Year 13 CIE Computer Science: Rapid Vocabulary Memorisation Guide

📚 Year 13 CIE Computer Science: Rapid Vocabulary Memorisation Guide | 词汇术语速记指南

Mastering key terminology is essential for success in CIE A-Level Computer Science (9608). This guide covers critical terms across the syllabus, grouped by topic, with memory aids to help you recall definitions quickly and accurately during exams. Each section pairs an English explanation with its Chinese equivalent, followed by a mnemonic or visual tip that cements the concept in long‑term memory.

掌握关键术语对于 CIE A‑Level 计算机科学(9608)考试成功至关重要。本指南按主题覆盖了教学大纲中的核心词汇，配有记忆辅助法，助你在考试中快速准确地回忆定义。每个小节将英文解释与中文释义配对，并附上助记或视觉联想技巧，帮助将概念牢牢印入长期记忆。

1. Data Representation | 数据表示术语

Pixel – Short for ‘picture element’. It is the smallest addressable unit of a raster image. Each pixel holds a colour value, and the total number of pixels defines the image resolution. Memory tip: Think of a mosaic – every tiny tile is a pixel; the more tiles, the finer the picture.

像素 – “图像元素”的缩写，是光栅图像中最小的可寻址单元。每个像素保存一个颜色值，像素总数决定图像的分辨率。记忆技巧： 想象一幅马赛克画，每一块小瓷砖就是一个像素；瓷砖越多，画面越精细。

Colour depth – The number of bits used to represent the colour of a single pixel. For example, an 8‑bit colour depth can display 2⁸ = 256 colours. Higher colour depth yields more realistic images but increases file size. Memory tip: Associate ‘depth’ with how deep the colour palette is – the deeper it goes, the more colours you can dive into.

颜色深度 – 用于表示单个像素颜色的比特数。例如，8 位颜色深度可以显示 2⁸ = 256 种颜色。颜色深度越高，图像越逼真，但文件体积也会增大。记忆技巧： 把“深度”与调色板的深浅联系起来——潜得越深，能接触到的颜色就越多。

Sample resolution – In sound, this is the number of bits used to record each amplitude sample, also called bit depth. A higher sample resolution reduces quantisation noise. Memory tip: Think of measuring a waveform with a ruler that has finer millimetre marks instead of centimetre marks – the measurement is more precise.

采样分辨率 – 在声音中，指记录每个振幅样本所用的比特数，也称为位深。采样分辨率越高，量化噪声越小。记忆技巧： 想象用一把刻度为毫米而非厘米的尺子去测量波形——读数就会更精确。

Two’s complement – A method for representing signed integers in binary. The most significant bit acts as a sign bit; negative numbers are formed by inverting all bits and adding 1. This representation simplifies arithmetic circuits. Memory tip: Flip the bits, then add 1 – a ‘flip‑and‑one’ rhythm.

二进制补码 – 一种用二进制表示有符号整数的方法。最高位作为符号位；负数由其对应正数的所有位取反再加一得到。该表示法简化了算术电路。记忆技巧： 将所有位翻转，再加一——“翻转再加一”的节奏。

2. Communication and Networking | 通信与网络术语

Protocol – A set of rules governing data communication between devices. Protocols like TCP/IP, HTTP, and FTP define how messages are formatted, addressed, and acknowledged. Memory tip: A protocol is a ‘procedure log’ – a written log of steps that two parties agree to follow.

协议 – 一套管理设备间数据通信的规则。诸如 TCP/IP、HTTP 和 FTP 等协议定义了消息的格式、寻址与确认方式。记忆技巧： “协议”音近“协约日志”——双方约定执行的步骤记录。

MAC address – A hardware‑level address uniquely assigned to a network interface card (NIC). It is a 48‑bit identifier usually expressed in hexadecimal. Memory tip: ‘MAC’ stands for ‘Media Access Control’ – media needs a physical stamp, and the MAC is that stamp.

MAC 地址 – 分配给网络接口卡的硬件级唯一地址。它是一个 48 位标识符，通常用十六进制表示。记忆技巧： MAC 代表“介质访问控制”——介质需要一个物理印章，MAC 地址就是那个印章。

Packet switching – Data is split into packets that are sent independently across a network. Each packet contains a header with source/destination addresses and a sequence number. Routers forward packets based on the best available path. Memory tip: Imagine posting chapters of a book as separate letters that reassemble at the destination – each letter is a packet.

