This course gives a detailed explanation of computer fundamentals and basics of C Programming.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Computers
In the introduction to computers session, the learner will get answers to some basic queries like what is a computer, different types of computers, computer definition, computer keyboarding, and the difference between data and information.
In a nutshell, this introductory part of computer fundamentals course overviews a computer’s definition, functioning, and processing capabilities. It also explains the process of converting data into information. And the importance of information over data in performing various functionalities. It also details different types of computers while listing the most prominent ones. For more info, CLICK HERE.
What are the Various Components of a Computer?
In the computer components session of the computer fundamentals course, the learner will get to know answers to some of the basic queries like what are the computer parts or computer hardware components such as keyboard, mouse, the CPU, which is considered the core part, parts of CPU, motherboard, monitor, and printer, and their respective functionalities.
Computer components session is another important session within the computer fundamentals course as the learner will also get to know some essential queries like the exact location of the most critical component of a computer and why it is considered the computer’s brain. Some other interesting topics, such as what binds all the components together, also will be answered. For more info, CLICK HERE.
A Brief Overview of Software Classification
System software that includes the operating system enables the computer’s smooth functioning by coordinating with the user, the mobile device or computer, and the application software.
The development of system software requires extra skill as the tasks involved are complex, requiring extensive knowledge about computers. As a result, computer manufacturers take responsibility for developing and supplying this software. While some system software comes in-built while purchasing the device, for more info, CLICK HERE.
An Overview of the Operating System (OS)
An overview of the basic concepts of operating systems software, purpose, and types of OS are detailed in this session.
An operating system is a software collection that manages the computer hardware while providing common services for the application programming software and acts as an interface between hardware devices and application software. The operating system is crucial among various software, providing a user-friendly interface for running applications. For more info, CLICK HERE.
What is a Programming Language?
By the end of this session, you will be able to
· Get an overall view of the significance of programming language.
· Identify the building blocks of programming language.
Programming language plays a crucial role in enabling humans to interact with computers. For instance, we humans speak in a common language to communicate with one another. Likewise, programmers who work on computers communicate with computers through a programming language. For more info, CLICK HERE.
What is an Application Software?
From the Application Software session, the learner can,
Get an overview of the application software. and,
Know the role of the application software in enabling the user to interact with the computer.
Through application software, a user can give instructions to the computer to work in a particular manner. In addition, users can directly interact with the application, which enables them to perform certain specific functions. For more info, CLICK HERE.
How does Data Flows in a Computer?
An understanding of data flow is essential in understanding the functioning of the computer. For example, where does the data go and get processed after the user enters the data through the keyboard?
On the other hand, do you know that the operating system helps create communication between the hardware and application software? For more info, CLICK HERE.
A Brief Note About an Interpreter and Compiler
Get a brief description of an interpreter and compiler, an another interesting topic of computer fundamentals course.
While an interpreter is a software program that converts each high-level program statement into machine code, a compiler also helps convert the source code from a high-level programming language into machine code. But where does the difference lie? A compiler is much more sophisticated than the interpreter as it checks whether the source code complies with the programming language’s syntax rule. For more info, CLICK HERE.
Basic Code Translation
What is Basic Code Translation?
Computers cannot understand the coding language, which is in English. Then how will the computer understand those statements and process the given instructions for generating the desired output?
For example, looking at the instruction, System.out.println(“Hello Ashok”) from the Java programming language can be understood by the programmer, but the computer cannot understand the same statement. So, to understand, what will the computer do? For more info, CLICK HERE.
An answer to an Interesting Query
Here, we will deal with a small question. Though it is simple, it plays an essential role in understanding the basics of computer fundamentals.
The query is, irrespective of any programming languages, where does a program or an instruction get executed in a computer? For more info, CLICK HERE.
What is Computer Architecture?
Generally, architecture is a typical term used while building a house. Likewise, computer architecture involves building a computer and all that goes into a computer system. It is a science or a set of rules detailing how computer software and hardware are joined and interact to make a computer work.
The computer architecture design enables the smooth functioning of the computer. During computer designing, architects use a combination of various strategies, particularly for memory organization, to build high-performing computers. The lesson on computer architecture is an important topic of computer fundamentals course. For more info, CLICK HERE.
A Typical Model of Computer Architecture
During the design of the computer, a proper plan is made to maximize performance while minimizing power consumption and overall costs. The critical hardware devices that comprise a computer architecture are the output unit, the CPU, the cache, the BUS Interface Unit, and the main memory. The I/O (local) bus, peripheral I/O Interface control unit, and system bus connect all these peripherals.
But how all these devices are interconnected? For more info, CLICK HERE.
Computer Organization
A detailed description of the structure and functions of some critical computer hardware components, such as the CPU and memory, are explained in computer organization. The arrangement of these system hardware components and specific functions also will be detailed as a part of computer fundamentals course. It details how a particular instruction set is executed in a given processor. In addition, one can know how these functional components interact with other computer parts. Computer organization helps one understand the arrangement and interconnection of various computer hardware components. For more info, CLICK HERE.
The Microprocessor
A Microprocessor is an electronic component a computer uses to perform all the computing functions. A microprocessor is part of a micro-computer unit fabricated on a small chip capable of performing all operations and communicating with other devices. For more info, CLICK HERE.
A Brief Description of Computer Memory
At the end of this session, the learner will be able to,
- Explain computer memory.
- Understand types of memory.
- Identify primary memory and secondary memory.
- Asses which data enters the RAM?
- Understand what happens when data enters the RAM.
- Recognize whether RAM is primary or secondary memory.
- Explain the structure of memory.
- Know what is a Kernel and stack.
- Explain how the stack operates.
- Define RAM Organization.
Though computer memory is an essential component, it is only a container that helps store programs and data for processing. For more info, CLICK HERE.
Sample C Skeleton Program
A look into C programming language?
- Among the various programming languages, C remains the most popular one globally.
- Learning C helps the learner gain basic knowledge about programming languages, making one quickly learn other programming languages like Python, C++, C#, Java, etc.
- To learn C, one need not have prior experience with any other programming language.
With such importance associated with the ‘C’ programming language, let’s see the basic structure of the C programming language. For more info, CLICK HERE.
Data types and Variable Declarations
Data types are categorized based on the type of data a variable can store. The data type lets one know whether the associated variable is an integer, float, or character, etc.,
In the ‘C’ programming language, data types are primarily categorized into primitive and user-defined. For more info, CLICK HERE.
Functions and Program Execution
What is a Function?
A function is a group or block of statements enclosed in flower brackets that can be executed independently upon calling. A group of functions makes a program. Every function must return a value. For more info, CLICK HERE.
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Getting to Know the Drills
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