Computer Science 101: Fundamentals

Algorithm

A step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or performing a computation

Binary

Base-2 number system using only 0 and 1; foundation of digital computing

Bit

Smallest unit of data; a single binary digit (0 or 1)

Byte

8 bits; can represent 256 different values (0-255)

CPU

Central Processing Unit; executes instructions; the 'brain' of a computer

RAM

Random Access Memory; volatile short-term memory for active processes

ROM

Read-Only Memory; non-volatile memory that retains data when powered off

Operating System

Software managing hardware resources and providing services (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux)

Boolean

Data type with only two values: true or false

Variable

Named storage location in memory that holds a value