Comp Sci. Test 2026

Input/Processing/Output

 fundamental components that facilitate the interaction and functionality. 

Input

Anything that offers information to the machine such as a keyboard, a mouse, sensors, etc.

Output

Displays visual information (output) such as however not limited to; monitors, printers, speakers, or images.

Plotters

create high quality images with ink

Gelee

Uses paint to create images

Processing

handles the core processing of data within a computer.

CPU

The central processing unit is the “brain” of the machine, it is responsible for performing calculations and processing information. 

GPU

The graphics processing unit is a specialized processor that handles the graphics and visual output. 

Motherboard

 Main circuit board that connects everything together.

RAM

 The random access memory is temporary storage for data and instructions actively used by the central processing unit.

Sound Card

Processes and outputs audio signals.

Network Card

 Enables communication between other devices in a network.

Microprocessor

General term for a processing unit.

Storage

 Primary and Secondary

Primary/Secondary Storage

wo main categories of computer data storage. Primary is fast, volatile, and directly accessible by the CPU. Secondary is slower, non volatile, and typically used for long-term data storage. 

RAM

the most common type of primary storage used to store data and instructions that the CPU is actively using. 

Movement

 The action of relocating data from one storage unit to another

ROM

, read only memory is another type of primary storage that contains permanent instructions and data , like startup instructions. 

Secondary

external to the CPU and has slower access times compared to primary storage. Less volatile, way more persistent. 

Secondary EXAMPLES

Examples: Hard disk drives, Solid state drives, USB drives, CDS and DVDs, cloud storage.

Bios

are where you can check on your computer's stats. 

Hardware

, Physical parts of a computer.

Software

 Instructions that tell the hardware what to do.

Operating System

primary system software that manages hardware sources and provides common services for computer systems.

Components

graphic system, system services, user interface, and system utilities that allow the users to interact with the system

Graphics Engine

software component designed to handle visual rendering in complex applications by managing tasks like displaying images, creating realistic lighting, models, visual effects, etc.

System Services

in an OS essential functions that manage hardware and software resources, acting as a middle layer between the hardware and user applications.Essential functions that manage hardware and software resources, acting as a middle layer between the hardware and user applications.

databases and caches

 Store and retrieve application data.

APIS

Define how different software components or systems interact with each other. 

Services

Independent, self-contained units of functionality that can be shared and reused across different parts of the software or even other applications. 

Libraries and Frameworks

Collections of pre-written code and tools that provide common functionalities, accelerating development. Wid

Widget

A small application that displays visual information.

Program/Executable Code

The set of instructions a computer follows to perform a particular task. Can include the main program along with libraries of reusable code. 

Data

Information that  the software processes and manipulates. Includes personal data and internal data.

User Interface

 Visual elements and controls that enable a user to interact with the software.

Configuration

 Files or settings that define how the software operates in a particular environment. Allows for customization without changing the core code.

Documentation

 Information that explains how to use and maintain the software. Includes user manuals, technical guides, and comments within the code. 

System Software

 Runs the computer’s hardware and manages its resources along with acting as a foundation for other programs such as : Operating systems, Windows, Drives, etc. Operates in the background and starts as soon as the computer turns on.

System Software PURPOSE

Manages the computer’s hardware and software, providing a platform for other software to run. 

System Software FUNCTION

Coordinates hardware activities and manages system resources.

System Software EXECUTION

Runs in the background, manages the system’s basic functions starting from top to bottom.

System Software EXAMPLES

Operating Systems,

Device Drivers,

Utility software,

Etc.

Application Software PURPOSE

: Designed to perform specific tasks or functions for the user.

Application Software EXECUTION

 Loads and runs only when a user launches it for a specific task.

Application Software EXAMPLES

Word processors, Web browsers, spreadsheet programs.

User Interface

The presentation “layer” that users interact with, designed to be user friendly and visually appearing.

Core Logic

Heart of the application, containing the business rules, algorithms, calculations, and data processing that define its purpose. 

Backend Logic

Server-side code responsible for processing requests, interacting, and performing complex operations.

Algorithim

A step-by-step set of instructions used to solve a problem or complete a task.

Binary

System of representing information using only two symbols. Frequently 0 and 1.

Bit

Single unit of information, 0 or 1, in binary.

Byte

A group of eight bits, used to represent a simple character or number.

Bug

: Error in a program that causes a malfunction.

Debugging

he process of finding and fixing errors in a program.

Code

Instructions written in a program in a language that the computer follows.

Command

 as specific instructions given to a computer.

Conditional

Statement that allows a program to make decisions based on whether a certain condition is true or not.

data

 Facts, numbers, or a character that a computer stores and processes.

Decomposition

: Breaking down a complex problem into smaller parts.

Function

 Self-contained block of code that performs a particular task. 

Input

data or instructions given to a computer.

Loop

 Programming construct that repeats a set of instructions multiple times.

Packets

 Small amount of data that includes information on where it is coming from (including dates, content) usually sent over a network. 

Program

 a set of instructions that a computer executes to accomplish a specific task.

Variable

A named storage location in a program used to hold data that is liquid.

Active Digital Footprint

Information you purposefully share online such as videos, messages, comments, etc.

Passive Digital Footprint

Data collected surrounding your online behavior without your direct knowledge.

Architecture=

Code

Censors

collect various amounts of data like temperature, light, data, movement, and sound.