What is Computer Science?

Computer science is a very large subject with lots of applications. Computer scientists design new software, solve computing problems and develop different ways to use technology. LEARN MORE

 

What is an algorithm? An algorithm is a sequence of instructions or a set of rules that are followed to complete a task. This task can be anything, so long as you can give clear instructions for it. LEARN MORE

 

What is decomposition? When we solve computer programming problems we need to make choices about what to do and what order to do them in. LEARN MORE

 

How do we get computers to do what we want? It is all down to programming. A computer program is a series of algorithms written in a language that tells a computer what to do. LEARN MORE

 

What is debugging? Programmers write computer programs in a language we call code. However, because no one is perfect, computer programmers sometimes make mistakes when writing their code. These mistakes are known as ‘bugs’. LEARN MORE

 

How do computer programs use variables? Computer programs use variables to store information. LEARN MORE

 

Controlling Physical Systems. Computers can only interact with the world if they are connected to input and output devices. LEARN MORE

 

What are input and output devices? An input is data that a computer receives. An output is data that a computer sends. LEARN MORE

 

How does the internet work? The global computer network called the internet is part of our everyday lives at home and at school. It is made up of millions of computers all over the world that are digitally connected to each other by cable, fibre or wireless links. You can use the internet to browse websites, communicate with people, download pictures and videos, listen to music or do lots of other amazing things. LEARN MORE

 

What is digital data? Computers can only work with digital information. Everything that they process must first be turned into a digital signal in one of two states: ‘on’ or ‘off’. LEARN MORE

 

What is the world wide web? Many people think that the internet and the world wide web are the same thing. While they are closely linked, they are very different systems. The internet is a huge network of computers all connected together. The world wide web (‘www’ or ‘web’ for short) is a collection of webpages found on this network of computers. Your browser uses the internet to access the web. LEARN MORE

 

How do search engines work? The world wide web is a big place. If you know the web address, or URL, of a site you can find it by typing it into the address bar along the top of your browser. But what if you don’t know the URL? LEARN MORE

 

What makes a good computer game? In the UK, computer games are a multi-billion pound industry. There are games for all age ranges and interests. You can play games on lots of devices including mobile phones, tablets, computers and consoles. LEARN MORE