Study Guide for Computing Units 1-9

Unit 1: Introduction to Computing

• Lesson 1.1a: What is Computing

  • How computers work: Fetch -> Decode -> Execute -> Store

  • Reasons for creation: Complete large calculations, automate processes

  • Binary number system: Base 2 system, max capacity = (2^bitNum) - 1

• Lesson 1.1b: Binary Practice

  • Conversion between base 10 and binary

• Lesson 1.2: Parts of a Computer

  • Data storage methods: Flash vs. NAND vs. Cloud; SSD vs. HDD

  • Hardware components: CPU, RAM, HDD, SSD, GPU, Motherboard, PSU

• Lesson 1.3: Talking to a Computer

  • Data transfer methods: Network vs. Local, Copy vs. Move, Serial vs. Parallel

  • Interaction methods: Terminal vs. GUI

• Lesson 1.4: Digital Logic

  • Logic gates: AND, OR, NOT

Unit 2/3: Data Management

• Lesson 2.1: Storing Data

  • Byte vs. Bit: 1 bit = 1 digit, 1 byte = 8 bits

  • Compression: Lossy vs. Lossless

• Lesson 2.2: Binary to Display

  • Convert binary to ASCII; RBG explained: 24 bits for colors

  • Hexadecimal number system: Base 16 representation

Unit 3: Networking

• Lesson 3.1: Connecting Computers

  • Networking explanation

  • Difference between modem and router

• Lesson 3.2: How Computers Talk

  • Differences between UDP (unreliable but fast) and TCP (reliable but slower)

• Lesson 3.3: Global Networks

  • Comparison of IPv4 and IPv6

Unit 4: Security in Computers

• Lesson 4.1: Security Basics

  • Definition of cookies

  • File deletion explained

  • Importance of security

• Lesson 4.2: Locking Things Up

  • Data security methods: Encryption, Passwords, Authentication

• Lesson 4.3: Being Safe

  • Common attacks: DDoS, Phishing, etc.

Unit 5/6: Python Programming Basics

• Lesson 6.1: Print in Python

  • Using arithmetic operations and print command

• Lesson 6.2: Input and Variables

  • Combining strings and variable usage

• Lesson 6.3: Types of Variables

  • Differentiating between data types (strings, integers, etc.)

Unit 7: Program Planning

• Lesson 7.1: Flow Charts and Decision Trees

  • Creating and translating flow charts into code

Unit 8: Programming Constructs

• Lesson 8.1: Introduction to Loops

  • Understanding syntax for loops and their use cases

• Lesson 8.3: Nested Loops

  • Impact on performance

Unit 9: Functions and Error Handling

• Lesson 9.1-9.2: Functions

  • Benefits of using functions and their scope

• Lesson 9.3-9.4: Function Parameters

  • Positional and keyword arguments, variable-length arguments

• Lesson 9.5-9.7: Function Testing

  • Error handling and documentation for functions

• Lesson 9.8: Function Refactoring

  • Improving readability and performance of functions

This study guide encompasses all lessons and key concepts covered in Units 1 through 9. Review each lesson thoroughly and ensure you understand the material, as it will aid in your exam preparations.