2. Software
Computer program – tells a computer and its hardware how to perform a task.
Programming – creating a computer program .
Programming language– instructions used to communicate with a computer’s hardware.
Syntax – rules to be followed when dealing with programming language. Ex. C, C ++ and
Java require that each instruction ends with a semicolon.
Instruction set architecture (ISA) – every CPU has its own ISA or set of instructions
Two Parts to Machine Language
1. Operation Code (OpCode) – the first set of binary digits that tell the machine what type
of operation is going to be performed.
2. Operands – the second set of binary digits that tell the machine which operands the
operation should be performed on.
3. Computer Languages
Computers only understand machine language
Types of Machine Language
High –Level – a high level language that is similar to human language ex. C++, Java, Fortran
Assembly language – a low level language that uses symbols (mnemonics).
Machine language – a low level language that uses binary digits.
Source code – a program which contains instructions that were written y following the syntax of the machine language that was used.
Compiler – a program that reads high-level languages and translates them into machine languages.
Object code – the translated code that results from source code being turned into machine code.
Assembler – a program that translates assembly language into machine language.
Algorithm – instructions written in human language that tell a computer what to do in order to complete a task.
Compiling – translating source code into machine language and finding any syntax errors that need to be corrected.
4. Cont.
Steps to Solving a Problem Using Programing Language
1. Identifiy the problem and write a desription of it
2. Write the algorithm for the problem
3. Convert the algorithm into source code
4. Save the source code to a secondary storage
5. Compile/debug the source code
6. Execute the source code
7. Documentation
5. Operating Systems
System software – a group of programs that tell a computer how to carry out certain tasks.
Operating system – the first piece of software installed on every computer. It is loaded into a computers RAM when it is
turned on and stay on the computer when it is turned off.
Operating systems allow the user to communicate with the computer through user interfaces. Ex. Menu-driven interfaces,
command-driven interfaces, graphical user interfaces (GUI) and user option buttons/check boxes.
Utility programs – perform maintenance tasks that relate to hardware devices and software programs.
File management utility programs – backup data and compress files.
Types of operating systems include Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Macintosh OS, Linux OS, UNIX and OS
(all of them have been developed by Microsoft).
Linux is an open-source operating system
All mobile devices require an OS that can be found on a ROM chip inside the devices.
Windows CE embed compact – is used for devices with limited storage, such as games.
Palm OS – is used for blackberries and other PDA’s.
6. Cont.
Network operating systems – the operating system for
a network that resides on a server. It is used to connect
computers/devices to for a LAN.
Unix OS – a multiuser/multi-tasking operating system.
Multi-taking – the ability to perform multiple tasks at
one time.
Multiprocessing – the ability to work on two CPU units
at a single time.
7. Applications
Application software – allows for certain tasks to be done ex. Word processor, spreadsheet, presentations etc.
Compatibility – whether or not a computer meets the requirements in terms of OS and hardware.
Office suite – a bundle of programs that are used often.
Integrated package – a program that contains a word processor, spreadsheet, database tool, presentations etc.
Word processor – a text document program.
Spreadsheet – a table created by intersecting columns and rows.
Presentation – allows the creation of slides.
• Database package (DB) – an organized way to collect data that allows for it to be searched for when needed.
• Field – a collection of multiple characters that has meaning to someone.
• Record (row) – a collection of fields that are related.
• Table – a collection of related records.
8. Cont.
Primary key – allows a user to uniquely identify a record in a table.
Foreign key – a field that matches a field in another table (in the other table it
is considered a PK)
Input masks – allow for certain data to be inserted in its correct format.
Records can be sorted in ascending or descending order, numerically, or
alphabetically.
Web browser – allows people to search for information that is on websites.
Plug-ins – additional software that provide additional functions.
Search engines – search for a specified piece of information.
9. Cont.
Google is considered a crawler-based search engine. This is because it has a “Crawler” that
constantly searches for websites and collects/stores information on them. It also has an indexer that
sorts the information that the crawler finds and a search engine allows individuals to search for
specified information
System – soft and hardware that work together to allow a computer to accomplish a task.
Conferencing – having a meeting from different locations in order to discuss a company’s status or
important matters.
E-mail – electronic mail that allows for messages/files to be sent over the internet.
Cooperative work environment – a group that works together in order to accomplish a common
goal/task.
Computer Supported Work Environment – a cooperative work environment that is supported by a
computer.
Computer-based information system – a series of computers that are used to carry out the necessary
functions of an organization.
10. Cont.
Expert systems – a specialized DSS that is created by collecting knowledge from
experts. It then uses that information to simulate human reasoning and decision making.
