Intro to Computing: Hardware, Software, and CPU

• A computer is an electronic device that accepts data, performs operations under instructions, displays results, and stores data.
• It combines hardware (physical components) and software (programs/instructions).
• Computing is a broader concept encompassing the use of computers and technology for information processing.
• Computing involves studying, developing, and applying computers and software to solve problems and automate processes.

Components of a Computer

• Input Unit
• Central Processing Unit (CPU)/Storage
• Output Unit

Input Unit

• Consists of input devices (keyboard, mouse, joystick, scanner, etc.).
• These devices convert input into binary language.
• It allows users to input data and instructions for processing.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• Processes information after it's input.
• It is the "brain" of the computer, as it controls operations.
• Fetches and interprets instructions, fetches data, executes computations, and stores/displays output.
• Main components are the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Control Unit (CU), and Memory Registers.

Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)

• Performs mathematical calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
• Makes logical decisions (comparisons).
• Is the main, fundamental building block of the CPU, using digital circuits for arithmetic and logical operations.

Control Unit (CU)

• Coordinates and controls data flow in/out of the CPU.
• Controls operations of the ALU, memory registers, and input/output units.
• Carries out all instructions stored in the program by decoding, interpreting, and sending control signals.
• The computer's components receive signals from the control unit to execute instructions.
• Is referred to as the central nervous system or brain of the computer.

Memory Registers

• Temporary memory units in the CPU.
• Store data directly used by the processor.
• Can be of different sizes (e.g., 16 bit, 32 bit, 64 bit).
• Each register has a specific function (storing data/instructions/memory addresses).
• User registers can store operands and intermediate results.
• Contains one of the operands of an operation to be performed in the ALU.
• Memory attached to the CPU is used for storing data and instructions.
• It is called internal memory.
• The internal memory is divided into storage locations, each of which can store data or instructions.
• Each memory location is of the same size and has an address.
• The internal memory is called Primary memory or Main memory, also known as Random Access Memory (RAM).

Output Unit

• Consists of output devices (monitor, printer, plotter, etc.).
• Converts binary data from the CPU into human-understandable form.
• Displays or prints processed data in a user-friendly format.

Types of Computers (Based on Size)

• Supercomputers: Extremely powerful for complex computations, housed in specialized facilities.
• Mainframe Computers: Large, centralized systems for bulk data processing, though less powerful than supercomputers.
• Minicomputers: Smaller than mainframes; used in mid-sized businesses or industries for several users.
• Microcomputers: Common personal computers like desktops, laptops, smartphones and tablets.
• Embedded Systems: Small, specialized systems within devices like cars and appliances.

Types of Computers (Based on Functionality)

• General-purpose Computers: Used for a wide variety of tasks (personal computers, workstations, and servers).
• Special-purpose Computers: Designed for specific tasks, like embedded systems or calculators.
• Hybrid Computers: Combine analog and digital features, used where both types of processing are needed.
• Servers: Provide services like storage, web hosting, and resource management.

Types of Computers (Based on Performance)

• Supercomputers: Highest performance, used for climate research, physics simulations, and cryptography.
• Mainframe Computers: High performance, used for enterprise applications, supporting many users simultaneously.
• Minicomputers: Medium performance, used in industrial or scientific research.
• Microcomputers: Moderate performance personal and business computers for general tasks.
• Workstations: High-performance for specialized tasks, like 3D rendering.
• Embedded Systems: Lower performance, designed for specific, simpler tasks.

Parts of a Computer

• Hardware: Physical components (CPU, memory, storage, input/output devices).
• Software: Programs and instructions (operating systems, application software).
• Data: Raw facts and figures.
• User: Interacts with hardware and software.

Characteristics of a Computer

• Speed: Can perform millions of calculations per second.
• Accuracy: Operates on pre-programmed software, so there isn't human error generally.
• Diligence: Can perform at the same speed for long periods of time.
• Versatile: Can carry out multiple operations at the same time.
• Storage: Can store large amounts of data for later use.

Computer Software Applications

• System Software: Runs the computer's hardware (operating systems, device drivers, utilities).
• Application Software: Fulfils specific needs or tasks (productivity, graphics, entertainment, communication).

Open Source vs. Proprietary Software

• Open Source: Source code available for modification and distribution (e.g., Linux).
• Proprietary: Source code not public, requires a license (e.g., Microsoft Office).

Applications of Computers

• Business and Finance (accounting software, ERP systems, online banking tools).
• Education (educational software, learning management systems, online projects).
• Healthcare (electronic health records, medical imaging, simulation software).
• Entertainment (video games, media creation tools, virtual reality).
• Communication (email clients, messaging apps, social media).

Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

• A process for planning, designing, developing, testing, deploying, and maintaining software.
• SDLC is used to ensure high software quality, manage risks and costs, improve communication, improve efficiency, increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.

SDLC Phases

• Requirements gathering and analysis: Gathering information about software requirements from stakeholders.
• Design: Creating the software design, including architecture, data structures, and interfaces. There are two steps, High-level design (HLD) and Low-level design (LLD).
• Implementation or coding: Implementing the design in code, also called Development, and is the longest phase in SDLC.
• Testing: Thoroughly testing the software.
• Deployment: Deploying the software to a production environment.
• Maintenance: Ongoing support which is inclusive of bug fixes, and updates.

Common Software Applications (Lab/Practical)

• Microsoft Word: Creating and formatting documents, working with text.
• Microsoft PowerPoint: Designing presentations, adding slides, multimedia elements.
• Microsoft Excel: Creating spreadsheets, performing calculations, data visualization.

Information Processing and Society

• Information processing impacts various aspects of human life through the acquisition, storage, processing, and dissemination of information.
• Information Technology (IT) focuses on the use of computers, software, and networks for managing information.

Characteristics of Information Processing

• Accurate: The information must be error free
• Timely: Available when needed, so it must be available in a responsible time frame
• Complete: Must be finished.
• Comprehensive: Must contain all stages of information.

Steps of Information Processing

• Input processing: Gathering data.
• Data processing: Transferring raw data into a usable form.
• Output processing: Forwarding data in an understandable format.
• Storage processing: Storing data for later use.

Data Processing and Information Handling (Lab/Practical)

• Data Processing: Data collection, data entry, and data cleaning.
• Information Handling: Data analysis, visualization, and reporting.

The Internet and Its Impact

• The internet is a global network of interconnected computers which revolutionizes how we communicate, access information and do business.
• Components include the World Wide Web, email, social media, and online services.

Internet Applications and Their Impact

• Communication: Email, text messaging, and social media.
• Information Access: Search engines and online databases.
• E-commerce: Online shopping and secure digital transactions.
• Education: E-learning platforms and collaborative tools.
• Entertainment: Streaming services and online gaming.

Navigating the Web and Online Research (Lab/Practical)

• Web Browsing: Introduction to web browsers, navigation techniques.
• Online Research: Search strategies, evaluating sources.
• Safety and Security: Cybersecurity basics, avoiding scams.
• Digital Citizenship: Ethical internet use, citing online sources.

Computing Discipline and Specializations

• Computing means using computers and computational processes for varied tasks related to data, information, and execution.
• Computing Discipline focues on studying, developing and applying computing technologies, encompassing sub-disciplines like computer science, computer engineering, and IT.

Specializations within Computing

• Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology (IT).
• Data Science encompasses extracting knowledge from large data using statistical methods.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Cybersecurity consists of protecting computer systems, networks, and data from breaches.
• Software Engineering involves designing, developing and testing of software applications.
• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) consists of focusing on interation between humans and computers, aiming to create efficient interfaces.

Computing Discipline examples relatiing to other disciplines

• Bichemistry involves complex biochemical processes, protein structures, and drug design.
• Medical laboratry science consists of managing data, along with its analysis, and automating things to make is quicker in the lab.
• Nursing Technology helps in patient record management.
• Anatomy and psysiology: aids in simulating biological systems, understanding physiological processes. Medicine and surgery consists of integral operations with computers. Accounting and adminstration: faciliates financial management with data analysis. Chemical, civil, electrial engineering: essentail for design simulations, along with computing tools being used for process simulation.
• Law support in legal researc, case management

Computing Lab/Practical

• Programming Projects, network simulations, data analysis excercises are prefferes.
• Cybersecurity, interfact design are used to undestand software development in the lab.
• Algorithm machine experiments are used in the lab with software developmen life-cyde for testing and deployment.

Practical Computer Skills

• File Management: Organizing files systematically, understanding extensions, backing up data.
• Keyboard Shortcuts: General/navigation/text editing shortcuts.
• Internet & Email Skills: Web browsing, email management.
• Basic Troubleshooting: Resolving common issues.

Productivity Tools

• Word Processing Software: MS Word, Google Docs, for writing and collaboration.
• Spreadsheet Software: Excel and google for Data management.
• Presentation Software: Google and powerpoint slides

Tips for Maximizing Productivity

• Stay organized with folders.
• Automate tasks, update tutorials and collab wisely.

Lab Obj/Tasks to focus on when needing word, excel and powerpoint.

• Gain practic with spreadsheets, documents in presentations
• Learnt how to use features such as collabs and animations.
• Aplly skills to real world senarios through guided tasks. Focus on skills like creating new documents and tables.