Computer and Information Technology
Introduction to Computing:
DANTES Final Exam Outline
Each topic will be covered in class.
Computer organization and Hardware (19% - 21%)
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Processing components: The CPU handles all of the instructions given by a computer program.
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Primary storage: The smaller part of the memory and stores the program and its data.
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Peripherals: The devices that are plugged into the CPU.
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Architectures: The capabilities and programming model of a computer that doesn’t refer to any implementation in particular.
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Data representation: The methods that are used internally to exemplify the information accumulated in a computer.
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Units of measurement: Bits, bytes, pixels, etc.
Systems Software (14% - 16%)
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Operating systems: Software that directs computer hardware and software and provides collective services for programs.
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Utilities: A small program that supplements the abilities of the operating system.
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User interfaces: The part of the computer that the user interacts.
Application Software (14% - 16%)
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Word processing and desktop publishing: Software that directs a text document.
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Spreadsheets: Offers the user a visual display of a simulated multicolumn worksheet.
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Hypertext, multimedia and presentation software: Software used to present information/graphics as a slide show.
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Databases: Database software is mostly used for storing, finding, extracting, and changing the data that it stores.
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Graphics: Raster graphics and vector graphics.
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Software licensing: Relies on a legal instrument to determine how software can be used and redistributed.
Communication and Networks (19% - 21%)
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World Wide Web: A network of computers that serve web pages.
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Personal communications: Provides user a platform for conventional access to data and applications on different host systems.
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Network access: Remote network access is what you would call accessing the systems and resources of a computer from a remote location.
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Network architectures: The layout of the network.
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Data communications: Digital communications within a computer and across devices.
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Safety and security: Programs exist to combat illegal access from 3rd party attacks.
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Mobile networks: Wireless and is used over areas called cells.
Software Development (9% - 11%)
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Software life cycle: Requirement gathering and analysis, Design, Implementation or coding, Testing, Deployment, and Maintenance.
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Programming methodology: Language and processes of programming.
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Data types and algorithms: Algorithms control the data contained in data structures as in sorting and searching.
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Program constructs: The basic elements, commands, and statements used in various programming languages.
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Logic concepts: Computability theory, modal logic, and category theory.
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Software development tools: Programs used to develop, maintain, fix, etc.
Social Impact and History (19% – 21%)
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History: Major developments and important figures.
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Ethical/legal issues: Ethical and legal use of computers and systems.
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Safety and security: Firewalls, viruses, VPNs, etc.
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Careers in Computer Science and Information: Current and future careers options.
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Social issues: Environmental concerns, protecting children, workplace issues, etc.