Computer Basics

discusses the basics of the computer and symbols for creating flowcharts.

An electronic device capable of performing complex computations in a short time.

A fast electronic calculating machine that accepts input information, processes it according to a list of internally stored instructions called a program, and produces the resultant output information.

COMPUTER

A set of instructions telling a computer what to do

PROGRAM

The craft of implementing one or more interrelated abstract algorithms using a particular programming language to produce a concrete computer program.

PROGRAMMING

The physical equipment of a computer system, including the monitor, keyboard, central processing unit, and storage device

Hardware

Conversion of images, letters and sounds into electrical signals.

Data Representation

Manipulation of “on” and “off” signals to perform complex tasks

Data Electronics

Works with discrete signals, such as 0 and 1.

Digital Device

An abbreviation of binary digit

Abbreviated as a lowercase “b”

BIT

A collectio1n of bits (8 bits)

Abbreviated as an uppercase “B”

BYTE

Computer programs, modules (support and data) working together providing computers with instructions and data for certain task (e.g. word processing, internet browsing.

Anything that can be stored electronically.

Computer instructions or data.

Software

An organized list of instructions that, when executed, causes the computer to behave in a predetermined manner.

Computer Program or (“program”)

An auxiliary set of instructions used in conjunction with the main software program.

Support Module

contains data (not supplied by the user) necessary for the execution of certain task

Data Module

Code written by the programmer.

Source Code:

Machine language representation of the source code.

Object Code:

• Creates the executable code.

• Combines program object code, object code from library routines and any other required system code into one addressable machine language file.

Linker

Are computer programs that are used to accomplish specific or specialized tasks for computer user

Application Software

Helps the computer carry out its basic operating function

System Software

A methodology that is typically used to develop, maintain, and replace information systems for improving the quality of the software design and development process.

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT LIFE CYCLE (SDLC)

• The initial stage in the SDLC that has to be performed

• Includes the information about the requirements for the proposed software

• known as the feasibility study phase.

Planning Phase

• Requires the analyst to thoroughly study the current procedures or software used to execute tasks in an organization.

• The main goal in this phase is to identify the requirements for a new software or simply change several aspects in the current working system.

Analysis Phase

• during this phase, the developer of the software translates the result of the previous phase into actual design or specifications of the software.

• development of the software involves covering the input and output screens to reports, databases, and computer process.

Design Phase

______ - Creation of the actual program.

______- Both programmer and analyst submits the software to various “quality testing” to discover if there are any bugs within the software.

______- After coding and testing is done, the actual software must be installed and slowly or completely replaces the old software.

Implementation phase

coding

testing

installation

• Used to make necessary patches to remove found errors.

• where the software is systematically repaired and improved based on errors or possible new requirements found.

Maintenance Phase

• Suggests that prior to proceeding to next phase, the current phase should be finished first.

Waterfall SDLC

• A step-by-step problem-solving procedure 

• Finite sequence of steps for solving a logical or mathematical problem.

• A specific set of well-defined, simple mathematical and logical procedures that can be followed to solve a problem in a finite number of steps.

Algorithm

• Generic way of describing an algorithm without the use of any specific programming language syntax

Pseudocodes

• A chart that contains symbols referring to computer operations, describing how the program performs.

• A graphic map of the path of control or data through the operations in a program or an information-handling system.

Flowchart

• Ovals or rounded rectangles used to indicate the start and the end of a module or program.

• An oval is labeled with the name of the module at the start.

• The end is indicated by the word end or stop for the top or Control Module.

Terminal Block

• Used for declaring / initializing variables needed to solve a certain process.

• Declaration: stating a variable name to be use

• Initialization: to set (a starting value of a variable

Initialization Block

• The rectangle indicates a processing block has one entrance and one exit.

Process Block

• The parallelogram indicates input to and output operations has one entrance and only one exit

Input / Output Block

• The diamond indicates a decision has one entrance and exactly two exits from the block.

Decision Block

• The circle is used as a connection point between two sections of a flowchart that are not adjacent or closely located to each other used to enhance readability

Connector