The Beauty of the End

               Finally, the time has come to say good bye. I had so much experiences in ComSci1. I've gained lots of knowledge and cool ideas. I never imagined that I would survive here in Pisay. The whole year was amazing! Yes, it's hard for me to think that this entry would be my last but in every ending comes a new begining, right? So let's just meet in my next adventure in Computer Science 2. Hooray! Kumsay1 will always be really unforgettable.
               To the coolest teacher (hahahaha!), Sir Tom, thank you so much po and more challenges to come!
               This is Kate Therese P. Noel of 7-Diamond signing off. 'Til next time!


#ClearanceNaThis
#PracticalExamPa
#I'llMissComSci
#GoodByeG7
#PerioPaPala
#Dia2K20CanDoThis
#G8!HereWeCome

The Final Chapter: Installing an OS

              So, here it is:( Our last lesson for this school year - installing an Operating System. We are going to have a practical exam on how we can do it. It is indeed another challenge for us.
              Here are the links of Youtube tutorials on how you can install:

•  Windows 7
•  Windows 8

The Final Chapter: More about Computers

      Sir Tom introduced the basic computer hardware troubleshooting. He also taught us what causes them and how we can fix them. Here they are:

• No internet connection
• Blue Screen of Death
• Input/Output devices aren't working
• No screen display
• Computer is not working and produces beeping sound

      

       Computer System Unit Components was also discussed.

1. Motherboard                                                                        
   
   
2. Power box
   
3. RAM (Main Memory)
   
4. Processor (CPU)
   
5. Hard disk (Secondary Memory)
   
6. DVD Drive 
   
7. SATA Cables
   
8. Fan
   
9. Video card
   
10. Network card
    
11. Audio Card
    

I really had fun during our practical exam wherein we connected some parts of the CPU. It was thrilling but my group mates and I enjoyed it.

The Final Chapter: It's the New Generation

       We really are in the 21st century with the 5 generations of computer. Join me as I travel from the past to the present and take a look from where all the computers started up to the modern ones. We can also have an exciting sneak peek of the future generation of computers.

• 1ST GENERATION: VACUUM TUBES      

This was used from 1940 to 1956 and could solve one problem at a time. The computation time was on milliseconds. 

• 2ND GENERATION: TRANSISTORS

Transistors used magnetic core technology for primary memory and used magnetic tapes and magnetic disks for secondary storage. The instructions were stored in the memory of computer. The computation was on microseconds. This was used from 1956 to 1963.

• 3RD GENERATION: INTEGRATED CIRCUITS

This ran from 1964 to 1971. It had an operating system which allowed different applications to run at the same time. It could compute in nanoseconds. It ran faster and was smaller than the 2nd generation computers.

• 4TH GENERATION: MICROPROCESSORS

Microprocessors are used from 1971 up to the present. New operating systems were developed during this time. It could compute in picoseconds and supports Graphical User Interface (GUI).

 

• 5TH GENERATION: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 

Artificial Intelligence try to simulate the human way of thinking. They use chips that are able to store millions of components on a single chip. These computers require large memories. 

"Each generation of computer is designed based on a new technological development, resulting in better, cheaper and smaller computers that are more powerful, faster and efficient than their predecessors."

                                                                     - Goel, Ashish

 

The Final Chapter: Machine Cycle + Networking

              Machine Cycle, also known as Instruction Cycle or Processor Cycle, is the operation made by a central processing unit which is the main logic unit of a computer. There are three steps:

1. Fetch the instruction from the memory
2. Decode or translate the retrieved instruction into a series of computer commands in the control unit
3. Execute the computer commands in the arithmethic logic unit

               Also, the data are being stored in the memory after being executed by ALU. The process goes on and on after the storage.

The Final Chapter: Confusing Conversions Part 2

Continuation...

• Hexadecimal - Binary 

        Simply use the conversion table on my last entry. The process is just the same as converting binary into hexadecimal, but only vice versa. Still, here's an example:
         C51=___
         C = 11    , 8+0+2+1=11   , 1011 = C
         5 = 5      , 0+4+0+1=5    , 0101 = 5
         1 =1        , 0+0+0+1=1    , 0001 = 1
          Thus, it is equal to 1011 0101 0001. 

