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Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
Performs operations on data e.g. Addition and subtraction
Control Unit (CU)
Coordinating activities of the CPU
Registers
Quick and small stores of data within the CPU
Memory Address Register (MAR)
Holds memory address for data or a instruction about to be used by the CPU
Memory Data Register (MDR)
Holds actual data or instruction
Accumulator
Stores results of calculations in the ALU
Program Counter (PC)
Holds memory address of the instruction for each cycle
Fetch
The next instruction is retrieved by CPU from main memory
Decode
The instruction is broken down and decided so computer can understand
Execute
The CPU performs what the instructions told
Embedded System
A computer system built within a large device e.g. Camera/washer/car
Volatile
Memory loses its data when power of
Non-volatile
Memory retains its data when power is lost
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Read/write - function is to load open programs and operating system data currently in use - volatile
Read Only Memory (ROM)
Can only be read and can’t be changed - stores essential programs to be run in order to boot the computer - non-volatile
Cache
A type memory that stores copies of frequently used data - much faster than RAM - lower capacity - closer to CPU
Buses
Collection of wires that carry signals between various components of the computer system
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Processes all of the data and instructions that make the system work - can be effected by clock speed/number of cores/cache size
Clock speed
How fast the computer does the FDE cycle
virtual memory
A memory management procedure needed when the RAM is full so a temporary section is made which acts like a part of RAM
Flash memory
Solid state storage - non-volatile - more reliable/durable but can only be overwritten a limited number of times
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
Handles graphics and image processing
Optical storage
CD - DVD - Blue-ray ADV: cheap - easy to transport DIS: slow - less storage than hard drives - stored data degrades over time - cannot be written over
Magnetic storage
Hard drives ADV: fast access - stores large amounts of data - low cost DIS: not very portable - easily be broken