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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science > Topic 6 - Emerging trends > Flashcards

Topic 6 - Emerging trends Flashcards

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1
Q

What is the definition of Quantum Computing?

A

The development of computers based on quantum mechanical principles.

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2
Q

What do Quantum Computers use (unlike traditional computers) to process data?

A

Qubits

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3
Q

What 3 states of binary values can qubits transform into?

A

0 or 1 or BOTH.

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4
Q

What is superposition?

A

The property of being in both states AT THE SAME TIME.

They use entities like electrons, photons or single atoms to represent each qubit.

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5
Q

What is so beneficial about Quantum computers?

A

They could MASSIVELY speed up processing and could solve problems NOT CURRENTLY POSSIBLE…

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6
Q

What is one major issue with quantum computing?

A

Decoherence

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7
Q

What is decoherence (in quantum computing) ?

A

Where a qubit loses its superposition (which can be partially improved by supercooling) - something that would cause an operation to break down.

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8
Q

What are 3 issues, other than decoherence with quantum computing?

A
  1. Difficulty of controlling the particles (so quantum computers are difficult to make)
  2. Very large development
  3. Eventual production costs - could the money be spent elsewhere?
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9
Q

What is DNA Computing?

A

The development of computers using DNA to make processors (rather than silicon) which will eventually reach their limits of speed and how small we can make them.

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10
Q

What do DNA molecules carry?

A

Our genes - they store biological information about us.

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11
Q

How is information from DNA represented by?

A 
The FOUR bases:
ADENINE (A)
CYTOSINE (C)
GUANINE (G)
THYMINE (T)

They contrast with the TWO bits of information used in binary systems.

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12
Q

What is the main problem with using silicon?

How does this contrast with DNA?

A

It needs to be purified for electronics and this can be EXPENSIVE.

DNA has a LARGE SUPPLY so it is comparatively cheap.

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13
Q

What are 2 benefits of DNA computing (other than its large supply) ?

A
  1. DNA Computers can be many times smaller than current computers.
  2. It can be much better at PARALLEL PROCESSING
    (just like our body!)
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14
Q

What is 1 main issue with DNA Computing?

A

DNA may not survive long enough (half life of 520 years) to get a result.

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15
Q

What is another biological building block that we could implement in computing other than DNA?

A

Enzymes - they have also been able to be used to EXECUTE INSTRUCTIONS, sometimes in COMBINATION with DNA.

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16
Q

What are 4 features of biological technology?

A
  1. Evolvable
  2. Self-replicating
  3. Self-repairing
  4. Responsive to external stimuli
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17
Q

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI) ?

A

The study of creating machines and software exhibiting signs of intelligence.

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18
Q

What is the aim of Artificial Intelligence?

A

To build AUTONOMOUS MACHINES (machines that can carry out complex tasks without our constant involvement).

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19
Q

What are ‘intelligent agents’ ?

A

Processors that take in and respond to EXTERNAL changes.

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20
Q

What do some modern robots have the ability to do?

A

The ability to LEARN in a limited capacity, such as mimicking the actions of humans.

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21
Q

What are some AI built to replicate?

A

Some properties of our BRAINS.

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22
Q

What is an example of an AI that attempts to replicate the properties of our brains?

A

Google DeepMind - uses neural networks, causing them to work differently to normal computers.

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23
Q

What advantage do AIs have over humans?

A

They can be much more accurate - they can detect and solve problems on their own.

24
Q

What is 1 main issue with AIs?

A

They can cause UNEMPLOYMENT, because they could do the easy and repetitive tasks on their own.

25
Q

Why are people afraid of AIs?

A

They could eventually REPLACE HUMANS and cause conflict with mankind.

26
Q

What is the scientific name for when a robot, or an automated machine, is smarter than a human and can exceed our capabilities in EVERYTHING?

A

SUPERINTELLIGENT

27
Q

What is Nanotechnology?

A

The manipulation of matter on a VERY SMALL SCALE.

Most biological processes occur at this nanoscale, and quantum phenomena start to occur.

28
Q

What is the range (in length) of nanometres?

A

1-100 nanometres (nm)

29
Q

What is an example of an application of nanotechnology in computers? What are 3 benefits with this example?

A

Nanoscale transistors.

They’re FASTER, MORE POWERFUL and MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT.

30
Q

How is memory technology being developed with nanotechnology?
What is the benefit of this?

A

Nanodots - tiny (50nm) magnets which can have their POLARITY switched to represent the BINARY DIGITS.

This increases MEMORY DENSITY (you can store more data in a smaller amount of space)

31
Q

Why are people afraid of nanoparticles (2) ?

A
  1. They could be much more toxic because they can pass through membranes. Larger molecules can’t.
  2. They may be used to create more POWERFUL WEAPONS.
32
Q

In general, what is 1 advantage and 1 disadvantage of Quantum Computing?

