Central Processing Unit (CPU) Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
Control Unit (CU) Registers
Program Counter (PC) Instruction Register (IR)
Memory Data Register (MDR) Memory Address Register (MAR)

 

The part of the CPU that performs arithmetic and logical operations. The part of a computer that performs most of the processing of data and instructions.
Small, high-speed storage locations within the CPU that hold data and instructions for processing. The part of the CPU that manages the flow of data and instructions within the CPU.
A register that holds the current instruction being executed. A register that contains the memory address of the next instruction to be executed.
A register that holds the memory address of data being transferred to or from memory. A register that holds data being transferred to or from memory.

 

Accumulator Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle
Clock Speed Cache Memory
Machine instruction cycle Fetch-decode-execute cycle
Processor Program counter

 

The process by which the CPU retrieves, interprets, and executes instructions. A register that holds the result of arithmetic and logical operations performed by the ALU.
A small amount of high-speed memory located within or near the CPU that is used to temporarily store frequently accessed data and instructions. The rate at which the CPU's clock generates pulses that synchronize the operations of the CPU.
The process by which a computer retrieves an instruction from memory, decodes it, and executes it. The process by which a computer retrieves a program instruction from memory, interprets it, and executes it.
A register in a computer's processor that holds the address of the next instruction to be executed. A part of a computer that carries out instructions and performs arithmetic and logical operations.

 

Instruction register Opcode
Operand Addressing mode
Control unit Execution cycle
Memory Registers

 

A code that identifies a specific operation to be performed by a computer's processor. A register in a computer's processor that holds the instruction currently being executed.
A method used by a computer's processor to identify the location of data in memory. A value on which an operation is performed by a computer's processor.
The phase in the machine instruction cycle where the processor executes the instruction. A part of a computer that manages the flow of data within the computer and controls the execution of instructions.
Small, high-speed storage locations within a computer's processor that hold data and instructions temporarily during processing. A device that stores data and instructions for a computer to use.

 

Cache memory Cache hit
Cache miss Cache line
Level 1 (L1) cache Level 2 (L2) cache
Level 3 (L3) cache Write-through cache

 

When the CPU requests data that is already stored in the cache. A high-speed component of a computer's memory hierarchy designed to store frequently accessed data for rapid access.
The smallest unit of data that can be cached. When the CPU requests data that is not in the cache.
A larger cache that is slower than L1 cache, but still faster than main memory. The cache closest to the CPU, typically smaller but faster than higher levels of cache.
A type of cache that immediately writes any changes to both the cache and main memory. A cache that is even larger and slower than L2 cache, typically found on multi-core processors or in server systems.

 

Write-back cache Cache coherence
Temporal locality Spatial locality
Primary Memory Random Access Memory (RAM)
Read-Only Memory (ROM) Volatile Memory

 

The process of ensuring that all caches in a multi-processor system have a consistent view of the system memory. A type of cache that does not immediately write changes to main memory, but instead waits until the cache line is replaced or the system is shut down.
The tendency of computer programs to access data that is located close to other recently accessed data. The tendency of computer programs to access data that was recently accessed.
A type of primary memory in which any location can be easily accessed in a random manner, and data can be written or read from any memory location independently of other locations. The main memory of a computer that stores data and instructions for immediate use by the CPU. This memory can be both volatile and non-volatile.
Memory that requires a constant supply of power to retain its contents. RAM is an example of volatile memory. A type of primary memory that contains data that cannot be modified or deleted. It is used to store system software such as BIOS.

 

Non-Volatile Memory Memory Address
Memory Access Time Cache Memory
Memory Hierarchy Memory Controller
Memory Module Memory Bank

 

A unique identifier that is assigned to each memory location in the primary memory. Memory that retains its contents even when power is turned off. ROM is an example of non-volatile memory.
A small amount of high-speed memory used to temporarily store frequently accessed data or instructions for faster access. The time taken by the primary memory to read or write data from or to a memory location.
The circuitry in a computer system that controls the flow of data between the CPU and the memory. An arrangement of storage devices in a computer in which each type of storage is used for a different purpose and has a different access speed and capacity.
A group of memory modules that work together to provide a larger memory capacity for the computer. A small circuit board that contains several memory chips used to expand the memory capacity of a computer.

