CPEX REVIEWER external system, such as the prototype

of a microprocessor-based instrument.
Computer Fundamentals and Programming
Locator is a program used to assign the specific
Program is a set of instructions that a computer
address of where the segments of
follows to perform a task. It is also
object code are to be loaded into
commonly referred to as software.
memory. EXEBIN file
Software is a set of instructions, data or
Linker is a program used to join several object
programs used to operate computers
files into one large object file. The linker
and execute specific tasks.
produces a link file which contains the
Hardware refers to all of the physical devices, or binary codes for all the combined
components, that a computer is made modules
of.
Editor is a program which allows you to create a
Computer - is an electronic machine that file containing the assembly language
accepts information (DATA), process it statements for your program.
according to specific instructions and
Debugger is a program which allows you to load
provide the result as new information.
your object code program into system
Secondary Storage Device - Refers to any non- memory, execute the program and
volatile storage device that is internal or troubleshoot or debug it
external to the computer. It can be any
Microprocessor accepts number of input lines,
storage device beyond the primary
process it accordingly and provides lines
storage that enables permanent data
of output. CPU itself.
storage.
Microcontroller is a computer present in a
Bus System / Bus - Common pathway or
single integrated circuit which is
physical medium through which
dedicated to perform one task and
information flows from one computer
execute one specific application.
component to another. Clock is the
Contains CPU, IO Interfaces, Memory.
speed at which a microprocessor
executes instructions. Data Transfer - These instructions are used to
transfer the data from the source
Assembler program is used to translate the
operand to the destination operand.
assembly language mnemonics for
instructions to corresponding binary Load Instruction – moves data from memory to
codes. register.

Compiler is used to translates high level Store Instruction – moves data from register to
language to low level language memory.

Interpreter reads and execute program Move Instruction – moves data from register to
instructions register

Emulator is a mixture of hardware and Immediate Load Instruction – moves constants

software. It is used to test and debug (addresses) to register.
the hardware and software of an
Fetch-Decode-Execute: Is where the processor Mesh Topology - a type of topology that has a
gets/read an instruction, process dedicated point-to-point link to
according to what the operation an every other device.
instruction is and provides output back
PAN - Less than 10 meters
to the memory/output devices.
LAN - 10 meters – 1 kilometer (laboratory,
Opcode – known as operation code, whereas it
home, office)
states the operation or methods to be
processed by the ALU. MAN - 10 kilometers (region, campus, city)
Operand – these are the designated memory WAN - 100 kilometers (state, countries)
location to where the values of a will be
fetched and saved. Source vs OSI MODEL (Open System Interconnection) -
Destination conceptual framework used to
describe the functions of a
ADD 800, 400, 280 – this is an instruction with a networking system.
format of: opcode, destination operand,
source operand, source operand 7. Application

CD ROM represents - Compact Disk Read Only 6. Presentation

Memory 5. Session
VIRUS means - Vital Information Resources 4. Transport
under Siege
3. Network
WWW means - World Wide Web
2. Data Link
CPU means - Central Processing Unit
1. Physical
BIOS means - Basic Input Output System
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol /
Transmission mode defines the direction of Internet Protocol) - set of
signal flow between two communications protocols used
connected devices. There are in the Internet and similar
three modes of transmission, computer networks.
namely: simplex, half duplex,
and full duplex. Application – Transport – Network – Network
Interface
Servers –are high configuration computers that
manage the resources of the USB means - Universal Serial Bus
network. Which of the following is represented by JPEG -
Clients – are computers that send request to Joint Photographic Experts
servers. Group

Physical Topology – refers to the geometric Which of the following is represented by

