Computing Glossary
By Tamsin Newlove
ALU (Arithmetic and Logic Unit)
The ALU carries out calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. It also compares numbers. For example, whether number A is greater than number B.
Assembly Language
A slightly more people-friendly language that is also called ‘Machine Code’. It is a stage between higher code and binary.
Binary
Bit
Boolean
Byte
Cache Memory
Cache is type of memory used in a CPU. It speeds up the way applications work.
Clock Speed
Speed is the speed at which the CPU carries out an instruction. It is measured in Gigahertz. 1 Hertz is 1 instruction per second. 1 Gigahertz is 1 billion instructions per second.
Command Line
An interface that requires you to interact with the computer using a series of text commands.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The CPU is the ‘brain’ of the computer. It is a microchip that fetches, decodes and executes instructions and performs calculations.
Dual Core
Dual Core Processor is more than one CPU core on the same trip within the same computer. This allows more instructions to be completed and increases the speed of the CPU.
Fetch-Execute Cycle
Firstly, the CPU fetches some data from the main memory. Then, the CPU decodes the instructions and determines which areas within the microchip will need to be used. Finally, the instructions are executed before the cycle begins again.
Graphical User Interface
Integer
Motherboard
Metadata
Operating System
MUMPS:
M - Mulititasking
U - User Interface
M - Memory Management
P - Peripheral Management
S - Security