Programming Langauges – Generations

The first generation of programming languages was and still is machine language or the level of instructions and data that the processor is actually given to work on .

However not long after, the second generation of programming languages came out which was called an assembler.

The third generation of language came out with the idea of “high level”, such as java.

Another generation called the fourth generation was born with the idea of making the third generation codes easier.

And finally, the fifth generation was the invention of using visuals to program, instead of codes.

Different Types of Software

Freeware- Software application programs that are free to use and distribute. Often, these programs are written by home programmers and distributed via the Internet at no cost and no future obligation to buy.

Shareware- Software programs that are openly available and usually can be downloaded online. They are often free, though not always.

Public Domain- material that is uncopyrighted, whose copyright has expired, or is uncopyrightable.

Open Source- a definition of software that includes freely available access to source code, redistribution, modification, and derived works.

Excercise 9.1

1. Match each term in column 1 with the best description from column 2.

black box : software not fully understood by most users

hierachy : diagram where the most important level of a system is at the top

resources : general term for components needed to perform a task

interface : meeting point between parts of a system

processors : the means of carrying out operations or instructions

procedures : instructions that control processing

hardware : physical units that make up a system

software : programs or sets of instruction

data : individual facts input into a system

people : users of a system

2.True or False?

Computer hardware can work without software. False

Software is often called programs. True

Programs that start up the computer and control its operations are systems software. True

Operating systems consist of one program. False

Operating systems manage hardware devices. True

An application program is the same as an operating system. False

Application programs consist mainly of utility programs. True

Application programs do not need operating systems in order to work. False

3.Answer the following questions in full sentences.

a. Name THREE jobs done by systems software.
A systems software’s three jobs are, the managing and controlling computer hardware in order for the application software to perform a task. Another job is transferring data from memory to disk. Finally, the third job in which the system software can undertake is rendering text into a display unit.

b. List FOUR peripheral devices that require a driver.
Four peripheral devices which require a driver are:

• Printers
• Graphic Cards
• Network Cards
• Sound Cards

c. Provide TWO specific examples of utility software.
Two utility softwares are, virus scanners and disk defragmenters.

d. Name TWO different types of operating systems.
Two different types of operating systems are, Windows XP and Windows Vista.

Ruby

1.What is a variable?

A variable saves something and gives it a name. You can use the equal (=) sign to do this.

2.What is a method?

A method is an action which only works on something particular.

3.What is an array?

An array is a list which stores things in chronological order

4.What is the difference between ticket.sort and ticket.sort!?

The difference between ticket.sort and ticket.sort! is that ticket.sort just alters the variable temporarily but ticket.sort! alters the variable permanently.

5.Identify 3 Ruby methods and explain their purpose.

1. to_s: converts things to strings.
2. to_i: converts things to integers which are whole numbers
3. to_a: converts things to arrays.

System Components

The 5 main components of a computer system are:

• Data
• Processes
• Human beings (Users)
• Software
• Hardware

These 5 components will ensure that computer systems will function properly and will be run to acceptable standards.

These can be divided into certain branches.

 

 

 Operating System:

Word Processors:

CLI:

GUI:

NLI:

Teen Second Life

What is an avatar?

An avatar is a graphical image of a user used in real-time chat applications, to create a friendly place and environment.

What are virtual worlds?

A virtual world is a computer-based simulated environment intended for its users to inhabit and interact via avatars.

What kind of things could you learn about in a virtual world that would be hard to do in the real world?

We can learn how to interact in a completely different world an experience how a ‘virtual world’ differs from the real world, and what extra features it has, the advantages and disadvantages, etc.

What kind of things can you do in Teen Second Life?

Teen Second Life is a 3-D Virtual World, and we can experience a completely different environment to what we live in right now. You can customise your avatar, everything from head to toe, physical attributes, etc and get to experience how the ‘virtual world is like’.

Br Patrick’s Car