Intro to Computing – Weeks 1 & 2

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards summarizing key concepts, roles, historical devices and knowledge areas introduced in the first two weeks of Intro to Computing.

Information Technology (IT)

The use of computers, networks, storage and processes to create, process, store, secure and exchange electronic data.

Job Demand in Computing

High and growing need for computing graduates, ensuring strong employment prospects.

Social Aspect of Computing Work

Computing roles involve continual collaboration and communication, contradicting the lone-programmer stereotype.

Mobility in Computing Careers

Global demand allows professionals to work abroad or remotely while travelling.

Innovation in Computing

Computing fields foster creativity and the development of tomorrow’s technologies.

Work Flexibility in IT

Options range from full-time office roles to part-time or contract work that fits diverse lifestyles.

Variety in Computing Work

Tasks span development, design and management, reducing monotony and encouraging diverse skills.

BSIT Program

Degree focused on planning, installing, operating and maintaining IT infrastructure for organizational needs.

CSTA BSIT Program Goal

To produce globally competent, innovative, ethical computing professionals committed to life-long learning.

IT in Transportation

Sector needs software, AI and data experts for self-driving tech, logistics and safety systems.

IT in Education

Ed-tech growth drives demand for web developers, implementation analysts and systems analysts.

IT in Healthcare

Tech professionals develop informatics tools and interfaces supporting medical research and care.

IT in Retail

E-commerce and digital in-store experiences require analytics managers and mobile experience developers.

Media & Entertainment IT

5G and new tech create roles for web, app and audiovisual developers and data analysts.

Finance & Insurance IT

Industry relies on IT for secure data management; roles include analysts, architects and administrators.

Manufacturing IT

Factories need IT managers to install, secure and optimize technology systems for production.

Telecommunications IT

Sector employs specialists in data centers, IT direction, tech support and information security.

Computer & Information Research Scientist

Professional who invents new computing methods and improves existing technology.

Computer Network Architect

Designs and maintains complex LAN, WAN and intranet data networks.

Computer-Control Programmer/Operator

Uses CNC machines (laser, milling, EDM, etc.) to fabricate precision products.

Computer Programmer

Writes code that instructs software to process data and perform tasks.

Computer & Information Systems Manager

Oversees an organization’s technology operations and strategy; also called IT manager.

Computer Scientist

Researcher/theorist working on algorithms, hardware, or programming-language design.

Computer Teacher

Educator who trains students in computer science and technology subjects.

Computer Technician

Installs, repairs and maintains computer hardware and related equipment.

Computer Hardware Engineer

Designs and optimizes physical computer components and systems.

Computer Operator

Runs and monitors computer hardware systems, troubleshooting issues during operation.

Computer Software Engineer

Develops software applications such as games, OSs and web tools.

Computer Support Specialist

Provides technical help and troubleshooting to computer users; includes help-desk roles.

Computer Systems Analyst

Evaluates and designs computer systems to meet organizational needs.

Database Administrator (DBA)

Stores, organizes and secures electronic data, ensuring efficient database performance.

Information Security Analyst

Develops measures to protect networks and data from cyber threats and breaches.

Application Software Developer

Creates programs for PCs, mobile devices or SaaS platforms.

Systems Software Developer

Builds underlying platforms like operating systems and game engines.

Systems Administrator

Maintains an organization’s servers and networks, minimizing downtime.

Web Developer

Uses HTML, CSS, JavaScript and other languages to build websites and web apps.

Game Developer

Turns game designers’ concepts into playable software products.

UI/UX Designer

Designs user interfaces and experiences, producing wireframes and graphic elements.

Graphic Designer

Creates visual communications that convey messages aesthetically and effectively.

Computer Science Theory

Mathematical study of computation limits, algorithms, cryptography and machine learning.

Hardware (Computing Domain)

Engineering field focused on circuits, chips and overall computer architecture.

Networking (Computing Domain)

Studies device interconnection, protocols, resource sharing and data transmission efficiency.

Graphics (Computing Domain)

Covers computer-generated imagery and data visualization techniques.

Programming Languages (Domain)

Focuses on language design for optimization, functionality and developer productivity.

