All Computing Terms/Definitions

Definitions of terms for ease of reference, ripped directly out of the textbook. Made by Elvberth Yobel Rondonuwu Module 1: Computing Fundamentals Computer Architecture [ Computer ] - Device that receives and processes data according to a set of instructions and produces the processed data [ Computer architecture ] - Description of how a computer is designed and built to function, including how its various parts are designed, organised and connected [ Data (singular: datum)] - Information used in a computer program [ Bit ] - Binary digit, value of either 0 or 1 [ Byte ] - Binary number made of 8 bits [ Processor ] - Processes data and follows instructions [ Execute ] - To follow or perform an instruction [ Software ] - A set of instructions to perform specific tasks on a computer [ Main Memory ] - Stores data and instructions temporarily for immediate use by the processor [ Address ] - Number used to locate a byte in memory [ Volatile ] - Lost power when power supply is interrupted [ Secondary Storage ] - Stores large amounts of data that will not be lost when the power supply is interrupted [ Hard disk/drive ] - Secondary storage where data is stored on rigid rotating disks coated with magnetic material [ Data Bus ] - Transports data between memory and processor; bi-directional [ Bi-directional ] - Able to work in two directions, to and fro [ Address Bus ]- Transports required memory location from processor to memory; uni-directional [ Uni-directional ] - Able to work in one direction only [ Input ] - Data or instructions that the computer receives for processing [ Output ] - Intermediate or final results produced by the computer; usually in the form or processed data [ Hardware ] - Physical components of computer [ Input device ] - Hardware device that allows user to enter data and instructions into a computer [ Output device ] - Hardware device used to display, project or print processed data from a computer [ Lane, PCI Express ] - Interface for transferring data between a computer and an expansion card [ Motherboard ] - Main circuit board in computer that connects all the components together

Data Representation [ Denary number system (or decimal number system) ] - A number system that is made up of 10 unique digits [ Leading zero ] - The zero digit (0) that is to the left of the first non-zero digit in a number [ Binary number system ] - A number system that is made up of two unique digits [ Hexadecimal number system ] - A number system that is made up of 16 unique digits [ Integer overflow ] - Result whe