Computer Fundamentals

An auto-index register is a specific type of register in computer architecture that automatically increments or decrements its value after each access, commonly used in loop operations.

The S-100 bus is a well-known early computer bus standard that utilized 100 parallel lines for communication between components.

A teleprocessing terminal acts as an input/output device that allows users to enter data into a remote computer system.

Report cards and merit lists are the final results produced by a data processing system, making them output data.

Software tools are programs specifically designed to assist in the creation, maintenance, or improvement of other software applications.

Medium Scale Integration contains more than 10 but less than 100 logic gates. 

COMAT is a historical high-level language that was designed to incorporate the simple, readable style of BASIC.

Programmed instructions written for a computer to execute are collectively referred to as code.

A query language is a specialized language used to request and extract specific information from a database based on defined criteria.

Compilers and interpreters are software programs that translate high-level source code into machine-executable code.

Laser disks, such as CDs or DVDs, store data by using a laser to create microscopic pits on the surface of a metal-coated disk.

The program counter, often implemented as an address register, holds the memory address of the next instruction to be fetched and executed by the CPU.

A writing tablet, or digitizer, is an input device that allows users to hand-draw images or write text, which is then converted into digital data. Other options like mice or touch panels do not primarily serve the function of converting handwritten impressions into specific positional coordinates.

Computer architecture refers to the conceptual design and fundamental operational structure of a computer system. It defines how the various components, such as the CPU, memory, and I/O, are organized and interconnected.

Laser printers use a laser beam to create an electrostatic image on a drum, which then attracts toner to be transferred onto paper. This process is known as electrophotography.

In machine code, an instruction is typically divided into an opcode (operation code) and an operand (address). The opcode specifies the action to be performed by the processor.

A hard disk drive uses rotating platters coated with a ferromagnetic material to store data magnetically. While floppy disks also use this, the term 'metal disk' specifically points to the rigid platters of a hard disk.

Off-line operation refers to the processing of data by peripheral devices without direct, real-time intervention or control by the central processing unit (CPU). This allows the CPU to perform other tasks while data is being prepared or transferred.

Associative storage, also known as Content Addressable Memory (CAM), allows data to be retrieved based on its content rather than its memory address. This is distinct from standard RAM where you must know the address to retrieve the data.

An off-line device is one that is not currently connected to or under the direct control of the CPU. This is the opposite of an on-line device, which is actively communicating with the processor.

A memory-resident program is software that remains in the primary storage (RAM) after it has been loaded, allowing for quick access. This is common for system utilities or drivers.

A redundant code uses more bits than are strictly necessary to represent the information, often for the purpose of error detection or correction. By adding extra bits, the system can verify the integrity of the data.

Backing storage, also known as secondary storage, is used to store data and programs that are not currently being processed by the CPU. It is external to the main storage (RAM) and is non-volatile.