1. Applications and Algorithms First Week Seventh Week

2. What is an Application?  Dictionary: “A computer program designed for a specific task or use.”  CS: “A program or system of programs that provide a useful tool.”  Examples of applications???

3. Categories of Applications  General Purpose Flexible, wide range of uses Examples: Word processors Databases Spreadsheets Browsers E-mail

4. Categories of Applications  Domain-Specific Designed with a certain domain or use in mind. Examples: Weather maps Scanners Compilers Medical Expert Systems

5. Categories of Applications  Highly Specialized Software in embedded computers – usually very special purpose Examples: Cars Toys Microwaves Thermostats

6. Discussion  Do more powerful tools give us: Better Outputs? Better Working Conditions? Better Standard of Living?

7. Algorithms  What is an Algorithm? A series of precise steps, known to stop eventually, to solve a problem NOT necessarily tied to computers  Historical note: The word algorithm comes from the name of a Persian mathematician and author (al-Khuwarizmi) who lived around 825 a.d.