Fundamentals of Computer Science

• Summary of Computer Science Concepts

Computer Definition

• A device that receives, processes, stores, and presents data as information, executing programmed instructions stored in its memory.

Data vs. Information

• Data consists of raw figures, letters, or symbols without inherent meaning.
• Information is processed data with meaning, achieved through analysis and interpretation.

Basic Computer Operations

• Input: Receiving data
• Processing: Manipulating data
• Storage: Saving data
• Output: Presenting processed data

Key Features and Advantages

• Speed: Rapid processing
• Accuracy: High accuracy in computations
• Reliability: Consistent performance
• Storage Capacity: Large storage capabilities
• Connectivity: Ability to connect with other devices
• Programming and Processing

Internet and the Web

• Internet: A network connecting computers globally.
• Web: A system facilitating the sharing of files and information over the internet.

Computer Applications

• Education
• Writing and Reporting (Journalism)
• Statistics (Data Storage)
• Banking (Transactions)
• Manufacturing (Electronic Control)
• Engineering Design
• Aviation
• Commerce
• Archiving and Storage
• Gaming
• Healthcare
• Security

Types of Computers

• Classified by usage purpose, size, performance, data type, input method, and operating system.

Operational Method

• Standard: Includes both quantitative and qualitative data.
• Dedicated: Focuses on a specific function or task.

Processing Capability

• Superior: High-performance processing.
• Large capacity
• Medium capacity
• Small capacity

External form factor: personal, desktop, or notebook.

• Manufacturer: IBM, Apple, Assembly.

Usage

• General purposes: Used in banking, design, and management.
• Specific purposes: Control of vehicles or laboratory equipment.

Performance

• High performance: Used in research centers.
• Large banks and corporations rely on high performance computers
• Mid performance: For medium-sized companies and small institutions.
• Low performance: Personal, portable, handheld, tablet, notepad devices etc.
• These can handle many types of media

Size

• Single-chip computers: High processing speed and storage capacity.
• Small computers: Used in homes, workplaces, and educational institutions.
• Medium computers: Reduced efficiency as the number of users increases.
• Large computers: Used in research institutions, government departments, and universities.
• Supercomputers: Largest, fastest, and most expensive.

Data Type Mode

• Analog computers measure continuous data (temperature, pressure) using standard measures.
• Digital computers process numbers and letters, emphasizing precision and flexibility.
• Hybrid computers combine digital and analog features, offering fast data processing and accurate data handling.

Operating System

• Common operating systems include DOS, Windows, Mac, Unix, and Linux.
• Apple computers manufactured by computer manufacturer Bell feature Mac

Hardware Components

• Hardware refers to tangible parts that can be seen and touched
  • Including screens, keyboards, processors, and motherboards

Software Components

• Software includes programs visible on a screen that cannot be physically handled
  • Includes operating systems, application software, word processing programs and drawing programs

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• CPU is responsible for performing arithmetic operations It is comprised of the following units:
  • Control Unit
  • Arithmetic Unit
  • Input Unit
  • Memory Unit
  • Storage Unit

Input, Processing, and Output

• Input Unit: Feeds data to the computer via devices like keyboards, microphones, and scanners
• Output Unit: Displays processed results in the form of images, graphics, texts, and audio via display screen, speaker, and printer.
• Touch screens and electronic whiteboards function as input and output devices

Internal Component Functions

• Motherboard: The center for information, processing, chips and cards circuits.
• CPU: Controls the operations in the computer.
• Memory: ROM is permanent.
• RAM is removable.
• Power Supply: The amount of power that each component needs.
• Hard drive: Hard Disk stores data and information.
• Fan: Cools the processor.
• Graphic’s card: Gives the system a visual interface.
• Pins: Adds more capabilities.
• System Clock: Organizes all timed events of the computer
• System Clock Battery: Powers system clock to maintain functionality always

Essential System Unit Components

• Motherboard : Contains all the computer's core components
• CPU, the central processor, is attached.
• All connections are made through motherboard card slots.

