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Foundation in Information Technology and Computing
Rationale
Computing is usually defined as the activity of using and improving computer technology, computer hardware and software. It is the computer-specific part of information technology. Computer science (or computing science) is the study and the science of the theoretical foundations of information and computation and their implementation and application in computer systems.
Computing Curricula 2005[1] defined computing:
In a general way, we can define computing to mean any goal-oriented activity requiring, benefiting from, or creating computers. Thus, computing includes designing and building hardware and software systems for a wide range of purposes; processing, structuring, and managing various kinds of information; doing scientific studies using computers; making computer systems behave intelligently; creating and using communications and entertainment media; finding and gathering information relevant to any particular purpose, and so on. The list is virtually endless, and the possibilities are vast.
A computer is a machine that manipulates data according to a set of instructions called a computer program. The program has an executable form that the computer can use directly to execute the instructions. The same program in its human-readable source code form, enables a programmer to study and develop the algorithm. Because the instructions can be carried out in different types of computers, a single set of source instructions converts to machine instructions according to the central processing unit type.
The execution process carries out the instructions in a computer program. Instructions express the computations performed by the computer. They trigger sequences of simple actions on the executing machine. Those actions produce effects according to the semantics of the instructions.
Computer programming in general is the process of writing, testing, debugging, and maintaining the source code and documentation of computer programs. This source code is written in a programming language, which is an artificial language, restrictive, demanding, and unforgiving to humans but easily translated by the computer. The purpose of programming is to invoke the desired behaviour (Customisation) from the machine. The process of writing high quality source code requires knowledge of both the application's domain and the computer science domain. The highest quality software is thus developed by a team of various domain experts, each person a specialist in some area of development. But the term programmer may apply to a range of program quality, from hacker to open source contributor to professional. And a single programmer could do most or all of the computer programming needed to generate the proof of concept to launch a new "killer" application.
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
This is a non-taught unit designed for self-directed study by those intending to enhance their professional or managerial competence, knowledge, understanding, and skills in IT and computing.
Knowledge
After completing the course, student will understand
1. the principles of numeracy and computational mathematics
2. microcomputer architecture
3. the basic procedures used in PC assembly.
4. the basics database design
5. techniques and tools used to build and configure a computer system.
6. how computer hardware communicates with system software
7. spreadsheet development
8. visual programming
9. web page design and internet
Skills
After completing the course, student will be able to
1. reason with numbers and other mathematical concepts
2. assemble, configure, troubleshoot and maintain a PC
3. design databases
4. design and develop spreadsheets
5. create programs in Visual Programming Language (VPL)
Today's Videos
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Teaching and Learning Resources
Numeracy and Computational Mathematics
Tutorials
- Introduction
- Propositional Logic
- Truth Table Method and Propositional Proofs
- Propositional Resolution
- Relational Logic
- Relational Logic Semantics
- Herbrand Method
- Relational Proofs
- Resolution Preliminaries
- Resolution Theorem Proving
- Applications
- Strategies
- Ordered Resolution
- Epilog
- Equality
- Mathematical Induction
- Information Integration
- Metalevel Logic
- Incorporating Specialized Algorithms into General Inference Procedures
Readings
Numeracy is the ability to reason with numbers and other mathematical concepts. To be numerically literate, a person has to be comfortable with logic and reasoning. Some of the areas that are involved in numeracy include: basic numbers, orders of magnitude, geometry, algebra, probability and statistics.
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The portmanteau of "numerical literacy" was coined in 1959 by the UK Committee on Education, presided over by Sir Geoffrey Crowther.[1] Innumeracy is a lack of numeracy.[2] In the United States, numeracy is also known as Quantitative Literacy, and is familiar to math educators and intellectuals. There is also substantial overlap between conceptions of numeracy and conceptions of statistical literacy. The UK's Department for Children, Schools and Families defines numeracy in their National Strategy documents as follows: |
Numeracy is a proficiency which is developed mainly in mathematics, but also in other subjects. It is more than an ability to do basic arithmetic. It involves developing confidence and competence with numbers and measures. It requires understanding of the number system, a repertoire of mathematical techniques, and an inclination and ability to solve quantitative or spatial problems in a range of contexts. Numeracy also demands understanding of the ways in which data are gathered by counting and measuring, and presented in graphs, diagrams, charts and tables.
