Fundamentals of Computer Science Overview

Fundamentals of Computer Science - An Introduction

• Computers are electronic devices that manipulate data (quantifiable facts).
• Computers can store, retrieve, and process data to produce information.
• Input, processing, and output are key stages of computer operation.

Purpose of Information

• Information supports decision-making.
• Information aids planning.
• Information assists in monitoring and controlling processes.

What Makes Computers Unique

• Computational Speed: Computers perform billions of operations per second, measured in GHz.
• Storage: Computers offer virtually unlimited storage capacity, measured in units like GigaBytes and TeraBytes.
• Generality: Computers can be used for a wide variety of applications.
• Accuracy: Computers typically provide high accuracy in calculations.
• Connectivity: Computers can be connected to other devices (wired or wireless).

Information Technology (IT)

• IT combines computing and communications technologies.
• IT involves using computers to store, retrieve, transmit, and manipulate data or information.
• IT has diverse applications including Information Systems, Big Data Analytics, Decision Support Systems, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and Artificial Intelligence.

Information Systems

• Information systems transform raw data into useful information.
• Information systems consist of people, computers, hardware, software, procedures, data, communications (networking and internet).

Components of an Information System

• People (Users): Include technical staff, administrative staff, and end-users
• Computers: Include hardware like input/output devices, CPU, main memory and secondary storage.
• Hardware: The physical components of a computer system (e.g., keyboard, mouse, monitor, CPU, memory).
• Software: The set of instructions that tell the computer what to do (e.g., operating systems, applications).
• Procedures: Rules and guidelines for computer use.
• Data: Raw facts, figures, and other unprocessed material.
• Communications: Networking and internet connections

Computer Hardware

• CPU (Central Processing Unit): The "brains" of the computer, responsible for performing computations. - Contains ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) for arithmetic and logical operations. - Contains CU (Control Unit) to decode and execute instructions. - Includes registers for data and instructions.
• Main Memory: Stores information being actively processed.
• Secondary Memory (Mass Storage): Stores data and programs permanently.
  • Magnetic Storage (hard disk, floppy disk, tape).
  • Non-Magnetic Storage (CD, DVD, flash drives).
• Input Devices: Allow users to input information to the computer.
• Output Devices: Allow computers to display or present information to users.
• Network Connection: Modems, Ethernet interfaces, and internet connections enable communication among computers.
• Microprocessor: A CPU on a single integrated circuit (chip).
• Memory (RAM/ROM): Stores programs, the operating system, applications, and data.
  • RAM (Random Access Memory): Volatility (loses information when power is off).
  • ROM (Read-Only Memory): Non-volatile (holds info even without power).

Memory Cells

• Memory cells have unique addresses and store data / information represented in binary format (0s and 1s).