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  • Computer Science Key concepts

    Mahesh Dahale

    Mahesh Dahale

    @mahesh-E2tZ3t
    Updated: Oct 13, 2009
    Views: 3.1K
    Computer Science Key concepts (NEW)

    BIOS (bask input/output system) :-A collection of software codes built into a PC that handle some of the fundamental tasks of sending data from one part of the computer to another.

    Boot or boot-up:- The process that takes place when a PC is turned on and performs the routines necessary to get all the components functioning properly and the operating system loaded. The term comes from the concept of lifting yourself by your bootstraps.

    CMOS :-An acronym For complementary metaloxide semiconductor-a term that describes how a CMOS microchip is manufactured. Powered by a small battery, the CMOS chip retains crucial information about what hardware a PC comprises even when power is turned off.

    System files :- Small disk Files that contain software code that are the first files a computer reads from disk when it is booted. On DOS and Windows systems, the files are named 10.SYS and MSDOS.SYS and are hidden so that ordinarily you cannot see them in a listing of files on a disk. The system files contain the information needed, following the initial hardware boot, to load the rest of an operating system. In DOS, one other system file is COMMAND.COM, which contains the operating system's basic functions, such as displaying a list of files (a directory). A boot disk must contain all three files for a PC to start up. System files can also include CONFIG.SYS, which makes some initial settings of hardware, and AUTOEXEC.BAT, a collection of commands that are executed when all other boot functions are finished. In Windows 95,98, and Me, the Registry-consisting of the two hidden files USER.DAT and SYSTEM.DAT is also necessary for Windows to run and can be considered a system File.
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  • Manish Goyal

    MemberOct 13, 2009

    Re: Conputer Science Key concepts

    nice info ..mahesh
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  • Sahithi Pallavi

    MemberOct 13, 2009

    Re: Conputer Science Key concepts

    Good information..



    P.S : There is a spelling mistake in the thread name. Modify it.
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  • Mahesh Dahale

    MemberOct 14, 2009

    Re: Conputer Science Key concepts

    sahithi pallavi
    Good information..



    P.S : There is a spelling mistake in the thread name. Modify it.
    Thanks for pointing out. Modified.
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  • Mahesh Dahale

    MemberOct 14, 2009

    Circuit board:- Originally, wires ran from and to any component in any electrical device, not just computers. A circuit board replaces the need for separate wiring with the metallic traces printed on the board-sometimes also on the bottom of the board and in a hidden middle layer. The traces lead to connections for processors, resistors, capacitors, and other electrical components. The importance of the circuit board is that its entire creation can be automated, and the board packs more components into an ever-smaller space.

    Dock :- A microchip that regulates the timing and speed of all the computer's functions. The chip includes a crystal that vibrates at a certain frequency when electricity is applied to it. The shortest length of time in which a computer can perform some operation is one clock, or one vibration of the clock chip. The speed of clocks-and therefore, computers is expressed in megahertz (MHz). One megahertz is 1 million cycles, or vibrations, a second. Thus, a PC can be described as having a 200 or 300 MHz processor, which means that the processor has been designed to work with a clock chip running at that speed.
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  • ONKSSSSS

    MemberOct 15, 2009

    good MAD keep posting
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  • Mahesh Dahale

    MemberOct 15, 2009

    Re: Computer Science Key concepts (new)

    CPU :- An acronym for central processing unit, it is used to mean the microprocessor-also, processor-which is a microchip that processes the information and the code (instructions) used by a computer. The "brains" of a computer.

    Expansion slot :- Most PCs have unused slots into which the owner can plug circuit boards and hardware to add to the computer's capabilities. Most slots today are personal computer interface (PCI). One other slot, the accelerated graphics port (AGP), accepts a video card designed to move images out of memory quickly-you might see shorter slots on older computers. These are industry standard architecture (ISA), the only type of slots on the first PC.
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  • gaurav.bhorkar

    MemberOct 16, 2009

    very good information. Keep it up.
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  • safwan

    MemberOct 16, 2009

    Keep posting nice info like this brother .
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  • ramya_nag

    MemberOct 16, 2009

    good information..
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  • Mahesh Dahale

    MemberOct 18, 2009

    Motherboard:- A sheet of plastic onto which metallic circuits have been printed and to which slots For other components wait to receive daughterboards, smaller circuit boards that add to the motherboard capabilities.

    Operating system :-Software that exists to control the operations of hardware. Essentially, the operating system directs any operation, such as writing data to memory or to disk, and regulates the use of hardware among several application programs that are running at the same time. This frees program developers from having to write their own code for these most basic operations.
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  • Robert Thomas

    MemberOct 21, 2025

    If you’re serious about understanding Computer Science at its core — whether you’re an undergrad, self-learner, or even planning to pursue a PhD in Computer Science — it’s essential to grasp the foundational pillars that the field is built upon.

    Here are the key concepts that form the bedrock of Computer Science:

    1. Algorithms and Data Structures

    These are the heart of computer science. Knowing how to organize and manipulate data efficiently (e.g., trees, graphs, hash maps) and design optimal algorithms is crucial. This area is so fundamental that PhD programs often require mastery of advanced algorithmic theory.

    If you're doing a PhD in Computer Science, you’ll likely go beyond standard algorithms — into areas like approximation algorithms, computational geometry, or parallel/distributed algorithm design.

    1. Computational Theory

    Includes complexity theory (e.g., P vs NP), automata, and formal languages. This area explores what problems can be solved by computers and how efficiently.

    Most PhD-level research in theoretical computer science stems from this area. It's where logic, math, and computation intersect.

    1. Computer Architecture and Systems

    Understanding how computers work under the hood — memory hierarchy, CPU design, instruction sets, etc. — is key. Also includes OS concepts like process management, threads, and file systems.

    A PhD in systems (e.g., OS, compilers, distributed systems) often dives deep into performance tuning, concurrency models, and resource management.

    1. Programming Languages and Paradigms

    This covers syntax, semantics, and different programming paradigms (functional, object-oriented, declarative). Also includes compiler theory.

    A PhD in programming languages might involve designing new languages or developing type systems and formal semantics.

    1. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

    Increasingly important, this covers search, logic, neural networks, reinforcement learning, etc.

    Many modern PhD programs in Computer Science have specialisations in AI, where students publish in top conferences like NeurIPS or ICML.

    🔑 6. Software Engineering

    Deals with designing, building, testing, and maintaining large-scale software systems. Covers design patterns, agile methods, version control, etc.

    🔑 7. Databases and Information Retrieval

    How data is stored, retrieved, and managed efficiently. Concepts like normalization, indexing, transactions, and SQL.

    PhD research here might look at distributed databases, query optimization, or big data systems.

    1. Networking and Distributed Systems

    Covers how systems communicate over networks — including internet protocols, routing, distributed algorithms, and fault tolerance.

    1. Cybersecurity and Cryptography

    How to protect data and systems. Covers encryption, authentication, vulnerabilities, and secure protocols.

    In a PhD, this often overlaps with computational theory and may require deep math knowledge.

    1. Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

    How humans interact with technology — user interface design, accessibility, UX research, etc.

    Final Thought 💡

    Whether you're starting out or aiming for a PhD in Computer Science, these key concepts serve as your roadmap. A PhD typically zooms in on one niche area — but strong grounding in the above is non-negotiable.

    Think of it like this: a PhD in Computer Science builds depth, but these concepts provide your breadth. Both are critical — especially if you plan to contribute original research or teach the next generation of computer scientists.

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