CPU - ANSWER The primary component of a computer responsible for executing in-
structions, performing calculations, and managing data processing tasks
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) - ANSWER The part of the CPU that performs arithmetic
operations (add, subtract, etc.) and logical operations (and, or, not) on data
CU (Control Unit) - ANSWER The part of the CPU that manages and coordinates the ex-
ecution of instructions, controls data flow between different parts of the CPU and memory,
and oversees overall operations of computer's components
Register - ANSWER Small, high-speed storage units within the CPU that temporarily
hold data and instructions that the CPU is processing, enhancing data access speed and
overall efficiency
Pipelining - ANSWER - A technique used in CPU design to increase instruction through-
put by breaking down the instruction execution process into stages and allowing multiple in-
structions to be processed simultaneously at different stages of the pipeline
- This enhances the overall speed of instruction execution
RAM (Random Access Memory) - ANSWER A computer component used to load appli-
cations and files into a non-persistent and fast storage area, holds OS system code
L1 cache - ANSWER - Smallest and fastest cache
- Integrated into CPU core
L2 cache - ANSWER - Larger but slower than L1
1
, - Resides outside of CPU core
L3 cache - ANSWER - Larger but slower than L2
- Shared amongst all CPU cores
Virtual RAM - ANSWER - Space on a hard drive allocated by the OS that pretends to be
memory
- Page file (windows) or swap space (Mac, Linux)
Motherboard - ANSWER Printed circuit board that contains computer components
and provides connectors
ATX motherboard - ANSWER A full-size motherboard
Mini-ATX motherboard - ANSWER A motherboard that is smaller than ATX with similar
features
Micro-ATX motherboard - ANSWER A motherboard that is smaller than a mini-ATX,
less features and abilities
Mini-ITX motherboard - ANSWER A motherboard designed as replacement for ATX,
smaller and less abilities due to size, Information Technology eXtended
Expansion slots - ANSWER Slots that allow you to add extra computer components,
think PCIe
- Older, but also PCI
- M.2 slots (for SSD and Wi-Fi cards)
2
structions, performing calculations, and managing data processing tasks
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) - ANSWER The part of the CPU that performs arithmetic
operations (add, subtract, etc.) and logical operations (and, or, not) on data
CU (Control Unit) - ANSWER The part of the CPU that manages and coordinates the ex-
ecution of instructions, controls data flow between different parts of the CPU and memory,
and oversees overall operations of computer's components
Register - ANSWER Small, high-speed storage units within the CPU that temporarily
hold data and instructions that the CPU is processing, enhancing data access speed and
overall efficiency
Pipelining - ANSWER - A technique used in CPU design to increase instruction through-
put by breaking down the instruction execution process into stages and allowing multiple in-
structions to be processed simultaneously at different stages of the pipeline
- This enhances the overall speed of instruction execution
RAM (Random Access Memory) - ANSWER A computer component used to load appli-
cations and files into a non-persistent and fast storage area, holds OS system code
L1 cache - ANSWER - Smallest and fastest cache
- Integrated into CPU core
L2 cache - ANSWER - Larger but slower than L1
1
, - Resides outside of CPU core
L3 cache - ANSWER - Larger but slower than L2
- Shared amongst all CPU cores
Virtual RAM - ANSWER - Space on a hard drive allocated by the OS that pretends to be
memory
- Page file (windows) or swap space (Mac, Linux)
Motherboard - ANSWER Printed circuit board that contains computer components
and provides connectors
ATX motherboard - ANSWER A full-size motherboard
Mini-ATX motherboard - ANSWER A motherboard that is smaller than ATX with similar
features
Micro-ATX motherboard - ANSWER A motherboard that is smaller than a mini-ATX,
less features and abilities
Mini-ITX motherboard - ANSWER A motherboard designed as replacement for ATX,
smaller and less abilities due to size, Information Technology eXtended
Expansion slots - ANSWER Slots that allow you to add extra computer components,
think PCIe
- Older, but also PCI
- M.2 slots (for SSD and Wi-Fi cards)
2