分组交换 – 数据被分割为分组，在网络中独立传输。每个分组包含带有源/目的地址及序列号的头部，路由器根据最佳路径转发分组。记忆技巧： 想象把一本书的章节拆成独立信件寄出，到达后再重新装订——每一封信就是一个分组。

DNS (Domain Name System) – Translates human‑friendly domain names (e.g., aleveler.com) into IP addresses. It works like a phonebook for the internet. Memory tip: DNS = ‘Directory for Naming Servers’.

DNS（域名系统） – 将人类易读的域名（如 aleveler.com）翻译为 IP 地址，其作用类似于互联网的电话簿。记忆技巧： DNS 可联想为“点脑翻译服务站”。

3. Processor Architecture | 处理器架构术语

ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) – The part of the CPU that performs arithmetic and logical operations. It takes operands from registers and returns results. Memory tip: ALU = ‘All Logic & maths Unit’.

ALU（算术逻辑单元） – CPU 中执行算术和逻辑运算的部分。它从寄存器取得操作数并返回结果。记忆技巧： ALU = “做所有逻辑与算术的单元”。

Program Counter (PC) – A special register that holds the memory address of the next instruction to be fetched. After a fetch, the PC increments (or updates) to point to the next instruction. Memory tip: Think of the PC as a bookmark that moves forward chapter by chapter.

程序计数器 (PC) – 一个专用寄存器，存放下一条将要取指的指令的内存地址。取指后，PC 增加以指向下一条指令。记忆技巧： 把 PC 想象成一枚书签，逐章前移。

CIR (Current Instruction Register) – Holds the instruction that is currently being decoded and executed. It receives the instruction from the MDR after fetching. Memory tip: CIR = ‘Currently In the works Register’.

当前指令寄存器 (CIR) – 存放当前正在被译码和执行的指令。取指后，指令由 MDR 送入 CIR。记忆技巧： CIR 代表“正加工中的寄存器”。

Pipelining – A technique where multiple instructions are overlapped in execution. While one instruction is being decoded, another can be fetched. This improves throughput. Memory tip: Picture a factory assembly line – different stages work on different products simultaneously.

流水线 – 一种让多条指令重叠执行的技术。当一条指令被译码时，另一条可同时被取指，从而提升吞吐量。记忆技巧： 想象工厂流水线——不同工位同时加工不同产品。

4. System Software | 系统软件术语

Kernel – The core of an operating system that manages CPU, memory, and I/O devices. It runs in privileged mode and directly interacts with hardware. Memory tip: The kernel is the ‘core‑nel’ – the central core that never stops.

内核 – 操作系统的核心，负责管理 CPU、内存和 I/O 设备。它在特权模式下运行，直接与硬件交互。记忆技巧： 内核就是“硬核中心”——永不停止的核心。

Interrupt – A signal sent to the processor to request immediate attention. Interrupts can be hardware‑generated (e.g., keyboard press) or software‑generated. The processor suspends the current task, saves context, and executes an Interrupt Service Routine (ISR). Memory tip: An interrupt is like a fire alarm – your current work stops, and you follow an emergency procedure.

中断 – 发送给处理器要求立即响应的信号。中断可由硬件（如按键）或软件产生。处理器会挂起当前任务、保存现场，然后执行中断服务例程。记忆技巧： 中断就像火灾警报——手头工作暂停，按紧急预案行动。

Virtual memory – Uses a portion of secondary storage (e.g., SSD) as an extension of RAM. When RAM is full, pages are swapped to disk. This allows larger programs to run but at slower speed. Memory tip: Picture a desk (RAM) with limited space; when it overflows, you use a bookshelf (disk) to hold extra papers.

虚拟内存 – 将部分辅助存储器（如 SSD）作为 RAM 的扩展。当 RAM 装满时，页面被换出到磁盘，使更大的程序得以运行，但速度较慢。记忆技巧： 想象桌面 (RAM) 空间有限，放不下时使用书架（磁盘）暂放文件。

Defragmentation – A utility that rearranges files on a magnetic disk so that fragments of each file are stored contiguously. This reduces head movements and improves access speed. Memory tip: ‘De‑fragment’ = reunite scattered blocks into a continuous sequence.

