Introduction to Computer Science and Engineering

Flashcards reviewing key concepts from Lecture 01: Introduction to CSE, including computing types, engineering applications, software classification, DIKW hierarchy, AI subfields, and computational paradigms.

What course and institution details are presented in Lecture 01?

Lecture 01 covers Introduction to CSE, led by Dr. Latharani T R, Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology at M. S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences.

How is computing defined in the lecture?

Computing is the use of computational processes to solve problems, process information, and perform useful tasks.

What basic operational sequence defines how a computer functions?

Input $\rightarrow$ Processes $\rightarrow$ Stores $\rightarrow$ Output

What is the formal definition of a computer given in the notes?

A computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw data as an input, processes it at incredibly high speeds using a set of programmed instructions, and produces a useful output or stores the results for later use.

How are desktop computers distinguished from laptops?

Desktop computers are designed for regular use at a single location offering high performance, extensive storage, and easy upgradeability, whereas laptops integrate desktop components into a compact, portable form for mobile use.

What is the primary role of servers in a computer network?

Servers are powerful computers designed to manage network resources and provide services to other computers in a network, playing a critical role in web hosting, data storage, and running enterprise applications.

What are mainframes and what are they primarily used for?

Mainframes are large, powerful systems used primarily by large organizations for critical applications, bulk data processing, and large-scale transaction processing due to their high reliability, availability, and security.

What are supercomputers and in which fields are they employed?

Supercomputers are the most powerful type of computing devices used for complex simulations and tasks requiring immense computational power, such as climate research, quantum mechanics, and molecular modeling.

What is an embedded system?

An embedded system is a specialized computing system that forms part of a larger device to perform dedicated functions, such as in household appliances, industrial machines, automotive controls, and medical devices.

What are Internet of Things (IoT) devices?

IoT devices are interconnected physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies that collect and exchange data over the internet with other devices and systems.

According to Cisco IBSG (2011), in what year did the number of connected devices per person first exceed $1.0$?

In $2008$, when the ratio reached $1.84$ connected devices per person.

How does CSE interface with Mechanical Engineering?

CSE interfaces with Mechanical Engineering through mechanics for virtual prototyping, finite element analysis (FEA), and stress analysis.

What key CSE application is highlighted for Civil Engineering?

Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, which integrates 3D architectural design data, clash detection, and construction plan data.

What is Bioinformatics and what role does CSE play in it?

Bioinformatics combines computers and biology to store, compare, and analyze human DNA sequences. CSE provides the algorithms, data processing, databases, and AI to search massive genetic datasets rapidly.

How is AI used in Computational Medicine?

AI models are trained on thousands or millions of medical images (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs) to detect suspicious regions indicating tumors or disease, serving as an assistant to doctors while healthcare professionals make final decisions.

What is in silico drug discovery?

In silico drug discovery uses computer simulations, machine learning, and algorithms to predict how different molecules interact with disease-related proteins, identifying promising compounds prior to physical laboratory testing.

How do modern bionic prosthetics utilize computer engineering?

They detect electrical signals directly from a person's nerves or muscles and use an embedded controller to translate those signals into movement of the artificial robotic limb.

What are the three key pillars of computing identified in the lecture?

Algorithms (step-by-step procedures), Data Storage (retaining information), and Data Manipulation (transforming, analyzing, and visualizing data).

How is Computer Science defined in contrast to simple coding?

Computer Science is the study of computation and how computational systems can be designed to solve problems.

What core disciplines are combined in Computer Science Engineering (CSE)?

CSE combines concepts from Computer Science, Electronics, Hardware, and Software.

What is the primary operational difference between System Software and Application Software?

System Software directly operates and manages computer hardware to make the computer work, whereas Application Software runs on top of system software to help end-users perform specific tasks.

What are the main functions of an Operating System (OS)?

An Operating System manages a computer's hardware resources (CPU, memory, storage, input/output devices) and provides an interface for users to interact with the system.

What is the purpose of language processors like compilers and interpreters?

They convert programs written in high-level programming languages (e.g., C, C++, Java, Python) into machine-understandable instructions ($1$s and $0$s).

What is Utility Software and what are common examples?

Utility Software is designed to maintain, protect, analyze, and optimize a computer system. Examples include Antivirus software, Disk Cleanup, Backup Tools, and Disk Repair utilities.

How are Data, Information, and Knowledge defined using the student height example?

Data consists of raw facts without context ($154$, $160$, $156$). Information is processed data with context (heights of three students in cm). Knowledge is insight applied meaningfully (knowing $160\text{ cm}$ is the largest value means that student is the tallest).

What concept hierarchy is depicted in this concentric diagram?

The AI Hierarchy diagram, showing Artificial Intelligence as the outer domain, Machine Learning as a subset of AI, Deep Learning as a neural network subset of ML, and Generative AI as a subset of DL that creates content.

How is Machine Learning (ML) defined within the AI hierarchy?

Machine Learning is a subset of AI that uses advanced algorithms to detect patterns in large datasets, allowing machines to learn and adapt using supervised or unsupervised methods without being explicitly programmed.

What characterizes Deep Learning (DL) compared to general Machine Learning?

Deep Learning is a subset of ML that leverages multiple layers of artificial neural networks to extract high-level features from raw input data, simulating human brain perception.

How does Generative AI differ from Traditional AI?

While Traditional AI analyzes, classifies, or predicts based on existing data, Generative AI is a subset of DL that creates brand-new synthetic content (text, images, code, audio) by learning underlying patterns from massive datasets.

What is synthetic data in Generative AI and why is it used?

Synthetic data is artificially created data that looks like real data and follows similar statistical patterns. It is used to increase training data volume, protect privacy, simulate rare situations, and test AI models safely.

What is Green Computing?

Green Computing involves designing, manufacturing, and using computing resources efficiently to minimize electronic environmental impact and power waste.

How do Parallel Computing and Distributed Computing differ?

Parallel Computing breaks down calculations so multiple processors or CPU cores execute operations at the exact same time within a system, whereas Distributed Computing links multiple physically separate computers or data farms over a network to solve a shared problem.

What is Supercomputing?

Supercomputing utilizes specialized high-performance architectures to process massive scientific simulations at ultra-high speeds using immense computational power.

What is the origin and meaning behind the name of India's supercomputer 'PARAM 8000'?

PARAM is a portmanteau of the Sanskrit word for 'Supreme' and the technical term 'PARAllel Machine'.

What primary engineering problem was the QWERTY keyboard layout designed to solve?

It separated frequently used pairs of letters to prevent mechanical type-bars from jamming together on mechanical typewriters.