyte (PB)

A prefix used to express larger quantities of bytes, equal to 1024 terabytes.

Exabyte (EB)

A prefix used to express larger quantities of bytes, equal to 1024 petabytes.

Zettabyte (ZB)

A prefix used to express larger quantities of bytes, equal to 1024 exabytes.

Yottabyte (YB)

A prefix used to express larger quantities of bytes, equal to 1024 zettabytes.

Binary numbering system

A numbering system that uses only two symbols, 0 and 1, to represent all possible numbers.

Decimal numbering system

A numbering system that uses 10 symbols, 0-9, to represent numbers.

ASCII

A coding system traditionally used with personal computers, using 8 bits to represent characters.

EBCDIC

A coding system developed by IBM for mainframe computers, using 8 bits to represent characters.

Unicode

A universal coding standard for text-based data, using 8 to 32 bits per character.

Graphics data

Data that consists of bitmapped images made up of pixels.

Monochrome graphic

A graphic that uses only two colors and requires 1 bit for color storage.

Color graphic

A graphic that uses more than two colors and requires 4, 8, or 24 bits for color storage.

JPEG

An image format commonly used by digital cameras, using 24-bit true color.

Audio data

Data that must be in digital form to be stored or processed by a computer.

Video data

Data that is displayed using a collection of frames, each containing a still image.

Machine language

A binary-based language used to represent computer programs.

System unit

The main case of a computer or mobile device that houses the processing hardware and other components.

Motherboard

A circuit board consisting of computer chips that connects all devices in a computer.

Power supply

A component that delivers electricity to the motherboard and connects to external devices.

Drive bays

Rectangular metal racks inside the system unit that house storage devices.

Processors

Components connected to the motherboard that perform processing tasks in a computer.

CPU

The central processing unit, which handles the majority of processing tasks in a computer.

CPU cores

The processing components of multiple independent processors within a single CPU.

GPU

The graphics processing unit, which processes images and animations for display.

Processing speed

The speed at which a CPU can process instructions, measured by its clock speed.

Word size

The amount of data that a CPU can manipulate at one time.

Cache memory

A special group of fast circuitry built into the CPU that stores frequently used data.

Bus width

The number of wires in a bus that data can travel across.

Bus speed

The speed at which data can be transferred via a bus.

Memory

Chip-based storage used by a computer to temporarily store data.

RAM

Random access memory, which serves as a computer's main memory.

Registers

High-speed memory locations built into the CPU that store data and intermediary results.

ROM

Read-only memory, non-volatile chips on the motherboard that store permanent data.

Flash memory

Non-volatile memory chips used for storage.

Fans

Components used to cool the CPU and system unit.

Expansion slots

Locations on the motherboard for inserting expansion cards.

Expansion cards

Circuit boards inserted into expansion slots to add functionality or attach peripheral devices.

Buses

Electronic paths within a computer that data travels along.

PCI

A common type of expansion bus used to connect peripheral devices.

PCIe

A newer and faster type of expansion bus, more common than PCI.

USB

Universal serial bus, a standard for connecting peripheral devices to a computer.

Ports

Connectors on the exterior of a computer's system unit for attaching devices.

USB hubs

Devices that allow multiple devices to be connected to a single USB port.

CPU architecture

The design and components of a CPU, which can vary from processor to processor.

System clock

A timing mechanism that synchronizes the operations of a computer.

Machine cycle

The process in which the CPU executes a single piece of microcode.

Improving system performance

Methods such as adding more memory, performing system maintenance, and upgrading components to enhance a computer's performance.

Terascale computing

The ability of a computer to perform one trillion floating-point operations per second.

Quantum computing

A type of computing that applies principles of quantum physics and uses qubits for processing.

Optical computing

A computing technology that uses light to perform digital computations, potentially offering smaller and faster computers than traditional electronic ones.

Silicon photonics

A technology that uses light for data transfers within and among silicon chips.

3D chips

Chips that pack multiple components onto small layers, reducing the required surface area.

Nanotechnology

The science of creating tiny computers and components using materials like graphene and carbon nanotubes.