磁盘碎片整理 – 一种实用工具，重新排列磁盘上的文件，使每个文件的碎片连续存放，减少磁头移动，提高访问速度。记忆技巧： “碎片整理”就是把打散的拼图块重新拼成完整的图像。

5. Security and Ethics | 安全与道德术语

Encryption – The process of converting plaintext into ciphertext using an algorithm and a key. Symmetric encryption uses the same key for both encryption and decryption; asymmetric uses a public/private key pair. Memory tip: Encryption is like locking a message in a box – symmetric uses one identical key, asymmetric uses a matched pair (like a padlock and key).

加密 – 使用算法和密钥将明文转换为密文的过程。对称加密用同一密钥加解密；非对称加密使用公私钥对。记忆技巧： 加密好比把消息锁进盒子——对称加密用一把相同的钥匙，非对称加密用配对的一对（像挂锁和钥匙）。

Digital signature – A cryptographic technique that verifies the authenticity and integrity of a message. The sender encrypts a hash of the message with their private key; the recipient decrypts it with the sender’s public key and compares the hash. Memory tip: A digital signature is like a wax seal on a letter – only the genuine sender’s seal matches, and any tampering breaks the seal.

数字签名 – 一种验证消息真实性与完整性的密码技术。发送方用自己的私钥加密消息摘要，接收方用发送方的公钥解密并比对摘要。记忆技巧： 数字签名如同信上的火漆封印——只有真正的发件人封印吻合，任何篡改都会破坏封印。

Firewall – A hardware device or software that monitors and controls incoming/outgoing network traffic based on predefined security rules. It creates a barrier between a trusted internal network and an untrusted external network. Memory tip: A firewall is a ‘digital security wall’ that only allows authorised packets through.

防火墙 – 根据预设安全规则监控和控制进出网络流量的硬件或软件。它在可信内网和不可信外网之间建立屏障。记忆技巧： 防火墙就是“数字安全墙”，只放行授权分组。

Data Protection Act – Legislation that sets rules for how personal data can be collected, stored, and used. It grants individuals rights over their data and imposes duties on data controllers. Memory tip: Think of it as a ‘shield law’ for personal information – it protects data subjects from misuse.

数据保护法 – 规定个人信息采集、存储和使用规则的立法。它赋予个人对其数据的权利，并对数据控制者施加义务。记忆技巧： 把它视为个人信息的“盾牌法”——保护数据主体免遭滥用。

6. Algorithm Design | 算法设计术语

Big O notation – A mathematical notation that describes the limiting behaviour of an algorithm’s time or space complexity as the input size grows. For example, O(n) denotes linear growth, O(n²) quadratic growth. Memory tip: ‘O’ stands for ‘order of’ – the order of magnitude of operations.

大 O 表示法 – 一种数学符号，描述随着输入规模增大，算法时间复杂度或空间复杂度的极限行为。例如 O(n) 表示线性增长，O(n²) 表示平方增长。记忆技巧： “O”代表“数量级”——操作次数的数量级。

Binary search – An efficient search algorithm that works on sorted lists. It repeatedly divides the search interval in half, comparing the middle element with the target. Complexity is O(log n). Memory tip: It is like opening a dictionary to the middle – if the word is before that, you throw away the second half, repeating until found.

二分查找 – 适用于有序列表的高效查找算法。它反复将查找区间折半，比较中间元素与目标值，复杂度为 O(log n)。记忆技巧： 好比翻字词典到中间页——若单词在前半部分，就扔掉后半部分，重复直至找到。

Merge sort – A divide‑and‑conquer sorting algorithm that splits the list into sub‑lists until each sub‑list contains one element, then merges the sub‑lists in order. Its time complexity is O(n log n). Memory tip: Picture splitting a deck of cards repeatedly, then merging piles in sorted order – like a tournament bracket.

归并排序 – 一种分治排序算法，将列表不断拆分为子列表，直至每个子列表含一个元素，再有序地合并子列表。时间复杂度为 O(n log n)。记忆技巧： 想象反复将一副牌拆成小堆，再按顺序合并——犹如锦标赛晋级表。

Recursion – A technique where a subroutine calls itself to solve a smaller instance of the same problem. There must be a base case to stop the recursion. Memory tip: Think of Russian dolls (matryoshkas) – each doll contains a smaller version of itself until you reach the smallest one.

