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Technology in Action
chapter 9
13
Computer Science
Undergraduate 1
05/01/2011

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Term
ALU-Arithmitic logic unit
Definition
The part of the central processing unit (CPU) that is designed to perform mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and comparison operations, such as greater than, less than, and equal to.
Term
Assembly language
Definition
A language that enables programmers to write their programs using a set of short, English-like commands that speak directly to the central processing unit (CPU) and give the programmer very direct control of hardware resources.
Term
Binary digit
Definition
A digit that corresponds to the on and off states of a computer's switches. A bit contains a value of either 0 or 1.
Term
byte
Definition
Eight binary digits (bits).
Term
clock speed
Definition
The steady and constant pace at which a computer goes through machine cycles, measured in hertz (Hz).
Term
control unit
Definition
A component that controls the switches inside the central processing unit (CPU).
Term
CPU-central processing unit
Definition
The part of the system unit of a computer that is responsible for data processing (or the "brains" of the computer); it is the largest and most important chip in the computer. The CPU controls all the functions performed by the computer's other components and processes all the commands issued to it by software instructions.
Term
hexadecimal
Definition
16 digits
Term
machine cycle
Definition
The time it takes to fetch and execute a single machine-level instruction by the central processing unit (CPU).
Term
machine language
Definition
A set of instructions executed directly by the central processing unit (CPU).
Term
motherboard
Definition
A special circuit board in the system unit that contains the central processing unit (CPU), the memory (RAM) chips, and the slots available for expansion cards; all of the other boards (video cards, sound cards, and so on) connect to it to receive power and to communicate.
Term
pipelining
Definition
A technique that enables the central processing unit (CPU) to work on more than one instruction (or stage of processing) at a time, thereby boosting CPU performance.
Term
system unit
Definition
The metal or plastic case that holds all the physical parts of the computer together, including the computer's processor (its brains), its memory, and the many circuit boards that help the computer function.
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