COS3011-B Computer Skills & Applications - Lecture 1: Introduction to Computing

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the core concepts, historical milestones, hardware/software classifications, and real-world applications presented in Lecture 1 of COS3011-B Computer Skills & Applications.

ICT (Information and Communication Technologies)

Technologies related to integrated systems of telecommunications, electronics, and information technology that enable the creation, storage, and exchange of information.

Abacus

An ancient calculating tool used to perform mathematical operations; first used for calculations since the 21st century BC in China (such as the Suan Pan) and the Middle East, and later by the Greeks and Romans.

Pascaline

A calculating device invented in 1642 by Blaise Pascal that served as a precursor to the modern calculator, allowing addition and subtraction of numbers up to twelve digits with automatic carry-over.

Analytical Engine

The first prototype of a mechanical computer developed in 1833 by Charles Babbage to perform general tasks, representing a significant milestone in computer science and engineering history.

Harvard Mark I

The first electromechanical computer, completed in January 1943 with funding from IBM, whose architectural design served as the foundation for the 'Harvard architecture' used in modern computers.

IBM 5150

The first popular personal computer launched by IBM on 12 August 1981, featuring an Intel 8088 microprocessor running at $4.7\,\text{MHz}$, $16\,\text{KB}$ of RAM expandable to $640\,\text{KB}$, up to two $160\,\text{KB}$ floppy disk drives, and PC-DOS 1.0.

Transistor Miniaturisation

The reduction in size of the basic component of digital electronics from $10\,\mu\text{m}$ in 1971 to $5\,\text{nm}$ in 2020, which enabled the mass production and commercial success of personal computers.

Computer Science

The methodological discipline that studies the characteristics of information and develops methods, algorithms, and programmes to represent, process, store, transport, and manipulate it automatically.

Computer Engineering

The technological discipline focused on designing and developing electronic and programmable devices, as well as implementing the physical and hardware-level systems that allow running and using them.

Hardware

The physical structure of a computer consisting of electronic and electromechanical components, representing the 'real machine' capable of directly executing machine language instructions.

Software

The set of programmes that enables computer hardware to perform useful tasks, serving as an interface between the user and the physical hardware to act as a 'virtual machine'.

Basic Software

Software such as operating systems (e.g., Windows, Linux, macOS) that presents the hardware to the user as an abstract virtual machine and simplifies hardware programming.

Application Software

User-facing software that interfaces with the basic software to perform specific user tasks intuitively, such as web browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox) and office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Machine Language

The set of low-level instructions and operations that computer hardware can execute directly to carry out all supported functions.

Company Information System

All data and organizational processes related to collecting, storing, processing, and distributing data for operational and control activities within a business.

CAD (Computer Aided Design)

Techniques used in industrial and civil design to create virtual models and specifications of complex products such as digital devices, automobiles, and aeroplanes.

CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing)

Techniques applied during industrial production to control robotic systems that fabricate, assemble, finish, and test products and components.

Embedded Computer Systems

Specialised electronic computing devices programmed to operate autonomously inside larger host systems without user intervention, such as in ABS/ESP vehicle units, smartphones, and household appliances.

Teleworking

An agile or smart working method that enables employees to carry out their occupational duties outside company facilities, either directly from home or in mobile mode.

E-Government

The application of digital technologies in public administration to manage large civil registries and archives while reducing paper usage through online public services, digital tax payments, and certificate issuing.

CBT (Computer Based Training)

Assisted learning technologies used within education and professional training settings to deliver automated instructional material.