Unit 1: Introduction to basic computer science

Question 1

What is Data? (2)

Answer 1

• unprocessed, unstructured symbols.
• no meaning until they are interpreted in context (= Info).”
  => raw facts or measurements

Question 2

Analog vs. Digital Data

Answer 2

Analog data = continuous (e.g. thermometer’s scale)

Digital data = simplifies reality into limited states, usually 2 (on/off). For computers.

Question 3

Computers work by representing and processing data in exact, reliable states = Binary System

Answer 3

2 values: 0 = off/ 1 = on
=> Computers only “understand” power on and power off

Question 4

Bits vs. Bytes

Answer 4

Bit: Smallest unit of digital data, represents one binary state (0 or 1).

Byte = 8 Bits. Allows 256 possible combinations. Represent characters, numbers & other data.

Question 5

Information (3)

Answer 5

Info = Meaning. Data that has been analysed & contextualised.

=> Gold Standard for decision making

=> e.g. temperature readings become information when analyzed to show trends.

Question 6

Why Binary Matters? (3)

Answer 6

1) Simplicity: Only 2 states.
2) Reliability: Binary signals are less likely to be misread.
3) Universality: All digital content—text, sound, images—can be encoded using only 0s & 1s.

Question 7

How Data Becomes Information: Name 3 Solutions

Answer 7

Syntactic processing
Semantic processing
Pragmatic processing

Question 8

Syntactic processing
=> That’s for computers

Answer 8

Data into structures (e.g., grouping bits into bytes or mapping codes to characters).

Question 9

Semantic processing
=> That’s for humans

Answer 9

Give meaning to structured data (e.g., interpreting “10112025” as a date).

Question 10

Pragmatic processing
=> That’s for humans

Answer 10

Meaning to action (e.g., using that date to plan an event).

Question 11

DIKW Hierarchy

Answer 11

Data = Raw facts (e.g. Celsius)

Info = Structured & contextualized data
(e.g. Average daily Celsius)

Knowledge = Patterns & insights derived from information
(e.g. seasonal trends)

Wisdom = Applying knowledge to make decisions
(e.g. Adjusting farming methods to climate trends)

Question 12

The Role of Context: Without context, data is ambiguous. With context, it becomes info.

Answer 12

Context is essential for data to gain meaning. The same value can mean different things depending on how it is interpreted:

“120” as blood pressure → normal systolic value.
“120°F” as temperature → extreme heat.

Question 13

Explain why information is a key resource in digital economy
-> “Information System”

Answer 13

Information System (=peeps, technology, processes & data => info) needed for good decision making.

E.g.: Healthcare systems: Turn patient data into diagnostic information.

Question 14

Info-Overload
-> “Is too much Information bad? -> YES

Answer 14

Info-Overload = Excessive Info = Difficulty to process, understand info or make decision.

Question 15

5 Quality Criteria for Information

-> ARTCC

Answer 15

1) Accuracy
2) Relevance: Info is needed currently?
3) Timeliness: Info available when required?
4) Completeness: Info includes all details?
5) Consistency: Info consistent with other reliable info?

Question 16

Storing Digital Data: Magnetic Storage

Computers need to store data, not just process it. Data is always stored as 0s & 1s, but in different physical ways

Answer 16

• magnetized areas to store data
• One direction = 0, opposite = 1
• Reading heads detect magnet direction
• tapes, floppy disks, HDDs

=> HDDs for bulk storage
=> cost-effective for archiving large amounts of data but slow
=> good for businesses managing extensive archives.

Question 17

Storing Digital Data: Optical Storage

Answer 17

CDs & DVDs use tiny surface pits & lands, read by lasers.
Pits (lower areas) = ‘0’
Lands (flat areas) = ‘1’

=> Distributing data like software, movies, or records
=> good for backups
=> good for securely distributing infos

Question 18

Storing Digital Data: Flash Memory & Solid-State Drives

Answer 18

• Stores data using electrons in transistors
• Electron present or absent = 0 or 1
• USB sticks, SD cards, SSDs

=> Fast, portable, reliable
=> For laptops, smartphones, cloud servers

Question 19

Binary/ Data Transmission (sending data)

Answer 19

Data transmission = sending 0s & 1s using physical signals

🧠
0/1 = light switch (on/off)

e.g.:
Cable (electricity):
High voltage = 1
Low voltage = 0

Fiber cable (light):
Light ON = 1
Light OFF = 0

Question 20

Data transmission: Impact on businesses

Answer 20

By ensuring a clear framework—simple on/off states—computers achieve speed, reliability, & error minimisation

Additionally, innovation benefits from global connectivity, as reliable data transmission (based on binary states) facilitates collaboration, remote work, and automation across borders