Key_Points_on_Computers.docx

1. History of Computers ======================= Source: https://www.livescience.com/20718-computer-history.html\ \ - Charles Babbage\'s Analytical Engine (1837): Designed by Charles Babbage, it is considered the first mechanical general-purpose computer.\ - ENIAC (1945): Created by John Mauchly and...

1. History of Computers ======================= Source: https://www.livescience.com/20718-computer-history.html\ \ - Charles Babbage\'s Analytical Engine (1837): Designed by Charles Babbage, it is considered the first mechanical general-purpose computer.\ - ENIAC (1945): Created by John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert, ENIAC was the first electronic general-purpose computer.\ - UNIVAC (1951): Developed by Remington Rand, UNIVAC was the first commercial computer.\ - IBM System/360 (1964): A family of mainframe computers developed by IBM, which introduced the concept of a compatible family of computers.\ - Intel 4004 Microprocessor (1971): Developed by Intel, this was the first commercially available microprocessor, revolutionizing computers.\ - IBM PC (1981): Released by IBM, it became the standard for personal computers.\ - Apple Macintosh (1984): Introduced by Apple, it was known for its graphical user interface and ease of use.\ - The Internet: Developed from ARPANET (1969), it evolved into the modern internet in the 1990s.\ - Quantum Computing: The ongoing development of quantum computers represents the next frontier in computing technology. 2. Computer Programming Languages ================================= Source: https://www.britannica.com/technology/computer-programming-language\ \ - Machine Language: The most basic programming language, consisting of binary code directly understood by a computer\'s CPU.\ - Assembly Language: A low-level language that uses symbolic names (mnemonics) for operations, making it easier to program than machine language.\ - FORTRAN (1957): The first high-level language, created in the 1950s for scientific and engineering calculations.\ - ALGOL: A family of imperative computer programming languages originally developed in the mid-20th century, used primarily for algorithmic descriptions.\ - COBOL (1959): A language designed for business data processing, emphasizing readability and ease of use.\ - LISP: Developed in the late 1950s, LISP is one of the oldest high-level programming languages, used mainly in artificial intelligence research.\ - BASIC: An easy-to-learn language developed in the 1960s, designed to introduce programming to beginners.\ - C Language (1972): A general-purpose language developed in the early 1970s that has influenced many later languages.\ - Pascal: A language designed for teaching structured programming, created in the late 1960s.\ - Prolog: A logic programming language associated with artificial intelligence and computational linguistics.\ - Ada: Developed in the late 1970s for the U.S. Department of Defense, emphasizing safety and maintainability.\ - C++: An extension of C, developed in the 1980s, which includes object-oriented features.\ - Java (1995): A platform-independent language widely used in web and enterprise applications.\ - Python (1991): Known for its ease of use and readability, popular in many fields, including web development and data science.\ - JavaScript: A scripting language commonly used to create interactive effects within web browsers.\ - PHP: A server-side scripting language designed for web development, created in the mid-1990s.\ - Ruby: A dynamic, object-oriented language, created in the 1990s, known for its elegant syntax.\ - Swift (2014): A language developed by Apple for iOS and macOS app development.\ - Go: A statically typed, compiled language created at Google, known for its simplicity and performance.\ - R: A language and environment for statistical computing and graphics, widely used in data analysis and research. 3. Computer System Components ============================= Source: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/what-are-basic-components-of-computer-hardware\ \ Here are the 11 basic components of a computer system and their uses:\ - Motherboard: The main circuit board that connects all components of the computer, allowing communication between the CPU, memory, and peripheral devices.\ - Central Processing Unit (CPU): Executes instructions from programs, performing arithmetic, logic, control, and input/output operations.\ - Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): Specializes in rendering images, video, and animations for display, offloading tasks from the CPU.\ - Random Access Memory (RAM): Temporary storage that holds data and instructions that the CPU needs quick access to while performing tasks.\ - Storage Drive (HDD or SSD): Provides long-term storage for the operating system, applications, and user data. HDDs use spinning disks, while SSDs use flash memory for faster performance.\ - Power Supply Unit (PSU): Converts electrical power from an outlet into usable power for the computer's internal components.\ - Cooling System: Maintains optimal operating temperatures for the CPU, GPU, and other components, often using fans or liquid cooling systems.\ - Input Devices: Tools like keyboards, mice, and touchscreens that allow the user to interact with the computer.\ - Output Devices: Displays like monitors and printers that present information to the user.\ - Network Interface Card (NIC): Allows the computer to connect to a network, enabling communication with other devices and access to the internet.\ - Case: The enclosure that houses and protects the internal components of the computer, providing physical structure and cooling support. 4. Problem Solving Process ========================== Source: https://hr.uiowa.edu/development/organizational-development/lean/8-step-problem-solving-process\ \ - Step 1: Define the Problem: Clearly identify the problem that needs to be solved.\ - Step 2: Gather Data: Collect relevant information to understand the problem better.\ - Step 3: Identify Possible Causes: Analyze potential causes of the problem.\ - Step 4: Determine Root Cause: Identify the primary cause of the problem.\ - Step 5: Develop Solutions: Brainstorm and evaluate potential solutions.\ - Step 6: Implement Solution: Apply the chosen solution to the problem.\ - Step 7: Evaluate Results: Assess the effectiveness of the implemented solution.\ - Step 8: Standardize and Monitor: Standardize successful solutions and monitor for future issues.