1 Flashcards

1
Q

CS is a … field

A

social & ethical

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2
Q

Computer Science is difficult to define because of…

A

the evolving nature of the field, the broad scope covering diverse disciplines and the deep interweaving of theory and applications.

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3
Q

Pólya’s Systematic Approach (4)

A

Understand the problem
Devise a plan
Execute the plan
Review & extend the solution

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4
Q

Computational Thinking involves

A

Decomposition (complex problems into simpler parts)
Heuristics (problem-solving techniques yielding good enough answers)

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5
Q

Strategies for solving a problem (4)

A

Critical Thinking
Solving a concrete instance
Finding related problems
Working backward

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6
Q

What is abstraction?

A

A way to simplify complex systems by focusing on the high-level overview rather than the nitty-gritty details.

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7
Q

Why abstraction is useful?

A

It allows us to understand & solve problems more efficiently by removing unnecessary information.

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8
Q

Why are computers called general-purpose machines?

A

Because they can handle a broad spectrum of computational tasks, thanks to their programmability. This means that with the right software, a computer can switch from being a word processor to a gaming console, or from analysing scientific data to playing music.

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9
Q

Describe specific-purpose machines. Give examples.

A

Like calculators, they are designed for a single computational task, such as arithmetic operations.
A toaster is built specifically for toasting bread and cannot be reprogrammed to, say, boil water.

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10
Q

A general-purpose machine like a computer can be linked to…

A

a multitool adaptable to various tasks.

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11
Q

Specific-purpose machines are more like individual tools…

A

each optimized for a particular function.

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12
Q

Identify 3 advantages of a using a Biometric authentication system in a company.

A

Convenience: Prevents situations like losing the entry card or similar objects. Users do not have to remember or carry anything, and the process can be quick and easy.
Strong security: Biometric data is unique to each individual, making it difficult to fake or replicate. This can help to prevent unauthorized access to systems and data.
Accountability: Biometric systems can provide a clear audit trail of who accessed what and when. This can help to track activites and ensure individual accountability.

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13
Q

Identify 3 disadvantages of a using a Biometric authentication system in a company.

A

Privacy concerns: Biometric data is considered to be sensitive personal information. There are concerns that biometric data could be used to track people or discriminate against them.
Irrevocability: Biometric data cannot be changed like passwords. If someone’s biometric data is compromised, they cannot change it, which could lead to security vulnerabilities.
False positives/negatives: No biometric system is 100% accurate. There is always a chance of false rejections (an authorized person being denied access) or false acceptances (an unauthorized person gaining access).

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14
Q

Is CS an Engineering discipline?

A

CS merges the theoretical underpinnings of computation with their practical applications, so it’s a blend of science and engineering.
So is not exclusively an engineering discipline but a hybrid of engineering and science as we talk about both the theory and its application in CS.

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15
Q

CS delves into…

A

scientific aspects like algorithms, data structures, and the boundaries of computation.

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16
Q

CS also embodies…

A

engineering when applying theories to real-world challenges, as seen in software engineering, computer architecture, and networking.

17
Q

Which are the three disciplines in CS?

A

Hardware
Software
Theory

18
Q

Define hardware and name its subfields

A

Physical components of a computer and its supporting devices.

Subfields: computer architecture, circuit design

19
Q

Software:

A

Diverse applications systems, and development tools.

20
Q

Define applications software and name its subfields.

A

Programs that perform various tasks for users.

Subfields: web development, mobile app developer

21
Q

Define systems software and name its subfields.

A

Programs that directly control computer hardware.

Subfields: operating systems, device drivers.

22
Q

Define development software and name its subfields.

A

Programs to create other software applications.

Subfields: Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), version control.

23
Q

Theory:

A

Study of algorithms, computability, and cryptography.

24
Q

Define algorithms in theory and name its subfields.

A

Study of step-by-step procedures for problem-solving.

Subfields: algorithm analysis, data structures.

25
Q

Define computability in theory and name its subfields.

A

Investigates the power and limitations of computation.

Subfields: computational complexity theory, formal languages.

26
Q

Define cryptography in theory and name its subfields.

A

Ensures secure communication and data protection.

Subfields: encryption, cryptanalysis.

27
Q

CS is an extraordinary field because it combines…

A

logic and creativity, structure and chaos, standardisation and non-standardisation.

28
Q

CS is an extraordinary field because it builds…

A

something from nothing and solves previously unsolved problems.

29
Q

Applying logical thinking to create innovative and creative solutions helps us

A

Finding logical patterns and principles to drive innovation.
Utilizing principled engineering techniques to design efficient and effective solutions.

30
Q

CS requires organizing complex systems…

A

while handling unpredictable events and edge cases.

31
Q

Standardised concepts are…

A

Specific, well-defined elements.
Precise and consistent, enabling interoperatibility.

32
Q

Non-Standardised concepts are…

A

Generalized ideas and theoretical principles.
They allow flexibility and innovation.

33
Q

What are standards?

A

Documents or lists that define the syntax or semantics of a language.

34
Q

Why do we need standardization in CS?

A

Because it leads to ensuring having compatible systems that can interoperate safely between each other. It ensures consistency, reliability, and interoperability across various systems and platforms.