•  Decimal - Hexadecimal 

          Just convert the decimal into a binary before turning into a hexadecimal.

• Hexadecimal - Decimal    

          Convert the hexadecimal into a binary so you can turn it into a decimal:))       

         

The Final Quarter: Confusing Conversions

              Really, converting is really confusing. It's easy once you are used to it. But the only way to master it is to practice and be careful. Always check the base. The most common case of mistakes is converting it wrongly. For example, you must convert a binary into a hexadecimal but you didn't notice that you turned it into a decimal. Here are the ways on how you can convert:

• Binary - Decimal

          example: 11100111=_____  
                128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1
                   1   1   1    0   0 1 1 1
          The numbers above the binary are the powers of two. The numbers that point to 1 must be added together to get the decimal form.
           128+64+32+4+2+1=231
          Therefore, 11100111 is equal to 231.

• Decimal - Binary

          example: 239=_____
          Subtract the highest power of two that is less than the binary from the binary. Continue on subtracting the powers of two from the binary, making sure that the difference is not negative. Whenever the power of two can be subtracted, put 1 under it, but if it can't be, put 0.
          128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1
            1     1   1    0  1  1 1 1
           In this case, 16 got a 0 under it because the difference of 32 and 47 (which you get from subtracting 239 to 64 and 128) is 15. And if you subtract 15 to 16, you'll get a negative one.
           So, 239=11101111

• Binary - Hexadecimal

          example: 111001111101=_____
           Divide the binary every 4 bits starting from the right. For every set of bits, put the four lowest power of two from right to left. Add the ones which are pointed to 1.
           1110  0111  1101
           8421 8421 8421
        =   14      7      13
           Because the sum could only be up to 15, here are the corresponding values in hexadecimal:
         

          Therefore, 111001111101 is equal to E7D in hexadecimal.
   

0010 be continued...

The Final Quarter: Meet Bi, Deci and Hexa!

              Binary number is a number that is composed of only ones and zeroes and is of any length. It is also known as base-2.
              The numbers that we commonly see and is composed of number from zero to nine are the decimals. Another term for it is base-10.
               Every binary has a corresponding decimal and vice versa.
              Hexadecimals are the combination of numbers and letters from A to F. It is also called as base-16.

The Final Quarter: Data Representation

               There are two types of data that are store within a computer:

• Original data or information is a data that is introduced to a computing system for the first time.
• Previously Stored data or information is the one that has already been processed by a computer and is being stored.

               The process of taking a visual image or audio recording and converting it to a binary form for the computer is called digitizing.
              
               The common basic technologies used for storing binary information are:

• Electronic (flashdrive)
• Magnetic (external/hard drive)
• Optical (CD/DVD)

             
               Bit is the smallest unit of data the computer uses. It can be used to represent two states of information. While a byte can represent 256 states of information. 8 bits are equal to 1 byte.
              
               The most important characteristics of storage devices are:

• Speed - consider the access time. The fastest one is the electronic device.
• Cost - The cheapest device is the optical one.
• Capacity - Magnetic device can hold the largest capacity.
• Type of Access affects the speed of device. There are two types. One is the sequential which is obtained by proceeding from the start until the designated area. The other is random access wherein you can go directly to the designated area.

               Information is moved about in bytes or multiple bytes called words which are the fundamental units of information.

The Final Quarter: Software

               The programs which tell the computer system what to do are software. They give instructions that the CPU will need to carry out. There are two types of software:

1. System Software manages, maintains and controls the resource of the computer. These are the programs that take control of the computer.

• System Management Program

          Operating System (OS) is a program that monitors and controls all input/output and processing activities within a computer system.    

• System Development Program

          Compilers are what software used to create software through programming.

