Introduction to Computer Science and Software Systems

Vocabulary flashcards covering core computer hardware, software categories, system environments, algorithm logic, and problem-solving principles based on the lecture notes.

Computer

A general-purpose device that takes data as input, processes it, and returns the result as information (output), programmed to carry out arithmetic or logical operations automatically.

Data Processing Model

The structural workflow in computing where raw input data undergoes processing to generate meaningful output.

Hardware

The collection of physical, visible, and touchable elements that constitute a computer system.

Software

A set of machine-readable instructions or programs that directs a computer's processor to perform specific operations.

Software Categories

The hierarchical classification of computer software into System Software (Translators, OS, Packages) and Application Software (Application Packages/Tools, Special Purpose Software).

System Software

Software that manages interactions between users, hardware, and software, serving as an interface and managing core resources like memory, processing, files, and security.

Device Drivers

Software programs used to enable communication between peripheral hardware devices and the computer system.

Utility Software

Programs designed to perform very specific tasks related to managing computer resources, such as file compression and disk defragmentation.

Application Software

A set of programs designed to carry out specific operations for a user, which cannot run independently and requires system software to execute.

Single User OS

An operating system designed to support one user on one computer at a time, typically used in home environments.

Multi User OS

An operating system used in mainframes and supercomputers that enables multiple users to access hardware resources simultaneously within organizations.

Distributed OS

An operating system used on a network that allows shared data and files stored in multiple physical locations to be accessed transparently.

Public Domain Software

Software that is not protected by copyright laws, allowing it to be used freely without any legal restrictions.

Shareware Software

Trial software offered for free for a specified period, after which the user must either purchase or uninstall the program.

Freeware Software

Copyrighted software distributed free of charge by the owner, where the source code is kept secret and modification or unauthorized redistribution is prohibited.

Middleware Software

Software that acts as 'plumbing' or 'glue' between the operating system and applications to pass data and connect separate systems on a network.

Firmware Software

Software permanently stored in a device's non-volatile memory, commonly used in embedded systems like calculators, remote controls, and washing machines.

Time-Sharing Environment

A computer setup where multiple user terminals connect to a central computer, shared storage, and shared printers to utilize resources collaboratively.

Client/Server Environment

A network structure where client computers connect via a central network hub to a host computer that shares resources and data.

Polya's Problem-Solving Steps

A four-step practice method consisting of: 1) Understand the problem, 2) Plan a solution, 3) Carry out the plan, and 4) Examine the result for accuracy.

Problem Solving Cycle

The methodical computer science process of identifying a problem, breaking it down, designing an algorithm, and implementing and debugging executable program code.

Algorithm

A finite, step-by-step set of unambiguous commands and computational logic used to solve a specific problem or process input into output.

Pseudocode

An informal, high-level, human-readable description of an algorithm's logic that combines natural language with programming structures without syntax restrictions.