IB CS Topic 2 - Computer Architecture

executes commands from a computer's hardware and software; the principal computer chip that contains several processing components, which determines the computer's operating speed; the "brain" of a computer

The register that contains the address of the next instruction to be executed

Holds memory address for data or a instruction about to be used by the CPU

Computer location where instructions and data are stored on a temporary basis. This memory is volatile.

Storage that is wiped clean when power is cut off from a device

A form of storage that does not maintain its data through power loss.

a register that contains the data value being fetched or stored from RAM

Processor component that manages the execution of instructions during the fetch

The part of the central processing unit that performs arithmetic computations and logical operations. Receives data from the Control Unit

Stores the results of any arithmetic or logical operations carried out by the ALU.

Register that stores the instructions that the CPU is currently decoding/executing

the portion of a computer's primary storage that does not lose its contents when one switches off the power. Holds fundamental instructions on a computer like the BIOS Setup.

A type of memory used to temporarily store frequently used data or programs for quick access; similar to RAM but faster.

an internal or external computer component that stores data, such as the operating system, applications, and user files. HDDs are "non-volatile" storage devices, meaning they retain stored data even when power isn't being supplied.

Space on a hard disk or other storage device that simulates random access memory. When primary memory gets overloaded, data gets sent here and stored in "pages". It gets returned to primary when it is needed.

Set of software that controls computer's hardware and resources and provides services for computer programs.

The visual elements of an program through which a user controls or communications the application. Often abbreviated UI. Link between user and hardware.

Operating system activity that optimizes the use of random access memory (RAM).

Software responsible for handling input, output and storage devices. Coordinates between BIOS and device drivers to manage interactions between computer and peripherals.

supports running multiple applications seemingly simultaneously. Allocates CPU Cycles to concurrent programs based on priority and time.

computer software created to allow the user to perform a specific job or task

a code for representing English characters as numbers, with each letter assigned a number from 0 to 127

A base-16 number system that uses sixteen distinct symbols 0-9 and A-F to represent numbers from 0 to 15.

The binary number system is base 2, using only bits 0 and 1.