递归 – 子程序调用自身以解决同一问题的更小实例的技术。必须有基线条件使递归终止。记忆技巧： 想象俄罗斯套娃——每个娃娃内装有更小的自己，直到最小的那个为止。

7. Programming Paradigms | 编程范式术语

Object‑Oriented Programming (OOP) – A paradigm based on the concept of ‘objects’ that contain data (attributes) and methods (procedures). Key principles are encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism. Memory tip: Everything is an object like a car – a car has attributes (colour, model) and methods (drive, brake).

面向对象编程 (OOP) – 基于“对象”概念的范式，对象包含数据（属性）和方法（过程）。核心原则有封装、继承和多态。记忆技巧： 万物皆对象，如一辆汽车——汽车有属性（颜色、型号）和方法（驾驶、刹车）。

Inheritance – A mechanism where a new class derives properties and behaviours from an existing class. The derived class (subclass) can add or override members. Memory tip: Children inherit traits from parents – a ‘Student’ class inherits from a ‘Person’ class.

继承 – 新类从已有类派生属性和行为的机制。派生类（子类）可以增加或重写成员。记忆技巧： 孩子从父母那里继承特征——“学生”类继承自“人员”类。

Polymorphism – The ability of different objects to respond to the same message in their own way. It allows a single interface to control many underlying forms. Memory tip: ‘Poly’ = many, ‘morph’ = form – the same command ‘draw’ can produce a circle, square, or triangle depending on the object.

多态 – 不同对象以各自的方式响应同一消息的能力。它允许单一接口控制多种底层形式。记忆技巧： “多”指多种，“态”指形态——同一个“绘制”指令可根据对象画出圆形、方形或三角形。

Encapsulation – The bundling of data with the methods that operate on that data, restricting direct access to some components. It often uses access modifiers like private and public. Memory tip: Think of a capsule pill – the medicine (data) is enclosed inside a shell that controls release (methods).

封装 – 将数据与操作数据的方法绑定在一起，限制对某些成分的直接访问。常使用 private 和 public 等访问修饰符。记忆技巧： 想象一颗胶囊——药物（数据）被封闭在壳内，壳控制释放（方法）。

8. Databases | 数据库术语

DBMS (Database Management System) – Software that provides tools to create, query, and maintain databases. It handles data integrity, security, concurrency, and recovery. Memory tip: DBMS is the ‘database’s brain and manager’.

DBMS（数据库管理系统） – 提供创建、查询和维护数据库工具的软件。它负责数据完整性、安全性、并发控制和恢复。记忆技巧： DBMS 是“数据库的大脑兼管家”。

Foreign key – A field (or collection of fields) in one table that uniquely identifies a row of another table. It establishes and enforces a link between two tables. Memory tip: A foreign key is a passport stamp that links a row to a citizen of another country (table).

外键 – 一个表中的字段（或字段组合），唯一标识另一表中的行。它建立并强制实施两表间的链接。记忆技巧： 外键就像护照上的签证章，将一行连接到另一国家（表）的公民。

Normalisation – A process of organising data to reduce redundancy and improve integrity. It involves decomposing tables and applying rules (1NF, 2NF, 3NF). Memory tip: Normalisation = making data ‘normal’ by removing repeated groups and dependencies – think of tidying a messy spreadsheet.

规范化 – 通过组织数据减少冗余并提高完整性的过程。它包括分解表并应用范式（1NF, 2NF, 3NF）。记忆技巧： 规范化就是让数据“正常化”——清除重复组和依赖，好比整理一张杂乱的电子表格。

SQL (Structured Query Language) – A standard language for managing relational databases. DDL (Data Definition Language) defines schema, while DML (Data Manipulation Language) queries and modifies data. Memory tip: SQL can be remembered as ‘See-Query-Language’ – the language you use to see your data.

SQL（结构化查询语言） – 管理关系数据库的标准语言。DDL（数据定义语言）定义模式，DML（数据操作语言）查询和修改数据。记忆技巧： SQL 可联想为“搜全览”——用以全面查看数据的语言。

9. Boolean Algebra and Logic Circuits | 布尔代数与逻辑电路术语

Logic gate – A basic building block of digital circuits that performs a Boolean function on one or more binary inputs to produce a single output. Common gates include AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR. Memory tip: Think of gates as decision checkpoints – AND requires all inputs to be true, OR requires at least one.

