Computer Science Illuminated - Chapter 1: The Big Picture

A vocabulary flashcard deck covering the foundational concepts, layers, abstraction, historical milestones, hardware generations, and software evolution from Chapter 1 of Computer Science Illuminated.

Hardware

Physical parts of a computing system, such as processors, memory, screens, keyboards, and networks.

Software

Instructions that tell computer hardware what to do.

Data

Information represented and processed by a computing system.

People (Computing System Component)

Users, developers, administrators, and decision makers who interact with or manage a computing system.

Information Layer

The layer of a computing system focused on how data is represented internally, such as binary values, text, and images.

Hardware Layer

The layer of a computing system consisting of physical circuits and components like the CPU, RAM, and storage that process data.

Programming Layer

The layer of a computing system containing instructions, algorithms, and code used to solve problems.

Operating System Layer

The layer of a computing system that manages system resources and files, such as Windows, macOS, or Linux.

Applications Layer

The layer of a computing system containing software tools that users interact with directly, such as web browsers, word processors, and learning management systems.

Communications Layer

The layer of a computing system that governs how computers connect to each other through networks and the web.

Abstraction

A simplified model that hides unnecessary lower-level details, allowing users and developers to focus on what matters.

Abacus

An early physical tool used for representing numbers.

Pascal’s calculator

An early mechanical computing device designed to perform mechanical calculations.

Jacquard loom

A historical machine that introduced punched-card control of a process.

Babbage’s Analytical Engine

An early design concept for a programmable computing machine.

Ada Lovelace

A key figure in computing history known for early algorithmic thinking and programming.

First Generation Hardware

Computing hardware built using vacuum tubes, characterized as large, hot, and less reliable.

Second Generation Hardware

Computing hardware built using transistors, which made computers smaller, faster, and more reliable.

Third Generation Hardware

Computing hardware built using integrated circuits, leading to lower cost and higher processing speeds.

Fourth Generation Hardware

Computing hardware built using microprocessors and Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI), enabling personal computers and mobile devices.

Machine Language

Binary instructions executed directly by computer hardware.

Assembly Language

A programming language that uses symbolic instructions translated into machine code.

High-level Languages

Programming languages designed to be easier for humans to write and read.

Computing as a Tool

The perspective of computing focused on helping users perform tasks across many domains without needing deep technical details.

Computing as a Discipline

The field of study that explores what can be automated and how, incorporating core skills like algorithmic thinking, representation, programming, and system design.