Computer Science

Computer Science

by Ian Sinclair
Released May 2014
Publisher(s): Newnes
ISBN: 9781483104256

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Book description


Computer Science: A Concise Introduction covers the fundamentals of computer science. The book describes micro-, mini-, and mainframe computers and their uses; the ranges and types of computers and peripherals currently available; applications to numerical computation; and commercial data processing and industrial control processes. The functions of data preparation, data control, computer operations, applications programming, systems analysis and design, database administration, and network control are also encompassed. The book then discusses batch, on-line, and real-time systems; the basic concepts of computer architecture; and the characteristics of main memory and backing storage. The main characteristics of common types of input, output, and input/output devices used in commercial computer applications and data transmission system are also considered. The book tackles the organization and accessing of serial, sequential, and indexed sequential file; file processing and management; and the concepts and functions of operating systems. The text describes on-line and off-line programming methods as well. Computer science students will find the book useful.

Table of contents

  1. Front Cover
  2. Computer Science: A Concise Introduction
  3. Copyright Page
  4. Table of Contents
  5. Preface
  6. Chapter 1. Fundamentals
    1. Number codes
    2. Other bases
    3. Negative numbers
    4. Binary arithmetic
    5. Coding to binary
    6. Suggestions for practical work
    7. Multiple-choice test questions
  7. Chapter 2. Programs
    1. Programming fundamentals (1/2)
    2. Programming fundamentals (2/2)
    3. Types of program instructions
    4. Algorithms
    5. Program flow
    6. Suggestions for practical work
    7. Multiple-choice test questions
  8. Chapter 3. Computers and programs
    1. Types of tasks
    2. Computing work
    3. Work classifications
    4. Higher-level functions
    5. Steps in a program project
    6. Suggestions for practical work
    7. Multiple-choice test questions
  9. Chapter 4. Inside the machine
    1. The CPU
    2. Managing memory
    3. CPU action
    4. Interfacing and peripherals
    5. Memory types
    6. Backing stores
    7. Hard disks
    8. CD ROM
    9. Suggestions for practical work
    10. Multiple-choice test questions
  10. Chapter 5. Outputs and inputs
    1. Printers
    2. Plotters
    3. Paper handling
    4. The keyboard, mouse and graphics pad
    5. Scanners and OCRs
    6. The VDU
    7. Terminals
    8. Punch-hole codes
    9. Bar-codes
    10. Transmitting data
    11. The modem
    12. Networking
    13. Preparation of data
    14. Suggestions for practical work
    15. Multiple-choice test questions
  11. Chapter 6. Introduction to files and filing
    1. File labels
    2. Serial files
    3. Sequential filing
    4. Random-access filing
    5. File organization and access
    6. Other file actions
    7. Suggestions for practical work
    8. Multiple-choice test questions
  12. Chapter 7. File processing and management
    1. File addressing
    2. Hashing methods
    3. Btree methods
    4. Sorting and merging
    5. External sorting and merging
    6. Updating a batch file
    7. On-line files
    8. File integrity
    9. Suggestions for practical work
    10. Multiple-choice test questions
  13. Chapter 8. Programming introduction
    1. Languages and levels
    2. Compilers and interpreters
    3. Operating systems
    4. Advanced OS actions
    5. Networks
    6. Spooling
    7. Timesharing
    8. Virtual storage
    9. Job control languages
    10. Running programs
    11. An applications package
    12. Suggestions for practical work
    13. Multiple-choice test questions
  14. Chapter 9. Programming methods
    1. Program design and techniques
    2. Tools for specification and design
    3. Structure
    4. Modularity
    5. Planning for structuring and modules
    6. Specifications
    7. Documentation and planning
    8. Coding
    9. The next version
    10. Patching
    11. Suggestions for practical work
    12. Multiple-choice test questions
  15. Appendix 1: Useful texts
  16. Appendix 2: ASCII codes in denary and hex
  17. Answers to exercises and multiple-choice test questions
  18. Index (1/2)
  19. Index (2/2)

Product information

  • Title: Computer Science
  • Author(s): Ian Sinclair
  • Release date: May 2014
  • Publisher(s): Newnes
  • ISBN: 9781483104256