Computer Science Chapter 1 Quiz

Chapter 1: Introduction to Computer & Programming

• Topics of discussion:
  • History of computer
  • Use of computer to solve computational problems
  • Programming languages
  • Computer software

The use of computer

• Handle repetitive tasks
• Produce exact answers
• Easy to make changes/corrections

Fundamentals of Computer

• Computer: An electronic device to store, retrieve, and process data.
• Data: Unprocessed facts, figures, and statistics.
• Process: Converting raw data into useful information; requires finite, ordered sets of instructions.

Data Processing

• Input (data): Keyboard, scanner, trackball, mouse, microphone, digitizer, camera.
• Processing: The central processing unit (CPU).
• Output (information): CRT, LCD, monitor, printer, plotter, speaker.

Component of computer system

• Hardware: Physical components (e.g., mouse, keyboard, monitor).
• Software: Instructions that tell the hardware what to do.
• Computer System: The combination of both hardware and software.

History of Computer

• Charles Babbage is the father of the computer.
• He introduced the Difference Engine and Analytical Engine.
• Ada Lovelace wrote demonstration programs for the Analytical Engine, considered the first programmer.
• The first modern computer was built by Atanasoft of Iowa State College in the late 1930s.
• An electromechanical computer MARK1 was built by Howard Aiken of Harvard.

Computer Software

• A computer program, or a program, is a series of instructions that tell the computer's hardware what to do.
• Before a program can be executed by the computer, its instructions must be loaded into the computer's memory.

Computer Software: Categories

• Computer Software:
  • System Software: Provides an environment for program development and operation. Includes:
    • Operating System (e.g., Windows, UNIX, LINUX)
    • Utility programs
  • Application Software: Developed for specific problems. Includes:
    • Editors
    • Spreadsheets (e.g., Excel)
    • Database applications (e.g., MS Access)

Programming Languages

• A computer program is a sequence of steps needed to perform a task.
• Programming languages are used to construct computer programs.
• Programming languages enable humans to instruct machines.
• Examples of programming languages: BASIC, COBOL, Fortran, Pascal, C, C++, Java.

Top 10 Programming Languages of the Future

• JavaScript: Essential for web development.
• HTML/CSS: Fundamentals for web development.
• Python: Crucial for database management and data science.
• SQL: Important for managing databases.
• Typescript: Building on JavaScript functionalities.
• Swift: Dominating iOS development.
• Rust: Emerging as a robust and performance-oriented language.
• PHP: Industry leader in server-side scripting.
• C/C++: High value in various high-performance computing and system-level programming contexts.

Major Companies that Use Java

• Java is used in many major companies like LinkedIn, Netflix, Google, Amazon, eBay, etc.

Which Programming Language to Learn

• The choice of programming language depends on the career goal (e.g., front-end web development, back-end web development, mobile development, etc).

This quiz covers the introductory concepts of computers and programming, including the history of computers, various programming languages, and the distinction between hardware and software. Test your knowledge on data processing, input/output devices, and the fundamentals of computer systems.