1. CPU (Computer Processing Unit): the key component of a computer system, which contains the circuitry necessary to interpret and execute program instructions. 2. RAM (Random Access Memory): computer memory available to the user for creating, loading, or running programs and for the temporary storage and manipulation of data, in which time of access to each item is independent of the storage sequence. As a storage medium, RAM is volatile, so its contents are lost when the power fails or is turned off 3. ROM (Read Only Memory): computer memory in which program instructions, operating procedures, or other data are permanently stored, generally on electronic chips during manufacture and that ordinarily cannot be changed by the user. 4. Firmware: a microprogram stored in ROM, designed to implement a function that had previously been provided in software. 5. Operating system: the collection of software that directs a computer's operations, controlling and scheduling the execution of other programs, and managing storage, input/output, and communication resources. 6. Application program: a program used for a particular application 7. Machine language: a coding system built into the hardware of a computer, requiring no translation before being run. 8. Binary: A system of numerical notation to the base 2, in which each place of a number, expressed as 0 or 1, corresponds to a power of 2 9. Main memory: program-addressable storage that is directly controlled by and generally contained in the CPU: except for cache storage, the fastest type of storage available to any computer system. 10. Control systems: is a device, or set of devices, that manages commands, directs or regulates the behavior of other devices or systems. 11. Embedded systems: is a computer system with a dedicated function within a larger mechanical or electrical system,