Introduction to Computers and Hardware Architecture

Comprehensive vocabulary review flashcards covering computer concepts, hardware architecture, the CPU machine cycle, operating systems, and network topologies.

Computer

An electronic device that processes data by performing input, processing, output, and storage operations.

Information Processing Cycle

The four-step sequence of operations followed by a computer: Input, Processing, Output, and Storage.

Input

The step in the information processing cycle of entering raw data into a computer, such as typing a letter or scanning a photo.

Processing

The stage in the information processing cycle involving working on data, such as when the CPU performs mathematical calculations.

Output

The stage in the information processing cycle that displays or presents processed data, such as a printed document.

Storage

The operation in the information processing cycle dedicated to saving data or information for later use.

Abacus

One of the earliest recorded calculating devices in computing history.

ENIAC (1940s)

One of the first general-purpose electronic computers, developed during the 1940s.

Transistors (1950s)

Electronic components introduced in the 1950s that made computers smaller and more reliable.

Microprocessors (1970s)

Single-chip processing units developed in the 1970s that led to the creation of smaller and powerful computers.

Embedded Computers

Tiny computers built directly into everyday appliances, such as microwaves and cars.

Mainframe Computers

High-capacity computers built to handle massive, centralized data processing for large organizations like banks and universities.

Supercomputers

The fastest and most expensive computers, designed for complex computational tasks like weather forecasting and space exploration.

Bit

The smallest unit of data in computing, representing a single binary value of $0$ or $1$.

Byte

A digital unit composed of $8\text{ bits}$ that represents a single character, such as a letter or number.

Binary Numbering System

The native language of digital computers, utilizing only the digits $0$ (off) and $1$ (on).

Unicode

A universal coding standard designed to represent text from any language (including Chinese, Arabic, and Greek) that is replacing ASCII.

24-Bit True Color

A bitmapped graphics color format that uses bits to represent approximately $16.8\text{ million colors}$.

Motherboard

The primary circuit board (or system board) inside the system unit that connects all hardware components, including the CPU, memory, and expansion cards.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The central 'brain' of the computer, typically a microprocessor in personal computers, that interprets and executes program instructions.

Clock Speed

The operating speed of a CPU measured in gigahertz ($\text{GHz}$), where higher values indicate more instructions processed per second.

Word Size

The amount of data that a CPU can manipulate and process at one time, typically $32\text{-bit}$ or $64\text{-bit}$.

Cache Memory

Very high-speed memory built into or positioned near the CPU (Levels 1, 2, and 3) to store frequently accessed data for faster processing.

Arithmetic/Logic Unit (ALU)

The internal component of the CPU core that performs mathematical arithmetic and logical operations.

Control Unit (CU)

The component inside the CPU core that manages, directs, and coordinates all hardware activities.

Registers

Extremely fast, small-capacity temporary storage locations situated directly inside the CPU.

Machine Cycle

The four-step execution process performed by the CPU consisting of Fetch, Decode, Execute, and Store.

Computer Hardware Architecture Diagram

A structural diagram classifying computer hardware into Input Devices (keyboard, mic, camera, mouse), Processor/CPU (ALU, CU, Registers), Memory (RAM, ROM, Cache), Secondary Storage (HDD, CD, DVD, Flash), and Output Devices (screen, printer, speaker).

Machine Cycle Process Diagram

A procedural flowchart illustrating the four steps of instruction processing: Fetch (loading from H.D.D. into RAM), Decode (RAM to cache memory to processor), Execute (register to ALU), and Store (CU to output/screen sharing).

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Volatile main memory that temporarily holds the operating system, currently running applications, and open data while the computer is powered on.

Read-Only Memory (ROM)

Non-volatile permanent memory that stores the critical startup and boot instructions required to initialize the computer.

Virtual Memory

Hard drive space utilized by the operating system as simulated RAM when physical RAM capacity is fully exhausted.

Multitasking

An operating system capability that allows multiple programs to be open concurrently as the CPU rapidly alternates between them.

System Software

Background software, consisting of the operating system and utility programs, that oversees hardware control, boot execution, program launching, and system security.

Application Software

End-user software designed to perform specific productivity or recreational tasks, such as word processing, spreadsheet analysis, and web browsing.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

A visual interface that allows users to interact with the operating system using graphical elements such as icons, menus, and windows.

Star Topology

A network topology where all individual endpoint devices connect directly to a single central host, hub, or switch.

Bus and Ring Topologies Diagram

A diagram illustrating Bus topology with single-line connections prone to collisions and signal drops, alongside Ring topology utilizing a circulating token signal to inspect if the path is free or busy.

Star and Mesh Topologies Diagram

A diagram illustrating Mesh topology with multiple interconnected routes, Star topology reliant on a central switch (where a central switch shutdown severs connectivity for all nodes), and a repeater for network extension.

TCP/IP

The standard communication protocol suite of the Internet that divides messages into packets, routes them independently across networks, and reassembles them at their destination.