Introduction to Computing Overview

Introduction to Computing - Overview

• Computing before 1935 involved human calculations.
• Modern computing (post-1945) uses Von Neumann's model, accepting input, processing data, storing data, and producing output.
• Key computing sub-disciplines include Information Systems (IS), Information Technology (IT), Computer Science, Engineering, and Software Engineering.

Major Disciplines of Computing

• Information Systems (IS): Focuses on business decision-making using data systems, including Management Information Systems (MIS) which manages data for informed decisions.
• Information Technology (IT): Solves specific business problems using technology, manages IT resources, and assists technology planning.
• Computer Science: Examines the theoretical and technical aspects of computing, develops algorithms, studies software systems, and innovates data transfer methods.
• Computer Engineering: Develops and integrates hardware components including microchips, processors, and other hardware.

Major Computing Associations

• Association for Computing Machinery (ACM): Founded in 1947 in New York City, it is the largest educational and scientific computing society.

Emerging Technologies

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Mimics human intelligence, including Machine Learning (machines learning tasks using statistical models) and Deep Learning (using neural networks).
• Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): Enhance real-world objects or create immersive virtual environments, respectively.
• Cloud Computing: An internet-based computing service for storage, servers, and software. Offers cost-savings and global scalability, but also security and disaster recovery consideration.
• Internet of Things (IoT): Interconnected devices sharing data without human intervention, useful for smart homes, cities, and energy-efficient solutions.
• Big Data: Enormous and complex datasets requiring advanced processing. Three types include structured, unstructured, and semi-structured.

History of Computing

• 18th Century: Early mechanical innovations included automated machines and programmable looms.
• 19th Century: Notable milestones include the Jacquard Loom (first programmable loom) and Charles Babbage's Difference Engine and Analytical Engine (designs for general purpose programmable machines). Ada Lovelace is the first programmer.
• 20th Century: Gödel's Incompleteness Theorem, Church's lambda calculus and Turing machine (model for computation) were critical theoretical advances.
• Early Computers (1930s-1940s): Konrad Zuse's Z1, Harvard Mark I, Colossus computers (codebreaking). ENIAC is the first general-purpose electronic computer.
• Hardware Breakthroughs (1940s-1950s): The transistor and integrated circuit revolutionized computing by introducing smaller, more reliable devices.
• Microprocessors and Networking: Development of the Intel 404 (first microprocessor), Ethernet, as well as, personal computers (Altair, Scelbi, IBM 5100, Apple I, and Apple II) and the rise of personal computing.
• Software Developments: Languages like FORTRAN.
• Emerging technologies such as the mouse and graphical user interfaces.

Computer Systems Organization (Hardware)

• Describes the physical components of a computer, such as the CPU, RAM, hard drive, motherboard, input-output devices, and storage devices.
• Explains the functions of these components, such as the execution of instructions, memory management, and data storage. Details the key components such as the motherboard, ALU, CU, registers, MAR, MDR, AC, PC, and CIR.

Software Revolution

• Key developments include VisiCalc (first spreadsheet software), and Word Star (word processor) as well as the IBM PC and its key components and technologies.

Computer Ethics

• Definition: Standards and practices guiding ethical computer use. Ethics are standards for right and wrong behavior, not mandates.
• Key Issues: Addressing privacy, ownership (intellectual property) of information, security, data accuracy, and appropriate use. Critically considers cyber-crime such as: fraud, hacking, identity theft, scanning, viruses, ransomware, DDoS attacks, botnets, spam, phishing, cyberstalking, cyber-bullying, and child pornography.
• Ethical Concerns & Conflicts: Conflicts between individual user access & interests and the broader public interest and business needs.
• Key Contributor: People who significantly shaped the field of computer ethics, such as Norbert Wiener, Donn Parker, Joseph Weizenbaum, Walter Maner, and James Moor.

Data Communication

• Definition: Describes the exchange of data between a source and a receiver. Data exchange may be local (face-to-face) or remote (long distances). This encompasses telecommunications across distances, using transmission media like wires and cables.
• Components: Identifies components of data communication such as messages, senders, receivers, mediums (wired/wireless), and protocols.
• Media Types: Differentiates between bounded (wired) and unbounded (wireless) media, types such as coaxial cables, twisted-pair wires, fiber optic cables, radiowaves, microwaves, satellite, and infrared.
• Data Transmission Models: Explains the different ways data can be transmitted, including simplex, half-duplex, and full-duplex.
• Key Concepts: Presents terms and concepts fundamental to data communication and includes key terms such as EMI (Electromagnetic Interference).

Computer Networking

• Definition: A network connects multiple computers to share information, applications, resources, and data.
• Components: Presents fundamental hardware components like cables (with examples), routers, network cards (internal/external). Includes key terms such as PCI and ISA. Distributors help manage network traffic.
• Network Topologies: Explains various physical network layouts (bus, ring, star, and mesh). Each has advantages and disadvantages regarding maintenance, speed, and cost.
• Key Concepts: Includes concepts such as LAN, MAN, and WAN, their scopes (local to global).

The Internet

• Definition: A global system of interconnected networks facilitating data exchange and communication.
• History: Describes major milestones in Internet development, from early networking efforts to significant milestones (DARPA, ARPANET, NSFNET). Highlights major technological milestones.
• Protocols and Technologies: Describes essential protocols (TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP) and technologies supporting the internet like DNS, and Web Hosting and other concepts.
• Key Figures: Presents key people who played a significant role in the development of the internet.

This quiz covers the evolution of computing from human calculations to the modern era following the Von Neumann model. It also explores the major disciplines within computing such as Information Systems, Information Technology, Computer Science, and Computer Engineering. Test your knowledge on these foundational concepts.