Pipe lining
A technique used in modern processors where the processor begins to execute the next instruction before the current one is completed.
Heuristics
Rules that are derived from the experiences of a person rather than logic.
Performance Modelling
A group of techniques used to improve the performance of a computer system based on performance, cost and expected workload.
Algorithms provide a mapping from the input values to the output. This is done by providing step by step instructions needed to solve a problem.
The steps of designing an algorithm are:
Specify what the algorithm will do
Design the algorithm
Check the algorithm
Analyse the algorithm
Implement the algorithm
Test the resulting program
A queue algorithm works by storing elements in a structure and using FIFO to either pop or push them. A queue needs at least one marker.
Linear search works by searching through an array from front to back. It is inefficient and one of the most basic sorting methods.
Here is an example of a linear sort algorithm:
Bubble sort is an algorithm that sorts elements.
It works by checking if a case is true and then moving the element up if so until it is not true. It repeats until all elements are in the correct location.
Bubble sort is the most inefficient sorting method because it has to repeat so many times.
Example:
A worst case scenario for bubble sort would be n(n-1)/2
An average scenario would be n(n-1)/4
Best case scenario would be n-1
Monitoring is done by many companies and governments on internet users. Companies usually use monitoring/ data mining to see what sites people visit so they can show suitable adverts or suggested sites.
Governments use monitoring/ data mining to try and prevent people breaking the law.
Schools can censor certain content which could be inappropriate for students. For example, Facebook
Workplaces can censor certain content that they don’t want employees to access. For example, Facebook
The UK Government can censor content that is illegal. For example, Pirate Bay
Other Governments can censor content that would lead to citizens becoming against them. For example, Wikipedia
Automation is the use of machines or systems to do tasks as alternative to humans. For example, getting machines to assemble cars instead of doing it by hand.
Artificial Intelligence is trying to model human intelligence into a computer system. AI systems are capable of learning and adapting. They can emulate vision, language, learning and knowledge.
Knowledge based systems:
A computer program that reasons and uses a knowledge base to solve complex problems. They are made of four parts:
Knowledge base- Contains the information
Rule base- Stores the rules which should be applied to the knowledge
Inference engine- The algorithms which apply the rules to the knowledge
User interface- Allows the user to input data to obtain results.
Computers can be used in the workplace for things ranging from security cameras in factories, work stations in offices to electronic whiteboards in schools.
Advantages of using computers are that for the employer, computers are more efficient than people. An advantage for employees is that computers can make the job easier. Customers can also benefit because of the convenience of such systems. An advantage for society could be that computer systems are more efficient so there would be less pollution and waste.
Disadvantages of computer systems in the workplace for an employer could be that it would be a big initial investment to buy computer systems.A disadvantage for an employee could be that they lose their job because of being replaced by a robot. A disadvantage for a customer could be that customer service is not as good as there is less employees. A disadvantage to society could be that more people are unemployed.
Matty's Computer Science Blog 