 

Persistent Storage Volatile Storage
Non-Volatile Storage Hard Disk Drive
Solid-State Drive USB Flash Drive
SD Card Cloud Storage

 

Refers to temporary storage of data on a computer system. The data is lost when the power to the system is turned off. Refers to long-term storage of data on a computer system. The data remains even after the power to the system is turned off.
A non-volatile storage device that stores data permanently on magnetic disks. Refers to long-term storage of data on a computer system. The data remains even after the power to the system is turned off.
A non-volatile storage device that uses flash memory to store data temporarily or permanently. A non-volatile storage device that stores data permanently on memory chips.
A non-volatile storage service provided by companies like Google, Amazon and Microsoft that allows users to store and access data over the internet. A non-volatile storage device used in cameras, phones, and other mobile devices.

 

Magnetic Tape RAID
Backup Archive
Operating System Kernel
Memory Management Multitasking

 

A storage technology that uses multiple disks to provide data redundancy and improve performance. A non-volatile storage medium used for backup or archiving data.
A process of storing historical data that is not frequently accessed to free up space on the primary storage. A process of copying and archiving data to prevent data loss from hardware failure, human error or natural disasters.
The kernel is a central component of most computer operating systems; it is the core part of the OS that manages input/output requests from software, translates them into data-processing instructions for the central processing unit and interfaces with the computer's memory and peripheral devices. An operating system (OS) is a collection of software that manages computer hardware resources and provides common services for computer programs.
Multitasking is the ability of an operating system to run multiple programs or processes at the same time. Memory management is the function of an OS that allocates and de-allocates available space in computer memory, and may also include tasks such as moving data between memory locations to optimize usage.

 

Device Drivers Shell
File Management Security
Virtual Memory Batch Processing
Real-time Processing Multiprocessing

 

A shell is a user interface for accessing an operating system's services and commands. It provides a command-line interface (CLI) or graphical user interface (GUI) for interacting with the operating system. Device drivers are software components that enable communication and control of hardware devices by the operating system.
The security function of an operating system is to protect the computer system and its data from unauthorized access, modification, or destruction. File management is the process by which an operating system organizes and manipulates files and directories (folders) of data on a computer storage device.
Batch processing is a technique used by operating systems to execute large batches of computer tasks automatically, without manual intervention. Tasks are usually initiated by a user command or scheduled using system tools. Virtual memory is a technique used by an operating system to allow a computer to compensate for shortages of physical memory by temporarily transferring pages of data from random access memory (RAM) to disk storage.
Multiprocessing is the ability of an operating system to use multiple computer processors or cores to perform tasks more efficiently and improve overall system performance. Real-time processing is a technique used by operating systems to process data as it comes in, without waiting for a batch process to finish. It is typically used for time-sensitive applications such as process control or simulation.

 

Application Common Features
User Interface Input Validation
Security Data Storage
Error Handling Compatibility

 

The interface elements and functionalities that are shared across different applications. A software program designed to perform a specific task or set of tasks.
The process of checking user input to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for the application's intended use. The visual elements and controls that allow a user to interact with an application.
The manner in which an application stores and retrieves information from a database or other data store. The measures put in place to protect the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of an application's data and resources.
The ability of an application to function correctly across different hardware and software platforms. The methods used by an application to respond and recover from errors and exceptions.

 

Localization Accessibility
Scalability Usability
Application software Operating system
Word processor Spreadsheet application

 

The design of an application to enable people with disabilities to use it successfully. The adaptation of an application to fit the language and cultural preferences of its users in different regions.
The ease with which an application can be learned and used by its intended audience. The ability of an application to accommodate a growing number of users, data, or processing demands.
The software that manages the hardware and software resources of a computer system. Computer software designed to perform a group of coordinated functions, tasks, or activities for the benefit of the user.
An application software used for organizing, analyzing, and manipulating numerical data. An application software used for creating, editing, and formatting text documents.

 

Presentation software Project management software
Database management system Web browsers
Email clients Media player
Graphics software Antivirus software

 

An application software used for planning, organizing, and managing resources to complete specific tasks or projects. An application software used for creating visual presentations with a set of slides.
The software used to access the World Wide Web, including browsing web pages and downloading files. An application software used for managing and organizing data in a database system.
An application software used for playing audio and video files. An application software used for managing email accounts, sending and receiving messages, and organizing emails.
An application software used for preventing, detecting, and removing malicious software such as viruses, spyware, and adware from a computer system. An application software used for creating, editing, and manipulating digital images or graphics.

 

Bit Byte
Binary Denary/Decimal
Hexadecimal Conversion
Binary to Denary/Decimal Denary/Decimal to Binary

 

A group of eight bits that represents a single unit of data. A binary digit that can be either 0 or 1.
A numbering system that uses ten digits (0-9) to represent numbers. A numbering system that uses only the digits 0 and 1 to represent numbers.
The process of changing a number from one numbering system to another. A numbering system that uses sixteen digits (0-9 and A-F) to represent numbers.
The process of converting a denary/decimal number to a binary number. The process of converting a binary number to a denary/decimal number.

