Transcript CSC 200 - PDC Faculty

CSC 200
An Introduction
Length: 23:52
Algorithms
• A method for solving a problem
• Definition from Brookshear
– An ordered set of unambiguous, executable steps
defining a terminating process
• Software
• Hardware
Examples of Algorithms
• Long Division
• Euclidian Algorithm
– Greatest common divisor
• Some problems cannot be solved by algorithms
• Other problems are easily stated but impossible
to carry out in real time
• Encryption Algorithms
• Algorithms need not be mathematical
Computing Machines and Devices
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Early Devices – Abacus
Gear based machines
Jacquard loom
Babbage machines
Punch card storage and paper tape
Mechanical relays and vacuum tubes
ENIAC – University of Pennsylvania
– 30 feet by 50 feet in size
Factors of Computing
• Size has decreased
• Cost has decreased
– Eniac actually cost about $450,000
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Storage capacity has increased
Speed has increased
Reliability has increased
Availability has increased
Personal Computers
• IBM PC first introduced in 1981
• Open architecture made current machines
possible
• Microsoft software has become important
• Much software is Open Source
Computer Science is the Study of
Algorithms
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Algorithm Discovery
Applied Algorithms
Communication, Limits, Features, Usage
Algorithm: Method for solving a problem