– Department for Education and Skills (UK)
The (US) National Centre for Education Statistics, in its 1993 Report of the National Adult Literacy Survey[3] defines quantitative literacy as:
The knowledge and skills required to apply arithmetic operations, either alone or sequentially, using numbers embedded in printed material (e.g., balancing a checkbook, completing an order form).
The latter definition captures the sense of proficiency in the application mathematical knowledge to everyday tasks implicit in the former definition of numeracy, but it lacks the depth of "a repertoire," and the sense that an "inclination" to apply mathematics is a central part of numeracy/quantitative literacy. The differences in depth and extent in these definitions is natural; just as with literacy, numeracy measurements vary depending on the context.
Others have drawn a distinction between numeracy and mathematics as a language or system of thought, arguing that too narrow a focus on working with numbers neglects abstract reasoning.
Computational mathematics involves mathematical research in areas of science where computing plays a central and essential role, emphasizing algorithms, numerical methods, and symbolic methods. Computation in the research is prominent.[1] Computational mathematics emerged as a distinct part of applied mathematics by the early 1950s. Currently, computational mathematics can refer to or include:
1. computational science, also known as scientific computation or computational engineering
2. solving mathematical problems by computer simulation as opposed to analytic methods of applied mathematics
3. numerical methods used in scientific computation, for example numerical linear algebra and numerical solution of partial differential equations
4. stochastic methods,[2] such as Monte Carlo methods and other representations of uncertainty in scientific computation, for example stochastic finite elements
5. the mathematics of scientific computation[3] (the theoretical side involving mathematical proofs[4]), in particular numerical analysis, the theory of numerical methods (but theory of computation and complexity of algorithms belong to theoretical computer science)
6. symbolic computation and computer algebra systems
7. computer-assisted research in various areas of mathematics, such as logic (automated theorem proving), discrete mathematics (search for mathematical structures such as groups), number theory (primality testing and factorization), cryptography, and computational algebraic topology
- computational linguistics, the use of mathematical and computer techniques in natural languages
- Computational geometry
- Computational topology
- Computational number theory
- Algorithmic information theory
- Algorithmic game theory
External links
Foundations of Computational Mathematics: a non-profit organization
Computer Mathematics could refer to:
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Scientific computing - constructing numerical solutions and using computers to analyse and solve scientific and engineering problems Theoretical computer science - collection of topics of computer science that focuses on the more abstract and mathematical aspects of computing |
Related fields
- Bioinformatics
- Cheminformatics
- Chemometrics
- Computational chemistry
- Computational biology
- Computational mechanics
- Computational physics
- Computational fluid dynamics
- Computational economics
- Financial modelling
- Geographic information system (GIS)
- Numerical weather prediction
Algorithms and Data Structures
Tutorials
Readings
In computer science, a data structure is a particular way of storing and organizing data in a computer so that it can be used efficiently.[1][2]
Different kinds of data structures are suited to different kinds of applications, and some are highly specialized to specific tasks. For example, B-trees are particularly well-suited for implementation of databases, while compiler implementations usually use hash tables to look up identifiers.
Data structures are used in almost every program or software system. Data structures provide a means to manage huge amounts of data efficiently, such as large databases and internet indexing services. Usually, efficient data structures are a key to designing efficient algorithms. Some formal design methods and programming languages emphasize data structures, rather than algorithms, as the key organizing factor in software design.
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Microcomputer Architecture
Tutorials
- Computer Hardware Training Material
- Computer Hardware Training and Tutorials
- Configuring Computer Settings
Readings
Also
known as personal computers. Although there is no rigid
definition, a Microcomputer (sometimes
shortened to
micro) is most often taken to mean
a computer with
a microprocessor (µP)
as its CPU.
Another general characteristic of these computers is
that they occupy physically small amounts of space.
