Computing 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Define Computing in a general context Identify the core components of computing systems Understand the various disciplines within computing Explore the historical development of computing Differentiate computing from related concepts Define Computing in a general context - Computing is the process of processing information using computers to solve problems and automate tasks. It involves using hardware and software to handle data, execute commands, and perform calculations. For example, when you play a video game, the computer processes the graphics, sounds, and controls, allowing you to interact with the virtual world. Using Google Maps to navigate means the system computes routes and displays them on your screen. These examples show how computing aids in everyday life by automating tasks and enabling information management. - Includes a wide range of activities such as: Data processing (organizing and analyzing data). Problem-solving through logical operations and algorithms. Programming and software development to create applications or systems. Hardware operation and management of physical computer components - Plays a critical role in automation, communication, artificial intelligence, and scientific research Fundamental to modern life, impacting industries like education, healthcare, finance, and entertainment. various fields, including computer science, IT, software engineering, and data science. - how computing has transformed daily life - - Computing has revolutionized daily life by transforming how we communicate, access information, enjoy entertainment, and manage daily tasks. Communication is now instant and global via email, social media, and messaging apps. Access to information has exploded through the internet, search engines, and online libraries. Entertainment options include streaming services, gaming, and virtual reality experiences. Even daily tasks like shopping, banking, and transportation are managed through apps and online services. For instance, using a smartphone allows us to call friends, browse websites, watch videos, and pay bills easily, demonstrating the extensive influence of computing in daily life. Questions 1. Which of the following activities is primarily considered a component of the computing field? A) Designing artistic installations using visual design software B) Developing algorithms to find solutions to complex problems 2. Which of the following activities is best considered a component of the computing field? A) Creating a smartphone application using programming languages B) Playing a traditional violin instrument in an orchestra 3. What is computing in a general context? A) The process of playing video games B) The process of processing information using computers to solve problems and automate tasks C) The process of building hardware components D) The process of browsing the internet 4. What are the main elements involved in computing? A) Only software B) Only hardware C) Using hardware and software to handle data, execute commands, and perform calculations D) Managing physical computer components 5. Which of the following is an example of computing in everyday life? A) Watching TV on a non-smart device B) Reading a physical map C) Using Google Maps to compute routes and display them on your screen D) Writing with a pen on paper 6. Which activity is NOT included in computing? A) Data processing (organizing and analyzing data) B) Problem-solving through logical operations and algorithms C) Hardware operation and management D) Painting physical art on canvas 7. What role does computing play in modern life? A) It is only used for entertainment purposes B) It is essential for automation, communication, artificial intelligence, and scientific research C) It is not necessary for education or healthcare D) It has no impact on industries 8. How does computing impact industries? A) It replaces human workers completely B) It fundamentally supports industries like education, healthcare, finance, and entertainment C) It only impacts the entertainment industry D) It is unrelated to modern industries 9. What fields are closely associated with computing? A) Architecture and Interior Design B) Computer Science, IT, Software Engineering, and Data Science C) Biology and Medicine only D) Agriculture 10. When you play a video game, what computing processes occur? A) Only the sound is processed B) Graphics, sounds, and controls are processed to enable interaction with the virtual world C) Only the graphics are displayed on the screen D) No computing process is involved 11. Which of the following activities does computing include? A) Organizing and analyzing data B) Logical operations and algorithms for problem-solving C) Programming and software development D) All of the above 12. Why is computing considered fundamental to modern life? A) It has no impact on modern industries B) It simplifies complex tasks and enables automation and information management C) It is only used for entertainment and gaming D) It is a recent, optional technology Identify the core components of computing systems A computing system consists of four core components: Hardware: The physical components like CPU, memory, storage, and input/output devices. Software: The programs and applications that run on the hardware. Data: The information processed by the system. Users: The individuals who interact with the computing system. Networking and Communication Processes For example, in playing a video game, the hardware processes the game's graphics and controls, the software includes the game itself, the data contains game information, and the users are the players. 1. Hardware - Central Processing Unit (CPU): The "brain" of the computer that performs computations and executes instructions. - Memory (RAM): Temporarily stores data and instructions for quick access during processing. - Storage Devices: Includes hard drives (HDD), solid-state drives (SSD), and external storage for long-term data storage. - Input Devices: Devices like keyboards, mice, and touchscreens used to input data. Output Devices: Devices like monitors, printers, and speakers used to display or output processed data. Networking Hardware: Components like network cards and routers for communication. 2. Software The set of instructions or programs that tell the hardware what to do. - Operating System (OS): Manages hardware resources and provides a user interface (e.g., Windows, Linux, macOS). - Application Software: Programs designed for specific tasks (e.g., word processors, web browsers). - System Software: Software that provides a platform for applications and ensures hardware-software coordination. 3. Data The raw information that computing systems process and store. - Includes text, numbers, images, videos, and more. - Stored and transmitted in binary form (0s and 1s). 4. Users The individuals or entities interacting with the computing system. - Provide input and interpret the output. - Can be end-users, system administrators, or developers. 