Introduction to Computer Science
39 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is a defining characteristic of computer science?

  • Study of algorithms and computational problems. (correct)
  • Emphasis on networking between human and machine.
  • Integration of software development practices.
  • Focus on hardware components and devices.

Which of the following best describes the role of hardware in a computer system?

  • It includes mechanical and electronic components that make up the computer. (correct)
  • It consists of the logic that directs computer actions.
  • It refers to programs that enable the computer to perform tasks.
  • It is the set of instructions under which the computer operates.

Which process does not occur in automatic information processing?

  • Transformation of data using arithmetic operations.
  • Acquisition of information.
  • Manual inputting of data by a user. (correct)
  • Storage of information in the computer's memory.

Who invented the first electromechanical computer?

<p>Howard Aiken. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key aspect distinguishes computer engineering from computer science?

<p>Computer engineering combines principles of electronic engineering with computing. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key development defined the second generation of computers?

<p>Replacement of vacuum tubes with transistors (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which data type would best represent a complex identification code such as 'M-6995'?

<p>Alphanumerical (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of the first generation of computers?

<p>Dependence on punched cards for input (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does IEEE 754 specify?

<p>The format for floating point representation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant feature of the third generation of computers?

<p>Miniaturization of transistors and use of integrated circuits (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many distinct values can be represented with 8 bits?

<p>256 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which programming language emerged during the fourth generation of computers?

<p>C++ (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a flow diagram provide in algorithm development?

<p>Graphical representation of execution flow (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a computer algorithm?

<p>To provide precise instructions for solving a problem (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes binary representation?

<p>Represents values using digits 0 and 1 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of sampling frequency in sound representation?

<p>It influences the quality of the reconstructed sound (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what format are the characters encoded in ASCII?

<p>7 bits for 128 characters (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What technology is primarily associated with the fifth generation of computers?

<p>Artificial intelligence (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes an optimal algorithm?

<p>One that minimizes the number of steps to achieve a solution (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of computer engineering as compared to computer science?

<p>Integration of electronic engineering with computer science (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which step in the automatic information processing involves applying logic and arithmetic operations to data?

<p>Transformation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component of a computer system refers specifically to the physical elements that compose it?

<p>Hardware (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was responsible for the invention of the first electromechanical computer?

<p>Howard Aiken (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the role of software in a computer system?

<p>The logic that directs the actions of hardware (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which technology introduced in the fourth generation of computers enabled the development of new hardware devices?

<p>Microprocessors (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component responsible for representing a real number in scientific notation according to IEEE 754?

<p>Mantissa (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many bits does Extended ASCII use to represent characters?

<p>8 bits (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a characteristic of integrated circuits in the third generation of computers?

<p>They miniaturize and integrate transistors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which generation of computers did the first programming languages appear?

<p>Second generation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is considered the smallest unit of information in computing?

<p>Bit (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which programming languages were developed during the fourth generation of computers?

<p>C, C++ (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which representation of numbers may lead to a loss of precision when converted into a digital format?

<p>Real or floating-point representation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which generation of computers is characterized by the use of personal computers and mobile devices?

<p>Fifth generation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of data is represented using octal (base 8) notation?

<p>Binary values grouped in threes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of an algorithm in computing?

<p>To provide a sequence of instructions for problem-solving (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential feature of sound representation in computers?

<p>Sampling followed by encoding (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which definition correctly describes the purpose of pseudo-code in the development of algorithms?

<p>It describes the algorithm in natural language-like format. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What limits the number of steps an algorithm can take?

<p>It must be finite. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the relationship between bits and bytes?

<p>A byte consists of 8 bits. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Computer Science

The study of computers and computational processes. It involves understanding how computers work, algorithms, computational problems, and designing computer systems.

Computer Engineering

A branch of engineering that combines electronics and computer science to design and develop computer systems and other technological devices.

Hardware

The physical components of a computer, such as the keyboard, monitor, hard drive, etc.

Software

The software that instructs the hardware to perform tasks. It includes programs, applications, and operating systems.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Automatic Information Processing

The ability of a computer to automatically process information, including acquiring input, transforming it, storing it in memory, and producing output.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Algorithm

It is a finite and precise sequence of instructions used to solve a problem, transforming input data into output results.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Computer Program

It is a set of orders provided to a computer to perform a task. It translates an algorithm into a language the computer understands.

Signup and view all the flashcards

1st Generation Computers

First generation of computers, characterized by the use of vacuum tubes. They consumed large amounts of power and generated significant heat.

Signup and view all the flashcards

2nd Generation Computers

Second generation of computers, marked by the introduction of transistors which replaced vacuum tubes, resulting in lower power consumption and heat generation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

3rd Generation Computers

Third generation of computers, characterized by the use of integrated circuits. Transistors are miniaturized and integrated in small circuits printed on silicon boards, leading to increased processing speed.

Signup and view all the flashcards

4th Generation Computers

Fourth generation of computers, defined by the incorporation of microprocessors. Thousands of integrated circuits are combined in a single silicon chip, allowing for high processing power.

