Basic Knowledge of Computer Science (Including BCD)
1. What is a Computer?
A computer is an electronic device that accepts input, processes data, stores information, and produces
output.
2. Main Parts of a Computer:
- Input: Keyboard, mouse, scanner
- Processing: CPU (ALU + CU), Registers
- Memory: RAM (temporary), ROM (permanent), Cache, Storage (HDD/SSD)
- Output: Monitor, printer, speaker
3. Data Representation:
Computers use binary (0 and 1). Data can also be encoded in:
- ASCII: English letters and symbols
- BCD: Each decimal digit is stored as 4-bit binary
- Unicode: All languages
BCD Example:
Decimal 25 -> Digits: 2 and 5 -> 2=0010, 5=0101 -> BCD: 0010 0101
4. Number Systems:
- Decimal (Base 10): 0-9
- Binary (Base 2): 0,1
- Octal (Base 8): 0-7
- Hexadecimal (Base 16): 0-9, A-F
5. Logic Gates:
Basic gates that process binary signals:
- AND: Y = A·B (1 if both 1)
- OR: Y = A+B (1 if at least one 1)
- NOT: Y = NOT A (inverts input)
- XOR, NAND, NOR, XNOR are combinations
6. Software:
- System software: Operating systems (Windows, Linux, MacOS)
- Application software: Word processors, browsers
- Programming software: Compilers, editors
7. Operating System (OS):
Manages hardware, software, files, memory, and user interface.
8. Networks and Internet:
Computers can connect over networks:
- LAN: Local Area Network
- WAN: Wide Area Network
- Internet: Global network
IP address identifies a device.
9. Programming:
Writing code to tell computers what to do.
Popular languages: Python, C, Java, JavaScript.
10. Data Storage Units:
- Bit: Smallest unit (0 or 1)
- Byte: 8 bits
- KB, MB, GB, TB: Larger units of data
Security Basics:
- Use strong passwords
- Beware of malware
- Keep backups
Summary:
Understand how computers store and process data, how hardware and software work together, basics of
logic and binary, and how to program and secure systems.