Central Processing Unit Functions

• CPU : Processes and executes commands
• This unit includes the Control Unit, Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), registers, and cache.
• Performance is measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz).
• Speed affects overall system performance and cost.
• Common manufacturers: Intel, AMD, Cyrix.

CPU Micro-Components

• Control Unit Directs data flow within the CPU.
• ALU Executes arithmetic and logical operations.
• Registers Provides High speed data storage

Memory Types and Hierarchy

• Memory Hierarchy Fast intermediate memory (cache) speeds data processing and is located within the central processing system.

Cache Levels

• L1 Very fast cache located closest to the processor.
• L2 Faster than conventional memory but relatively limited (may be positioned inside or alongside processor).
• L3 Aids in overall performance by loading memory tasks faster and can be enhanced for common applications.

Measuring Processing Speed

• MHz (mega): The speed at which the processor handles data internally is called clock speed or Internal Clock and the speed at which the processor interacts with other processes named "external Clock"
• Bus: the speed at which the processor interacts with other processes and ships.

Intel Core Processors

• Dual Core: A recent model with updated processing from this company.
• Features increased performance and reduced consumption of energy
• Core i3: Fourth- generation processor has two cores
• Quad: core 1: The primary purpose of increasing all processor speeds to maximum and providing energy.

Memory Types

• Primary Memory: Contains only the most essential data.
• Main memory stores data and instructions that the (CPU) can access directly which is also called memory.

Basic Components of Motherboard

• Main Memory stores all of the essential components
• Storage Mediums and Transmitters all have various specific usage.
• USB has various uses.
• Chipsets

Types of Storage

• SDRAM: Single data burst
• DDR1: dual data Burst
• DRR2: 4 data Burst
• DDR3: 8 data Burst
• DDR4: The most recent iteration features 99% speed and efficiency.

Elements that Distinguish RAM

• Data Size: Performance is determined by higher values
• Delay Time: Shorter Delay times are more performant.
• Power Efficiency: Newer generations require less of a power draw.

Memory Optimization

• Provides data storage and accelerates processing.

Optimization Levels

• Limited: Quick Data throughput, but smaller throughput.
• High Capacity: High output.
• Multi use: Improved quality.

Read Only Memory (ROM)

• Contains unalterable data, facilitating initial device start-up (BIOS) and essential functions.

Data Storage Disks

• Disks that retain data even without power.
• Two types, that include SSD and HDD

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

• Made of magnetic material.
• Airless, airtight atmosphere.
• It has been modified.
• Tiny reader.

Solid State Drive

• Latest generation features storage capabilities.
• Non-mechanical
• Flash storage
• Varies with disc space in the storage.

Connecting Storage Disks

• The various kinds of Connections that can attach a drive include: IDE, SATA, SCSI, AND SAS.

HDD vs. SSD

• SSDs are lighter, faster
• Draw less power
• Emit less noise.

HDD - IDE

• Uses 40 pins
• Separate cables for data and power
• Older technology
• Operates in parallel.

SATA

• Series Operation
• Lower Pin count
• Thinner cables.

SCSI

• Speeds up to 640 Mbps Allows 16 connections.

SAS

• Speeds up to 768gbps.

Laser Disc Players

Compact media used to write and rewrite in a high-speed environment

• Stored using landy and dits signal types.

Data Cables

• Cables that transfer data

Chipset

• Two square chips.

Northbridge

• Located close to data with other processing.

Southbridge

• Links to periphery processing devices.

Operational Systems

• Operating system: It is is a set of frameworks and programs that oversee the inner working of the computer, managing its software and hardware.

Two categories of programs:

• System programs: Maintain computer functioning.
• Service programs: Maintenance of the device such as cleaning storage.

Functions of Operating systems: include starting and running computers and turning them off

Also:

• Run operational applications
• Managing units
• Contact with user
• Discovering malfunctions.

System Operation Roles

Management and Operation:

• (RAM): Controls access and limits any corruption of external memory.
• CPU: Keeps process running and stable.

Follow and Archive :

• Allows for quick storage or archiving.

Control

: Allows connection with external instruments. Operating system roles: 6. It enables an exterior look from the machine it is powering up.