 

Binary to Hexadecimal Hexadecimal to Binary
Radix Positional Notation
Data Representation Binary representation
ASCII Unicode

 

The process of converting a hexadecimal number to a binary number. The process of converting a binary number to a hexadecimal number.
A system of representing numbers where the value of a digit is determined by its position in the number. The base of a numbering system. Binary has a radix of 2, denary/decimal has a radix of 10, and hexadecimal has a radix of 16.
A way of representing data using only two digits, usually 0 and 1. The method used to represent data in a computer system.
A universal character encoding standard that can represent any character from any language in the world. A standard code used to represent characters as binary numbers.

 

Hexadecimal Octal
Byte Bit
Analog data Digital data
Metadata Checksum

 

A base-8 number system that uses eight distinct symbols to represent numbers. A base-16 number system that uses sixteen distinct symbols to represent numbers.
The smallest unit of data in a computer system, representing either a 0 or a 1. A unit of data that consists of eight bits.
Data that is represented using a finite set of discrete values, usually 0 and 1. Data that is continuous and can have any value within a range.
A value used to verify the integrity of a data transmission, by calculating the sum of the transmitted data. Data that describes other data, providing information about its content, quality, condition, etc.

 

AND OR
NOT NAND
NOR XOR
Boolean operator Logical operator

 

A Boolean operator that returns true if at least one of the operands is true. A Boolean operator that returns true if both operands are true.
A Boolean operator that returns false if both operands are true, and true otherwise. A Boolean operator that reverses the logical state of its operand.
A Boolean operator that returns true if the operands have different values, and false otherwise. A Boolean operator that returns false if at least one of the operands is true, and true otherwise.
A type of operator that performs logical operations on two or more Boolean expressions. A type of operator that operates on Boolean values. The result of a Boolean operation is either true or false.

 

Binary operator Unary operator
Operand Truth table
Truth table Logical operator
AND OR

 

A type of operator that operates on a single operand. A type of operator that operates on two operands.
A table used to represent the relationship between the inputs and the outputs of a logical circuit or a Boolean function. A value on which an operator operates.
A symbol or word used to connect two or more expressions, producing a compound proposition. Common logical operators include AND, OR, NOT, and XOR. A table used in logic to determine the truth value of a compound proposition. It lists all possible combinations of truth values for the propositions in the compound proposition and the resulting truth value of the compound proposition.
A logical operator that returns true if at least one of its operands is true. A logical operator that returns true only if both of its operands are true.

 

NOT XOR
Compound proposition Propositional variable
Truth value Open sentence
Atomic proposition Tautology

 

A logical operator that returns true if its operands have opposite truth values. A logical operator that returns the opposite of the truth value of its operand.
A symbol or letter used to represent a proposition in a logical expression. A proposition that is formed by combining two or more propositions using logical operators.
A propositional expression that contains a variable or variables instead of specific values. The value assigned to a proposition to indicate whether it is true or false.
A compound proposition that is always true, regardless of the truth values of its constituent propositions. A proposition that cannot be further subdivided into simpler propositions.

 

AND gate OR gate
NOT gate NAND gate
NOR gate XOR gate
Truth table Logic expression

 

A logic gate that performs the OR operation on two or more inputs, producing a high output if at least one input is high. A logic gate that performs the AND operation on two or more inputs, producing a high output only if all inputs are high.
A logic gate that performs the NAND operation on two or more inputs, producing a low output only if all inputs are high. A logic gate that performs the NOT operation on a single input, inverting the input to produce the opposite output.
A logic gate that performs the XOR operation on two inputs, producing a high output if the inputs are different and a low output if the inputs are the same. A logic gate that performs the NOR operation on two or more inputs, producing a low output if at least one input is high.
A mathematical formula used to represent the logical operation of a circuit, using Boolean operators such as AND, OR, NOT, and XOR. A table used to represent the inputs and outputs of a logic circuit, showing all possible combinations of input values and the corresponding output value.

 

Logic diagram Gate combination
Boolean algebra Digital circuit

 

The arrangement of two or more logic gates to perform a specific logical function, such as AND, OR, or NOT. A graphical representation of a logic circuit, showing the logic gates and how they are connected to produce the desired output.
An electronic circuit that uses digital signals to perform logical operations, such as those used in computers and other digital devices. A mathematical system used to represent logical operations, using two values: true (1) and false (0).