Basic Computer Architecture, I/O Devices, Storage, and Software (Lecture Notes)

VOCABULARY flashcards covering key terms from the lecture notes on basic computer architecture, I/O, storage, and software.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The brain of the computer; the control center that coordinates data flow and overall operations; composed of ALU, CU, and memory registers.

ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)

Performs arithmetic and logical operations; a main component of the CPU.

CU (Control Unit)

Directs data flow between the CPU, memory, and I/O units; coordinates operations.

Memory Registers

Small, fast storage units inside the CPU that hold data temporarily during processing.

Main Memory

Primary storage that holds data and instructions for active programs during execution.

Secondary Storage

Non-volatile storage outside main memory (e.g., HDDs/SSDs) used for long-term data retention.

Input Unit

Part of the computer that accepts data via input devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, microphone).

Output Unit

Part of the computer that presents processed data via output devices (e.g., monitor, printer, speakers).

Input Device

Hardware that enters data into the computer (keyboard, mouse, scanner, etc.).

Output Device

Hardware that conveys results from the computer (monitor, printer, speakers).

Three Types of Terminal

Dumb Terminal, Smart Terminal, Intelligent Terminal—varying levels of processing capability connected to a host computer.

Dumb Terminal

A terminal with keyboard and display that relies on a host computer for processing.

Smart Terminal

Terminal with some local processing capability in addition to host processing.

Intelligent Terminal

Terminal with substantial local processing power and features.

Keyboard

Primary input device for entering text and commands.

Mouse

Pointing device used to control the on-screen cursor.

Trackball

Pointing device with a ball that is rolled to move the cursor.

Barcode Reader

Scanning device that translates bar code symbols into digital data.

OCR (Optical Character Recognition)

Converts printed or handwritten text into digital text.

COM (Computer Output Microfilm)

Microfilm format used to store computer output for archival purposes.

Diskette (Floppy Disk)

Removable storage medium used for data storage and transfer (older technology).

Optical Storage

Media such as CDs/DVDs/Blu-ray read/written with a laser.

Magnetic Tape

Sequential backup/archive storage medium with large capacity.

Paper Tape

Continuous strip of paper with holes representing data.

Continuous Forms

Continuous feed paper used for data output/print forms.

Microfilm

Microfiche storage of images for archival records.

USB Flash Drive

Portable removable flash memory used for data transfer and backup.

Memory Card

Small removable storage (e.g., SD/microSD/CF) used in cameras and devices.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Volatile primary storage that holds data and instructions temporarily for fast access.

ROM (Read-Only Memory)

Non-volatile primary storage that contains permanent instructions.

HDD (Hard Disk Drive)

Traditional mechanical secondary storage device.

SSD (Solid State Drive)

Fast, non-volatile secondary storage using flash memory.

Removable Media

Storage media that can be removed from the computer (diskettes, optical discs, USB drives, memory cards, etc.).

Cloud Storage

Remote data storage accessible over the internet; an alternative to local storage.

System Software

Software that manages hardware and provides a platform for applications (e.g., OS and utility programs).

Application Software

Programs that help users perform tasks (e.g., Word, Excel, browsers) and run on top of system software.

Operating System (OS)

System software that manages hardware resources and provides services for applications (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux).

Utility Programs

Tools that maintain and optimize a computer (e.g., antivirus, disk cleanup).

Data Path

The data flow path inside the CPU between components.

Control Path

The control flow path that coordinates operations of the CPU and I/O.

Binary to Human-Readable Conversion

Process by which output units translate binary data into readable form.

Visual Output

Output devices that display graphics/text (CRT, flat panel displays, projectors).

Printer

Output device that prints characters and graphics; categories include impact and non-impact.

Plotter

Output device for high-quality graphics; types include Pen, Electrostatic, and Thermal plotters.

Audio Output

Output devices that produce sound (speakers, headphones, earphones).

Multimedia Output

Output devices that combine audio and visual data (Smart TV, multimedia kiosks, digital signage).

Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)

Traditional visual display device; older monitor technology.

Flat Panel Display

Modern visual display (LCD/LED) used in monitors.

Projector

Visual output device that projects images onto a screen.