Programming C++ Chapter 1

What are the 2 types of software?

1: System software; 2: Application software

What are the 5 major components of a computer?

1: The CPU (central processing unit); 2: Main memory (RAM); 3: Secondary storage devices; 4: Input devices; 5: Output devices

What are the 2 parts of a CPU?

1: The Control Unit; 2: the ALU: Arithmetic and Logic Unit

What is the CPU?

CPU = Central processing unit. The CPU is the part of a computer that runs or executes programs. The CPU is the most important part of a computer because without it, the computer could not run software.

What is System Software and what are the 3 types of System Software programs?

The programs that control and manage the basic operations of a computer. Types: 1. Operating Systems; 2: Utility Programs; 3: Software Development Tools

What are Software Development Tools?

The software tools that programmers use to create, modify, and test software (ex: compilers, integrated development environments, etc.)

What is a bit?

The term bit stands for binary digit. Each byte is divided into 8 smaller storage locations known as bits. Computer scientists think of bits as tiny switches that can be "on" or "off" or, more accurately, they are electrical components that can hold either a positive (on) or negative (off) charge.

What is an external disk drive?

External disk drives connect to a computer's ports and can be used to create back-up copies of important data or to move data to another computer.

What is hardware?

Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer.

What is Main Memory

Main Memory is commonly known as RAM: Random Access Memory. Main memory is the computer's work area. This is where the computer stores a program while the program is running as well as the data that the program is working with.

What is Application Software or Application Programs?

Programs that make computers useful for everyday tasks (ex: email programs, web browsers, game programs, word processing programs, spreadsheet programs, etc.)

What is RAM?

RAM = Random Access Memory. It is called this because the CPU is able to quickly access data stored at any random location in this memory. RAM is a volatile type of memory that is used only for temporary storage while a program is running. When the computer is turned off, the contents of RAM are erased. Inside your computer, RAM is stored in small chips.

What is secondary storage?

Secondary storage is a type of memory that can hold data for long periods of time - even when there is no power to the computer.

What is an input device?

The device that collects info and sends it to the computer (keyboards, mice, touch screens, scanners, microphones, etc.)

What is an output device?

The device that formats and presents information from the computer (screens, printers, speakers, etc.) Disk drives can be considered output devices because the computer sends them information to be saved.

What is a disk drive?

The most common type of secondary storage. Stores data by magnetically encoding it onto a circular disk. Most computers have a disk drive mounted inside their case.

What is the Operating System?

The most fundamental set of programs on a computer. The Operating System controls the internal operations of the computer's hardware, manages all of the devices connected to the computer, allows data to be saved/retrieved, and allows other programs to run on the computer.

What is a USB flash drive?

These are small devices that plug into a computer's USB (USB = Universal Serial Bus) port and appear to the system as a disk drive. They use flash memory to store data.

What is the job of the CPU?

To fetch instructions, follow instructions and produce some result. When a computer is running a program, the CPU is engaged in a process known as the fetch/decode/execute cycle.

What is a microprocessor

Today's CPU's are also known as microprocessors. They are tiny chips small enough to be held in the palm of your hand. Historically, CPU's were huge devices made up of electrical and mechanical components such as vacuum tubes and switches.

What are Utility Programs?

A Utility Program performs a specialized task that enhances the computer's operations or safeguards data (ex: virus scanners, file compression programs, data backup programs, etc.)

What is a byte?

A computer's memory is divided into tiny storage cells known as bytes. One byte is enough memory to store just a single letter of the alphabet or a small number.

What is a memory address and what is its purpose?

A memory address is how a BYTE is identified. Each byte is identified by its unique address so that the data stored there can be located. Addresses are ordered lowest to highest.

What is a programmer or software developer?

A person with the training and skills necessary to design, create, and test computer programs.

What is a computer program?

A program is a set of instructions that a computer follows to perform a task. Programs are commonly referred to as software.

Define the elements of the fetch/decode/execute cycle: DECODE

During Decode: The instruction is encoded in the form of a number. The control unit decodes the instruction and generates an electronic signal.

Define the elements of the fetch/decode/execute cycle: EXECUTE

During Execute: The signal is routed to the appropriate component of the computer (such as the ALU, a disk drive, or some other device). The signal causes the component to perform an operation.

Define the elements of the fetch/decode/execute cycle: FETCH

During the Fetch part of the cycle: The CPU's control unit fetches, from main memory, the next instruction in the sequence of program instructions.