INTRODUCTION TO

COMPUTING
PRELIM – FINAL TOPICS SUMMARY

NAME: RYMAR SABALA ELARDO

COURSE: BSCS 1-A
SUBMITTED TO: Ms. XYZA ADLAON
Topic 1: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
The first topic we discussed was an introduction to computers and the evolution of computers
over time passed. The computer is a programmable, electronic, and machine devices that capable
of storing, retrieving, and processing data in the systems. Computer history Timeline, starting
from the 1940s up to the 21st century, and explored the future of computing, including emerging
trends such as Artificial Intelligence also known as (AI), Quantum Computing, Edge Computing,
and the Metaverse. We also covered the principal characteristics of a computer that includes the
programmability, data processing, storage, input and output capabilities. The history of
computers was divided into significant periods, starting with the basic computing era that
featured tools like “Tally sticks” and culminating in “Charles Babbage’s” invention of the
Analytical Engine. The basic computing period divided into four ages: Pre-Mechanical Age, the
Mechanical Age, the Electromechanical Age, and the Electronic Age. The inventions during
these periods included devices like the Abacus, Pascaline, the Difference Engine, the Tabulating
Machine, and eventually the ENIAC, transistors, integrated circuits, and personal computers. The
five generations of computers, start with the vacuum tube-based first generation (1940-1956),
followed by the transistor-based second generation (1956-1963), the integrated circuit-based
which is third generation (1964-1971), and the microprocessor based in fourth generation (1971-
present). The fifth generation represents the present and future that characterized by
advancements of the AI and cloud computing. At this topic I deeper understand how important to
know the past computers generation which is allows us to evolved in to advance technology
generation to generations and thanks to the person who discovered these and create some
technology device that we use nowadays.

Topic 2: INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION

TECHNOLOGY

In this topic, we discussed the uses of ICT or (Information and Communications Technology) in
our daily lives, along with the positive and negative impacts in the environment and especially
through the adults. ICT plays a vital role in areas such as communication, entertainment,
education, work, productivity, shopping, finance, health, and wellness. In today’s generation,
ICT is everywhere, making it easily accessible to everyone. ICT represent the advantages and
disadvantages of its uses that we commonly known. These impacts influence not only the digital
world but also in the real world we live. ICT has the power changes which is, it can be either
beneficial or harmful depending on how we use it. ICT has been revolutionized our world in
different ways. through understanding the applications and impacts of ICT, we can face the
challenges and achieve some opportunities that empowering ourselves to be better and be
responsible in the future.

Topic 3: COUNTING NUMBER SYSTEM PART 1 AND PART 2

The topic on the Counting Number System was divided into two parts. Part 1 focused on why the
number system is important in communication, computers, and culture. It introduced the four
main counting number systems which is the Decimal, Binary, Hexadecimal, and Octal. The
Decimal system is commonly used it is based on the power of 10 or (base 10). The Binary
system, known as the foundation of computers, operates on the power of 2 which is (base 2).
Hexadecimal is more compact and human-readable than binary it is a shorthand of the binary and
based on the power of 16 or (base 16). Lastly, the Octal system that based on the power of 8 or
(base 8). In this lesson, I learned how to calculate conversions among these four type of counting
number systems. Part 2 focusing more on the practical aspect of conversions. We practicing the
converting numbers between different bases, such as decimal to binary, decimal to octal, decimal
to hexadecimal, and vice versa. This topic helped me to understand and apply the technique
solving the problem of the different counting number system.

Topic 4: COMPUTER SYSTEM

In this topic, I learned that computer systems are composed by the three main components:
hardware, software, and networks. The hardware are the physical parts of a computer, such as
input devices like keyboards, mouse, microphones, and Controller devices. Well the output
devices are the monitors to display, speakers, and printers. In the internal parts of a system unit
we gave the CPU also known as (Central Processing Unit) it the core of the system or the brain
of the computer that executing user instructions. The primary storage of the computers are the
types of memory, the RAM also known as (Random Access Memory) which is the temporary
storage and ROM also known as (Read-Only Memory) or the permanent storage. RAM is a
volatile memory, meaning it is fast but loses its data when the computer is turned off. ROM, on
the other hand, is non-volatile that stores permanent instructions, such as the BIOS also known
as (Basic Input/Output System). The Software is intangible but we can see that provides the
instructions that guide the hardware and meanwhile Hardware is a tangible some of example are
the HDD (Hard disk Drive). The operating system is the most fundamental software that
managing hardware and software resources. Application software is designed for specific tasks,
such as Microsoft Office or Google Docs. Programming languages allow developers to create
software structured that communicate instructions to the computer. These programming
languages are classified into three levels: high-level or hard, medium-level or average, and low-
level which is the easy. High-level languages, like Python, C#, Java, and JavaScript, are user-
friendly and closer to human language. Medium-level languages, such as C and C++, bridge the
gap between high-level and low-level languages. Low-level languages provide direct control
over hardware but are more complex to learn and use.

Topic 5: TECHNICAL REPORT

In this topic, we conducted group reporting, divided in to 5 groups, with each group presenting
relevant topics to the digital age. Group 1’s report was titled "The Impact of Artificial
Intelligence on Modern Technology", it discussed how AI or (Artificial Intelligence) is
transforming some various fields in the world. Group 2 presented "Understanding Cybersecurity:
Protecting Information in the Digital Age", they discussed the importance of safeguarding data
and what is cybersecurity that helpful in the environment of media. Group 3 presented two
reports, which is "The World of Mobile Apps: Development" and "Basics of Computer
Networking", they discussed the growing of mobile applications, foundational networking
concepts and the impact of these technology in this day. Group 4 focused on programming
languages and digital design with their reports, "Introduction to Programming Languages:
Choosing the Right One for You" and "Exploring the Basics of User Interface also known UI,
and User Experience also known UX Design", offering insights into selecting programming
languages and creating some effective designs. Example of the programming Languages is C++,
C#, JavaScript, C and Python that allowed us to programmer run some codes and create some
projects in programming courses. Lastly, Group 5 they reported "The Role of Blockchain
Technology in Enhancing Data Security" and "The Role of IT in Everyday Life: How
Technology affects Our World" how the blockchain affect in data security, and the pervasive
influence of IT or (Information Technology) in our daily lives. They discussed the importance of
the IT ,the positive and the negative which is it depends on us how we use it and how we take
risk technological world.

Topic 6: NETIQUETTE, CYBERSECURITY, AND CYBERCRIMINALS

In this topic, we discussed netiquette, cybersecurity, and cybercriminals. Netiquette refers to the
proper way of communicating, interact with others and behaving in the virtual world. In this
topic there is the 10 Rules of Netiquette that need to be followed, which help us maintain a
positive and respectful individual in online. These rules are essential for creating a good online
profile and stimulate healthy interactions in the digital world. We also learned about the
Cybercrimes and their connection to our technology now. The term "cyber" it is related to
computers, information, technology, and virtual reality, while cybercrimes are crimes where
computers are used for a tools to targets some victim through there mechanisms. The individuals
behind it that commit these illegal activities are known as criminals or cybercriminals. This topic
emphasized the importance of being responsible digital citizens by practicing proper netiquette
and avoid some cybercrimes. Understanding these concepts helps us to gain knowledge to
crossed the online world safely and ethically.