Decision support systems (DSS) – gathers information internally and externally in order
to help make decisions.
Geographic information systems (GIS) –collects geographical data that is expressed in
terms of points (express objects), lines (express objects in terms of distance) and
polygons (express two dimensional objects).
Cartography – the act of making a visual representation of data collected by a GIS.
Geo-coding schemes – use X,Y,Z factors (latitude, longitude, and elevation) to specify
the location of certain objects.
Global positioning system (GPS) – has the ability to show ones current location.
Business intelligence systems – collect information, facts and data about a business in
order to help people make better decisions.
11. Cont.
Electronic data interchange (EDI) – the rules that state how business should be conducted over a
network. EDI is done through the use of a value-added network (VAN) and/or a virtual private network
(VPN).
Intranet – an internal network that can only be accessed by those inside of an organization.
Extranet – internal company intranets that allow outside individuals to have limited access to them.
EDU uses FTP, HTTP, Telnet, modems and email to communicate information.
Telnet – a protocol used to connect a client computer and a host computer.
Modems – convert analog signals to digital signals and vise versa.
Enterprise – a large organization.
Enterprise information system – a computing system consisting of computers, software, hardware,
people data and procedures that is used to coordinate all of a business’ information.
12. Cont.
Transaction processing system (TPS) – tracks the data associated
with a business’ day-to-day operations.
Management information systems (MIS) – interacts with data that
helps managers make better decisions.
Enterprise resource plan (ERP) – allows the storage of multiple
departments information in one location .
Supply chain management (SCM) – the management of all of the
different businesses that take place in turning raw materials into a
product and then delivering it to a customer.
Customer relationship management (CRM) – helps to manage all
of a business’ information about its customers. CRM helps
companies provide better customer service and leads to an
increase in customer satisfaction.
13. Networks and the World Wide
Web
People network – when one person talks to another.
Local people network – when two people in the same city communicate with one
another.
Network node – a device that serves as a communication medium.
Node – where to networks meet or intersect.
Network – two or more computers that can send or receive information from one another.
World Wide Web – a group of links that connect to the internet.
Webpage – an electric document that is used to store and display different files.
Website – a collection of webpages
Webmaster – the person who administrates or manages a website.
14. Cont.
Communication protocols – rules that must be followed when communicating over a network or the
internet. Ex. FTP, HTTP, SMTP, IMAP, TCP and IP.
Webserver – a computer that is on the internet where a websites webpages are stored.
HTTP – a protocol that all computers use to communicate when requesting a webpage.
File transfer protocol (FTP) – a set of rules that are to be followed when transferring files from one
computer to another. Uploading – sending a file to another computer. Downloading receiving a file
from another computer.
Internet Protocol (IP) – an address that is unique to every webserver that allows for computers to
locate it on the internet.
Hypertext link – text on a website that when clicked brings the user to a different page.
Hypermedia link – is used to connect an HTML document to a multimedia file.
Web indexing – creates an index for an individual website.
15. Cont.
Transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCIP/IP) – a protocol that is used when
transferring a file between networks.
Simple mail transfer protocol (SMTP) – determines the path that an e-mail will take to reach its
destination.
Internet message access protocol (IMAP) – the protocol that is used when one is trying to
access an email.
Uniform resource locator (URL) – a websites unique address.
4 Parts to a URL
1. Http (lets one know that the file they’re accessing is a webpage)
2. www (third level domain name that lets one know that the website is apart of the world wide
web)
3. Domain name (the name of the website and second level domain name)
4. .com (top level domain name that signifies what type of organization the website is)
16. Technology and Programming
Webserver – the host for a website.
Web technology – any thing technologically related to creating a website or webpage.
Markup languages – are used to create a webpage.
Elements – the basic elements used when building a webpage.
HTML – a markup language that is used to create a webpage.
3 types of tags in HTML: tags containing info., tags without info. (empty tags) and comment tags.
Each HTML element consists of a tag, a attribute of the text and the contents.
(<>) represents an opening tag, (</>) represents a closing tag.
XML – a markup language that is used to create user-defined tags. HTML doesn’t allow for new tags to be created, but
HTML does. XML is focused on the structure of data and not the presentation of it.
XHTML – is a hybrid of XML and HTML.
17. Cont.
Cascading styling sheets (CSS) – a language that
allows formatting and the content of a webpage to be
separated.
Client-side programming languages – makes it easier
to create webpages.
Server-side programming languages – allows
webmasters to deliver scripts to a webpage.
