Exercises 2

What is a computer?

A programmable, electronic device that accepts

input data operates on the data itself 'Processing", and

Stores data "Storage" or results "output' according to the requirement. Thus these

are a computer’s basic operations.

What is computer science?

is the study of problems and solutions concerning computers, software, hardware, and
algorithms.

What is the difference between data and information?

Data can be referred to as unorganized data composed of text, observations, images, symbols,
and descriptions. In other words, data does not provide any specific function and does not
make any sense itself whereas Information refers to processed, organized, and structured data.
It gives context for the facts and it aids in decision making. In other words, information is
processed data that makes sense to us.

Mention 3 computer science fields

Computer forensics

Cloud Computing

Robotics

Define informatics, and then name five of its applied fields.

It means the implementation of methodologies related to computer and information sciences

into other scientific disciplines, such as:

Bioinformatics

Biomedical Informatics

Nursing informatics

Public health informatics

Clinical informatics
Describe how different kinds of computers compare.

Supercomputers

Features:

Massive processing power: a quadrillion calculations per second.

Performing parallel processing using thousands or millions of processors.

Enough storage to hold large datasets.

Often tailor-made for specific applications.

Applications

Climate studies, like weather forecasts.

Genetic Sequencing and Simulation of Protein Folding.

Nuclear modeling/simulation.

AI research.

Mainframes

Characteristics:

High scalability, supporting thousands of users and applications.

Centralized processing for mission-critical operations.

Safety and high reliability.

Backward compatibility by execution of older software.

Applications:

All financial transactions and bank operations.

Insurance claims processing.

Government databases and censuses.

Airlines' reservation systems.

Minicomputers Midrange Servers

Traits:

Moderate power, appropriate for serving several users or for minor tasks.

Multi-user system for departmental applications.

Cost-effective for small to medium-sized businesses.

Multiuse: databases, hosting websites, and many other services.

Applications:

Scientific labs and research institutions.

Small business server systems.

Departmental servers in large organizations.

Workstations

Traits:

High-performance components: strong CPU, strong GPU, large-size RAM.

Optimized the graphics for 3D rendering and visual effects.

Ability to multi-task on complex tasks.

Expandability with additional memory or with special hardware.

Applications

Computer-aided design (CAD).

Animation and video editing.

Scientific Visualization, Simulations, Data Analysis by:

Microcomputers (Personal Computers)

Characteristics:

- Affordable and available for personal or business use.

Types come in different varieties: desktops, laptops, and tablets.

Designed for a single user, primarily, but also workable as small servers.

Portable version to include laptops and tablets.

Applications:

Office work: word processor, spreadsheet.

Media consumption (movies, music).

Gaming, browsing the Internet, communicating.

Embedded computers

Traits:

Task-specific for controlling processes.

Real-time operation with accurate timing.

Highly reliable and power-efficient, with very low power consumption.

Integrated in hardware and often invisible to users.

Applications:

Automotive systems include engine control units.

Consumer electronics: microwave ovens, smart TVs.

Medical Devices: Pacemakers, MRI Machines.

Industrial machinery and robotics.

Servers

Characteristics:

Dedicated to perform either file storage, application hosting, database management, etc.

Continuous function: minimization of losses.

Scalability from small to enterprise levels.

This provides remote access to users on the same network or over the internet.

Applications:

Web hosting (serving websites).

Database maintenance, Enterprise Resource Planning systems.

File storage and sharing (cloud storage systems).

E-mail Hosting.

Quantum Computers

Characteristics:

Qubits, quantum bits, are capable of existing in multiple states at once.

Large-scale parallelism to process a lot of possibilities simultaneously.

Cryogenic cooling to sustain quantum states.

High error rates requiring heavy error correction.

Applications:

Cryptography: factoring large numbers, breaking encryption.

Complex simulations: molecular biology, materials science.

Optimization problems: logistics and supply chains.

AI and machine learning development.

Discussion: Describe the process of booting of an operating system in your pc.

1. The BIOS and Setup Program

First, I turn it on. The BIOS-that's Basic Input/Output System, stored in ROM, or Read-Only
Memory-kicks in. It is part of the system software comprising instructions which the computer
uses to accept input and display output.

2. The Power-On-Self-Test (POST)

Then, BIOS starts the Power-On Self-Test. That's kinda like a little health check that my
computer performs, checking everything from RAM to the input/output devices is fine. If there
is a problem it encounters, it will make some beeping sound, and the error message will appear
on the monitor.

3. Master Boot Record (MBR)

Then BIOS needs to execute POST, then read the MBR, which is a small amount of information
in the first sector of the hard or removable drive. The MBR shows the address of my OS so that
BIOS should load OS to RAM. It is like a GPS showing the address of your OS. 4. The Operating
System is Loaded BIOS searches for the OS. Where this is looking is informed by the settings in
its CMOS chip. When found, it loads the OS kernel into memory and turns over to the OS which
begins to load in the system configuration. 5. System Configuration the OS begins to boot up
the computer system. Access the registry, which holds a database of every piece of information
for both peripherals and software, and load the correct drivers-these are utility programs which
allow peripheral devices to work correctly. 6. System Utilities Load It then loaded into memory
such system utilities as volume control, anti-virus, and other functioning software currently in
daily use. 7. Users' Authentication At last, it is time for user authentication. I type in my
username and password, and voil, the user interface boots up, and I can now use my computer
and start working.