Computing Taster SessionComputing Taster Session

• "Considering the current sad state of our computer programs, software development is clearly still a black art, and cannot yet be called an engineering discipline."(Bill Clinton)  

• "Programmers are in a race with the Universe to create bigger and better idiot-proof programs, while the Universe is trying to create bigger and better idiots.  So far the Universe is winning."(Rich Cook)

• "I think there's a world market for about 5 computers."(Thomas J. Watson, Chairman of the Board, IBM, circa 1948)

• "If debugging is the process of removing bugs, then programming must be the process of putting them in."(Edsger W. Dijkstra)

• "Don't worry if it doesn't work right.  If everything did, you'd be out of a job." (Mosher's Law of Software Engineering) 

• "Computer language design is just like a stroll in the park.  Jurassic Park, that is."(Larry Wall)

• "There's an old story about the person who wished his computer were as easy to use as his telephone.  That wish has come true, since I no longer know how to use my telephone."(Bjarne Stroustrup)  

• "Computers are useless.  They can only give you answers."(Pablo Picasso)

• "That's what's cool about working with computers.  They don't argue, they remember everything, and they don't drink all your beer."(Paul Leary)

What is computing?What is computing?

• ICT studies what you do with a computer

• Computing studies how it works– How does it work?How does it work?– What’s going on?What’s going on?– What’s inside the box?What’s inside the box?– How can I make it work better?How can I make it work better?

What will I learn?What will I learn?

• How to use a programming language How to use a programming language to to makemake things. things.

• Different number systemsDifferent number systems• LogicLogic• Communications and NetworkingCommunications and Networking• Database designDatabase design• Etc …..Etc …..

Will I enjoy it?Will I enjoy it?

ToughFrustratingFascinating

• Some indications …..Some indications …..– You have already played with computer You have already played with computer

technologies such as HTML, Games, technologies such as HTML, Games, Flash.Flash.

– You don’t give up easilyYou don’t give up easily– You like puzzlesYou like puzzles– People think you are cleverPeople think you are clever– You know your way around the InternetYou know your way around the Internet

Will I be any good at it?Will I be any good at it?

LETS FIND OUT…

The Major Topics in Year 12

• Problem Solving• Programming• Data representation• Machine level architecture• Computer systems• The Internet• Consequences and uses of

computers

Examinations

• Year 12– 1 theory exam (1 hr)– 1 practical exam (2 hr)

• Year 13– 1 Theory exam (2 hr)– 1 Project

Lets make something

• The first computer program was written by a woman – Ada Lovelace in 1842

• 168 years later, we will use Visual Basic to create a simple graphics application.

To Start

• From Start > All Programs • Applications• Specialist Applications• Computing• Visual Basic Express 2008

What’s NextWhat’s Next

• A serious commitment• One hour homework per day• ‘B’ grade GCSE mathematics

minimum

• See you next year!