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28 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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Computer architecture
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The internal, logical structure and organisation of the
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Binary
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A system of numbers using only two digits 0 and 1 (base-2 number system), unlike the decimal or denary system that uses base-10
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CPU
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Central Processing Unit of the computer containing the control unit, ALU and cache memory
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Control unit
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The control unit works with the CPU to control the flow of data within the system
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ALU
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Arithmetic Logic Unit, controls all arithmetic operations within the CPU
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RAM
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Random Access Memory. Main memory that stores data, application and operating system instructions. RAM loses its data when the power is turned off
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Cache memory
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Special high speed memory used by a computer
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Flash memory
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Solid-state memory used as low cost secondary storage. Flash memory sticks are an example
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Solid state
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Technology based on electronics with no moving parts
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Secondary storage
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Non-volatile storage used to store programs and even files that need to be kept, even when the power is not on e.g. a hard drive
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Fetch-execute cycle
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The process of fetching the instructions from memory, decoding them and executing them so that the CPU performs continuously
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ROM
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Read Only Memory. A store for data in a computer that cannot be overwritten. Data in ROM is always available and is not lost when the computer is turned off
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Clock chip
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The electronic device in a computer that controls the timing of signals
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Bus
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A part of a computer architecture that transfers data and signals between the components of a computer
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Motherboard
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The central Printed Circuit Board (PCB) that holds the crucial components of the system
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Dual-core-Quad-core
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A CPU with multiple processors (a dual-core has two, a quad-core has four)
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Volatile
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Data is lost when there is no power
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Non-volatile
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Data is retained even when the power is turned off
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Virtual memory
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A section of the hard disk used as if it were RAM to supplement the amount of main memory available to the computer. Used when there is not enough main memory to run the programs required
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Logic gate
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A circuit that produces an output based on the inputs
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NOT gate
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A logic gate that outputs the opposite value when input
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AND gate
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A logic gate that outputs 1 if both inputs are 1
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OR
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A logic gate that outputs 1 if either or both, of the two inputs are 1
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Logic circuit
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A circuit made by combining a sequence of logic gates
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Boolean algebra
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A method of expressing mathematically a logic circuit
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Input device
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A hardware device used to input data into a computer system for processing e.g. a keyboard or mouse
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Magnetic hard disk
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Secondary storage device using magnetised platters to store data and files
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Optical disk
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Secondary storage device using lasers to read and write data to a reflective surface e.g. CD/DVD
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