2. Application Software is designed and created to perform specific personal, business, scientific processing tasks.

• General Purpose Program
• Application Specific Program     

Here are a few reminders from Sir Tom:

*Platform is defined by a processor and an operating system.
*Software created to run a specific platform won't run on other platforms.
*Microsoft Windows operating system + Intel compatible-processor = Wintel platform is what most personal computer users choose.
*You can't run modern systems on earlier platforms.
*Before choosing a platform, consider the availability of appropriate commercial application software for the platform and the compatibility of platform with existing hardware, software and expertise.

                      

The Final Quarter: Computer System & Hardware Specifications

               We immediately started our lesson for the last quarter after the periodical exam. These are the things that I've learned about Computer System and Hardware Specs:
               One that's able to take in inputs and produces outputs is the Computer System. It is made up of two components: the hardware and the software. Some examples of a hardware are the CPU, keyboard, mouse, memory and input/output devices. While the operating system and applications are examples of a software. A hardware can work even if it doesn't have a software because of the firmware which is always installed to it.
               Here are the kinds and subtypes of a computer:

(c) Sir Tom Secundo

              One that's really amazing is the super computer which NASA uses and Watson is an example.
              Hardware Specs or Hardware Specifications are the one that dictate the limits and maximum capability of a hardware/device depending on a given criteria or unit of measurement.
              System Requirement, obviously, requires the minimum hardware specs of a computer system so it will be able to run a particular computer software. 
             

Computer Science 1: 75% Completed

          This quarter, we've discovered another world and met a new friend- Excel. Now, we are expecting for WHOLE new amazing experiences in our last quarter.
          I'm glad to say that I already completed the 3rd Quarter of the school year as a Grade 7 student in Pisay. We've encountered a lot of things. We've faced new challenges. We've known each and every one better and gained more friends. In just a blink of an eye, it felt like Pisay isn't new to us anymore. Now that we have already adjusted in this place, the next challenge is how to maintain or improve our grades and the friendship that we built.

Computer Science 1: Tests

          Last year, we had a "written exam" about our previous lessons. I'm contented of having a score of 18 out of 25 items. I didn't have time to review because we were busy having the Press Work in The Bicol Scholar. A few questions were hard because they have formulas in them and there were no choices. Still, I survive.
          Last Tuesday, Jan. 13, we were surprised when Sir Tom announced that we will be having a practical exam at that very moment. Supposedly, the test will be on Jan. 20 but since the submission of grades become earlier, we had to take the test earlier, too. The test was just like an activity only that the time is limited. We had to finish it in 1 hour. I finished all except for no. 4 in Sheet 2. I didn't know how to do the task and since the deadline had a cut-off, I already submitted it. I could feel the "panghihinayang" since no. 4 worth 5 points. At least I made it before the cut-off!

Computer Science 1: Macros

          After all the the things that we've learned in Excel, it's time to put them all together in one workbook. But to make things easier and faster, we've met Macros. Instead of retyping over and over again, you will just click three keys and there you go, you're finish. That's what Macro is. Here are the steps on how to record a Macro by, truly yours, Kate:

1. Go to the View tab and find the Macros.
2. Click "Record Macro". Give it a name and choose one key for it. 
3. Click "Ok". Perform the task that you want to be repeated.
4. Stop recording. 
5. Use CTRL+SHIFT+(the key that you've chosen) to the cell where you want to apply the Macro.

Computer Science 1: Charts

          In Excel, there are 5 kinds of charts that were introduced to us.

• Column Chart is used to visually compare values across a few categories.
• Bar Chart has a similar use with the column chart only that the category texts are longer.
• Line Chart shows trends over time or categories.
• Area Chart shows trends over time or categories. Use it to highlight the magnitude of change over time.
• Pie Chart is used to show proportions of a whole. 

          We had an exciting activity about this. It was quite hard but very challenging. During these past few weeks, I've learned how to be careful in typing formulas and selecting cells.

Here is an example of a Column Chart showing the populations of some animals from Jan. to June. 

(c) Excel Easy

Computer Science 1: Quadratic Formula

          Our next lesson was about Solver. This time, we solve for the area, volume and hypotenuse of some particular shapes. The activity was really difficult especially the one with the quadratic formula. I had a hard time doing that. Luckily, I was able to do it with the help of some tutorials. I passed another challenge. Cheers to that!

