Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Computers

Operating System Scheduling

1. The OS enables running multiple programs simultaneously. Several programs can reside in RAM concurrently, yet the CPU processes only one at a time. Only one process can be active at any given moment. CPUs are incredibly fast; even brief processing periods yield significant results. The OS determines the optimal method for switching between running, runnable, and waiting processes. It manages which process the CPU executes and distributes CPU access among processes. The task of determining when to switch processes is termed scheduling.

Disk Defragmentation

2. A disk defragmenter reorganizes files on a disk, ensuring they are stored contiguously. It arranges files on the disk into adjacent locations. This enhances... Continue reading "Understanding Operating Systems, Software, and Computer Hardware" »

Printer Types: A Comparative Analysis

Understanding the differences between various printer types is crucial for making informed decisions. Here's a comparison of common printer technologies:

• Laser Printers: Generally faster than plotters.
• Color Laser Printers: Offer significant advantages over standard monochrome laser printers, especially for vibrant outputs.
• Inkjet Printers: Typically slower than laser printers but often excel in photo quality.
• Dot Matrix Printers: Surprisingly, these can be more expensive than plotters, especially for specialized industrial models.
• Sublimation Printers: Often considered to have lower print quality compared to inkjet printers for general use, but excel in specific applications like photo printing or fabric.
• Plotters:

Fundamental Database Concepts

What is a datasheet?

When you first open a datasheet, Microsoft Access selects the first field value in the first record.

What is a table?

All fields for a specific individual or place can be grouped together as a table.

How can a field be described?

A field can be described as an attribute.

What is a primary key?

A field, or a combination of fields, that has a unique value is a primary key.

What is a requirement for a primary key?

A primary key must contain a unique value for each record within the table.

What is a foreign key?

A field that is defined in one table and is also a primary key in a different table is a foreign key.

What is a requirement for a foreign key?

Every foreign key must match the field value of a primary

Database Design Fundamentals

Key Concepts and Definitions

Data Type

The data type determines what field values are allowed and what other properties the field will have.

Saving a Table

You can specify a name for a table after you click the Save button on the Table Design toolbar.

Table Structure

The final step in the creation of a table is to save the table structure to disk.

Primary Key

A primary key uniquely identifies each record in a table.

Identifying Fields

When designing a database, you need to identify the fields that will be required.

Data Redundancy

Storing the same data field in multiple tables is called data redundancy.

Composite Key

A primary key that consists of more than one field is called a composite key.

Avoiding Data Redundancy

When designing... Continue reading "Database Design: Mastering Data Types, Keys, and Queries" »

Design patterns offer proven solutions to recurring software design challenges, promoting code reusability, maintainability, and efficiency. They can be categorized into three main types:

Behavioral Design Patterns

These patterns focus on communication and interaction between objects, enhancing flexibility. Examples include:

• Observer Pattern: Enables one-to-many dependencies, where changes in one object automatically notify dependent objects.
• Iterator Pattern: Provides sequential access to elements within a collection without exposing its underlying structure.

Creational Design Patterns

These patterns address object creation mechanisms, ensuring suitable instantiation processes. Examples include:

• Singleton Pattern: Restricts object creation to a single

Understanding Deadlock

A deadlock is a critical situation in which two or more computer programs, sharing the same resource, effectively prevent each other from accessing that resource. This results in both programs ceasing to function or becoming unresponsive.

Historically, the earliest computer operating systems ran only one program at a time, making all system resources available to that single program. As operating systems evolved to run multiple programs concurrently through interleaving, programs initially had to specify their resource needs in advance to avoid conflicts.

The advent of dynamic resource allocation, where programs could request further resources after execution began, introduced the problem of deadlocks. Addressing deadlocks... Continue reading "Deadlock and Semaphores: Concurrency in Operating Systems" »

Structural Design Patterns

Decorator - Adds additional functionality to a class

Adapter - 'adapts' one interface for a class into one that the client expects

Façade - creates a simplified interface from an existing one

Flyweight - A high quantity of objects share common properties to save space.

Bridge - decouples an abstraction from its implementation so that the two can vary independently.

Behavioral Design Patterns

Chain of Responsibility - Linked list of handlers

Command - Enables all the info for a request to be contained within a single object.

Interpreter - Developing domain specific languages

Iterator - Sequentially access elements of an aggregate object.

Mediator - Removes the need for classes to communicate with each other directly.

Observer... Continue reading "Structural and Behavioral Design Patterns in Software Development" »

Understanding the Internet: A Global Network

The Internet is a global network of interconnected computers that any device can join. It functions as a Wide Area Network (WAN), which is essentially a series of connected Local Area Networks (LANs).

Data packets are transmitted between computers using protocols that govern how information is sent and received.

Key Internet Technologies and Services

Technologies and services available over the Internet include:

• Web Pages: HTML documents presenting images, sound, and text, accessed via a web browser.
• Web Applications: Software accessed through a web browser.
• Native Applications: Applications developed for specific devices (e.g., smartphones), accessible without a browser.
• Email: Electronic mail communication.

Data Project Management: A Comprehensive Guide

Goal Setting: The Foundation of Project Planning

Every project requires a clear destination to determine its success. Goal setting is the first step in project planning, providing a roadmap for the project's journey.

Tools & Skills: Assessing Project Resources

The upper blocks of DR (Data Requirements) focus on evaluating the resources necessary for data project implementation. These resources include:

• Hard Resources: Data, software tools, processing
• Soft Resources: Skills, domain expertise, human resources for execution

Process & Value: Implementation and Delivery

The lower blocks of DR concentrate on project implementation and delivery. DR serves as a planning tool, helping project managers:

• Identify