GCSE Computer Science Revision Flashcards

These flashcards cover key vocabulary associated with GCSE Computer Science topics, including system architecture, memory, storage, networks, cybersecurity, and software.

CPU

Central Processing Unit; the part of the computer that processes instructions.

Fetch Execute Cycle

The process by which a CPU fetches an instruction from memory and executes it.

Clock Speed

The speed at which a CPU operates, measured in Hertz (Hz).

Cores

Individual processing units within a CPU; multiple cores allow for parallel processing.

Cache

A small amount of ultra-fast memory located in the CPU for storing frequently used instructions.

Control Unit (CU)

Part of the CPU that directs operations and manages the execution of instructions.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Part of the CPU that performs mathematical and logical calculations.

Embedded System

A computer that is integrated into the device it controls, such as appliances and machinery.

Von Neumann Architecture

A computer architecture model that describes a design where a CPU uses registers, memory, and I/O.

Program Counter (PC)

A register that holds the memory address of the next instruction to be executed.

Memory Address Register (MAR)

A register that holds the memory address of data that needs to be accessed.

Memory Data Register (MDR)

A register that holds data that is being transferred to or from memory.

Accumulator

A register that holds the results of calculations performed by the ALU.

RAM

Random Access Memory; temporary memory storage for data and programs currently in use.

Volatile Memory

Memory that loses its contents when power is turned off, like RAM.

DRAM

Dynamic Random Access Memory; slower and cheaper form of RAM that needs refreshing.

SRAM

Static Random Access Memory; faster and more expensive RAM used for cache.

ROM

Read Only Memory; non-volatile memory used to store firmware that boots up the computer.

Virtual Memory

A portion of the hard drive that acts as additional RAM when physical RAM is full.

Cache Memory

Fast memory used by CPUs to store frequently accessed instructions.

Flash Memory

A type of non-volatile storage that can be electronically erased and reprogrammed.

SSD

Solid State Drive; a storage device that uses flash memory for fast data access.

Optical Storage

Storage media that use lasers to read and write data on discs like CDs and DVDs.

Magnetic Storage

Storage media that use magnetic fields to store data, such as HDDs.

Bit

The smallest unit of data in computing, representing a binary state (0 or 1).

Byte

A group of 8 bits; a basic unit of storage in computer data.

Kilobyte

Equivalent to 1,000 bytes.

Megabyte

Equivalent to 1,000,000 bytes or 1,000 kilobytes.

Gigabyte

Equivalent to 1,000,000,000 bytes or 1,000 megabytes.

Terabyte

Equivalent to 1,000,000,000,000 bytes or 1,000 gigabytes.

Capacity

The total amount of data that a storage device can hold.

Access Speed

The time it takes for a storage device to read or write data.

Portability

The ease with which a storage device can be transported.

Durability

The degree to which a storage device can withstand physical stress.

Reliability

The likelihood that a storage device will perform correctly and without failure.

LAN

Local Area Network; a network confined to a small geographical area.

WAN

Wide Area Network; a network that spans a large geographical area.

Client-Server Model

Network architecture where a central server provides resources to multiple client devices.

Peer-to-Peer Model

Network architecture where each computer acts as both a client and a server, sharing resources directly.

Wi-Fi

Wireless technology that allows devices to connect to a local area network using radio waves.

Ethernet

A system for connecting computers in a local area network using cables.

Packet Switching

Method of breaking data into packets that are sent over a network and reassembled at the destination.

Malware

Malicious software designed to harm or exploit computers.

Phishing

A fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information by disguising as a trustworthy entity.

Denial of Service Attack

An attack that floods a network or server with requests, rendering it unable to respond to legitimate requests.

Social Engineering

Manipulation techniques aimed at tricking individuals into revealing confidential information.

Encryption

The process of converting data into a coded format to prevent unauthorized access.

Penetration Testing

Simulated cyber attack on a computer system to evaluate its security.

Firewall

A network security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic.

Anti-Malware Software

Software designed to detect and remove malicious software from computers.

User Access Levels

Permissions assigned to users that define what data and resources they can access.

Data Protection Act

A law designed to protect personal data and privacy of individuals.

Copyright Law

Legal protections for creators of original works, including software and digital content.