Computer Basics Study Notes

Introduction to Computers

Definition: A computer is an electronic device that can:
- Accept data: referred to as input.
- Manipulate data: referred to as processing.
- Produce information: referred to as output.
- Store results for future use: referred to as storage.
System Explanation: Generally, the term "computer" describes a collection of devices functioning together as a cohesive system.

Types of Devices:
- Output Devices:
- Printer
- Monitor
- Speaker
- Input Devices:
- Scanner
- Mouse
- Keyboard
- System Unit:
- Contains the processor and memory.
- Storage Devices:
- Examples include CD-RW, Floppy, Hard Disk, Zip Drive.

Data:
- Defined as a collection of raw facts, figures, and symbols, examples include numbers, words, images, videos, and sounds.
- Input phase: data is provided to the computer.
Information:
- Defined as organized, meaningful, and useful data.
- Output phase: information is presented in forms such as printed reports or stored for future use.

Computer Programs/Software:
- Detailed lists of instructions given to the computer.
- A specific job requires its corresponding program to be stored in memory before processing.
- The computer executes program instructions sequentially once stored in memory.

Components:
- Input Devices
- Central Processing Unit (CPU), which consists of:
- Control Unit
- Arithmetic/Logic Unit
- Memory
- Output Devices
- Storage Devices

Functionality:
- Contains electronic circuits that enable processing.
- Interprets instructions to the computer and performs logical and arithmetic operations.
- Often referred to as the "brain" of the computer.

Types of Memory:
- RAM (Random Access Memory):
- Temporary memory, referred to as main memory.
- Consists of electronic components storing data like numbers, letters, graphics, and sound.
- Data in RAM is lost when the computer is turned off.
- ROM (Read Only Memory):
- Permanent memory etched on a chip, containing start-up instructions for the computer.

Storage Mechanism:
- Information stored through switches (on-off switches similar to light switches but much smaller and electronic).
- Data is encoded in binary format.
Binary System:
- Binary digits (0 and 1) are referred to as bits.
- With 1 bit, two options can be encoded (true or false).
Encoding with Multiple Bits:
- 2 bits encode $2^2 = 4$ options.
- 3 bits encode $2^3 = 8$ options.
- 4 bits encode $2^4 = 16$ options.
- And so on…

Importance:
- Software is key to productive use of computers.
Types of Software:
- Operating System Software:
- Directs the computer on how to perform functions such as loading, storing, and executing applications and transferring data.
- Modern operating systems typically include a Graphical User Interface (GUI) with icons for user assistance.
- Examples of Operating Systems:
- Windows
- MAC
- Linux
- Application Software:
- Programs that instruct the computer on how to produce specific information.
- Common packages include:
  - Word Processing
  - Electronic Spreadsheet
  - Database
  - Presentation Graphics

Task: Find names of famous computer scientists in the word search grid (spaces, accents, and hyphens not included).
Names include:
- ADA LOVELACE
- ANITA BORG
- BARBARA LISKOV
- DANA ULERY
- DOROTHY DENNING
- FRAN ALLEN
- GRACE HOPPER
- JEANNETTE WING
- KAREN SPARCK-JONES
- MARISSA MAYER

Task: Convert the binary word 000 to 100 in 7 steps or less, changing only one bit at each step.

Puzzle Rules:
1. Areas marked by darker lines must contain numbers from 1 up to the number of squares within that area, without repeats.
2. No identical number may be adjacent in any direction (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally).