Chapter 4: Computers, Programs, Algorithms

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Learning Objectives

• Define the concept of a computer

• Explain why the computer is a remarkable device

• Explain how a computer differs from other machines

• Explain how a computer stores and retrieves programs for execution

• State the difference between a computer and a computer system

• State the purpose of a microprocessor and the role it plays in a computer system

• Define the concept of a program from the human perspective and the computer perspective

• Describe how programs are represented in a computer’s memory

• List and describe the nine stages of the C++ program transformation process

• List and describe the four steps of the processing cycle

• State the purpose and objective of a computer’s memory system

• Define the concept of an algorithm

• List the characteristics of a good algorithm

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