Computer Science Mock

CPU

The part of the computer that processes instructions

Register

Small, fast storage locations inside the CPU

Fetch

Gets the next instruction from memory

Decode

Interprets the instruction

Execute

Carries out the instruction

Clock speed

Number of cycles the CPU can perform per second

Core

Individual processing unit inside a CPU

RAM

Temporary memory used while programs are running

ROM

Permanent memory storing startup instructions

Secondary storage

Long

Hard drive (HDD)

Magnetic storage device

Solid state drive (SSD)

Faster storage using flash memory

Optical storage

Uses lasers (e.g. CDs, DVDs)

Binary

Base 2 number system (0 and 1)

Denary

Base 10 number system

Hexadecimal

Base 16 number system (0

Bit

A single binary digit (0 or 1)

Nibble

4 bits

Byte

8 bits

Kilobyte

1024 bytes

Megabyte

1024 KB

Gigabyte

1024 MB

ASCII

Character encoding using 7 bits

Unicode

Character encoding supporting many languages

Bitmap image

Image made of pixels

Resolution

Number of pixels in an image

Colour depth

Number of bits per pixel

File size (image)

resolution × colour depth

Sampling rate

Number of samples per second (sound)

Sample resolution

Number of bits per sample

File size (sound)

sample rate × bit depth × duration

Binary addition

Adding binary numbers

Overflow error

When a number is too large to store

Binary shift

Moving bits left or right

Left shift

Multiplies number

Right shift

Divides number

LAN

Local Area Network (small area like a school)

WAN

Wide Area Network (large area like the internet)

Mesh topology

Devices all connected to each other

Wi

Fi

Bandwidth

Maximum data transfer rate

Latency

Delay in data transfer

Packet

Small chunk of data sent over a network

Cloud storage

Storing data on remote servers

IPv4 address

Unique 32

IP address

Identifies a device on a network

URL

Web address used to locate resources

DNS

Converts URLs into IP addresses

Operating system

Software that manages hardware and software

User interface

Allows users to interact with the computer

Utility software

Helps maintain or manage a computer

Antivirus

Detects and removes malware

Encryption

Scrambling data to keep it secure

Malware

Malicious software (viruses, spyware, etc.)

Ethical issue

Moral problem related to technology use

Environmental issue

Impact of technology on environment

Cultural issue

Effects of technology on society

Privacy

Keeping personal data secure

Copyright

Legal right protecting original work

Data Protection Act

Law protecting personal data

Computer Misuse Act

Law against hacking and misuse

Benefits of technology

Easier communication, automation

Drawbacks of technology

Job loss, privacy risks