5. Networking and Communication Systems that enable computers to connect and share resources. - Networking Protocols: Rules for data exchange (e.g., TCP/IP, HTTP). - Communication Devices: Hardware like modems, routers, and switches 6. Processes The sequence of operations executed by the system to complete tasks. - Includes input, processing, storage, and output. Questions 1. Which of the following are the core components of a computing system? A) Hardware, Software, Data, Users, Networking, and Communication, Processes B) Hardware, Software, Data, and Electricity C) Software, Data, Buildings, and Power Supply D) Only Hardware and Software 2. What is the role of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) in a computing system? A) It provides long-term storage for files B) It temporarily stores data for quick access C) It is the "brain" of the computer that performs computations and executes instructions D) It outputs processed data to monitors or printers 3. Which of the following is NOT an input device? A) Keyboard B) Mouse C) Printer D) Touchscreen 4. What does the Operating System (OS) do in a computing system? A) It provides a platform for applications and coordinates hardware and software B) It stores all the data in binary form C) It processes and executes game graphics D) It is a hardware component that processes commands 5. Which of the following is an example of application software? A) Windows B) Microsoft Word C) CPU D) TCP/IP Protocol 6. In a computing system, data is stored and transmitted in which form? A) Text and images B) Numbers and text only C) Binary form (0s and 1s) D) Hardware signals 7. Who are considered users of a computing system? A) Only software developers B) Only system administrators C) End-users, system administrators, and developers D) Only those who provide input 8. Which of the following enables computers to connect and share resources? A) Operating System B) Networking and Communication C) Data Storage Devices D) Input Devices 9. What is the purpose of networking protocols such as TCP/IP and HTTP? A) To execute commands on the hardware B) To manage input devices like keyboards and mice C) To establish rules for data exchange between systems D) To store information in binary form 10. What do processes in a computing system include? A) Managing networking protocols only B) Only executing commands for software C) Input, processing, storage, and output D) Only handling user data Assignment – historical development of computing - the impact of computing on education and research - the societal effects of computing Differentiate computing from related concepts Key distinction: Computing includes all aspects of information processing and problem-solving with computers, whereas related concepts focus on specific aspects of this field. Future trends and challenges in computing As computing continues to evolve, several future trends and challenges are emerging: Emerging Technologies: Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI systems that can learn, reason, and make decisions are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with applications in areas like healthcare, transportation, and finance. Quantum Computing: Harnessing the principles of quantum mechanics, quantum computers have the potential to solve complex problems exponentially faster than classical computers. Internet of Things (IoT): The interconnection of everyday devices and appliances through the internet, enabling remote monitoring and control, as well as data-driven insights. Challenges: Challenge Cybersecurity Data Privacy Environmental Impact Description Protecting computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, theft, or disruption, as the number of connected devices and the complexity of attacks continue to grow. Ensuring the responsible collection, storage, and use of personal data, as the volume of data generated by individuals and organizations increases. Addressing the energy consumption and environmental footprint of computing, as the demand for computing power and data storage continues to rise. Computer Components The components of a computer are divided into two categories: hardware (the physical parts of a computer) and software (the programs and operating systems that make the hardware functional). Hardware Components Input Devices Output Devices Processing Unit Storage Devices Motherboard Power Supply Unit (PSU) Cooling System Input Devices These are devices used to provide data or commands to the computer: Keyboard: For typing text, commands, and data. Mouse: For pointing, clicking, and navigating. Touchscreen: Allows input through touch (e.g., tablets, smartphones). Scanner: Converts physical documents or images into digital format. Microphone: Captures audio input. Camera: Captures video or images. Output Devices These devices display or produce the results of the computer's processes: Monitor/Screen: Displays visual output. Printer: Produces physical copies of digital documents. Speakers: Output audio signals. Headphones: Provide private audio output. Processing Unit The central processing unit (CPU) The "brain" of the computer, responsible for executing instructions and processing data. CPU consists of: ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): Handles calculations and logical operations. CU (Control Unit): Directs the flow of data and controls the operations of the CPU. Registers and buses ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) The Arithmetic & Logic Unit (ALU) allows the required arithmetic (e.g. +, - and shifting) or logic (e.g. AND, OR) operations to be carried out while a program is being run. It is possible for a computer to have more than one ALU to carry out specific functions. Multiplication and division are carried out by a sequence of addition, subtraction and left or right logical shift operations CU (Control Unit) The control unit reads an instruction from memory. The address of the location where the instruction can be found is stored in the Program Counter (PC). This instruction is then interpreted using the Fetch–Decode–Execute cycle During that process, signals are generated along the control bus to tell the other components in the computer what to do. The control unit ensures synchronization of data flow and program instructions throughout the computer. GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): Specialized for rendering images, videos, and animations. Storage Devices RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary storage used to store data and instructions while the computer is on. It's fast but volatile (data is lost when power is off). ROM (Read-Only Memory): Non-volatile memory that stores essential system instructions (e.g., firmware). Hard Drive (HDD): Long-term storage for programs, files, and data. Solid-State Drive (SSD): Faster, more durable storage compared to HDDs. External Storage: USB drives, external hard drives, and cloud storage. Motherboard The main circuit board that connects all computer components (CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, etc.). Contains ports for input/output devices and expansion slots for additional components. Power Supply Unit (PSU) Converts electricity from an outlet into usable power for the computer components. Distributes power to the motherboard, storage devices, and peripherals. Cooling System Prevents the computer from overheating. Includes fans, heat sinks, and sometimes liquid cooling systems. Software Components System Software Operating System (OS): Manages hardware and software resources. Examples: o Windows o macOS o Linux o Android o iOS Utility Programs: Perform maintenance tasks, such as antivirus, file management, and system updates. Application Software Programs that help users perform specific tasks: Word processors (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs) Spreadsheets (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets) Web browsers (e.g., Chrome, Firefox) Multimedia software (e.g., VLC Media Player, Photoshop) Games Programming Software Tools used by developers to write code and create software: o Text editors (e.g., Notepad++, Visual Studio Code) o Compilers (e.g., GCC, Java Compiler) o Debuggers