Software Engineering (Domain)

Practical discipline of designing and implementing large-scale, reliable software.

System Programming

Building resource-intensive software such as OSs, databases and distributed systems.

Information Technology (Domain)

Applied use of computing systems to meet organizational information needs.

Computer Engineering (Discipline)

Designs computer hardware, microchips and instruction sets at the component level.

Computer Science (Discipline)

Studies algorithms, architecture and software to solve computational problems.

Information Systems (Discipline)

Applies computing to business problems; emphasizes systems analysis and management.

Information Technology (Discipline)

Hands-on study of hardware, networks, web and security within organizations.

Software Engineering (Discipline)

Systematic development of reliable, scalable, user-friendly software products.

IT Fundamentals

Introductory knowledge of computer concepts, word processing and software applications.

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

Designing interactive systems centered on user requirements and usability testing.

Information Assurance & Security

Foundations of protecting information through risk assessment, compliance and human factors.

Information Management

Database design, SQL and data modeling for efficient information storage.

Integrative Programming & Technologies

Combines disparate systems using APIs, scripting and architectures for secure integration.

Math & Statistics for IT

Discrete math foundations: logic, sets, counting, and digital systems relevant to CS.

Networking (Knowledge Area)

Detailed study of network models, technologies, distributed computing and security issues.

Platform Technologies

Hardware/software basics: CPU architecture, OS modules, I/O devices and multi-user systems.

Programming Fundamentals

Core principles of problem-solving and logic formulation in coding.

System Administration & Maintenance

Deployment and upkeep of computer systems, including user account management.

System Integration & Architecture

Strategies for combining software/hardware into cohesive, effective systems.

Social & Professional Issues (IT)

Ethics, cyber-law, privacy, intellectual property and professional conduct in computing.

Web Systems & Technologies

Tools and principles for developing and managing web applications.

Computer (General Definition)

Programmable device capable of performing arithmetic or logical operations automatically.

Abacus

Ancient Chinese counting frame for manual arithmetic; users called abacists.

Napier’s Bones

17th-century ivory sticks using logarithms to simplify multiplication.

Oughtred’s Slide Rule

Manual device of logarithmic rulers used for quick multiplication and division.

Leibniz’s Stepped Reckoner

1694 calculator performing addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and square roots.

Babbage’s Difference Engine

1822 design automating polynomial root calculations for naval navigation tables.

Babbage’s Analytical Engine

19th-century programmable computer concept using punched operation and variable cards.

Hollerith’s Tabulating Machine

1890 punched-card system that processed census data; forerunner of IBM.

Jacquard Loom

1801 textile loom controlled by punched card chains to weave complex patterns.

Arithmometer

First commercially successful mechanical calculator (1820) capable of long multiplication.

Comptometer

1887 key-driven mechanical calculator renowned for speed and simultaneous key entry.

Colossus Computer

1943 British programmable electronic computer used to break Lorenz cipher.

Harvard Mark I

1944 electromechanical Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator, a general-purpose computer.

ENIAC

1946 vacuum-tube Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer, thousand-fold faster than predecessors.

EDVAC

Binary, stored-program successor to ENIAC proposed by John von Neumann (1949).

EDSAC

1949 Cambridge computer using delay-line memory; one of the first stored-program machines.

Atanasoff–Berry Computer

1939-42 electronic device solving linear equations; acknowledged as first electronic computer.

UNIVAC I

1951 first U.S. commercial computer, developed by Eckert and Mauchly.

Ada Lovelace

19th-century mathematician who wrote the first algorithm for Babbage’s Analytical Engine.

Charles Babbage

English inventor hailed as the father of the programmable computer.

First-Generation Computers

Vacuum-tube machines (≈1940s-1950s) characterized by large size and high power use.

Second-Generation Computers

Transistor-based systems (≈1950s-1960s) offering smaller size and greater reliability.

Third-Generation Computers

Integrated-circuit computers (≈1960s-1970s) enhancing processing speed and storage.

Fourth-Generation Computers

Present-day microprocessor machines featuring VLSI chips and ubiquitous personal devices.