representation of the COBOL - Common Business
relationship of all the links and Oriented Language
linking devices (usually called
nodes) to one other.
Which of the following is represented by BASIC C Language is a simple yet powerful language
- Beginners All-purpose developed by Ritchie and others
Symbolic Instruction Code at Bell Laboratories for use with
the UNIX OS.
Machine Language are instructions that are the
only computer reads. (1, 0) ADA is a rapidly standardized language similar
to PASCAL.
Assembly Language are straightforward
transformation of the machine APL (A Programming Language) that uses a
language into a series of special character.
acronyms mnemonic which help
FORTH originally designed for telescope process
the programmer understand
control. Programs were called
the nature of the commands.
words.
(ADD 100, 200, 300)
PL/I (Programming Language One) Programs
High Level Language performs calculations with
were called functions.
a set of commands that was
meaningful to them rather than Code is a term used when numbers, letters or
in a language that could be words are represented by a
processed by the CPU. cin>>x, special group of symbols.
cout<
Straight Binary Coding is when the decimal
Very High-Level Language resembles natural number is represented by its
language most closely and are equivalent binary number
the least computer-oriented. (process of converting decimal
system.console.print(“Hello to binary)
World!”) print(“Hello World!”)
Binary Coded Decimal (BCD) – code in which
BASIC (Beginner’s All-Purpose Symbolic each digit of a decimal number
Instruction Code) was is represented by its binary
developed at Dartmouth equivalent.
University in 1964 as an
interactive language for use Excess – 3 Code – perform in the same manner
with time sharing system. as BCD except that 3 is added to
each decimal digit before
PASCAL incorporates many of the concepts of encoding it in binary
ALGOL (Algorithmic Language
developed in Europe used in Gray Code – code that belongs to a class code
scientific applications). called minimum-changecodes,
in which only one bit in the
FORTRAN (Formula Translation) was developed code group changes when going
by IBM to simplify scientific and from one step to the next.
engineering calculation.
Baudot Code – 5-bit character code developed
COBOL (The Common Business Oriented by French Postal Engineer,
Language) was used by the US Thomas Murray. It allows
Department of Defense maximum of 64 characters and
is widely used Telex and
 teletypewriter communications. FTTH means - fiber to the home
26
DSL means - digital subscriber line
ASCII Code (American Standard Code for
URL means - uniform resource locator
Information Interchange) is a 7-
bit character code that allows a FLAG mean – fiber-optic link around the globe
maximum of 128 or 27
characters. Computer Programming - It involves writing
EBCDIC Code (Extended BCD Interchange Code) instructions telling the
is an 8-bit character code that computer how to process a
allows a maximum of 256 or 28
characters. specific information.

Decimal Number System (Base 10 or n10) The three (3) basic processes are:
0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9
INPUT > PROCESS > OUTPUT (IPO)
Binary Number System (Base 2 or n2 ) 0,1

Octal Number System (Base 8 or n8 )  Analyze the problem and develop the
0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7 specification
Hexadecimal Number System (Base 16 or n16)  Design a solution
0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,A,B,C,D,E,F
 Code the program
1 nibble = 4 bits
 Test the program
1 byte = 8 bits  Validate the program
1 word = 16 bits
Algorithm is a list of instructions for carrying out
1 long word = 32 bits
some processes steps by step (La Putt). It is a
finite set of instructions that specify a sequence
1 bit = 0.125 bytes of operations to be carried out in order to solve
1 kB – 1,000 bytes a particular problem (Zwass, Vladimir).
1 MB – 1,000,000 bytes
 It has input, performs a process, and
1 GB – 1,000,000,000 bytes gives output
 Must be clear and unambiguous
Time of download: in seconds  Must correctly solve a problem

File size (Megabytes) / (Download Speed in  Can be followed with paper and pencil
Megabits/8)  Must execute in a finite number of steps
Which of the following represented by HTTP -
Hyper Text Transfer Protocol
Flowchart is a diagram representing the logical C++ Programming: Variables and Constants
sequence in which combination of steps or
 Local Variable – within function
operations is to be performed.
 Global Variable – within source code
 Parallelogram – input/output  Constants – fixed values
 Rectangle – process  Character – enclosed in ‘ ‘
 Diamond/Rhombus – decision making  String – enclosed in “ “
 Hexagon – preparation  String Literals – adding \ at the end to
 Oval – terminal extend the line
 Circle – connect symbol in same page
C++ Programming: Escape Characters
 Pentagon – connect symbol in other
page  \n = New Line
 \r = Carriage Return
C++ Programming: Environment
 \t = Tab Stop
 // Comment  \v = Vertical Tab
 /* */ Comment Block  \b = Back Space
 # Directive  \f = Form Feed (Page Feed)
 main() Main function of the program  \a = Alert (Beep)
 {} Begin/End  \’ = Single Quote (‘)
 cin>> Input  \” = Double Quote (“)
 cout<< Output  \? = Question Mark (?)
 \\ = Back Slash (\)
C++ Programming: Data Types
C++ Programming: Operators
 char (Character or Small Integer) – 1
byte  Assignment Operator (=)
 int (Integer) – 4 bytes  Addition (+)
 Bool (Boolean) – 1 byte  Subtraction (-)
 float (Floating Point Number) – 8 bytes  Multiplication (*)
 double (Double Precision Floating Point  Division (/)
Number) – 8 bytes  Modulo (%)
C++ Programming: Compound Assignment C++ Programming: Iteration/Looping Structure
Operators
 While Loop - It repeats the statements
 A += 5 A=A+5 while the condition set in expression is
 A -= 5 A=A-5 true. while (expression) statement;
 A*=5 A=A*5  Do Loop - The same as while loop
 A/=5 A=A/5 except that the condition is evaluated

