Back to: Jss2 Computer Science  – ICT (BST)

Introduction

Computer problem solving skills are essential. With the increasing reliance on technology in all aspects of life, computer-related problems are bound to arise at some point. Whether it’s a virus, software issue, or hardware malfunction, knowing how to troubleshoot and solve these problems is crucial. 

How to Develop and Improve Your Computer Problem Solving Skills.

Here are some tips on how to develop and improve your computer problem solving skills.

Identify the problem

The first step in solving any computer problem is identifying what the issue is. Pay close attention to any error messages or warnings that pop up on your screen. Try to recreate the issue so that you can understand its cause. Is the problem related to hardware or software? Knowing what you’re dealing with will help you find the right solution.

Research the problem

Once you’ve identified the problem, it’s time to do some research. Look up the issue online and see if there are any common solutions. Check out tech forums, blogs, and websites for troubleshooting tips. You can also use search engines to find articles, tutorials, or videos that explain the problem and how to fix it.

Take a systematic approach

When it comes to computer problem-solving, taking a systematic approach is essential. Work through the problem step-by-step, ruling out potential causes until you find the solution. For example, if your computer is slow, start by checking for any viruses, then look at your startup programs, and so on. Avoid jumping to conclusions or trying to fix everything at once. This can often lead to more problems or confusion.

Utilize software tools

There are many software tools available that can help you troubleshoot and fix computer problems. Antivirus software can help you detect and remove viruses or malware, while disk cleaning and defragmentation tools can help optimize your system’s performance. There are also diagnostic tools that can test hardware components to see if they’re functioning correctly.

Practice problem-solving

Like any skill, solving computer problem solving requires practice to improve. Don’t wait until you have a problem to start practising. Try out different software, experiment with hardware components, and familiarize yourself with different operating systems. The more you practice, the more confident and efficient you’ll become in solving computer-related issues.

Computer Programmes

A computer program is a set of instructions written for a computer to execute specific tasks. These instructions are written in a computer programming language that the computer can understand and apply to input data. The program serves as a guide for the computer on what to do and how to do it. Once inputted, the program is translated into a code that the computer can execute, while still being understandable to humans. Examples of programming languages include Logo Basic and others.

Types of Programming Languages

Machine Language or Low-Level Language.

Machine language is the most basic language that a computer understands. It is composed of binary digits of 0s and 1s known as bits. The computer hardware can comprehend this language without any translation required. Any instruction given to a computer in machine language is processed faster than those written in any other type of computer programming language. However, writing programs in machine language is often difficult and time-consuming for human beings.

Assembly Language or Symbolic Language.

Assembly language is also known as a symbolic programming language because it is written in abbreviations and codes known as symbolic instruction codes or mnemonics. It uses mnemonic codes to represent machine instructions. Although it is similar to machine language, computer programs written in assembly language need to be translated into machine language before they can be executed by a computer. The ASSEMBLER program is used to translate the assembly language into machine language. Assembly language is machine-dependent, meaning that each assembly language can only be used with one computer. However, it is easier to program in assembly language than in machine language.

High Level Languages.

High-level languages are problem-oriented and use English-like phrases to provide instructions to the computer for performing tasks. They are structured similarly to human language. Programs written in high-level languages must be translated into machine language before the computer can understand and execute them. The programs used to translate high-level languages to machine language include interpreters and compilers.

Fourth Generation Languages.

Fourth-generation languages (4GLs) are programming languages that are designed to be more user-friendly and efficient than earlier programming languages. They were developed in the 1980s and 1990s as a way to make programming more accessible to non-programmers and to simplify the development of complex applications.

4GLs are characterized by their high-level, declarative nature, which allows programmers to specify what they want the program to do, rather than how to do it. This makes 4GLs more focused on the problem to be solved rather than on the details of the programming language itself. Additionally, 4GLs often have built-in functions and libraries that simplify and streamline the development process.

Some common examples of 4GLs include SQL, which is used to manage relational databases, and MATLAB, which is used for numerical computation and data analysis. Other examples include R, Python, and SAS, which are used for statistical analysis and data science.