Learning outcomes of the course unit
This first course covers all the introductory (but fundamental ) aspects, necessary to understand the role and the behavior of a computing system: basic structure of a computer, networking and world wide web, operating systems and applications.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of mathematics
Course contents summary
The main topics that covered during the oral lessons are listed below.
Architecture of a computer
The central process unit (CPU), main memory and mass storage, BUS, peripherals.
Software
Language executor, programming languages, how a program actually works, role and functions of the operating system
Networking
Local area network and wide area network, network protocols, client/server architectures, World Wide Web, main services offered by net-based systems
Recommended readings
· Power point presentations used during the lessons (handouts) , available on the web site of the course (mandatory)
For those willing to increase their competence on Computer Science and Communication (not required)
· D.Sciuto, G.Buonanno, W.Fornaciari, L.Mari, Introduzione ai sistemi informatici 2/ed, McGraw-Hill, Milano, Italia, Gennaio 2002, ISBN: 88 386 0898-9, Pagine 320.
