SSUBI KIWANUKA REVISION – COMPUTER STUDIES

Basic Computer Concepts

 Computer – An electronic device that processes data into information.

 Data – Raw facts that have not been processed.
 Information – Processed data that is meaningful.
 Input – Data entered into a computer.
 Processing – Manipulating data to produce information.
 Output – Information produced by a computer.
 Storage – Saving data or information for future use.
 Hardware – Physical parts of a computer.
 Software – Programs that tell the computer what to do.
 User – A person who uses the computer.

Computer Hardware

 Central Processing Unit (CPU) – The main processing part of a computer.

 Control Unit (CU) – Directs and coordinates all computer operations.
 Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) – Performs arithmetic and logical operations.
 Registers – Very fast, small memory inside the Central Processing Unit.
 Primary memory – Memory accessed directly by the Central Processing Unit.
 Secondary storage – Memory used to store data permanently.
 Input devices – Devices used to enter data into a computer.
 Output devices – Devices that display results from the computer.
 Peripheral devices – External devices connected to a computer.
 Motherboard – The main circuit board of a computer.
 Power Supply Unit (PSU) – Supplies electrical power to the computer.
 Ports – Connection points for devices.

Memory and Storage

 Random Access Memory (RAM) – Temporary memory used while the computer is on.
 Read Only Memory (ROM) – Permanent memory that stores startup instructions.
 Cache memory – Very fast memory that improves processing speed.
 Virtual memory – Hard disk space used to extend Random Access Memory.
 Hard disk – Magnetic storage inside the computer.
 Solid State Drive (SSD) – Fast storage device with no moving parts.
 Flash disk – Portable storage device.
 Optical storage – Storage that uses laser technology.
 Cloud storage – Online data storage.
 Backup – A copy of data stored for recovery.

Software

 System software – Software that manages computer hardware.

 Application software – Software designed to perform user tasks.
 Utility software – Software used to maintain and protect a system.
 Operating system – Software that controls and manages computer operations.
 Firmware – Software stored permanently in Read Only Memory.
 Open-source software – Software that can be freely modified and shared.
 Proprietary software – Software owned and controlled by a company.
 Booting – The process of starting a computer.
SSUBI KIWANUKA REVISION – COMPUTER STUDIES
Operating Systems

 Multitasking – Running more than one program at the same time.

 Multi-user – Allows more than one user to use a system.
 Real-time operating system – Responds immediately to inputs.
 Graphical User Interface (GUI) – Interface using icons and windows.
 Command Line Interface (CLI) – Interface using text commands.
 File management – Organizing and controlling files.
 Memory management – Managing use of memory.
 Process management – Managing running programs.

Data Representation

 Binary numbers – Numbers represented using 0 and 1.

 Decimal numbers – Numbers represented using digits 0 to 9.
 Binary arithmetic – Calculations done using binary numbers.
 American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) – Coding system for characters.
 Unicode – Character coding system supporting many languages.
 Bit – The smallest unit of data.
 Byte – A group of 8 bits.

Algorithms and Programming

 Algorithm – Step-by-step procedure for solving a problem.

 Flowchart – Diagram showing the steps of a program.
 Pseudocode – Program instructions written in plain English.
 Program – Set of instructions given to a computer.
 Source code – Program written by a programmer.
 Object code – Machine-readable program code.
 Compiler – Translates the entire program into machine code at once.
 Interpreter – Translates and executes code line by line.
 Debugging – Finding and correcting program errors.
 Syntax error – Error due to incorrect program rules.
 Logic error – Error that causes wrong output.
 Runtime error – Error occurring during program execution.

Data Types

 Integer – Whole number data type.

 Real – Number with decimal places.
 Boolean – Data type with true or false values.
 Character – A single letter, number, or symbol.
 String – A group of characters.
 Array – A collection of similar data items.
 Record – A collection of different data types.
SSUBI KIWANUKA REVISION – COMPUTER STUDIES
Databases

 Database – An organized collection of related data.

 Table – Data arranged in rows and columns.
 Record – One row in a table.
 Field – One column in a table.
 Primary key – A unique identifier for a record.
 Foreign key – Field that links two tables.
 Query – Request for specific data.
 Form – Interface used to enter data.
 Report – Formatted presentation of data.
 Data validation – Checking accuracy of data.
 Data integrity – Accuracy and consistency of data.

Computer Networks

 Network – A group of connected computers.

 Local Area Network (LAN) – Network covering a small area.
 Wide Area Network (WAN) – Network covering a large area.
 Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) – Network covering a city.
 Topology – Arrangement of network devices.
 Client-server network – Network with a central server.
 Peer-to-peer network – Network where all computers are equal.
 Bandwidth – Amount of data transmitted per second.
 Protocol – Rules for communication.

Internet and Communication

 Internet – Worldwide network of computers.

 World Wide Web (WWW) – Collection of interlinked web pages.
 Web browser – Software used to access websites.
 Search engine – Tool for finding information online.
 Uniform Resource Locator (URL) – Address of a website.
 Electronic mail (Email) – Sending messages electronically.
 Upload – Sending data to the internet.
 Download – Receiving data from the internet.
 Cloud computing – Use of internet-based services.

Computer Security

 Computer virus – Program that damages data or systems.

 Malware – Malicious software designed to harm systems.
 Antivirus software – Program that detects and removes viruses.
 Firewall – System that prevents unauthorized access.
 Hacking – Unauthorized access to computer systems.
 Phishing – Online trick to steal information.
 Encryption – Converting data into coded form.
 Authentication – Verifying user identity.
SSUBI KIWANUKA REVISION – COMPUTER STUDIES
Spreadsheets

 Spreadsheet – Program used for calculations and data analysis.

 Workbook – Spreadsheet file containing worksheets.
 Worksheet – A single page in a workbook.
 Cell – Intersection of a row and a column.
 Formula – Mathematical expression used in calculations.
 Function – Built-in formula in a spreadsheet.
 Relative cell reference – Cell reference that changes when copied.
 Absolute cell reference – Cell reference that remains constant.
 Chart – Graphical representation of data.

Ethics, Health and Safety

 Computer ethics – Moral principles guiding computer use.

 Copyright – Legal right of ownership.
 Piracy – Illegal copying of software.
 Plagiarism – Using someone else’s work without credit.
 Ergonomics – Proper arrangement of computer workspace.
 Health hazards – Physical problems caused by poor computer use.

Emerging Technologies

 Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Machines that imitate human intelligence.

 Robotics – Design and use of robots.
 Virtual Reality (VR) – Computer-generated environment.
 Augmented Reality (AR) – Digital objects added to real environment.
 Biometrics – Identification using physical features.
 Internet of Things (IoT) – Network of connected smart devices.