Computer Science Revision Notes
1. Networking
- Introduction: A network is a group of interconnected computers that can share resources (files,
data, etc.) over communication channels.
- Types of Networks:
- LAN (Local Area Network): Limited to a small geographic area (e.g., home or office).
- WAN (Wide Area Network): Covers a large geographic area (e.g., the Internet).
- MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): Spans a city or campus.
- Protocols: Standard rules that allow devices to communicate, like TCP/IP, HTTP, and FTP.
- Full Forms:
- TCP: Transmission Control Protocol
- IP: Internet Protocol
- WAN: Wide Area Network
2. Protocols
- Introduction: A protocol is a set of rules and conventions for communication between network
devices.
- Examples:
- HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): For browsing the web.
- FTP (File Transfer Protocol): For transferring files between computers.
- SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol): For sending emails.
3. Internet
- Introduction: The Internet is a global network of interconnected devices and systems.
- History: Started in the 1960s as ARPANET, it evolved into the modern Internet in the 1990s.
- Important Terms:
- URL (Uniform Resource Locator): The address of a web page.
- DNS (Domain Name System): Converts domain names to IP addresses.
- ISP (Internet Service Provider): Companies that provide access to the Internet.
4. DBMS (Database Management System)
- Introduction: A DBMS is software that manages databases and allows users to store, retrieve,
and manipulate data.
- Types:
- RDBMS (Relational Database Management System): Data stored in tables (e.g., MySQL, SQL
Server).
- NoSQL DBMS: Non-relational databases used for large data sets (e.g., MongoDB).
- Basic SQL Commands:
- SELECT: Retrieve data from a database.
- INSERT: Add new records.
- UPDATE: Modify existing records.
- DELETE: Remove records.
5. Python Programming
- Introduction: Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language known for its simplicity
and readability.
- Basic Syntax:
- Variables: Used to store data, e.g., x = 10.
- Functions: Defined using def keyword, e.g., def my_function().
- Data Types: Common types include int, float, string, and list.
- Loops: For repeating tasks, e.g., for and while loops.
- Full Forms:
- IDE: Integrated Development Environment (e.g., PyCharm, Jupyter).
6. Computer Terminology
- CPU (Central Processing Unit): The brain of the computer.
- RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary storage for active programs.
- ROM (Read-Only Memory): Permanent storage for essential system instructions.
- HDD (Hard Disk Drive): Long-term storage for data.
- SSD (Solid State Drive): Faster alternative to HDDs.
7. Word Processing Software (e.g., Microsoft Word)
- Introduction: A word processor allows users to create and edit documents with text, images, and
formatting.
- Features:
- Formatting: Bold, Italics, Fonts, Paragraph alignment.
- Tables and Charts: Insert data into structured tables or charts.
- Spell Check: Automatically checks for spelling errors.
8. Web Browsing
- Introduction: Browsing is accessing and viewing web pages using a browser (e.g., Google
Chrome, Firefox).
- Key Terms:
- Bookmark: Saving a web page for easy access later.
- Cache: Temporarily storing web files to speed up loading times.
- Cookies: Small files stored by websites to remember user preferences.
9. Communication via Emails
- Introduction: Email is a method of sending digital messages via the Internet.
- Protocols:
- SMTP: For sending emails.
- POP3 and IMAP: For receiving emails.
- Important Terms:
- CC: Carbon Copy (sends copies to additional recipients).
- BCC: Blind Carbon Copy (hides the recipients).
10. Downloading and Uploading Data
- Download: The process of receiving data from a remote system (e.g., files from the Internet).
- Upload: The process of sending data to a remote system (e.g., attaching a file to an email).
11. PowerPoint Presentations
- Introduction: Microsoft PowerPoint is used to create slideshow presentations.
- Features:
- Slides: Different pages in the presentation.
- Animations: Movement effects for text and images.
- Transitions: Effects when switching between slides.
- Full Form: PPT (PowerPoint Presentation)
12. Excel (Spreadsheet Software)
- Introduction: Microsoft Excel is used for data organization and analysis through spreadsheets.
- Features:
- Cells: Basic units in a spreadsheet (intersection of a row and column).
- Formulas: Functions for calculations (e.g., =SUM(A1:A10)).
- Charts: Graphical representation of data.
