Ch11 Flashcards
Define Computer
computer is an electronic device that processes data to produce meaningful information. It performs operations based on instructions provided by software.
Explain Information Processing Cycles
1.Input – Data is entered.
2. Processing – Data is processed into information.
3. Storage – Information is stored for future use.
4. Output – Processed information is outputted.
Parts of a Computer System
- Hardware
- Software
- User
- Data
- Procedures
Define Files and Their Types
file is a collection of data or information stored under a name on a storage device.
Types:
• Text files
• Binary files
• Executable files
• Multimedia files
What is Database?
A database is an organized collection of structured data, typically stored electronically, that can be easily accessed, managed, and updated.
- Database Properties
• Data Integrity
• Data Security
• Data Independence
• Non-redundancy
• Concurrent Access
• Scalability
- Define DBMS & Its Advantages
is software that interacts with the user and database to access and manage data.
Advantages:
• Reduced data redundancy
• Data integrity and security
• Data sharing
• Backup and recovery
• Multiple user access
- Stages of DBMS
- Requirement Analysis
- Database Design
- Implementation
- Testing & Evaluation
- Operation & Maintenance
- Traditional File Processing & Disadvantages
Traditional File Processing stores data in separate files without integration.
Disadvantages:
• Data redundancy
• Inconsistency
• Limited data sharing
• Difficult maintenance
- Characteristics of Database Approach
Self-describing nature
• Insulation between programs and data
• Data abstraction
• Support for multiple views
• Sharing of data and multiuser transaction
- Explain Data Abstraction
Data Abstraction allows hiding complex details of data storage and showing only the necessary parts.
Levels:
• Physical
• Logical
• View
- Roles in DB Environment
DBA (Database Administrator): Manages database resources.
• DBD (Database Designer): Designs database structure.
• End Users: Access data for tasks.
• System Analysts: Analyze and design solutions.
• Application Programmers: Develop software to interact with DB.
ER Model:
A conceptual model representing data entities and their relationships.
Entity
Object with distinct existence (e.g., Employee).
Attribute
Property of an entity (e.g., Name, Age).
Types of Attributes
• Simple
• Composite
• Derived
• Multivalued
• Key attributes
- Complex Attributes
Attributes that consist of a combination of simple, composite, and multivalued attributes.
Relationship, Degree, Cardinality
Relationship: Association among entities.
• Degree: Number of entities in a relationship (Unary, Binary, Ternary).
• Cardinality: Number of instances of an entity associated with another.
Define OS
Operating System (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware, software resources, and provides common services for computer programs..
Serial vs. Parallel Processing
Serial: One task at a time.
• Parallel: Many tasks at the same time (faster, uses multiple processors).
Computer Startup
Power ON
2. POST (checks hardware)
3. Bootloader (starts OS)
4. OS loads and starts running programs.
Define Interrupts? Different types of Interrupts?
An interrupt is a signal to the processor indicating an event that needs immediate attention.
Types of interrupts:
• Hardware Interrupts (e.g., keyboard, mouse)
• Software Interrupts (e.g., system calls)
• Internal Interrupts (e.g., divide by zero error)
• External Interrupts (e.g., power failure)
Differentiate between Program & Process
Program: A passive set of instructions (stored on disk).
• Process: An active instance of a program being executed, with its own memory and resources.
Define Process States? Draw them
Process States:
1. New: Process is being created.
2. Ready: Waiting to be assigned to the CPU.
3. Running: Instructions are being executed.
4. Waiting/Blocked: Waiting for I/O or event.
5. Terminated: Process has finished execution.
CPU Utilization Terms
• CPU Utilization: % of time CPU is doing useful work.
• Throughput: Number of processes completed per unit time.
• Turnaround Time: Completion time - Arrival time.
• Waiting Time: Time spent in ready queue (Turnaround - Burst time).
• Response Time: Time from submission to the first response.
System software
Purpose: helps manage and controls hardware helps run the computer
Function: ensuring the system operates efficiently. System software runs in the background and typically requires little to no direct user interaction.
Application Software
Purpose: It is designed to perform specific tasks or solve particular problems for the user
Function: Application software is used by the user to accomplish tasks like creating documents, browsing the internet, or managing data. Unlike system software, it is often directly interacted with by users.
Differentiate between Data & Information?
Data : Definition: Raw, unprocessed facts, figures, or symbols that on their own do not have meaning.
Information:
Definition: Data that has been processed, organized, or structured to have meaning and relevance.
