For many, it's the best invention in history, along with the internet. Computer science is undoubtedly the invention that has had the greatest impact on the modern world, surpassing almost everything else since its inception. We have made progress in discovery across all sectors.
However, many find its concepts a bit complicated to understand, but the reality is that it's not that difficult. Like any profession, there are levels that are only accessible to professionals. But there are others that anyone can learn as part of general knowledge.
In this article we're going to teach you the main concepts and terms you need to know about basic computing.so that you can have a conversation about the topic with anyone else, as well as enrich your mental knowledge library.
What is computer science and what is this technology used for?
In simple terms, computer science or computing is the science (yes, it is a science) that studies the processing of information in digital format. This requires the implementation of various equipment (hardware) and applications or programs (software). working together to achieve complete digitization of the data.
This concept, so simple in essence, has granted us true superpowers. The first of these is the ability to duplicate data at will without having to expend physical resources, as happens in the physical world.
For example, to replicate a 500-page encyclopedia, it is necessary to manufacture another 500 pages. (with all that this means for the environment), whereas doing the same thing in computing only requires extra digital resources (bits).
How does a computer system work? Components
In short, The operation of a computer system can be summarized in 3 stages: input, output, and processingThese three elements are the foundation of any existing computer system, and in a way, their main objective.
We explain each phase below:
- Entrada: The input phase is simply the data or commands that the user tells the computer to execute; it is the process by which information is captured.
- Prosecution: This phase involves interpreting the data captured in the input phase. This is when the computer "thinks" and analyzes the collected information.
- Starting time: Finally, there is the output phase, which is the phase in which the data that was previously captured and processed in the previous phases is transmitted.
Of course, each of these phases has internal processes that are much more complex to explain, but what you should understand is that they summarize the operation of a computer system. Regarding its components, this is another point that can be summarized in two parts:
- Hardware: refers to all those physical components that are tangible and with which the user interacts directly to manage the computer processes.
- Software: This refers to the internal programming of the system; these are all the intangible elements that are necessary for the data to be captured, processed, and transmitted correctly.
History and evolution of computing: When and who created it?
Computing is much older than most people think. Most of society today believes it was born alongside computers or the first computer. But the reality is that this goes back a long way..
The first traces of this science can be observed in the Euclid's algorithm, which is an ancient and very efficient method used to calculate the greatest common divisor of any number.However, the first advances that shaped the computing we know today occurred centuries later, in the 1600s, when the first analog calculators were invented, and we would have to wait until the 19th century, when the first programmable machines were invented.
These advances were quite vague and not as useful as we know them today. At that time, computing was used as a way to facilitate simple and repetitive tasks. in areas such as administration and accounting, nothing like what we have now.
But all this would change in 1946, when the first computer was manufactured and with it the first information systems. Since then, growth has been colossal, with the emergence of operating systems in the 80s and especially with the Internetthus making computing the present and future of the world we know today.
What is the binary language we use to communicate with the computer?
One of the events that had the greatest impact on the world of computing was the discovery of binary code language. Experts at the time discovered that computers, and basically any digital equipment, had their own way of communicating..
This was a set of codes called binary because they only used two digits: ones (1) and zeros (0). Each of these digits was called a bit, which would also be the smallest unit of storage. Thus, Each letter or image within a computer is represented by a bit string with a length equivalent to its size.
To organize things properly, units of measurement were created based on the number of bits. Thus, 1 bit is a 0 or a 1, a decabit is 10 zeros or ones, a hectabit is 100 zeros or ones, a kilobit is 1000 zeros or ones, and so on until we reach the terabit, which we know today as one of the largest units of measurement..
You'll now understand that if an image weighs 1KB, in binary numbers it's represented by 1000 zeros or ones, not to mention if it weighs 1MB, or even 1GB. Every graphic element you see on your computer screen, From every letter to every icon, everything has its representation in binary code.And the computer's job also consists of processing the information in such a way that it translates it to us in a form that we can understand.
List of the most important basic computer concepts you should know
In addition to everything we have taught you so far, it is important that you know certain basic concepts that will help you have a clearer idea of what this revolutionary science is.
Below, we present the most noteworthy ones:
Software
We have already talked to you about this element, as it is one of the most important components of computing in general. The term software refers to all those intangible elements that function within a computerThis is the software that makes it possible to perform any task we order a computer to perform.
Software is essential for both processing and transmitting dataAnd all the programs, network protocols, and other logical elements that comprise it are vital for the functioning of computing in general. You could say that this is the brain, the neurons, and the bloodstream of a computer system.
Hardware
Hardware, on the other hand, refers to all the physical components that make up a computer or computer system. This includes everything from cables and connectors to every capacitor on the motherboard and other devices. Among the basic hardware components of a computer we can identify the following:
- Monitor.
- Processor.
- RAM and ROM memories.
- Motherboard or motherboard.
- Power supply.
