Computer Hardware & Software Basics

Cards · 51

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The primary processor that executes instructions and coordinates the operations of all other computer hardware components.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

A subcomponent of the CPU that carries out all elementary mathematical calculations and logical decision-making operations.

Control Unit (CU)

A CPU component that fetches, decodes, and manages the execution of program instructions across the processor.

CPU Registers

Extremely fast, small storage locations located inside the CPU used to temporarily hold data and immediate instructions.

Motherboard

The main printed circuit board that physically connects and enables communication between all hardware components.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

High-speed volatile primary memory that stores data and active program instructions currently needed by the CPU.

Read-Only Memory (ROM)

Non-volatile memory containing permanent instructions used to boot the computer and load the basic input/output system.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

A magnetic non-volatile secondary storage device providing large capacities for long-term data and operating system files.

Solid-State Drive (SSD)

A fast, non-volatile storage device using flash memory to provide rapid access to stored data and applications.

Cache Memory

A small amount of ultra-fast volatile memory located close to the CPU to hold frequently accessed instructions and data.

System Bus

A collection of parallel wires transmitting address, control, and data signals between the CPU, memory, and peripherals.

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

A hardware component that converts alternating current (AC) power into regulated direct current (DC) for internal components.

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

A specialized electronic circuit optimized for parallel processing to rapidly render images, video, and complex calculations.

Input Device

Peripheral hardware such as a keyboard or mouse used to provide data and control signals to an information processing system.

Output Device

Hardware equipment like a monitor or printer used to communicate the results of data processing to human users.

Network Interface Card (NIC)

A hardware component that connects a computer to a computer network via Ethernet or wireless signals.

Firmware

Permanent software programmed directly into hardware chips that provides low-level control for the device specific hardware.

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)

Legacy firmware that initializes hardware during startup and provides runtime services for operating systems and programs.

UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface)

Modern firmware replacing BIOS, offering faster boot times, larger drive support, and enhanced security mechanisms.

System Software

Software designed to provide a platform for other software, manage hardware resources, and maintain basic computer operations.

Application Software

End-user programs designed to help users perform specific tasks, such as word processing, web browsing, or gaming.

Operating System (OS)

Core system software that manages computer hardware, system resources, and provides common services for application programs.

Kernel

The central core of an operating system with complete control over everything in the system, managing memory and hardware access.

Device Driver

A specialized system program that allows the operating system to communicate with and control a specific hardware peripheral.

Utility Software

System software designed to help analyze, configure, optimize, or maintain a computer system, such as antivirus software.

Virtual Memory

A memory management technique that uses secondary storage to act as secondary RAM when physical memory runs low.

Paging

A memory allocation scheme that stores and retrieves data from secondary storage for use in main memory in fixed-size blocks.

Process Scheduler

An OS component that determines which available process is allocated the CPU for execution and for how long.

File System

A method and data structure that the operating system uses to control how data is stored and retrieved on a storage drive.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

An interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices through graphical icons and visual indicators.

Command Line Interface (CLI)

A text-based user interface used to run programs, manage files, and interact with the computer using typed commands.

Word Processor

An application software used for composing, editing, formatting, and printing text documents.

Spreadsheet Software

An application used for organizing, analyzing, and storing data in tabular form using rows, columns, and formulas.

Database Management System (DBMS)

Software used to define, manipulate, retrieve, and manage data systematically in a structured database.

Web Browser

An application software designed to retrieve, interpret, and display resources from the World Wide Web.

Compiler

System software that translates source code written in a high-level language into machine code before program execution.

Interpreter

Software that executes instructions written in a programming language directly, translating code line-by-line at runtime.

Assembler

A program that converts low-level assembly language code into executable machine code for the CPU.

Bootloader

A small program stored in non-volatile memory that loads the operating system kernel into RAM upon power-on.

Interrupt

A signal emitted by hardware or software indicating an event that needs immediate attention from the CPU.

Direct Memory Access (DMA)

A hardware feature that allows specific input/output devices to send or receive data directly to or from RAM without CPU intervention.

Clock Speed

The operating frequency of a processor, measuring how many cycles per second the CPU can execute instructions.

Optical Drive

A hardware storage device that reads and writes data using laser technology on media such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays.

Antivirus Software

A utility program used to prevent, detect, and remove malicious software such as viruses, worms, and trojans.

Disk Defragmenter

A maintenance utility that reorganizes fragmented data on a hard disk so related files are contiguous, speeding access.

File Compression Utility

A program that reduces the file size of data archives to save disk space and accelerate network transfer.

Spooling

A process of temporarily storing data in a buffer or queue until a slower peripheral device, like a printer, is ready to process it.

Multitasking

An operating system capability that allows multiple computer processes to be executed concurrently on a single CPU.

Multithreading

A technique that enables a single process to execute multiple sub-tasks or threads concurrently for better efficiency.

Volatile Memory

Computer storage that requires continuous electrical power to retain stored data, losing all contents when powered off.

Non-Volatile Memory

Types of storage memory that retain saved data even when the computer system is switched off.