IB Computer Science Computer Organization
primary memory
a computer system's volatile storage mechanism. It may be random access memory (RAM), cache memory and data buses but is mainly associated with RAM.
Menus
a list of options or commands presented to an operator by a computer or communications system.
cache memory
a small area of memory in a computer that can be accessed very quickly
spreadsheet
table of values arranged in rows and columns
memory management
to provide ways to dynamically allocate portions of memory to programs at their request, and free it for reuse when no longer needed
RAM
(random access memory) is the place in a computer where the operating system, application programs, and data in current use are kept so that they can be quickly reached by the computer's processor.
Boolean operators
AND, OR, XOR, NOT, NAND, NOR
machine instruction cycle
It is the process by which a computer retrieves a program instruction from its memory, determines what actions the instruction requires, and carries out those actions
word processor
a term that means using a computer to create, edit, and print documents
Integer
a whole number (not a fraction) that can be positive, negative, or zero
ALU
an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) is a digital circuit that performs arithmetic and bitwise logical operations on integer binary numbers.
logic gate
an elementary building block of a digital circuit
Character
any letter, number, space, punctuation mark, or symbol that can be typed on a computer.
ROM
read only memory: a storage device that holds data permanently and cannot in normal circumstances be altered by the programmer
persistent storage
refers to the characteristic of state that outlives the process that created it
Bit
the smallest unit of measurement used to quantify computer data. It contains a single binary value of 0 or 1.
Colours
the three hues of light (red, green, and blue), that can mix together to form any color.
the transmission of messages over communications networks.
CAD
the use of computer systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design
Byte
unit of measurement that contains eight binary bits, or a series of eight zeros and ones.
dialogue boxes
a small window that communicates information to the user and prompt them for a response.
truth tables
a breakdown of a logic function by listing all possible values the function can attain
database management system
a collection of programs that enables you to store, modify, and extract information from a database
data representation
the methods used to structure different types of information.
denary/decimal
the number system that uses the 10 digits from 0 to 9.
CPU
A central processing unit (CPU) is the electronic circuitry within a computer that carries out the instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetic, logical, control and input/output (I/O) operations specified by the instructions.
data bus
a communication system that transfers data between components inside a computer, or between computers
CU
The control unit is a component of a computer's central processing unit (CPU) that directs operation of the processor.
Toolbars
a graphical control element on which on-screen buttons, icons, menus, or other input or output elements are placed.
multitasking
a method where several processes are performed during the same period of time They are executed concurrently
GUI components
a combination of technologies and devices to provide a platform that the user can interact with, for the tasks of gathering and producing information. The most common combination of such elements in GUIs is the WIMP ("window, icon, menu, pointing device") paradigm, especially in personal computers.
Binary
a numbering system in which there are only two possible values for each digit: 0 and 1.
address bus
a series of lines connecting two or more devices that is used to specify a physical address
Browser
a software application for retrieving, presenting and traversing information resources on the World Wide Web
memory data register
contains the data to be stored in the computer storage
memory address register
holds the memory location of data that needs to be accessed
