COMPUTER SCIENCE BASICS — SUMMARY
NOTES
1. INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
- Computer: An electronic device that accepts input, processes data, and gives output.
- Main functions: Input → Process → Output → Storage (IPOS cycle).
- Characteristics: Speed, accuracy, multitasking, diligence, storage.
- Limitations: No intelligence, depends on instructions.
- Components: Hardware, Software, People (users).
2. HARDWARE
- Hardware: Physical parts of the computer (you can touch).
- Types:
Input Devices (Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Microphone)
Processing Device (CPU)
Output Devices (Monitor, Printer, Speakers)
Storage Devices (Hard disk, Pen drive, CD, Cloud)
- CPU: Brain of the computer.
ALU – Arithmetic and logic operations.
CU – Controls operations and data flow.
Registers – High-speed memory inside CPU.
3. SOFTWARE
- Software: Set of instructions that tells hardware what to do.
- Types: System Software, Application Software, Utility Software.
- Programming Languages: C, Java, Python.
4. DATA AND INFORMATION
- Data: Raw facts and figures.
- Information: Processed, meaningful data.
- Storage units: Bit → Byte → KB → MB → GB → TB.
- Data processing: Input → Processing → Output → Storage.
5. OPERATING SYSTEM (OS)
- Software that manages computer hardware and software.
- Functions: Manages files, memory, processes; provides user interface.
- Types: Single-user (Windows), Multi-user (UNIX), Mobile (Android).
6. NETWORKING
- Network: Connection of computers to share data/resources.
- Types: LAN, MAN, WAN.
- Devices: Modem, Router, Switch, Hub.
- Benefits: Sharing files, communication, centralized storage.
7. INTERNET AND WEB
- Internet: Global network of computers.
- WWW: Collection of interlinked web pages.
- Browser: Chrome, Firefox. Search Engine: Google, Bing.
- Email: Electronic mail.
- URL: Address of web page (e.g. [Link]
8. PROGRAMMING BASICS
- Program: Set of instructions for computer.
- Languages: Low-level (Machine, Assembly), High-level (Python, C++, Java).
- Algorithm: Step-by-step procedure to solve a problem.
- Flowchart: Diagram of algorithm steps.
- Pseudocode: Plain language code logic.
9. DATABASES
- Database: Organized collection of data.
- DBMS: Software to manage data (MySQL, Oracle).
- Functions: Store, update, retrieve data.
- Terms: Table, Record, Field, Primary Key, Query.
10. CYBERSECURITY AND ETHICS
- Cybersecurity: Protecting computers from digital attacks.
- Threats: Virus, Malware, Phishing, Hacking.
- Protection: Antivirus, Firewall, Strong passwords, Backup.
- Cyber Ethics: Responsible use of technology; avoid piracy, respect privacy.