Basic Computer Fundamentals Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering fundamental topics in computer hardware, primary and secondary memory, language translators, numerical systems, algorithms, and flowcharts based on lecture notes.

Computer

An electronic device capable of processing data and producing information, comprising an input device, central processing unit (CPU), and output device.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

A component of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) responsible for performing arithmetic operations and logical decisions.

Input

The task of sending data and commands to the computer.

Processing

Work done by the computer with the help of processing hardware and software to produce results.

Output

The result displayed by the computer.

Storage

A place inside or outside the computer used to save results.

Primary Memory

The computer's main, working memory that stores data temporarily and can be directly accessed by the CPU.

Secondary Memory

External memory that saves data permanently, operates slower than primary memory, and cannot be directly accessed by the CPU.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

A read-and-write type of volatile primary memory that stores information currently being processed, which is immediately accessible by the CPU.

ROM (Read Only Memory)

A read-only, non-volatile primary memory that preserves its contents after power is turned off and contains boot-up instructions.

Floppy Disk

A magnetic disk enclosed in a square plastic box used to store and transfer information, available in $3.5$\text{-inch} ($1.44\,\text{MB}$) and $5.25$\text{-inch} ($1.2\,\text{MB}$) sizes.

Hard Disk

A storage device made of stacked platters covered in a magnetic coating that holds large amounts of data, available in internal and external types.

Platters

Collections of disks stacked on top of one another inside a hard disk, covered in magnetic coating and composed of invisible circles with identical core tracks.

SD Card

A type of memory card utilizing memory chips with no moving parts, commonly used in portable devices like cameras and cell phones.

Compiler

A translator that converts high-level programming language code into low-level machine code or assembly language by scanning the entire program at once.

Interpreter

A program that translates high-level programming language code into an intermediate language by processing one statement at a time.

Number System

A system of writing and notation used for representing numbers of a given set using digits or other symbols in a consistent manner.

Decimal Number System

A base-$10$ number system that uses ten digits from $0$ to $9$, where successive positions to the left represent powers of $10$.

Binary Number System

A base-$2$ number system that uses only two binary digits, $0$ and $1$.

Octal Number System

A base-$8$ number system that uses digits from $0$ to $7$ to represent numbers.

Hexadecimal Number System

A base-$16$ number system that uses digits from $0$ to $9$ and alphabetic characters from $A$ to $F$.

Algorithm

A step-by-step set of rules or instructions to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations to achieve an expected result.

Flowchart

A graphical representation of an algorithm using connected symbols to indicate the flow of information and processing.

Flowcharting

The process of drawing a flowchart to represent an algorithm.