Computer Hardware & Software Flashcards
What is a Program counter (PC)
The register that contains the address of the next instruction to be executed
What is the Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Brain of the computer that performs instructions defined by software
What are Buses
The paths, or lines, on the motherboard on which data, instructions, and electrical power move from component to component.
What is a Random Access Memory (RAM)
Computer location where instructions and data are stored on a temporary basis. This memory is volatile.
What is Read Only Memory (ROM)
Permanent storage; instructions are burned onto chips by the manufacturer.
What is the Control unit
Component of a processor that directs and coordinates most of the operations in the computer.
What is the Instruction register (IR)
The register that contains the instruction currently being executed
What is Seek time
The time it takes for the hard drive’s read/write heads to move over the surface of the disk to the correct track.
What is Latency
The time it takes a storage device to locate its stored data
The time it takes the processor to read data, instructions, and information from memory
What is Transfer rate
The speed with which data, instructions, and information transfer to and from a device
What is Flash Memory
Nonvolatile, chip-based storage, often used in mobile phones, cameras, and MP3 players. Sometimes called flash RAM, flash memory is slower than conventional RAM, but holds its charge even when the power goes out.
What is a CD
An Optical Drive with usually around 700MB
What is a CD-ROM
Computer component: Disk that can store up to 680 MB of data; data can only be read from it.
What is a CD-DA
A typical audio CD.
What is a CD-WORM
Write Once Read Many