逻辑门 – 数字电路的基本构件，对一或多个二进制输入执行布尔函数，产生单一输出。常见门有与、或、非、与非、或非、异或。记忆技巧： 把门想象成决策关卡——与门要求所有输入为真，或门要求至少一个为真。

Karnaugh map – A graphical method for simplifying Boolean expressions. Variables are arranged in a grid so that adjacent cells differ by only one bit, allowing easy recognition of patterns like 2i, 4i, 8i. Memory tip: ‘K‑map’ = ‘Kombination map’ – it helps you see logical combinations and cancel out opposite terms.

卡诺图 – 一种简化布尔表达式的图形方法。变量排列在网格中，使得相邻单元格仅有一位不同，便于识别 2i、4i、8i 等模式。记忆技巧： 卡诺图 = “组合地图”——助你看清逻辑组合，消去互为相反的项。

Half adder – A combinational circuit that adds two single‑bit binary numbers, producing a sum bit and a carry bit. It uses an XOR gate for sum and an AND gate for carry. Memory tip: A half adder is like adding two single‑digit numbers – it can generate a carry, but it cannot accept a carry from a previous addition (that is a full adder).

半加器 – 一种组合电路，将两个单比特二进制数相加，产生和位与进位位。采用异或门产生和，与门产生进位。记忆技巧： 半加器好比两个一位数相加——能产生进位，但不能接收前一次的进位（那需要全加器）。

Flip‑flop – A sequential circuit that can store one bit of data. It has two stable states and can change state on the edge of a clock signal. Types include SR, JK, D, and T flip‑flops. Memory tip: A flip‑flop is a digital light switch – it flips from 0 to 1 or 1 to 0 when triggered.

触发器 – 一种可存储一比特数据的时序电路。它具有两个稳定状态，可在时钟边沿改变状态。常见类型有 SR、JK、D 和 T 触发器。记忆技巧： 触发器就像数字拨动开关——触发时从 0 翻到 1，或从 1 翻到 0。

10. Assembly Language and Machine Code | 汇编语言与机器码术语

Machine code – The lowest‑level programming language consisting of pure binary instructions that the CPU executes directly. Each instruction has an operation code (opcode) and optionally an operand. Memory tip: Machine code is the ‘mother tongue’ of the processor – no translation needed, but hard for humans to read.

机器码 – 最低级编程语言，由 CPU 直接执行的纯二进制指令组成。每条指令包含操作码（opcode），可选操作数。记忆技巧： 机器码是处理器的“母语”——无需翻译，但人类难以阅读。

Assembly language – A low‑level language that uses mnemonics like MOV, ADD, SUB to represent machine code instructions. Each assembly instruction generally maps to one machine code instruction. An assembler translates it to machine code. Memory tip: Assembly is like clever abbreviations for binary – ‘MOV’ is easier to remember than 1011 0000.

汇编语言 – 使用 MOV、ADD、SUB 等助记符表示机器码指令的低级语言。每条汇编指令一般对应一条机器指令。汇编程序将其翻译为机器码。记忆技巧： 汇编就像给二进制取的花名——“MOV” 比 1011 0000 好记多了。

Addressing mode – Specifies how the operand of an instruction is interpreted. Immediate addressing uses the value itself; direct addressing uses the memory address of the operand; indirect addressing uses a register that holds the address; indexed addressing adds an offset to a base address. Memory tip: ‘How to find the toy’ – immediate means the toy is right in the box, direct gives the shelf number, indirect points to another note with the shelf number, and indexed uses a starting shelf plus steps.

寻址模式 – 规定指令操作数如何解释的方式。立即寻址直接使用数值；直接寻址使用操作数的内存地址；间接寻址使用存放地址的寄存器；变址寻址将偏移量与基地址相加。记忆技巧： “怎样找到玩具”——立即寻址表示玩具就在盒子里，直接寻址给出货架编号，间接寻址指向写有货架号的便条，变址寻址用起始货架加步数。

Assembler vs Compiler – An assembler translates assembly code into machine code (1:1 mapping). A compiler translates high‑level language code into machine code (or an intermediate form) after performing syntax analysis, optimisation, etc. Memory tip: Assembler = close friend who speaks the same dialect as the CPU; compiler = multilingual translator who first listens to a long conversation, then writes a summary in machine code.

汇编器与编译器 – 汇编器将汇编代码翻译为机器码（一对一映射）。编译器将高级语言代码经过语法分析、优化等处理后翻译成机器码（或

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Year 13 CIE Computer Science: Rapid Vocabulary Memorisation Guide | 词汇术语速记指南