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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the Control Unit in a CPU?
What is the purpose of ROM in a computer system?
What is the term for the process of breaking down a problem into smaller, manageable parts?
What is the purpose of a flowchart in algorithm representation?
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What is the term for a single binary digit?
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What is the purpose of a While loop in a program?
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What is the primary function of the Operating System in a computer system?
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What is the purpose of Secondary Storage in a computer system?
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What is the purpose of abstraction in Computational Thinking?
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What is the purpose of the ALU in a CPU?
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What is the purpose of a variable in a program or algorithm?
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What is the purpose of the Clock in a CPU?
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What is the main difference between rules-based programming and data-driven programming?
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What type of machine learning involves training a model using labeled data?
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What is the purpose of cleaning data in machine learning?
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What is the purpose of a Decision Tree in machine learning?
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What is the purpose of a sensor in a Picoboard?
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What is the purpose of GPIO pins in a Picoboard?
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Study Notes
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.
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Description
Learn about the basics of computer systems, including types of computers, input and output devices, and their capabilities. Understand the differences between fixed and programmable computers, and between calculators and computers.
