CHAPTER 3 HARDWARE. CPU
Central Processing Unit (CPU) - answer The main component of the computer which is
referred to as the brain. It carries out all the processing by fetching and executing
instructions. Contains the control unit, ALU and cache memory
Boot program - answerThe program that is used to start the computer. It is automatically
loaded so that its instructions can be fetched when the computer is turned on, and it
eventually loads the operating system.
Clock speed - answer Measured in hertz or cycles per second. Represents how many
instructions per second the processor can execute. The higher the clock speed the
faster the CPU can operate.
Core - answerEach single processor circuit capable of fetching and executing
instructions.
CPU cache - answerMemory buffer on the processor that stores instructions which have
been fetched before and allows them to be fetched more quickly the next time.
Fetch-Execute cycle - answerThis is the process of fetching the instructions from
memory, decoding them and then executing them so that the CPU performs
continuously.
Multi-core processor - answerA processor with more than one core (processor circuit)
which means it can fetch and execute more than one instruction at a time.
Random Access memory (RAM) - answerMain memory of a computer that temporarily
stores data, applications and the operating system whilst in use. When the power is
turned off it loses its data (Volatile). Made up of many addressable locations. Also
known as Immediate Access Store and Primary Memory.
Processor - answerThe component in the computer that fetches, decodes and executes
instructions.
Cache memory - answerHigh speed memory in the CPU that is used to store a copy of
frequently used instructions and data. Faster access speed than main memory. Used to
improve CPU performance.
System Buses - answerThe circuits/internal wiring that connect the processor and main
memory together.
Central Processing Unit (CPU) - answer The main component of the computer which is
referred to as the brain. It carries out all the processing by fetching and executing
instructions. Contains the control unit, ALU and cache memory
Boot program - answerThe program that is used to start the computer. It is automatically
loaded so that its instructions can be fetched when the computer is turned on, and it
eventually loads the operating system.
Clock speed - answer Measured in hertz or cycles per second. Represents how many
instructions per second the processor can execute. The higher the clock speed the
faster the CPU can operate.
Core - answerEach single processor circuit capable of fetching and executing
instructions.
CPU cache - answerMemory buffer on the processor that stores instructions which have
been fetched before and allows them to be fetched more quickly the next time.
Fetch-Execute cycle - answerThis is the process of fetching the instructions from
memory, decoding them and then executing them so that the CPU performs
continuously.
Multi-core processor - answerA processor with more than one core (processor circuit)
which means it can fetch and execute more than one instruction at a time.
Random Access memory (RAM) - answerMain memory of a computer that temporarily
stores data, applications and the operating system whilst in use. When the power is
turned off it loses its data (Volatile). Made up of many addressable locations. Also
known as Immediate Access Store and Primary Memory.
Processor - answerThe component in the computer that fetches, decodes and executes
instructions.
Cache memory - answerHigh speed memory in the CPU that is used to store a copy of
frequently used instructions and data. Faster access speed than main memory. Used to
improve CPU performance.
System Buses - answerThe circuits/internal wiring that connect the processor and main
memory together.