Computer Science 1: Conditional Formatting

          Conditional Formatting enables you to highlight cells with a certain color or put icons, depending on the cell's value.

• Highlight Cells Rules
• Top/Bottom Rules
• Data Bars
• Color Scales
• Icon Sets
• Add your own new rule!

  

  An example using Conditional Formatting and the NESTED IF.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Honestly, having that kind of activity above takes a lot of patience. You must also be very careful on typing so you would avoid mistakes and errors.

Computer Science 1: IF

          The IF function returns one value if a condition you specify evaluates to TRUE, and another value if that condition evaluates to FALSE. For example, the formula =IF(A1>10,"Over 10","10 or less") returns "Over 10" if A1 is greater than 10, and "10 or less" if A1 is less than or equal to 10.

Computer Science 1: Wait... A.N.O.?!

In Excel, you can use one of the three logical operations to construct formulas:

• AND works by performing multiple comparison tests that results to TRUE if all the tests are true, and FALSE if one or more of the tests are false.
• NOT is kind of confusing. But just remember that if the test is true, it means not true so it is FALSE. When the test is false, it means not false so it will be TRUE. (What?!)
• OR works in a very similar function with And. However, the Or function will return TRUE even if only one of the tests returns true.

works by performing multiple comparison tests and then returning TRUE if all of the tests were true, and FALSE if one or more of the tests were false - See more at: http://fiveminutelessons.com/learn-microsoft-excel/using-logical-operators-and-functions-excel#sthash.XxdKupMO.dpuf

works by performing multiple comparison tests and then returning TRUE if all of the tests were true, and FALSE if one or more of the tests were false - See more at: http://fiveminutelessons.com/learn-microsoft-excel/using-logical-operators-and-functions-excel#sthash.XxdKupMO.dpuf

works by performing multiple comparison tests and then returning TRUE if all of the tests were true, and FALSE if one or more of the tests were false - See more at: http://fiveminutelessons.com/learn-microsoft-excel/using-logical-operators-and-functions-excel#sthash.XxdKup

Computer Science 1: ExCELLS

          Our next lesson was about cell reference.We were taught some tips and techniques like how to use AutoFill, Paste Special and Ctrl +`. There are also three types of reference type. The first one is Relative which adjusts and changes when copied or when using AutoFill. In Absolute, dollar signs ($) are used to hold a row and/or column reference constant. The last one is mixed which is a combination of the relative and absolute type. After the discussion, we were challenged to make a multiplication table in Excel using the reference types as shortcut. It was quite difficult. Well, Sir Tom have never given us easy challenges!

Computer Science 1: Let's Talk About Math

          Say hello to ComSci and Math's children namely Function and Formula. Well, no surprise if Science and Math interact.

An example using the formula.

     
Let me introduce Formula. It is an expression which calculates the value of a cell. It always start with an equal sign. Some of the operators used are + (addition), - (subtraction), * (multiplication) and / (division).
     

An example using Function.

While Fuction is better known for being a predefined formula. But be careful when using this because one wrong type will lead to an error- the one with the #.

Examples of Error

 P.S. Don't be mistaken by the errors. They're not hashtags! ^_^v

Computer Science 1: Getting to Know...

          This quarter, we focused on Microsoft Excel. We had an introduction about this application and learned the basics. Sir Tom taught us its functions, its parts and some shortcuts to make tasks easier. For me, Excel is like a person you know but you never had a chance to talk to. You're not even friends, just plain acquaintances. Learning Excel is like simply knowing that person:))

          Yeah, we had Excel in 6th grade but we only tackled about its parts. Nothing more. This time, we've got a deeper meaning of it, a clear understanding of that person.
           After having an intro and knowing the basics, well, it's time to see if we have already learned. We had an activity and a quiz. Submitting the activity 42 minutes and 16 seconds earlier and getting a score of 8 out of 10 items aren't bad, are they?