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TERMINOLOGY GLOSSARY
- Central processing unit (CPU) - The part of a computer that performs the majority of the processing and calculation tasks.
- Arithmetic logic unit (ALU) - The part of the CPU responsible for performing arithmetic and logical operations.
- Control unit (CU) - The part of the CPU responsible for coordinating and controlling the other components of the CPU.
- Registers - Small areas of memory within the CPU used to store and manipulate data quickly.
- Primary memory - The main memory used by a computer to store data and program instructions that are currently being used.
- Random access memory (RAM) - A type of primary memory that is volatile and can be read from and written to by the CPU.
- Read-only memory (ROM) - A type of primary memory that is non-volatile and contains instructions that cannot be altered.
- Cache memory - A small amount of high-speed memory used to store frequently accessed data for faster access by the CPU.
- Machine instruction cycle - The process of fetching, decoding, executing, and storing machine instructions within the CPU.
- Secondary memory - Long-term storage used to store data and programs that are not currently being used.
- Operating system - Software that manages the resources and activities of a computer, and provides a user interface for interacting with the computer.
- Application software - Software designed for specific tasks or purposes, such as word processing, spreadsheets, or graphic design.
- Binary representation - A method of representing data using only two digits, 0 and 1.
- Bit - A single unit of binary data, either 0 or 1.
- Byte - A group of 8 bits, used to represent a larger unit of data.
- Boolean operators - Logical operators used to combine or manipulate binary data, including AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, and XOR.
- Truth tables - Tables used to represent the outputs of Boolean expressions for every possible combination of inputs.
- Logic gates - Electronic components used to implement Boolean expressions and perform logical operations.
- Denary/Decimal - A base-10 numbering system, used to represent decimal numbers.
- Hexadecimal - A base-16 numbering system, used to represent binary data more efficiently.
- Graphical user interface (GUI) - A user interface that allows users to interact with a computer using graphical elements, such as icons, windows, and menus.
- Logic diagrams - Diagrams that use logic gates and Boolean expressions to represent and solve problems.
- AND - A Boolean operator that returns true if and only if both of its inputs are true.
- OR - A Boolean operator that returns true if at least one of its inputs is true.
- NOT - A Boolean operator that negates the input, returning true if the input is false, and vice versa.
- NAND - A Boolean operator that returns false if and only if both of its inputs are true.
- NOR - A Boolean operator that returns true if both of its inputs are false.
- XOR - A Boolean operator that returns true if and only if exactly one of its inputs is true.
- Thinking logically - A problem-solving approach that involves breaking down problems into smaller parts and using reasoning to arrive at solutions.
- Connecting computational thinking and program design - The process of using computational thinking principles to design effective and efficient programs.
- Volatile - Memory that loses its contents when power is removed.
- Non-volatile - Memory that retains its contents even when power is removed.
- Data bus - The communication pathway between the CPU and other components that transfers data.
- Address bus - The communication pathway between the CPU and other components that carries memory addresses.
- String - A sequence of characters used to represent text in a computer program.
- Integer - A whole number used to represent numerical values in a computer program.
- Characters - Single letters, digits, symbols, or other marks used in a computer program.
- Unicode - A character encoding standard that allows computers to represent and manipulate text from different writing systems.
- Ergonomics - The study of designing equipment and devices that are comfortable and efficient for human use.
- Accessibility - The degree to which a system or device can be used by people with disabilities or special needs.
