GCSE Computer Science

A sequence of steps to be performed to solve a problem

An implementation of an algorithm

Specialized format for storing and organizing data

A names section of code which performs a task and does not return a value

A named section of code which performs a task and returns a value

A special type of variable which can be passed through sub-routines

The reach of a variable/data structure

A combination of software and hardware

Single Value "a" or "9"

Whole Number

True or False Value

Character Set: Limited to 7 bits, only applicable in Latin based languages

Integer or Decimal Number

Composed of 1's and 0's

Composed of Integers 0-9 and Strings A-F

Composed of Digits 0-9

Error that occurs while the program is running

Alternative character set

The process of repeating steps

A question is asked and from the response several paths can be taken

The order in which instructions are performed

An error in the logic of the code which causes it to run incorrectly but not crash

An error in the syntax of the code Will cause the program to crash

The frequency at which samples are taken

When the team decides what the software needs to do, To think about what the user will want the program to do

Working out the smaller details of the program by breaking it down into smaller chunks

The program code is written

Testing the program under various conditions to make sure it is going to work

Maintaining and updating the program

Removes some of the file's original data to reduce file size

How tightly packed the pixels are

Images composed of lots of pixels

Image created in graphics packages and consist of shapes called objects

Various algorithms are used to find parts in the data that are repeated

Fast data transfer but if one machine fails the whole network will fail.

Easy and cheap to install but if the main cable fails the whole network will crash

Reliable and high-performing but expensive to install and if a hub/switch fails the devices will not have network connection

Brains of the computer. Mainly processes and uses data to perform taks

A chip/processor designed to boost the performance of games and graphics

Primary Storage device which allows data to be stored and retrieved on the machine

Memory which only maintains it's storage while the machine is active

Memory which maintains it storage whether or not the machine is active

A diagram which represents boolean logic

Memory that appears to be main storage although most if it is held in secondary storage

Memory that is easily accessed by the CPU and is very fast

Non-Volatile memory that is not directly accessible by the CPU

Data is recorded by making marks in a pattern that can be read back with the aid of light.

A mechanical device in which the media is inserted

A grid of electrical cells which quickly send and receive data

A logic gate that takes in 1 input & outputs the opposite

A logic gate that takes in 2 inputs and only outputs True if both inputs are True

A logic gate that takes in 2 inputs and outputs True if either inputs are True

A table which holds possible states on inputs and shows the corresponding final output of a logic diagram

A diagram combining multiple logic gates to show the inputs and final output of a system

Logic which can only produce a True or False outcome

The physical elements of a computer system

The logical programmed parts of a computer system that tells the hardware how to function

A system developed for a single, or set purpose. E.g. A washing machine, microwave, digital watch

A computer system that can change its purpose by adding more software

Non Volatile. Small area of memory which holds the boot up program.

A program stored on the hard drive that tells the computer how to communicate with a hardware device such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard.

System software which tidies up the physical locations of where data is saved on a storage device.

System software which establishes the order in which instructions are executed by the processor

A User Interface which incorporates the four elements of Windows, Icons, Menus, & Pointers

software responsible for the general operation of a computer system, including the operation of hardware, running application software, and file management

computer software created to allow the user to perform a specific job or task. eg. Word, Excel, browsers, games

A scheduled patch to software (usually system software) to ensure that it is completely up to date with the latest features.

A security system consisting of a combination of hardware and software that limits the exposure of a computer or computer network to attack from crackers

A computer program which is installed without permission, sometimes through a virus or sometimes as part of the installation of a program. It works by collecting information and sending it back to another source. The information collected could include the websites you have been visiting or what you have been downloading. This can be used for marketing purposes but also for fraud.

System software that is specifically designed to detect viruses and protect a computer and files from harm

a software program capable of reproducing itself and usually capable of causing great harm to files or other programs on the same computer

Self-replicating program designed to carry out some unauthorised activity on a victim's computer. This software can spread themselves from one computer to another without any assistance from victims.

A piece of software that appears to be a legitimate application, utility, game, or screensaver that performs malicious activities surreptitiously

An attack that sends an email or displays a Web announcement that falsely claims to be from a legitimate enterprise in an attempt to trick the user into surrendering private information

This is the process that all Stored Program Computers follow in order to run instructions within the machine. Instructions are stored within main memory as a combination of both instruction & data.

Another name for the central processing unit that is generally made from a single integrated circuit. Multi-core CPUs are made up of more than one microprocessor.

Component of a processor that directs and coordinates most of the operations in the computer.

The circuits that do the math and logic operations inside the processor. The "gateway" all inputs and outputs pass through.

Internal memory in the CPU. These store information that the arithmetic and logic units need to carry out the current instruction.

A register inside the CPU which holds the address of the next instruction to process.

A register inside the CPU which holds the current instruction (not the data)

A register inside the CPU which holds the address of the current instruction to process. This allows the actual instruction to be loaded.

A register inside the CPU which holds the data of the current instruction to process.

A register inside the CPU which holds the running total or result of the current instruction.

A physical wire which transmits memory addresses between the CPU and the RAM

A physical wire which transmits data between the CPU and the RAM

Takes the median of a sorted list, and if it is greater than the input, then the top half of the list is removed, and a new list is created until the correct match is found.

Speed, Size, Storage

Easy to code, however with a longer list can be very inefficient

Integer, Real, Boolean, String, Character

Repeating the process until a desired result with a finite number of iterations, that is calculable. Do Until - Loop

Repeating an iteration that is conditional, and may be repeated infinitely. While-End While

A selection within a selection

Equal to

not equal to

less than

greater than

Abstraction is the process of removing all unnecessary information from a set of instructions so that the aim of the instructions is not distracted from and so that the final product is as good as possible. The abstracted data is simpler and more relevant to the operation. Abstraction can speed up the program.

less than or equal to

greater than or equal to