Computer Hardware and Operating System Fundamentals

Study Notes

Fixed vs Programmable Computers: Fixed computers can only perform one task, whereas programmable computers can be programmed to perform various tasks.
Calculators vs Computers: Calculators are designed for mathematical calculations, whereas computers are designed for general-purpose computation.

Inputs: Keyboard, mouse, scanner, webcam
Outputs: Monitor, speaker, printer
RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary storage for data and program instructions
ROM (Read-Only Memory): Permanent storage for data and program instructions
Secondary Storage: External storage devices such as hard drives, solid-state drives, and flash drives
- Types of Secondary Storage: Magnetic (hard drives), Optical (CDs, DVDs), Solid-State (SSDs)

ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): Performs arithmetic and logical operations
Busses: Data highways that allow different parts of the CPU to communicate
Clock: Generates a timing signal to synchronize CPU operations
Registers: Small amounts of on-chip memory for storing data temporarily
Control Unit: Retrieves and executes instructions, manages data transfer between components

Managing Memory: Allocates and deallocates memory for running programs
Program Execution: Manages the execution of programs and threads
Managing Input and Output: Handles input/output operations between devices and programs
Managing User Interface (GUI): Provides a visual interface for user interaction
Managing Communication: Handles communication between programs and devices

Denary to Binary Conversion: Conversion of decimal numbers to binary
Binary to Denary Conversion: Conversion of binary numbers to decimal
Binary Operations: Adding three binary numbers together
Data Measurement: Understanding bit, nibble, byte, kilobyte, megabyte, gigabyte, and terabyte

Abstraction: Breaking down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts
Decomposition: Dividing problems into smaller, more manageable parts
Pattern Recognition: Identifying patterns in problems to develop solutions
Algorithm: A step-by-step procedure for solving a problem
Flowchart: A visual representation of an algorithm using shapes and symbols
Identifying Inputs, Outputs, and Processing: Understanding the components of an algorithm
Step Order and Selection: Understanding the order of steps in an algorithm and using selection in a program or algorithm
Repetition: Understanding where and how to use repetition in a program or algorithm
Variables: Understanding the purpose of variables in a program or algorithm and assigning/changing values

If-Else Statements: Conditional statements that execute different code based on conditions
Data Types: Understanding main data types and casting data types during input
Loops (While, For): Understanding the use of loops in programs and what to include in a loop
Rule-Based vs Data-Driven Programming: Understanding the difference between rule-based and data-driven programming approaches

Machine Learning: A type of AI that enables machines to learn from data
Narrow AI: AI that specializes in a specific area or task
General AI: AI that possesses human-like intelligence and can perform any intellectual task
Supervised, Unsupervised, and Semi-Supervised Learning: Understanding the different approaches to machine learning
Defining the Problem, Preparing Data, Training, Testing, and Evaluating the Model: Understanding the machine learning workflow
Duplicates, Missing Data, and Invalid Data: Handling data quality issues in machine learning
Testing for Bias, Measuring Accuracy and Confidence: Ensuring fairness and accuracy in machine learning models

Components and Their Purposes:
- Picoboard: Microcontroller development board
- Breadboard: Temporary electronic circuit prototyping
- Jumper Wires: Connecting components on a breadboard
- LED: Light Emitting Diode for indicator purposes
- Resistor: Limiting electric current
- Sensor: Detecting physical parameters
- Motor Driver: Controlling electric motors
- Power Supply: Providing electric power to a circuit
- Buttons: Input devices for user interaction
- Buzzers: Generating sound
Electronic Concepts:
- Electron Flow: Understanding electric current flow in a circuit
- Voltage Levels: Typical voltage levels in electronic circuits (Volts)
- Frequencies: Measuring electric signal frequencies (Hz)
Picoboard Components:
- GPIO Pins: General-purpose input/output pins
- USB Connector: Connecting to a computer
- CPU: Microcontroller brain
- LED: Onboard indicator light
- Debug Pins: Debugging interface
- GND Pins: Ground pins
- Power Pins: Power supply pins
Microcontrollers and Their Purposes: Understanding the purposes and examples of microcontrollers
Micropython:
- Library Modules: Pre-written code libraries
- Functions: Reusable blocks of code
- Loops: Repeating tasks in a program
- Variables: Storing and manipulating data
- Inputs and Outputs: Handling user input and output