The microcomputer came after the minicomputer, most notably replacing the many distinct components that made up the minicomputer's CPU with a single integrated microprocessor chip. Such early models were primitive, the earliest microprocessors being little more than general-purpose calculator chips. However, as microprocessor design advanced rapidly from the early 1970s onwards, microcomputers in turn grew faster and cheaper, resulting in an explosion in their popularity.
Whilst the microcomputer may have taken over from older-style designs in many cases, its most significant effects are to have widened access to computers, and to have expanded their usage into completely new areas.
Computer hardware is the collection of physical elements that comprise a computer system.
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Personal computer hardware are the component devices that are the building blocks of personal computers. These are typically installed into a computer case, or attached to it by a cable or through a port. In the latter case, they are also referred to as peripherals.
- Computer Case
- Power supply
- Motherboard
- Expansion Cards
- Secondary Storage Devices
- Input and output peripherals
Computer software or just software, is a collection of computer programs and related data that provides the instructions for telling a computer what to do and how to do it. Software refers to one or more computer programs and data held in the storage of the computer for some purposes. In other words, software is a set of programs, procedures, algorithms and its documentation concerned with the operation of a data processing system. Program software performs the function of the program it implements, either by directly providing instructions to the computer hardware or by serving as input to another piece of software. The term was coined to contrast to the old term hardware (meaning physical devices). In contrast to hardware, software "cannot be touched".[1] Software is also sometimes used in a more narrow sense, meaning application software only. Sometimes the term includes data that has not traditionally been associated with computers, such as film, tapes, and records.[2]
Computer software is so called to distinguish it from computer hardware, which encompasses the physical interconnections and devices required to store and execute (or run) the software. At the lowest level, execunguage consists of groups of binary values signifying processor instructions that change the state of the computer from its preceding state. Programs are an ordered sequence of instructions for changing the state of the computer in a particular sequence. It is usually written in high-level programming languages that are easier and more efficient for humans to use (closer to natural language) than machine language. High-level languages are compiled or interpreted into machine language object code. Software may also be written in an assembly language, essentially, a mnemonic representation of a machine language using a natural language alphabet. Assembly language must be assembled into object code via an assembler.
- History
- Types of software
- Operating System
- Software topics
- Design and implementation
- Industry and organizations
Database Design
Tutorials
- Principles of Database Design
- Database Design Process
- Database Development Cycle
- Fundamentals of Relational Database Design and Database Planning
- Database Design Tutorials
Readings
Database design is the process of producing a detailed data model of a database. This logical data model contains all the needed logical and physical design choices and physical storage parameters needed to generate a design in a Data Definition Language, which can then be used to create a database. A fully attributed data model contains detailed attributes for each entity.
The term database design can be used to describe many different parts of the design of an overall database system. Principally, and most correctly, it can be thought of as the logical design of the base data structures used to store the data. In the relational model these are the tables and views. In an object database the entities and relationships map directly to object classes and named relationships. However, the term database design could also be used to apply to the overall process of designing, not just the base data structures, but also the forms and queries used as part of the overall database application within the database management system (DBMS).[1]
The process of doing database design generally consists of a number of steps which will be carried out by the database designer. Usually, the designer must:
- Determine the relationships between the different data elements.
- Superimpose a logical structure upon the data on the basis of these relationships.
- ER Diagram (Entity-relationship model)
- The Design Process
- Determining data to be stored
- Normalization
- Types of Database design
- Database normalization
- Relational database
- Relational model
- POOD (Principle of Orthogonal Design)
- The Third Manifesto
- Concept mapping
- Data modelling
- Entity-relationship model
- Object-relationship modelling
- Object role modelling
- Knowledge representation
- Logical data model
- Mindmap
- Physical data model
- Semantic Web
- Three schema approach
- References
- Further reading
Spreadsheet Development
Tutorials
- Excel for Educators
- Spreadsheet Professional & Sarbanes Oxley
- Free management and training templates, resources and tools
- OpenOffice Tutorials
Readings
A spreadsheet is a computer application that simulates a paper, accounting worksheet. It displays multiple cells that together make up a grid consisting of rows and columns, each cell containing alphanumeric text, numeric values or formulas. A formula defines how the content of that cell is to be calculated from the contents of any other cell (or combination of cells) each time any cell is updated. Spreadsheets are frequently used for financial information because of their ability to re-calculate the entire sheet automatically after a change to a single cell is made.
