Computer Fundamentals Quiz

What is a Computer?

• A computer is an electronic device that can store, process, and communicate information.

Fixed vs Programmable Computers

• Fixed computers: designed to perform a specific task and cannot be changed.
• Programmable computers: can be programmed to perform different tasks and can be modified.

Calculators vs Computers

• Calculators: electronic devices designed to perform mathematical calculations.
• Computers: electronic devices that can perform a wide range of tasks, including calculations, processing, and communication.

Input and Output

• Inputs: devices that allow users to enter data or instructions into the computer, such as keyboards, mice, and scanners.
• Outputs: devices that display or produce the results of the computer's processing, such as monitors, printers, and speakers.

RAM vs ROM

• RAM (Random Access Memory): temporary storage for data and programs that the computer is currently using.
• ROM (Read-Only Memory): permanent storage for data and programs that do not change, such as the computer's BIOS.

Secondary Storage

• Necessary because RAM is volatile and limited in capacity.
• Types of secondary storage: hard drives, solid-state drives, flash drives, magnetic tapes, and optical discs.
• Technologies used: magnetic, optical, and solid-state.

CPU

• ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): performs mathematical calculations and logical operations.
• Busses: pathways for data and instructions to move between different parts of the computer.
• Clock: regulates the timing of the computer's operations.
• Registers: small amounts of memory built into the CPU to store temporary results.
• Control Unit: retrieves and executes instructions, manages data flow.

Operating System

• Role: manages memory, executes programs, manages input and output, manages user interface (GUI), and manages communication.
• Manages memory by allocating and deallocating space for programs and data.
• Executes programs by loading and running them in the CPU.
• Manages input and output by controlling the flow of data between devices and the CPU.
• Manages user interface by providing a visual interface for users to interact with the computer.
• Manages communication by controlling the flow of data between the computer and other devices.

Binary

• A binary number system that uses only two digits: 0 and 1.
• Can be converted from and to denary (decimal) numbers.

Converting Denary to Binary

• Example: 12 (denary) = 1100 (binary)

Converting Binary to Denary

• Example: 1100 (binary) = 12 (denary)

Binary Maths

• Can add three binary numbers together using the rules of binary arithmetic.

Data Sizes

• Bit: the smallest unit of data, representing a single binary digit.
• Nibble: a group of 4 bits, often used to represent a single hexadecimal digit.
• Byte: a group of 8 bits, often used to represent a single character or number.
• Kilobyte (KB): 1024 bytes.
• Megabyte (MB): 1024 kilobytes.
• Gigabyte (GB): 1024 megabytes.
• Terabyte (TB): 1024 gigabytes.

Computers and Computing

• A computer is an electronic device that can perform calculations, process information, and store data.
• Fixed computers are designed to perform a specific task, whereas programmable computers can be reprogrammed to perform different tasks.

Calculators vs. Computers

• Calculators are designed for mathematical calculations, whereas computers are more versatile and can perform various tasks.

Input and Output

• Input devices: keyboards, scanners, microphones, etc.
• Output devices: monitors, speakers, printers, etc.

RAM vs. ROM

• RAM (Random Access Memory) is a volatile memory that temporarily stores data and programs while the computer is running.
• ROM (Read-Only Memory) is a non-volatile memory that permanently stores data and programs.

Secondary Storage

• Necessary for storing large amounts of data and programs when the computer is not running.
• Types: Hard Disk Drives (HDD), Solid-State Drives (SSD), Optical Drives (CD, DVD, Blu-ray), etc.
• Technologies used: Magnetic, Optical, Solid-State.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

• Components:
  • ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): performs arithmetic and logical operations.
  • Busses: connect CPU to RAM and other components.
  • Clock: synchronizes CPU operations.
  • Registers: small amount of on-chip memory.
  • Control Unit: manages data flow and instruction execution.

Operating System

• Manages:
  • Memory: allocates and deallocates memory for programs.
  • Program execution: loads and runs programs.
  • Input and Output: manages input/output devices.
  • User Interface (GUI): provides a user interface.
  • Communication: manages communication between devices.

Binary

• A binary number is a number represented using only two digits: 0 and 1.
• Can be converted from decimal (denary) numbers.
• Binary maths: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Data Sizes

• Bit: 0 or 1.
• Nibble: 4-bit (half-byte).
• Byte: 8-bit (full-byte).
• Kilobyte (KB): 1024 bytes.
• Megabyte (MB): 1024 KB.
• Gigabyte (GB): 1024 MB.
• Terabyte (TB): 1024 GB.

Computational Thinking

• Abstraction: breaking down complex problems into simpler components.
• Decomposition: breaking down complex problems into smaller sub-problems.
• Pattern Recognition: identifying patterns in data.

Algorithms

• A sequence of instructions to solve a problem.
• Represented using flowcharts, pseudocode, or programming languages.
• Can be divided into input, process, and output stages.

Python Programming

• Sequence: a series of steps executed in order.
• Selection: using if-else statements to make decisions.
• Iteration: using loops (while, for) to repeat tasks.
• Variables: storing and updating values.

AI (Artificial Intelligence)

• Rule-based programming: using predefined rules to make decisions.
• Data-driven programming: using data to train models.
• Types:
  • Machine Learning: training models on data.
  • Narrow AI: specialized AI for a specific task.
  • General AI: human-like AI for various tasks.

Machine Learning

• Lifecycle:
  1. Defining the problem.
  2. Preparing data.
  3. Training.
  4. Testing.
  5. Evaluating the model.
• Data Preparation (Cleaning):
  • Handling duplicates, missing data, and invalid data.
• Testing:
  • Testing for Bias.
  • Measuring accuracy and confidence.

Electronic Components

• Picoboard: a microcontroller development board.
• Breadboard: a DIY electronic project board.
• Components:
  • Jumper wires.
  • LED (Light Emitting Diode).
  • Resistor.
  • Sensor.
  • Motor driver.
  • Power supply.
  • Buttons.
  • Buzzers.

Electricity and Frequency

• Electron flow in a circuit.
• Typical voltage levels (Volts) and frequencies (Hz) in electronic circuits.

Micropython

• A lightweight Python implementation for microcontrollers.
• Library modules, functions, loops, variables, inputs, and outputs.

Microcontrollers

• Purposes: robotics, IoT, automation, and embedded systems.
• Examples: Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32.

Breadboards

• Arrangement: rows and columns of holes for connecting components.
• Effect of placing connections on bars and rails.
• Pin to breadboard numbering using a diagram.