Signup and view all the flashcards

5th Generation Computers

The current generation of computers, characterized by the use of personal computers, the internet, mobile devices, and the development of artificial intelligence.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Integer

A numerical data type that represents whole numbers, including both positive and negative values, without any fractional part.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Real Number

A numerical data type that represents numbers with fractional components (decimals), providing greater precision for representing values.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Byte

A set of 8 bits (binary digits).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Bit

The smallest unit of information in a computer system, representing a binary value of either 0 or 1.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Binary Representation

A system of representing numbers using only the digits 0 and 1.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Octal Representation

A system of representing numbers using digits from 0 to 7, grouped in sets of three digits.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hexadecimal Representation

A system of representing numbers using digits from 0 to 9 and letters A to F, grouped in sets of four digits.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Real number conversion

The process of converting a real number into a binary representation, which can result in a loss of precision.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What defines the first generation of computers?

The first generation of computers using vacuum tubes, known for their large size, high power consumption, and generation of heat.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What was the key technological advancement that characterized the second generation of computers?

The transition from vacuum tubes to transistors, leading to smaller computers, less heat, and lower power consumption.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What was the main technological innovation that defined the third generation of computers?

The third generation of computers saw the introduction of integrated circuits (ICs), miniaturizing transistors and leading to increased processing speed and improved performance.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What major change brought about the fourth generation of computers?

The fourth generation of computers was marked by the use of microprocessors, integrating thousands of ICs into a single chip, allowing for high computing power and paving the way for personal computers.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are the defining features of the fifth generation of computers?

The current generation of computers, characterized by personal computers, the internet, mobile devices, and advanced fields like artificial intelligence.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What's the definition of data in computer science?

Formal representation of facts or concepts that can be communicated or processed by computers.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is the binary representation?

A system of representing numbers using only the digits 0 and 1.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is a byte?

A collection of eight bits.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is a bit?

The smallest unit of information in a computer, representing either 0 or 1.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is an algorithm?

A set of instructions that solves a specific class of problems, transforming input data into output results.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is a computer program?

A set of orders provided to a computer to perform a task, translating an algorithm into a language the computer understands.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is a flow diagram?

A graphical representation that visualizes the execution flow of an algorithm, showing steps, decisions, and connections.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is pseudo-code?

A description of an algorithm using words, which can be easily understood by humans.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is an integer?

A formal representation of a number without any fractional part, including both positive and negative values.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is a real number?

A formal representation of a number with a fractional part, allowing for greater precision, including positive and negative values.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is real number conversion?

The process of converting a real number into a binary representation, which can result in a loss of precision due to the limited representation of decimal values.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Computer Science and Programming Introduction

  • Computer Science studies computation, information, algorithms, computational problems, and computer system design.
  • Computer Engineering combines electrical engineering and computer science to design computer systems and devices.
  • A computer accepts input, processes data according to a program, and produces output. It networks with other computers and people, and processes information quickly and automatically.
  • Hardware: The physical components of a computer.
  • Software: The instructions (programs) that tell the hardware what to do.

Automatic Information Processing

  • Information acquisition (input).
  • Data representation for the computer.
  • Transformation (logic & arithmetic operations).
  • Data storage in computer memory.
  • Information transmission (output).

History of Computers

  • Howard Aiken built the first electromechanical computer in 1937, using relays and inspired by Babbage's ideas.
  • Five computer generations (1950 onwards):
    • First Generation (1950-1960): Vacuum tubes; large power consumption, heat production; machine language; punched card input. Primarily for military and scientific applications.
    • Second Generation (1960-1966): Transistors replaced vacuum tubes (less power, less heat); first programming languages emerged; computers store instructions in memory; first administrative and management applications.
    • Third Generation (1966-1971): Integrated circuits (miniaturized transistors on silicon); increased processing speed; development of operating systems; programs used across different models.
    • Fourth Generation (1971-1981): Microprocessors (thousands of integrated circuits on a single chip); electronic memory; new hardware devices; software tools like C and C++ developed.
    • Fifth Generation (present): Personal computers; internet; mobile phones; artificial intelligence.

Information Representation in Computers

  • Information Technology: Uses computers to manage information automatically. This requires proper data representation.
  • Data Types:
    • Numerical (integers, floating-point).
    • Alphabetical.
    • Alphanumeric.
    • Images, sound, video.
  • Binary Representation:
    • Bits (binary digits) are 0 or 1; the smallest unit of information.
    • Bytes are sets of 8 bits.
    • Integers represented in base two. The number of values represented with n bits is 2n. Example: 8 bits can represent 256 values (0-255 or -128 to +127).
  • Alternative Representations:
    • Octal (base 8).
    • Hexadecimal (base 16).
  • Real/Floating-Point:
    • Represented in scientific notation (mantissa, base, exponent).
    • Standard IEEE 754 (32 bits, 64 bits). Mantissa uses bits for sign and digits; exponent uses bits. Precision loss possible.
  • Alphabetic/Alphanumeric:
    • Using encoding tables (ASCII, Extended ASCII). ASCII uses 7 bits, 128 characters. Extended ASCII uses 8 bits, 256 characters.
  • Sound: Sampled data; quality depends on sample rate and bits per sample.
  • Images: Pixel matrix; quality depends on resolution and bits per pixel (color depth).

Algorithms and Programs

  • Algorithm: Precise, finite, correct, and optimal steps to solve a problem. Transforms input to output.
  • Computer Program: Algorithm expressed in a language the computer understands.
  • Programs have:
    • Program data.
    • Expressions.
    • Instructions.
  • Flow Diagrams: Graphical representations of algorithm execution.
  • Pseudocode: Description of an algorithm using natural language-like statements for better understanding.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Description

Explore the fundamentals of computer science and programming in this quiz. Learn about hardware, software, and the history of computers while understanding the basics of information processing and data management. Test your knowledge on key concepts and terminology in computer systems.

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser