Computer Science 150 Final Exam Key Concepts
and Study Guide ACTUAL UPDATED QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS
Computer Program A sequence of instructions and decisions that tells
a computer, in minute detail, how to fulfill a task.
Hardware The collective physical computer and peripheral
devices.
Software The programs the computer executes.
Central Processing Unit (CPU) Located at the heart of the computer, it performs
program control and data processing.
, Primary Storage Storage made from memory chips—electronic
circuits that can store data, provided they are
supplied with electric power.
Secondary Storage Usually a hard disk, it provides slower and less
expensive storage that persists without electricity.
Networks An entity of interconnected computers that allow a
computer to read data and programs from central
storage locations or send data to other computers.
High-Level Programming Languages Languages that specify the actions that a program
should carry out.
Compiler Translates the high-level instructions into more
detailed instructions required by the CPU.
Applets Java code that can be located anywhere in the
Internet.
Library A collection of information that makes it possible
to write portable programs that can bypass
proprietary operating systems.
Java Virtual Machine (JVM) A program that simulates a real CPU. Java programs
are distributed as instructions for a virtual machine,
making them platform-independent.
and Study Guide ACTUAL UPDATED QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS
Computer Program A sequence of instructions and decisions that tells
a computer, in minute detail, how to fulfill a task.
Hardware The collective physical computer and peripheral
devices.
Software The programs the computer executes.
Central Processing Unit (CPU) Located at the heart of the computer, it performs
program control and data processing.
, Primary Storage Storage made from memory chips—electronic
circuits that can store data, provided they are
supplied with electric power.
Secondary Storage Usually a hard disk, it provides slower and less
expensive storage that persists without electricity.
Networks An entity of interconnected computers that allow a
computer to read data and programs from central
storage locations or send data to other computers.
High-Level Programming Languages Languages that specify the actions that a program
should carry out.
Compiler Translates the high-level instructions into more
detailed instructions required by the CPU.
Applets Java code that can be located anywhere in the
Internet.
Library A collection of information that makes it possible
to write portable programs that can bypass
proprietary operating systems.
Java Virtual Machine (JVM) A program that simulates a real CPU. Java programs
are distributed as instructions for a virtual machine,
making them platform-independent.
