AP Computer Science Principles - Unit 1 Notes

AP Computer Science Principles Notes

Hardware Interaction

  • CPU communicates directly with Main Memory.

  • CPU does NOT communicate directly with Secondary Memory.

  • Data accessed from Secondary Memory is stored in RAM (Random Access Memory - a type of Main Memory) then sent to the CPU.

Definition of a Computer

  • A computer is anything that takes action on input (or information or data).

  • Examples of data noted.

When Computers Were Human

  • Historical Context: Discussion of when "computers" were actual people, especially women, performing complex calculations.

  • IBM and NASA's use of human computers, such as Katherine Johnson, during the Space Race.

Ada Lovelace

  • English mathematician and countess, daughter of poet Lord Byron

  • Wrote about the Analytical Engine (by Charles Babbage).

  • Suggested Charles Babbage use the binary number system for his Analytical Engine.

  • Analytical Engine was never completed.

  • Ada Lovelace is now recognized as the first computer programmer.

Communicating with Computers

  • Simplest form of data for computers is binary (0s and 1s).

Turing Machine

  • Alan Turing: Mathematician who defined a machine that could do anything within the limits of math.

  • Any math operation could be represented as simple instructions or actions = a program.

  • Cracked the Enigma Code in WWII with Polish mathematicians.

  • Turing Test.

  • Father of AI.

Semiconductor

  • All modern computers are fundamentally the same as the Turing machine in its capabilities.

  • Electronic computers use electric currents instead of paper holes.

  • Semiconductors are great for turning currents on and off.

Modern Computer Components

  • CPU

  • RAM

  • Storage

  • Motherboard

  • GPU

Additional Security Measures

  • Having a password is not enough.

  • Need login ID and Password.

  • Other ways to keep an account secure.

Multifactor Authentication

Password Generator in UTeach / Codio

  • As a group, read through:

    • Launch

    • Assignment

    • Rubric

Codio Assignments

  • Unit 0 - Getting Started in UTeach CSP

  • Unit 1 - read

    • Unit 1 Overview

    • 1.0 Vocabulary - do as you progress through the unit

    • 1.1.1

    • 1.1.2

  • Password Generator Algorithm - 1st Draft

    • Submit on Canvas Assignments (due 8/29/24 at 11:59 pm).