A

+ Can process data much FASTER and in PARALLEL.

- The particles are HARD TO CONTROL.

33
Q

In general, what is 1 advantage and 1 disadvantage of DNA Computing?

A

+ Speeds up LARGE and COMPLICATED processes

- A lot slower to solve SIMPLE problems, due to the difficulty in setting them up and getting the answers.

34
Q

In general, what is 1 advantage and 2 disadvantages of Artificial Intelligence?

A

+ Solves complicated problems ACCURATELY

  • Causes UNEMPLOYMENT
  • They can SUPERSEDE humans
35
Q

In general, what is 2 advantages and 1 disadvantage of Nanotechnology?

A

+ Decreased size without reducing performance
+ Power consumption is improved.
- Can be risky for humans and can make weapons powerful.

36
Q

What are the 4 factors that influence the issues surrounding computing?

A

Ethical
Social
Environmental
Legal

37
Q

What are 2 questions to consider in terms of the ETHICAL issues surrounding computing?

A
  1. Is copying other people’s work STEALING?

2. Is a ‘victimless’ crime A CRIME?

38
Q

What are 3 things to consider in terms of the SOCIAL issues surrounding computing?

A
  1. It can lead to UNEMPLOYMENT because computers are replacing humans
  2. Online behaviour, i.e. TROLLING - should online behaviour be the same as behaviour in real life?
  3. Freedom of speech - are people allowed to freely talk about their views on politics, offensive things, etc. ?
39
Q

What are 3 things to consider in terms of the ENVIRONMENTAL issues surrounding computing?

A
  1. RESOURCE DEPLETION, e.g. copper used in wires, gold and silicon used in computer chips which will soon run out.
  2. Landfill - recycling computers can be difficult
  3. Some computer parts can be TOXIC.
40
Q

What are 3 things to consider in terms of the LEGAL issues surrounding computing?

A
  1. Should things like online negative behaviour or freedom of speech (of politics) be prosecuted?
  2. A lot of criminal activity occurs online - how much power should the authority have over the digital world?
  3. Fraud
41
Q

What is Intellectual Property (IP) ?

A

Refers to the creation ‘of the mind’, e.g. art, inventions, slogans, logos, etc.

42
Q

What are the 3 types of intellectual property protection under law?

A
  1. Patents
  2. Copyright ©
  3. Trademark ™ or Registered Trademark ®
43
Q

What is the difference between patents/copyrights and trademarks?

A

Patents and copyrights could be used to protect the technology itself, whereas trademarks protects the names and symbols that distinguish the technology in the market.

44
Q

What right does a patent give to an inventor?

A

The right to stop other people making or using their invention.

It protects how the invention works or what it does by legally allowing the inventor to EXCLUDE others from selling their work.

45
Q

In terms of computing, what can’t be usually patented?

A

Computing programs

46
Q

What is the definition of Copyright?

A

The legal ownership applying to IP like music, films and also software and Internet content.

47
Q

What are the 3 features of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act (1988) ?

A
  1. Protects the intellectual property rights of individuals and organisations.
  2. It makes it illegal to copy, modify or distribute software or other IP without permission.
  3. It is also illegal to DOWNLOAD IP like music without permission of the copyright holder.
48
Q

What is a license agreement?

A

An agreement that is included in most commercial software that specifies how the purchase may use the product and to prove they have paid for it.

49
Q

What is often required to access commercial software?

A

A license key

50
Q

What is a Software License?

A

It provides a user with either paper-based or digital proof that they have the right to use the software because they have purchased it legally.

51
Q

What is software generally protected by?

What is the exception of this?

A

Copyright - UNLESS it has been made available in the public domain.

52
Q

What are the 2 types of commercial software?

A

EITHER:

  1. Proprietary
  2. Open-source
53
Q

What is Proprietary Software?

A

Software that is licensed under strict conditions, usually preventing you from modifying or distributing the software. The SOURCE CODE IS NOT AVAILABLE, it has already been compiled to the machine code.

54
Q

If people could see the source code within Proprietary Software, what could this result in?

A

It would be easy for competitors to copy and steal.

55
Q

What is Open Source Software?

A

Software that has the source code PUBLICLY AVAILABLE.
Typically its license will allow a user to study, modify and distribute the software and prevents them from restricting its distribution, i.e. selling the software later.

56
Q

What is The Computer Misuse Act (1990) ?

A

This Act makes it a criminal offence to make any UNAUTHORISED access to computer material…

with intent to COMMIT or facilitate commission of FURTHER CRIMES, e.g. theft or blackmail

with intent to IMPAIR THE OPERATION of the computer, e.g. distributing viruses?

57
Q

What is The Computer Misuse Act commonly aimed at?

A

Hackers who (now) illegally break into a computer system.

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (6 decks)

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