CPU

Hardware

Is a generic term for any part of the computer that you can physically touch. In other words the physical parts that make up a computer.

ALU

(Arithmetic Logic Unit)Performs arithmetic operations (such as addition and subtraction) and logical operations (such as comparing two values).

CU

(Control Unit)Controls the flow of data and carries out instructions.

Bus

A bus is simply a circuit that connects one part of the motherboard to another. The more data a bus can handle at one time, the faster it allows information to travel.

Software

Are the applications and programming instructions that tell your computer what to do and enable you to use it for things such as playing games, writing an essay or listening to music.

CPU

Brain of the computer. it is a Central Processing Unit. Sometimes referred to simply as the central processor, but more commonly called processor, the CPU is the brains of the computer where most calculations take place.

Computer System

Has one or more inputs to provide data. This data is the processed in some way. The outcome o the processing is sent to an output or it may be stored until some event happens to cause it to be output.

Southbridge

Is connected to the CPU via the other bridge. Is an integrated circuit on the motherboard that is responsible for the hard drive controller, I/O controller and integrated hardware such as sound card, video card if present on the motherboard.

RAM

Is the main memory of a computer that stores data, applications and the operating system whilst in use. This is 'volatile', meaning that when the computer is switched off it loses data. This is also a primary storage.

ROM

Once data has been written onto this, it cannot be removed and can only be read. Unlike main memory, this retains its contents even when the computer is turned off. This is referred to as being non-volatile.

Northbridge

The CPU is connected to the RAM via this bridge. Is an integrated circuit that is responsible for communications between the CPU interface and the memory.

Cache

The Cache Memory is used to store data waiting to be processed. The transfer of data happens at a high speed. Cache memory is fast memory that is located very close to the main CPU, with dedicated connections so that the CPU has fast access to frequently used data. The cache memory is primary storage.

Improving CPU speed

Use a small amount of faster memory where frequently used instructions or data can be stored temporarily. This is called the 'cache'.

Hertz

What is the name given to the number of electrical cycles per second?

Fetch-Execute Cycle

When a program is loaded into main memory the processor is given the start address of where the program is in memory. The processor executes one instruction at a time.