- Keyboard.
- Mouse.
Operating System
An operating system is a software element that manages hardware resources. In short, it is the main program or set of these that allow the user to easily operate a computer.
Operating systems were slow to arrive in the world of computing, but once they did, they never left, as they greatly facilitated access to computers for users with limited computer skills. In fact, much of the success of home computers is thanks to operating systems. Among the main ones that exist we can identify Microsoft Windows, Apple MacOS, or Ubuntu Linux..
In this sense, we can also mention mobile device operating systems such as Google's Android, Apple's iOS or Microsoft's Windows Phone.
Networks
A very important concept in computer science is that of networks. A computer network is a set of computers that are connected to each other and constantly exchange information. It is this concept that makes the Internet possible, which is a huge global network that connects all computers.
Computer networks are usually classified according to their geographical scopeThese can be personal (PAN), local (LAN), campus (CAN), metropolitan (MAN), or wide area (WAN). Another way to classify them is according to the type of connection, which can be wired for all the aforementioned types of networks, or wireless.
Bit
As we mentioned earlier, a bit is the smallest known unit of digital information. It is represented by a one (1) or a zero (0) in binary code. The etymology of this word comes precisely from this, as it means "Binary Digit". The next unit is the byte, which is also known as an octet since it corresponds to a set of eight ordered bits.
Programme
Programming refers to the activity that focuses on creating programmed actions in a computer system. If you think about it, a A program is nothing more than a set of rules established to ensure that data flows in a certain way and performs a specific action.In this sense, there are many types of programs, whose complexity is determined by the number of actions they can perform.
Thanks to it, we have the software programs, applications, and websites we know today. All of this is done based on source code.which is the basis of every program, which is subsequently modified to personalize it and make each software different from another.
For example, all editing programs have a source code that is at least somewhat similar, which their developers then modify to make their own creations.
Programming language
A programming language is a formal language that follows a unique set of rules that allow a programmer or master to create algorithms that determine how information is processed in a computer system. These are the basics needed to create all the programs and websites we know today..
There is a wide variety of these, and each one works specifically to develop certain types of logical elements such as databases, tools, and so on.
Among the best-known languages we have:
- Python.
- Java.
- HTML5
- PHP
- css.
- Pascal.
These are just a few; the reality is that there are dozens of languages that are classified according to the type of algorithms or programs that can be developed with them.
Processor
The processor is a hardware component that handles all the information that enters and leaves a computer. If we compare a computer to the human body, the processor would clearly be the brain., since this is where all input data is analyzed in order to then perform an output action or data transmission.
The evolution of processors is certainly curious, since one of their most important qualities is undoubtedly their power, which determines the speed at which they interpret information.
The first processors created in the 60s were enormous, or often made up of several pieces of equipment; this has changed and increasingly smaller processors have been achieved which, contrary to what is thought, are faster. The goal has always been to create a processor as fast as the human brain, which has not yet been achieved..
RAM and ROM memories
ROM and RAM are two essential components for the operation of a computer system. They are clearly different. But you could say they work together and are, to a certain extent, "sisters".
ROM or "Read Only" memory is the storage of our deviceIt is in this area that extremely important data for the operation of the operating system is stored, as well as documents and other user files.
This is located on the hard drive, and its name is attributed to its main function, which is to store data so that it can later be read by the processor.
On the other hand, RAM or "Random Access Memory" is quite different. It also stores important information for the operation of a program, but this information is temporary and is constantly being written and rewritten..
It is a fundamental support for processing since it maintains volatile data so that the processor can access it as soon as possible, and thus speed up, to use a redundant phrase, the processing of information to run software.
Antivirus
Viruses are undoubtedly one of the biggest threats to computing, as they have the ability to steal important information or sabotage the functioning of the system. That's why antivirus programs were invented; they are programs that identify threats and then eliminate them., block them and remove them from the team.
antispyware
Antispyware is very similar to antivirus software, with the difference that it focuses on detecting threats that pose a risk to user privacy and data stored on the computer.
Working in conjunction with the previous program, complete protection is achieved for the information we store on our computers, so that no one can extract or view it without our permission. In fact, many developers create hybrid programs that include both antivirus and antispyware.
Computer bus
In computing, a bus is the channel or channels that enable continuous communication between the different components of a computer. These are extremely important because they allow all the components to work together.
These are what allow the processor to communicate with RAM to obtain the most important data for starting certain programs.as well as with the ROM for the operating system to function. Without them, we would have a bunch of components working individually and not cooperating with each other.
Ports of entry
Finally, there are the input ports, which are simply the ports where you can connect any external hardware to the CPU or central processing unit. in them where you can insert a USB memory stick, the computer mouse or keyboard.
In short, these are all the basic concepts of the world of computing. There are many more to learn, but it's important that you understand how these ones we've just mentioned work. so that you can later delve deeper into this wonderful world that has completely changed our lifestyle.
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