Computer Systems Fundamentals

Computer Systems

• A computer is an electronic device that takes in input, processes it, and produces output

Fixed vs Programmable Computers, Calculators vs Computers

• Fixed computers: performs a specific task and cannot be changed
• Programmable computers: can be programmed to perform different tasks
• Calculators: special type of computer designed for mathematical calculations
• Computers: can perform a wide range of tasks beyond calculations

Input and Output

• Input devices: keyboard, mouse, scanners, cameras
• Output devices: monitor, printer, speakers

RAM vs ROM

• RAM (Random Access Memory): temporary storage for data being processed, loses data when power is off
• ROM (Read-Only Memory): permanent storage for data, retains data even when power is off
• Purpose of RAM: allows for fast access and processing of data
• Purpose of ROM: stores permanent data that doesn't need to be changed

Secondary Storage

• Necessary for storing large amounts of data long-term
• Types: Hard Disk Drives, Solid-State Drives, USB Drives, CDs, DVDs
• Technologies used: magnetic, optical, solid-state

CPU

• Parts:
  • ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): performs mathematical and logical operations
  • Busses: connects different parts of the CPU
  • Clock: regulates the speed of the CPU
  • Registers: small amount of on-chip memory for fast access
  • Control Unit: retrieves and decodes instructions

Operating System

• Roles:
  • Managing Memory: allocates and deallocates memory for programs
  • Program Execution: loads and runs programs
  • Managing Input and Output: coordinates input and output devices
  • Managing User Interface (GUI): provides interface for user interaction
  • Managing Communication: facilitates communication between devices

Binary

• Binary system: uses 0s and 1s to represent data
• Conversion: Denary (decimal) to Binary, Binary to Denary
• Binary Math: can perform arithmetic operations on binary numbers

Data Sizes

• Units: bit, nibble, byte, kilobyte, megabyte, gigabyte, terabyte

Computational Thinking and Introduction to Python

• Computational Thinking:
  • Abstraction: breaking down complex problems into smaller parts
  • Decomposition: breaking down problems into smaller, manageable parts
  • Pattern Recognition: identifying patterns in data

Algorithms

• Definition: a set of instructions to solve a problem
• Representing Algorithms:
  • Flowcharts: visual representation of an algorithm
  • Correct use of shapes in flowcharts
• Identifying parts of an algorithm: inputs, outputs, processing

Python Programming

• Sequence: order of steps in a program or algorithm
• Selection: using if-else statements to make decisions
• Iterations: using loops (while, for) to repeat tasks
• Variables:
  • Purpose: storing and changing values
  • Assigning and changing variable values
• Data Types:
  • Main data types: int, float, string, boolean
  • Casting data types during input
• Iteration:
  • Using while loops and for loops
  • Understanding what to include in a loop

Computer Systems

• A computer is an electronic device that takes in input, processes it, stores data, and produces output.
• Fixed computers perform a single task, while programmable computers can perform multiple tasks.
• Calculators are fixed computers, while computers are programmable devices.

Input and Output

• Input devices include keyboards, mice, and scanners.
• Output devices include monitors, speakers, and printers.

RAM vs ROM

• RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile and temporary storage for data.
• ROM (Read-Only Memory) is non-volatile and permanent storage for data.

Secondary Storage

• Secondary storage is necessary for long-term data storage.
• Types of secondary storage include: • Magnetic (hard drives, floppy disks) • Optical (CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray) • Solid-state (SSDs, flash drives)

CPU

• The CPU (Central Processing Unit) executes instructions and performs calculations.
• Parts of a CPU include: • ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) • Busses • Clock • Registers • Control Unit

Operating System

• The operating system manages: • Memory • Program execution • Input and output • User interface (GUI) • Communication

Binary

• Binary is a number system that uses 0s and 1s to represent data.
• To convert denary to binary, divide the number by 2 and note the remainders.

Algorithms, Computational Thinking, and Introduction to Python

Computational Thinking

• Abstraction: breaking down complex problems into smaller parts.
• Decomposition: dividing problems into smaller, manageable parts.
• Pattern recognition: identifying patterns in data.

Algorithms

• An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure to solve a problem.
• Flowcharts can be used to represent algorithms, with inputs, processes, and outputs.

Python Programming

• Sequencing: the order in which steps are executed in a program.
• Selection: using if-else statements to make decisions.
• Iteration: using loops (while, for) to repeat steps.

Variables

• Variables are used to store and change values in a program.

Selection

• If-else statements are used to make decisions in a program.

Data Types

• Main data types include integers, floating-point numbers, and strings.
• Casting: converting data types during input.

Iteration

• While loops and for loops are used for repetition in a program.

AI Experience

What is AI

• AI (Artificial Intelligence) is the ability of machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence.

Types of AI

• Machine Learning: enabling machines to learn from data.
• Narrow AI: specialized AI that performs a single task.
• General AI: human-like intelligence in machines.

Machine Learning

• Supervised learning: training models on labeled data.
• Unsupervised learning: training models on unlabeled data.
• Reinforcement learning: training models through trial and error.
• Semi-supervised learning: combining labeled and unlabeled data.

AI Lifecycle

• Defining the problem
• Preparing data
• Training the model
• Testing and evaluating the model

Machine Learning: Data Preparation

• Handling duplicates, missing, and invalid data in datasets.

Machine Learning: Testing

• Testing for bias in models
• Measuring accuracy and confidence

Machine Learning: Confidence and Accuracy

• Bias in, bias out: the importance of diverse datasets.

Decision Trees

• A decision tree is a model that splits data into subsets based on attributes.

Physical Computing with Picoboards

Electronic Components

• Picoboard, breadboard, jumper wires, LED, resistor, sensor, motor driver, power supply, buttons, and buzzers.

Electricity and Frequency

• Electron flow in a circuit
• Typical voltage levels (Volts) and frequencies (Hz) in electronic circuits.

Parts of a Picoboard

• GPIO pins, USB connector, CPU, LED, debug pins, GND pins, and power pins.

Microcontrollers

• Small computers that control electronic devices.
• Examples include robots, appliances, and gadgets.

Micropython

• Identify library modules, functions, loops, variables, inputs, and outputs in a micropython file.

Breadboards

• Arrangement and effect of placing connections on bars and rails.
• Identifying correct pin to breadboard numbers using a diagram.