Ultimate Guide: Computer Science (HL)

System Fundamentals

Essential concepts for learning the basics of computer science related to how software and hardware interact.

Software and Hardware Interaction

Understanding how software informs and relies on hardware components to function within a computer system.

Planning and System Installation

The process of designing and preparing systems based on needs and requirements.

Local Software

Software installed on a specific computer or group of computers with physical access.

Remote Software

Software accessed via the internet through browsers or local applications.

SaaS (Software as a Service)

A software distribution model that allows users to access applications over the internet.

AWS (Amazon Web Services)

A comprehensive cloud platform offering computing power, storage, and various services.

Data Format Issues

Problems arising when data stored in one format is incompatible with another system.

Phased Conversion

A method of system installation where new features are introduced gradually.

Data Migration Problems

Challenges encountered when transferring data between computing environments.

Testing Types

Different processes to evaluate software effectiveness, performance, and security.

User Documentation

Documentation that helps users understand how to use software features effectively.

User Training

The process of instructing users on how to effectively operate a new software system.

Data Loss

The condition when data is unrecoverable due to various reasons, including hardware failure or software corruption.

Backup

A method to create copies of data for recovery in case of data loss.

Release Management

Planning and controlling software release to production environments.

Continuous Delivery

A software development practice where code changes are automatically prepared for a release.

DevOps

A collaborative culture between software development and IT operations aimed at shorter development cycles.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The primary component of a computer that performs most processing inside the computer.

Control Unit (CU)

The part of the CPU that directs operations, manages data flow, and loads commands.

ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)

The component of the CPU responsible for performing arithmetic and logical operations.

MAR (Memory Address Register)

A register that holds the address of the memory location from which data will be fetched.

MDR (Memory Data Register)

A register that holds data read from or written to memory.

Buses

Connecting wires that link the CPU to other components, allowing communication.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Volatile memory that temporarily stores data and instructions for processing.

ROM (Read-Only Memory)

Non-volatile memory that permanently stores essential system instructions.

Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle

The process the CPU follows to execute instructions from memory.

Primary Memory

The main memory that stores data currently being used by the CPU.

Operating System Functions

The core functions performed by the OS, such as managing resources and providing interfaces.

User Interface (UI)

The means by which users interact with a computer system or application.

Memory Management

The functionality of the operating system that handles allocation and deallocation of memory.

Multitasking

The ability of an operating system to execute multiple tasks concurrently.

Virtual Memory

An OS technique that uses disk space to simulate additional RAM.

Feedback in Control Systems

The mechanism for monitoring outputs and adjusting inputs in control systems.

Autonomous Agents

Software entities that can act independently and make decisions in distributed systems.

Ethical Implications of AI

The moral considerations involved in the deployment and use of artificial intelligence.

Cloud Computing Models

Three main models: IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, defining how resources are delivered over the internet.

Database Normalization

The process of organizing data to reduce redundancy and improve integrity.

SQL (Structured Query Language)

The standard language used for managing relational databases.

Distributed Databases

Databases that are distributed across multiple locations for reliability and scalability.

Data Encryption

The process of transforming data into a secure format to prevent unauthorized access.

Data Collection Tools

Software and methods used to gather data from various sources.

E-commerce Models

Different ways businesses can operate online, including B2C, B2B, and C2C.

Web Hosting Types

Various hosting options for websites, including shared, VPS, and dedicated.

Web Service Standards

Protocols and frameworks for enabling communication between software applications.

Machine Learning Applications

Various fields where machine learning is applied, affecting decision-making processes.

Digital Divide

The gap between those who have easy access to digital technology and those who do not.

Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity

Using AI to enhance protection against cyber threats and attacks.

Usability Testing

The process of assessing a product by testing it with real users.

Data Visualization Tools

Software used for creating visual representations of data.

Responsive Web Design

An approach to web design that makes web pages render well on various devices.

Graph Databases

A type of NoSQL database that uses graph structures with nodes, edges, and properties.

Web Science

The interdisciplinary study of the web's impact on society, technology, and human behavior.

User Experience (UX) Design

The process of enhancing user satisfaction by improving the usability and accessibility of a product.

Client-Server Model

A computer architecture where client devices request resources from a centralized server.

Web Protocols

Standards that define how data is transmitted over the web.

Web Application Technology

Technologies used to create web applications, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Social Media Impact

The influence of social media platforms on communication, business, and social interactions.

Neural Networks

Computing systems inspired by the biological neural networks in human brains, used for machine learning.

Genetic Algorithms

Optimization techniques based on the principles of natural selection.

Big Data Characteristics

Key features of big data described by volume, velocity, variety, veracity, and value.

IoT (Internet of Things)

A network of connected devices that communicate and exchange data.

Digital Rights and Privacy

Issues surrounding the protection of personal information in the digital space.

Device Communication Methods

Various techniques and protocols for devices to communicate in a network.

Modeling and Simulation

Creating representations of systems to analyze performance and predict behavior.

Cloud Services

Services hosted on the internet covering infrastructure, platforms, and software.