Computers Ch 6 Vocab
CPU stands for central _____ atom.
Processing
The _______ also called the central processing unit (CPU), interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate a computer.
Processor
Computers are only able to recognize two states of 0's and 1's known as _____.
The binary system
A(n) ______ is the smallest unit of data a computer can process.
Bit
A ______ which is formed when 8 bits are grouped together, provides enough different combinations of 0's and 1's to represent 256 different characters.
Byte
The system ______, clock generates regular electronic pulses that set the operating pace of the system unit.
Clock
______ size is the number of bits the processor can interpret and execute at a given time.
Word
______ is a temporary storage area of memory and stores the contents of frequently used data or instructions.
Cache
The ____ is the component of the processor that directs and coordinates most of the operations in the computer.
Control Unit
______ are ROM chips which contain permanently written data, instructions, or information.
Firmware
_________ helps speed the processes of the computer because it stores frequently used instructions and data.
Memory Cache
The _____ sometimes called a system board, is the main circuit board of the computer.
Motherboard
______, also called main memory, consists of memory chips that can be read from and within to by the processor and other devices.
RAM
_______ is nonvolitile and refers to memory chips storing permanent data and instructions
Read-Only Memory (ROM)
Each channel, called a _____, allows the various devices both inside and attached to the system unit to communicate with one another.
Bus
A computer _______ is a small piece of semiconducting material integrated circuits are etched on.
Chip
A(n) _______ is a socket on a desktop or server motherboard that can hold an adapter card.
Expansion slot
______ is a type of nonvolatile memory which can hold start-up instructions and that can be erased electronically and rewritten.
Flash Memory
