CHAPTER 3 HARDWARE: CPU
Dual-Core /Quad-Core
A CPU that contains multiple processor components (cores) that can operate independently to process more than one task at a time.
Multi-core processor
A processor with more than one core (processor circuit) which means it can fetch and execute more than one instruction at a time.
Read only memory (ROM)
A store for data in a computer that cannot be overwritten. Data in ROM is always available and is not lost when the computer is turned off.
Binary
A system of numbers using only two digits 0 and 1 (also called the base-2 system).
Non-Volatile
Describes memory that does not lose its contents when the power is turned off
Volatile
Describes memory that loses its contents when the power is turned off.
Core
Each single processor circuit capable of fetching and executing instructions.
Cache memory
High speed memory in the CPU that is used to store a copy of frequently used instructions and data. Faster access speed than main memory. Used to improve CPU performance.
Random Access memory (RAM)
Main memory of a computer that temporarily stores data, applications and the operating system whilst in use. When the power is turned off it loses its data (Volatile). Made up of many addressable locations. Also known as Immediate Access Store and Primary Memory.
Clock speed
Measured in hertz or cycles per second. Represents how many instructions per second the processor can execute. The higher the clock speed the faster the CPU can operate.
CPU cache
Memory buffer on the processor that stores instructions which have been fetched before and allows them to be fetched more quickly the next time.
Secondary storage
Non-volatile storage used to store programs and files that need to be kept even when the power is not on.
Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)
Performs all the arithmetic and logical operations within the CPU.
Flash memory
Solid-state memory used as low cost secondary storage in portable devices and as removable memory.
Solid State
Technology based on electronics with no moving parts, for example transistors and capacitors as used in memory chips
System Buses
The circuits/internal wiring that connect the processor and main memory together.
Processor
The component in the computer that fetches, decodes and executes instructions.
Clock chip
The electronic device in a computer that controls the timing of signals.
Computer architecture
The internal, logical structure and organisation of the computer hardware.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The main component of the computer which is referred to as the brain. It carries out all the processing by fetching and executing instructions. Contains the control unit, ALU and cache memory
Boot program
The program that is used to start the computer. It is automatically loaded so that its instructions can be fetched when the computer is turned on, and it eventually loads the operating system.
Fetch-Execute cycle
This is the process of fetching the instructions from memory, decoding them and then executing them so that the CPU performs continuously.
Control Unit
Works with the CPU to control the flow of data within the system.