Glossary

abstraction: changing a human problem into one decomposition: splitting a complex problem into
that can be solved by a computer. smaller parts.
access point: where a device connects to a Wifi service. defragmentation software: rearranges the data on a
accumulator (ACC): stores the results of calculations disk to make it more efficient.
made by the ALU. denary: a number system that uses the digits 0–9.
ALU: arithmetic and logic unit. digitise: changing an analogue value to a digital one.
array: a data structure. documentation: explanation of the program code.
assembler: converts low-level language programs Domain Name System (DNS): database that matches
into executable code. IP addresses to computer system resources.
binary: a number system that uses only 0 and 1. embedded system: software and hardware created
break point: interrupts a program at a specific line. for a specific purpose.
bridge: connects one LAN to another. encapsulation: wrapping code and data together
into a single unit.
bus: pathway used to transfer data.
encryption: scrambles data to prevent it being
cache memory: fast access temporary storage on
understood if it is intercepted.
the CPU.
error diagnostics: error messages displayed to help
central processing unit: the components of the
the programmer.
computer that process the instructions.
fetch-decode-execute cycle: three steps to
character: any letter, number, punctuation mark or
processing instructions when a program is running.
symbol.
field: a single data item in a record.
character sets: the way characters are represented
in binary. file: a collection of related records.
circuit switching: provides a dedicated link between file server: computer on the network that stores the
two nodes. files used by workstations.
CISC: complex instruction set computer. flag: a bit that indicates something such as a register
overf low.
class: a template for creating objects in object-
oriented programming. flash memory: stores data permanently such as on a
camera card or USB stick.
clock speed: indicates how fast each instruction will
be executed. function: a subroutine that returns a value.
command line interface (CLI): interface between gateway: connects a LAN to a WAN such as the
user and computer that is command driven. internet.
compiler: translates high level source code into generations of files: backing up using the
machine code all in one go. grandfather-father-son system.
computer architecture: the internal organisational global variable: a variable that is recognised
structure of a computer. throughout a program.
control unit (CU): directs the operation of the CPU. graphics processor unit (GPU): processing 3D
graphics and video animation.
cookie: software used by a web browser to gather
user information. GUI: graphical user interface.
current instruction register (CIR): stores the hexadecimal: a number system that uses the
instruction that is currently being executed. characters 0–F.
data capacity: the amount of data a storage device hub: a connection point between cables in a
can hold. network.
debugging: finding and correcting errors in human computer interface (HCI): where the
computer code. computer and the human interact.

1 My Revisions Notes: WJEC and Eduqas GCSE Computer Science

 inheritance: allows a class to use the properties and protocol: a set of rules such as HTTP (Hypertext
Glossary

methods of an existing class. Transfer Protocol).

instance variable: variables that are bound to class pseudocode: an algorithm not using a specific
instances. programming language.
instruction set: the set of machine code instructions RAM: random access memory.
recognised by a CPU. record: a collection of related items.
interpreter: translates high-level code into machine repetition: a process that is repeated.
code one line at a time. RISC: reduced instruction set computer.
iteration: a process that is repeated. ROM: read only memory.
key logger: malware that records the key presses of router: forwards packets of data along a network.
the user.
sampling: the number of samples per second taken
layer: one of the layers of the TCP/IP. when digitising sound.
linker: links compiled sections of code together. selection: following a particular route depending on
loader: loads compiled code to memory. the answer to a question.
local variable: a variable that is only recognised in a sequence: instructions are written to be executed in
particular subroutine. a predetermined order.
lossless compression: compression of files with no single stepping: executes a program one line at a
reduction of data quality. time when debugging.
lossy compression: compression of files with a software engineering: the process of developing
reduction of data quality. software.
memory address register (MAR): stores the store dump: displays the contents of all variables
memory location of data currently being written or used by the program.
read. subroutine: a section of program code that can be
memory inspector: displays the contents of all the called many times.
stores in a section of memory. switch: filters and forwards data packets to the
method: the behaviour of an object in object- intended destination.
oriented programming. trace: displays the order in which the program is
module: a discrete part of a computer program. being executed.
motherboard: the circuit board holding all the utility software: keeps the computer running
components of the computer. efficiently.
object: a particular instance of a class. variable lifetime: a variable exists only as long as
object-oriented languages: using objects rather the program code that uses it.
than actions and data rather than logic. variable watch: shows values of variables while the
overflow: bits that disappear from registers program is running.
following operations. virus: malware that can damage data on your
packet switching: data is split up into small packets. computer.
program counter (PC): stores the location of the worm: malware that replicates itself in order to
next instruction needed by the processor. spread to other computers.

2 My Revisions Notes: WJEC and Eduqas GCSE Computer Science