Computers in Society Flashcards
What is the main job the central processing unit (CPU) in a computer?
The CPU executes each instruction in a program. Each instruction is fetched from memory then executed by the processor.
How does Moore’s Law describe what happens to the speed of computers every two years?
Moore’s Law states that, generally speaking, the speed of new computer models doubles every two years.
What is decomposition?
Decomposition is where computer problems are broken down into smaller, simpler chunks which are easier to solve by algorithms.
What is a Raspberry Pi?
The Raspberry Pi is a small computer, the size of a credit card, with either 256 MB or 512 MB RAM and a 1 gHz CPU.
What is the Input-Process-Output model?
When computers take in data as an input, then process the data, then output a result.
How are embedded computer systems different to systems in PCs and smartphones?
Embedded computers are designed to perform a specific task.
For a computer to be able to carry out specific tasks, what does it need to do?
A computer always needs to follow a step-by-step program of instructions to tell it what to do. This is called an algorithm.
What is abstraction?
Abstraction makes things simpler. By packaging things up into simper groups, it virtually hides the unnecessary details so that you can concentrate on only the most important parts of the problem.
Who designed the Analytical Engine, the first programmable computer in 1837?
Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage
What does an IP address indicate?
An IP address specifies where you are on a computer network. However, ti cannot specify where are in the world.
What does the Computer Misuse Act make it illegal to do?
The Computer Misuse Act makes it illegal to attempt to steal or change data on someone else’s computer. This includes tampering with the data on other people’s websites and databases.
What does copyright mean?
Copyright automatically applies to anyone who has created an original work and protects their right to profit from it.
What does a Creative Commons licence allow you to do?
Creative Commons provides a set of rules that allow people to ‘fine tune’ what others can do with their copyrighted work.
What is trolling?
Trolling is where a user posts comments, often maliciously, on a website to try to evoke emotional responses from others. In its most extreme form, it can be a criminal offence.
What is intellectual property?
Intellectual property is the ownership and right to make money from ideas, inventions and creative work.
What term is given to hackers who attempt to do good through hacking?
A ‘white hat’ hacker is a hacker who acts ethically and attempts to do good through their hacking, perhaps by working around bugs in code or exposing security risks in software to test a system.
How can a company stop rivals from stealing their ideas and producing similar games?
A company can stop their rivals from releasing a similar game by patenting their idea. If their rivals infringe the patent they can be prosecuted.
Why are standards used in computing?
Standards are an agreed set of rules that ensure a system will perform in an expected way.
What are de facto standards?
De facto standards are unofficial standards that have evolved and been accepted due to public support and widespread use.
What are de jure standards?
De jure standards are controlled and regulated by organisations and ensure that essential services work as expected.
What are open standards?
Open standards are usually controlled by a creative commons licence or they are unlicensed, which means they can be used by anyone and are not owned by a commercial organisation or individual.
What is compatibility?
Compatibility is about making different systems work together in an expected way.
Who is responsible for maintaining many of the open standards used on the internet?
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)
Why do computer programmers use standards?
Programmers must adhere to certain standards when they work together to ensure quality and that they can work effectively as a team.
