Computer Systems Overview

Flashcards covering key concepts of computer systems including hardware, software, programming languages, and historical figures in computing.

Program

A set of instructions for a computer to follow.

Software

The collection of programs used by a computer.

Hardware

The actual physical machines that make up a computer installation.

PC (Personal Computer)

A relatively small computer designed to be used by one person at a time.

Workstation

A larger and more powerful PC, often used for more complex tasks.

Mainframe

An even larger computer typically requiring support staff and shared by multiple users.

Input Device

Any device that allows a person to communicate information to the computer, e.g., keyboard, mouse.

Output Device

Anything that allows the computer to communicate information to the user, e.g., monitor, printer.

Main Memory

The most important memory where the program being executed is kept.

Binary Digit (Bit)

A digit that can assume only the values zero or one.

Byte

An eight-bit portion of memory.

Machine Language

The version of the program that the computer reads and follows; written in zeros and ones.

High-Level Language

A programming language designed to be easy to read and write for humans, e.g., C++, Java.

Compiler

A program that translates a high-level language into machine language.

Source Code

The input program for a compiler; the program written in a high-level language.

Object Code

The translated version produced by the compiler, in machine language.

Operating System

A program that manages computer resources and user communication.

Linking

The process of combining object code for a program with other necessary routines.

Charles Babbage

An English mathematician known for designing the first truly programmable computer.

Ada Augusta

Considered the first computer programmer and a collaborator of Charles Babbage.