Visicalc is usually considered the first electronic spreadsheet (although this has been challenged), and it helped turn the Apple II computer into a success and greatly assisted in their widespread application. Lotus 1-2-3 was the leading spreadsheet when DOS was the dominant operating system. Excel now has the largest market share on the Windows and Macintosh platforms.[1][2][3]
- History
- Concepts
- Programming issues
- Shortcomings
Excel is without doubt a very powerful spreadsheet application and arguably the best in the world. However, many people often design their spreadsheets with no foresight at all. This means most spreadsheets have poor foundations and have limited life spans. Perhaps the number one rule when designing a spreadsheet is, we should start with the end in mind and never assume you will not need to add more data or formulae to your spreadsheet, because, the chances are that you will. A good spreadsheet should have about 80% planning and 20% implementation. While this can seem extremely inefficient in the short run, I can assure you that the long term gain will far outweigh the short-term pain. Remember that spreadsheets are about giving correct information to the user, not possible erroneous information that looks good. Let's look at how a spreadsheet should be set up efficiently.
Read More ...
Visual Programming
Tutorials
Readings
A visual programming language (VPL) is any programming language that lets users create programs by manipulating program elements graphically rather than by specifying them textually (also known as dataflow or diagrammatic programming [1]). A VPL allows programming with visual expressions, spatial arrangements of text and graphic symbols, used either as elements of syntax or secondary notation. Many VPLs are based on the idea of "boxes and arrows," where boxes or other screen objects are treated as entities, connected by arrows, lines or arcs which represent relations.
VPLs may be further classified, according to the type and extent of visual expression used, into icon-based languages, form-based languages, and diagram languages. Visual programming environments provide graphical or iconic elements which can be manipulated by users in an interactive way according to some specific spatial grammar for program construction.
A visually transformed language is a non-visual language with a superimposed visual representation. Naturally visual languages have an inherent visual expression for which there is no obvious textual equivalent.
Current developments try to integrate the visual programming approach with dataflow programming languages to either have immediate access to the program state resulting in online debugging or automatic program generation and documentation (i.e. visual paradigm). Dataflow languages also allow automatic parallelization, which is likely to become one of the greatest programming challenges of the future.[1]
- Visual languages and interfaces
- See also
- Cognitive dimensions of notations - Notation assessment for visual and non-visual languages
- Dataflow programming
- Deutsch Limit
- Domain-Specific Modelling
- Flow-based programming
- Flowchart
- Unified Modelling Language
- Widget Workshop
- External links
- Notes and references
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Visual Modelling Technique: Object Technology Using Visual Programming Check the availability and buy your books from our Bookshop. |
Recommended Texts
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William
Cats-Baril Check the availability and buy your books from our Bookshop. |
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Handbook
of Algorithms and Data Structures
Gaston
H. Gonnet Ricardo
Baeza-Yates Introduction
Check the availability and buy your books from our Bookshop. |
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Information Rules: A Strategic Guide to the Network Economy Carl Shapiro and Hal R. Varian Information goods - from movies and music to software code and stock quotes - have supplanted industrial goods as the key drivers of world markets. Confronted by this New Economy, many instinctively react by searching for a corresponding New Economics to guide their business decisions. Executives charged with rolling out cutting-edge software products or on-line versions of their magazines are tempted to abandon the classic lessons of economics, and rely instead on an ever-changing roster of trends, buzzwords, and analogies that promise to guide strategy in the information age. Check the availability and buy your books from our Bookshop.
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Management
Information Systems, 6/e James A. O'Brien
ISBN:
0072823119 Check the availability and buy your books from our Bookshop. |
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Systems
Analysis and Design Methods,
6/e
Jeffrey
L. Whitten, Purdue University--West Lafayette ISBN:
0072474173 Check the availability and buy your books from our Bookshop. |
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Introduction
to Computational Science and Mathematics Check the availability and buy your books from our Bookshop. |
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Journal
of Computational Mathematics
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Resources
Information
Systems
Textbooks by James A. O'Brien