Introduction to Computing:

DANTES Final Exam Outline 

Each topic will be covered in class. 

 

Computer organization and Hardware (19% - 21%)

 

• Processing components: The CPU handles all of the instructions given by a computer program.

• Primary storage: The smaller part of the memory and stores the program and its data.

• Peripherals: The devices that are plugged into the CPU.

• Architectures: The capabilities and programming model of a computer that doesn’t refer to any implementation in particular.

• Data representation: The methods that are used internally to exemplify the information accumulated in a computer.

• Units of measurement: Bits, bytes, pixels, etc.

 

Systems Software (14% - 16%)

 

• Operating systems: Software that directs computer hardware and software and provides collective services for programs.

• Utilities: A small program that supplements the abilities of the operating system.

• User interfaces: The part of the computer that the user interacts.

 

Application Software (14% - 16%)

 

• Word processing and desktop publishing: Software that directs a text document.

• Spreadsheets: Offers the user a visual display of a simulated multicolumn worksheet.

• Hypertext, multimedia and presentation software: Software used to present information/graphics as a slide show.

• Databases: Database software is mostly used for storing, finding, extracting, and changing the data that it stores.

• Graphics: Raster graphics and vector graphics.

• Software licensing: Relies on a legal instrument to determine how software can be used and redistributed.

 

Communication and Networks (19% - 21%)

 

• World Wide Web: A network of computers that serve web pages.

• Personal communications: Provides user a platform for conventional access to data and applications on different host systems.

• Network access: Remote network access is what you would call accessing the systems and resources of a computer from a remote location.

• Network architectures: The layout of the network.

• Data communications: Digital communications within a computer and across devices.

• Safety and security: Programs exist to combat illegal access from 3rd party attacks.

• Mobile networks: Wireless and is used over areas called cells.

 

Software Development (9% - 11%)

 

• Software life cycle: Requirement gathering and analysis, Design, Implementation or coding, Testing, Deployment, and Maintenance.

• Programming methodology: Language and processes of programming.

• Data types and algorithms: Algorithms control the data contained in data structures as in sorting and searching.

• Program constructs: The basic elements, commands, and statements used in various programming languages.

• Logic concepts: Computability theory, modal logic, and category theory.

• Software development tools: Programs used to develop, maintain, fix, etc.

 

Social Impact and History (19% – 21%)

 

• History: Major developments and important figures.

• Ethical/legal issues: Ethical and legal use of computers and systems.

• Safety and security: Firewalls, viruses, VPNs, etc.

• Careers in Computer Science and Information: Current and future careers options.

• Social issues: Environmental concerns, protecting children, workplace issues, etc.