100 Important Notes on Computers
- Definition of a Computer: An electronic device that processes input data to produce output based on programmed instructions.
- Basic Components: Comprises hardware (physical parts) and software (programs and operating systems).
- CPU: Central Processing Unit, the "brain" that executes program instructions.
- RAM: Random Access Memory, temporary storage for data actively used by the CPU.
- ROM: Read-Only Memory, stores permanent instructions like firmware.
- Storage Types: Primary (RAM, ROM) is fast and temporary; secondary (HDD, SSD) is slower and permanent.
- Hard Disk Drive (HDD): Stores data magnetically on spinning disks.
- Solid State Drive (SSD): Uses flash memory, faster than HDD, no moving parts.
- Motherboard: Main circuit board connecting all computer components.
- Operating System (OS): Manages hardware and software resources (e.g., Windows, Linux, macOS).
- Binary System: Uses 0s and 1s to represent data.
- Bits and Bytes: A bit is a single 0 or 1; a byte equals 8 bits.
- Input Devices: Keyboards, mice, and scanners send data to the computer.
- Output Devices: Monitors, printers, and speakers display or produce results.
- GPU: Graphics Processing Unit handles visual output and graphics computations.
- Software Types: System software (OS, drivers) and application software (games, editors).
- Programming Languages: Python, Java, C++ used to create software.
- Algorithm: Step-by-step procedure to solve problems or perform tasks.
- Data Structures: Organize data (e.g., arrays, lists, trees) for efficient processing.
- Cache Memory: Fast memory near the CPU for frequently accessed data.
- OS Functions: Manages processes, memory, files, and peripherals.
- File System: Organizes data on drives (e.g., NTFS, FAT32, ext4).
- Cloud Computing: Delivers computing services over the internet.
- Internet: Global network using protocols like TCP/IP.
- IP Address: Unique identifier for devices on a network (e.g., 192.168.0.1).
- DNS: Domain Name System translates domain names to IP addresses.
- LAN: Local Area Network connects devices in a small area.
- WAN: Wide Area Network spans large distances, like the internet.
- Router: Directs data traffic between networks.
- Firewall: Monitors and controls network traffic for security.
- Malware: Malicious software like viruses, worms, or ransomware.
- Antivirus Software: Detects and removes malware threats.
- Encryption: Secures data by converting it into an unreadable format.
- Database: Organized data collection, accessed electronically.
- SQL: Structured Query Language for database management.
- Virtual Machine: Emulates a physical computer via software.
- Compiler: Converts high-level code to machine code.
- Interpreter: Executes code line-by-line without compilation.
- API: Application Programming Interface enables software communication.
- GUI: Graphical User Interface uses visuals for interaction.
- CLI: Command Line Interface uses text-based commands.
- Multitasking: OS runs multiple programs simultaneously.
- Multithreading: Multiple threads run within a single process.
- Cache Coherence: Ensures data consistency across caches.
- Virtual Memory: Uses storage to simulate additional RAM.
- BIOS: Basic Input/Output System initializes hardware at startup.
- UEFI: Modern replacement for BIOS, extensible firmware interface.
- Overclocking: Boosts CPU/GPU speed beyond factory settings.
- Heat Sink: Dissipates heat from components to prevent overheating.
- Kernel: Core of the OS, managing system resources.
- Process: A program in execution, managed by the OS.
- Thread: Subunit of a process for parallel execution.
- Deadlock: Processes block each other, halting progress.
- Interrupt: Signal to CPU to prioritize a task.
- Clock Speed: CPU instruction execution frequency (e.g., 3.5 GHz).
- Moore’s Law: Transistor count doubles roughly every two years.
- Quantum Computing: Uses quantum mechanics for advanced computation.
- ASCII: Encodes characters as numbers for data exchange.
- Unicode: Standard for encoding text across languages.
- Bus: Transfers data between computer components.
- Bandwidth: Maximum data transfer rate of a connection.
- Latency: Time delay in data transmission or processing.
- Packet: Unit of data sent over a network.
- Protocol: Rules for data exchange (e.g., HTTP, FTP).
- HTML: Structures content on the web.
- CSS: Controls visual appearance of web pages.
- JavaScript: Enables interactive web content.
- URL: Specifies the address of a web resource.
- HTTP: Governs web data communication.
- HTTPS: Secure HTTP using SSL/TLS encryption.
- VPN: Secures connections by masking IP addresses.
- Phishing: Cyberattack tricking users for sensitive data.
- Two-Factor Authentication: Uses two verification methods for security.
- Backup: Copies data to prevent loss.
- Cloud Storage: Stores data on remote servers via the internet.
- Big Data: Large datasets requiring advanced processing.
- Machine Learning: AI subset where systems learn from data.
- Artificial Intelligence: Simulates human intelligence for tasks.
- Neural Network: Computing model for machine learning, inspired by the brain.
- IoT: Connects devices to the internet for data exchange.
- Blockchain: Decentralized ledger for secure transactions.
- Cryptocurrency: Digital currency using cryptography (e.g., Bitcoin).
- Augmented Reality (AR): Overlays digital info on the real world.
- Virtual Reality (VR): Immersive virtual environment simulation.
- Driver: Software enabling OS-hardware communication.
- Firmware: Embedded software in hardware devices.
- Overheating: Excessive heat can damage components.
- UPS: Uninterruptible Power Supply for backup power.
- RAID: Enhances storage reliability and performance.
- Parallel Processing: Divides tasks across processors for speed.
- Distributed Computing: Multiple computers solve problems together.
- Debugging: Identifying and fixing code errors.
- Version Control: Manages code/file changes (e.g., Git).
- Open Source Software: Freely accessible source code (e.g., Linux).
- Proprietary Software: Restricted source code (e.g., Microsoft Office).
- Cybersecurity: Protects systems from digital threats.
- Data Compression: Reduces file size for storage/transmission.
- Resolution: Number of pixels in a display (e.g., 1920x1080).
- Refresh Rate: Frequency of display image updates (e.g., 60Hz).
Posted on June 9, 2025
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