Computer Fundamentals Quiz

Introduction to Computers and Programming Languages

• The core concept of programming revolves around instructing a computer to follow instructions.
• A computer, a programmable machine, needs programs to function.
• A programmer writes instructions (programs) for the computer to execute tasks.

Learning Outcomes

• Understanding the purpose of computer programs.
• Identifying and explaining hardware and software components of a computer system.
• Defining the language used by computers.
• Explaining the evolution of programming languages.
• Listing various high-level programming languages.
• Exploring the history of the C++ language.
• Recognizing C++ programs.
• Explaining different types of program errors.
• Describing how a C++ program is processed and tested.
• Explaining the roles of compiler, linker, and loader.

Why Program?

• Computers are programmable machines meant to follow directions.
• Programs are a sequence of instructions for computers, expressed in a language computers understand.
• Programmers write instructions to make computers perform specific tasks.
• Without programmers, there are no programs, and computers cannot perform any actions.

Simple View of Running a Program

• A program provides instructions to the computer.
• Data provides input to the program.
• The computer processes these inputs.
• The computer generates and outputs the result.

Computer Components

• All computers have two main components:
  • Hardware: Physical parts; tangible.
  • Software: Programs; intangible.

Computer Hardware

• The physical building blocks of a computer.
• Five main categorizations:
  • Main Memory/Primary Storage/Internal Memory.
  • Central Processing Unit (CPU).
  • Secondary Storage/Auxiliary Storage/External Memory.
  • Input Devices.
  • Output Devices.

Categories of Computer Hardware (Diagram)

• Illustrates the connections between different hardware components.
• Shows input devices, CPU, memory, storage, and output devices.

Main Memory

• Stores instructions and data for active programs on the computer.
• Volatile: Data is lost when the computer is turned off.
• Random Access Memory (RAM) is its alternative name.
• Memory locations are indexed numerically (addresses).
• A byte is a basic unit with 8 bits, 0's and 1's.
• A bit is a single binary digit.

Binary Units

• Explains different units of measurement for computer memory (kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, terabytes, etc) and their relationship based on powers of 2.

Main Memory (Continued)

• Data and instructions are stored as binary digits in memory locations.
• Each location has a unique address.
• Data larger than a byte uses neighboring bytes.
• The address of larger data refers to the first byte.

Illustration of Main Memory (Diagram)

• Shows memory locations and bytes organized in a structured fashion.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• The brain of the computer.
• Control Unit (CU) retrieves, decodes, and executes program instructions from RAM.
• Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) performs mathematical calculations and logical decisions.

CPU Organization (Diagram)

• Shows the structure of a CPU, highlighting the interaction between the control unit, arithmetic logic unit, and input/output processes.

Secondary Storage

• Stores data and instructions even when the computer is off.
• Non-volatile storage.
• Categorized into forms of storage
  • Magnetic (floppy, hard drive, tape).
  • Optical (CD, DVD).
  • Flash Memory (USB drive).

Input Devices

• Receives information from the outside world; enters data or input in the computer.
• Input may include: Programs and data.
• Includes: Keyboards, mice, scanners, cameras, microphones, etc.

Output Devices

• Sends information from the computer to the outside world; presents the computer's output.
• Includes: Monitors, printers, speakers, headphones, plotters, etc.

Computer Software

• Programs that reside and execute on the hardware.
• Two categories:
  • System software (normally pre-installed)
  • Application software (user-installed to execute specific functionalities).

System Software

• Manages hardware resources, enabling application programs' execution.
• Types: BIOS, operating systems, utilities, development tools.
• The operating system is the core system software, handling user requests.

Operating System

• A program controlling the computer.
• Allowing communication with computer hardware.
• Allocating computer resources.
• Responding to requests to run programs.
• Common operating systems include various types.

Application Software

• Programs enabling users to perform specific tasks or work.
• Categories: General-purpose tasks (word processors, games) and specific ones.
• Users can purchase off-the-shelf software or develop custom software.

Where are the Application and System Software? (Diagram)

• Illustrates the relationship between software, hardware, and user interaction, with software placed concentrically in layers around the hardware.

Programs and Programming Languages

• A computer program is a set of instructions for the computer.
• Programming languages allow programmers to create programs for computers.
• Types: - High-Level (closer to human language). - Low-Level (closer to machine language).

The Language of a Computer

• Machine language uses binary digits, 0 and 1 (bits)
• Provides instructions understandable to the computer's hardware.
• Is the most basic form of computer language,.

History of Computer Languages

• Shows the evolution of computer languages from machine language through various levels toward natural language.

History of Computer Languages (Continued)

• Machine language: The computer's primary language (binary code) is difficult to write and understand.
• Symbolic/Assembly Language: Uses mnemonics (symbols) instead of binary code; more human-readable.

History of Computer Languages (Continued)

• High-level languages: Closer to human language, using words and expressions, but need translation to machine language.

History of Computer Languages (Continued)

• Natural language: Using structured language like English but lacks widespread practical usage due to limitations.

C++ History

• C++ evolved from the C language; developed by Bjarne Stroustrup at Bell Labs in the early 1980s.
• Added object-oriented capabilities while maintaining C's efficiency.

A Sample of C++ Program

• Shows the typical structure of a C++ program, with header files and functions.

Example of a C++ Program

• Presents a runnable C++ code example with input-output to illustrate basic programming execution.

Program Development

• To ensure the computer understands, code needs to convert to machine language.
• The conversion process involves the writer's understanding of the problem and breaking down complex tasks into simpler steps.
• Programmers work to create a program that functions properly and produces the expected output.
• Errors are possible during program development; therefore, programmers work to find and correct them.

Types of Program Errors

• Syntax Errors: Occur when the code violates the programming language's grammar rules.
• Run-time Errors: Occur during program execution due to improper calculations and conditions.
• Logic Errors: Errors in the code's logic; the code may execute without any errors, but the output isn't as intended due to errors in its logic during programming.

Processing a C++ Program

• Steps to convert high-level code to instructions understandable by the computer.
  • Edit (create the code).
  • Compile (translate the code to machine language).
  • Link (combines parts of the machine language into the actual program).
  • Load (moves the program from disk to computer's memory).
  • Execute (runs the program.)

Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)

• Single software tools for developing programs, combining an editor, compiler, linker, loader, and debugger.
• Examples include Microsoft Visual C++, Borland C++ Builder, CodeWarrior.

Using Visual C++ IDEs (Editing Process)

• Shows the steps for writing the high-level program in Visual C++ and saving it to a file.

Using Visual C++ IDEs (Compiling Process)

• Steps for translating the high-level code into machine language using the compiler.

Using Visual C++ IDEs (Linking Process)

• Steps in Visual C++ for linking different parts of the program to create an executable program.

Using Visual C++ IDEs (Loading and Executing Process)

• Steps for preparing the program in RAM for execution; also displays the output of executing the program.

Can You...

• List of questions for the student to attempt based on the lecture's content.