 A++ A+1 after the execution of the statement

 A-- A-1 instead of before do statement while

(condition);
C++ Programming: Relational and Equality
 For Loop – Repeats the statement while
Operators
condition is true. Contains initialization
 == Equal to and increase-decrease statement.
 != Not Equal to
 Greater than for (var = initial, var = final, var++/--)
 < Less than statement;
 >= Greater than or equal to
 <= Less than or equal to
 ! Not
ENGINEERING ETHICS AND COMPUTER LAWS
 || Or
PHILIPPINE IT LAWS
 && And
RA 8792: E–COMMERCE ACT OF 2000 - Defined
C++ Programming: Conditional Structures
as doing business using the internet in all its
 If Statement – executed when a various shapes and forms.
condition is fulfilled
RA 8293: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CODE OF
 If-Else Statement – executed when a
THE PHILIPPINES - Creations of the mind, such
condition is fulfilled, otherwise the else
as inventions, literary and art; designs, symbols,
condition will be executed
names and images used in commerce.
 If-Else If Statement – executes each
block to match the condition, otherwise RA 9239: OPTICAL MEDIA ACT OF 2003 -
the else condition will be executed Protects the privacy of individuals while
 Switch Statement (Selective) – check ensuring free flow of information to promote
constant value innovation and growth.
RA 10844: DICT ACT OF 2015 - It aims to monitor, keyboard, memory, power supply, hard
address legal issues concerning online disk drive, etc.
interactions and the Internet in the Philippines.
SOFTWARE - refers to computer programs.
ETHICS - The branch of knowledge that deals These programs contain lists of instructions that
with moral principles in which it governs a adapt the computer to a specific application by
person’s behavior or the conducting of an causing the hardware to act in a certain manner.
activity. (OS, Utility, Application)

ETHICAL DECISION MAKING PROCESS PEOPLEWARE - Role of people in technology

and in the development of hardware or
1. RECOGNIZE - Defining situations
software. Refers to aspects of processes by
2. EVALUATE - Possible course of action
human such as interaction, programming,
3. COMMIT - Choose to commit best
productivity, teamwork and project
ethical course
management.
4. ACT - Acting on ethical decision
DATAWARE - System in which it is used for
CODE OF CONDUCT - A guide that highlights an
reporting and data analysis and it is part and
organization’s key ethical issues and identifies
considered a core component of business
the overarching values and principles.
intelligence.
EIGHT PRINCIPLES OF ETHICS FOR SOFTWARE
FIRMWARE - It is also a software program
ENGINEERING
inserted in a hardware device. It is programmed
1. PUBLIC
to give permanent instructions to communicate
2. CLIENT AND EMPLOYER
with others. (Keyboard, video cards, remotes)
3. PRODUCT
4. JUDGEMENT
5. MANAGEMENT
6. PROFESSION
7. COLLEAGUES
8. SELF

COMPUTER HARDWARE FUNDAMENTALS

LOGIC CIRCUIT SWITCHING THEORY
HARDWARE - Physical parts of computer that
NUMBER SYSTEM
can be interacted by users. Examples: CPU,
 BINARY - Base 2
  DECIMAL - Base 10 INVERSION law - This law uses the NOT
 OCTAL - Base 8 operation. The inversion law states that double
 HEXADECIMAL - Base 16 inversion of a variable results in the original
variable itself.
BOOLEAN LAWS

Commutative law - Any binary operation which

satisfies the following expression is referred to
as commutative operation.

de Morgans law - Two separate terms and

inverted with the same value but different
Associative law - This law states that the order operation.
in which the logic operations are performed is
irrelevant as their effect is the same.

TRUTH TABLE - This table shows how each

Distributive law - states the following condition. statement depends in each other from simple to
complex. Set of functions with their arguments.

COMBINATIONAL LOGIC - Digital logics in which

outputs of any functions are just input of the
AND law - These laws use the AND operation.
combinational logic.
Therefore they are called as AND laws.
ENCODER - Combinational circuit that converts
binary information in the form of a 2n input lines
into n output lines, which represent n bit code
for the input.

DECODER - A decoder does the opposite job of

OR law - These laws use the OR operation. an encoder. It is a combinational circuit that

Therefore they are called as OR laws. converts n lines of input into 2n lines of output.

FLIP-FLOP - It is the basic storage element in

sequential logic. It is an electronic circuit with
two stable states that can be used to store
binary data. The stored data can be changed by
applying varying inputs.

DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING

FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPT OF SIGNALS

Signal is a dependent of some independent

variable and it varies over time.
DISCRETE
It depends on time, temperature, distance.
Multichannel and Multidimensional Signals
SIGNAL PROCESSING - Manipulation of signals
to change its characteristics or extract Real Signals - any x(t) that is an element of R

information in a more desirable form. It may be Continuous-Time Signals - Specified for every
done through a computer, special purpose IC, or value of time; whereas x(t)
an analog electrical circuit.
Complex Signals - signals that is reflected in the
DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING - Process of complex plane
analyzing and modifying a signal. Improves
Discrete-Time Signals - Specified at discrete
efficiency and performance and it applies
time intervals whereas x[n]
mathematical and computational algorithms to
produce high quality signals. Analog Signals - x(t) where { x(t) | x(t) E Z }

Classification of Signals Digital Signals - x[n] where { x[n] | x[n] E Z }

Natural and Synthetic Signals

Deterministic Signals - signals that can be

uniquely described by an explicit mathematical
expression
CONTINOUS
Random Signals - signals that evolve through
time in an unpredictable manner
Even Signals - remain identical under folding  Concepts of the object-oriented
operation; paradigm are important because these
concepts underpin good OOP Design.
whereas when x(-t) = x(t) or x[n] = x[-n]
Classes - A software abstraction of similar
Odd Signals - doesn’t remain identical under
objects, a template of which objects are
folding operation
created. Consist of field (data member) and
when x(-t) = -x(t) or x[-n] = -x[n] method (function member)

Periodic Signals - repeats itself after a regular Objects - A person, place, thing, event, concept,
interval screen or report. Pieces of data

Aperiodic Signals - any signal that is not Encapsulation - Grouping of related concepts
periodic into one item, such as a class or component.

Energy Signals - any signal such that 0 < E(t) < Public vs Private.

Inf and so P = 0 Inheritance - Represents “is a”, “is like” and “is a

Power Signals - any signal such that 0 < P(t) < Inf kind” relationship. Can overlap. Ancestor and

and so E = Inf Descendant. Parent and Child. Is vs Has

Object Oriented Concepts

Abstraction - Identification of the essential

characteristics of an item.

Polymorphism - Different objects can respond

to the same message in different ways, enable
objects to interact with one another without
knowing their exact type.

Object Oriented Programming

Concepts to understand
 It is a development strategy based on
the concept that systems should be  Encapsulation: Reduce Complexity +
built from a collection of reusable Increase Reusability
components called objects.  Inheritance: Eliminate Redundant Code
  Abstraction: Reduce Complexity + 8086 - It has an instruction queue, which is
Isolates impact of change capable of storing six instruction bytes from the
 Polymorphism: Refractor ugly memory resulting in faster processing. It uses
switch/case statements two stages of pipelining

MICROPROCESSOR SYSTEM Execution Unit - Gives instructions to BIU

stating from where to fetch the data and then
First Generation 1971 -1973: Intel Created the
decode and execute those instructions.
first microprocessor 4004 (clock speed of 740
kHz) Bus Interface Unit - Takes care of all data and
addresses transfers on the buses for the EU like
Second Generation 1973 -1978: Intel 8008; Fast
speed yet costly based on NMOS technology RISC - Designed to reduce the execution
fabrication (simplifies the instruction set of the
computer).
Third Generation 1979-1980: 16-bit
microprocessors; 8086 (speed were four times - Each instruction requires only one clock
better than 2nd gen) cycle to execute results in uniform
execution time.
Fourth Generation 1981-1995: 32-bit
microprocessors; INTEL-80386 CISC - Designed to minimize the number of
instructions per program, ignoring the number
Fifth Generation 1995-onwards: 64-bit
of cycles per instruction.
microprocessors; Pentium, Celeron, Dual,
Quadcore

HARDWIRED CONTROL UNIT - A controller that

uses this approach can operate at high speed.
Fixed logic circuits that correspond directly to
the Boolean expressions are used to generate
the control signals.

MICROPROGRAMMED CONTROL UNIT - Micro-

programmed control unit is slower in speed
because of the time it takes to fetch
microinstructions from the control memory.
SOFTWARE ENGINEERING 3. CODING - Software design is translated
into source code.
SOFTWARE - It is a set of instructions, data or
4. TESTING - Test the functionality of
program that is used to operate computers and
entire system.
execute specific tasks.
5. DEPLOYMENT - Product is released to
IMPORTANCE OF SOFTWARE ENGINEERING the costumer.

Reduces Complexity - dividing the big ones into 6. MAINTENANCE - Developed product is

small pieces. taken care.

Minimize Software Cost – using the engineering SDLC PROCESS MODELS

method reduces the large number of codes over WATERFALL MODEL - Simplest model of SDLC
cost. wherein all phases will lineup after another.

Decrease Time – no wasted time when Once finished, there’s no going back.

engineering method is done. ITERATIVE MODEL - This model projects the

Handling Huge Projects – following the steps process of development in cyclic manner

and applying patience specially in planning and repeating every step after every cycle of SDLC

managing. process.

Reliable Software – testing and maintenance is SPIRAL MODEL - It is a combination of iterative

given, so as it must be secured. and systematic, controlled aspects of the

waterfall model with a very high emphasis on
Effectiveness – comes with anything according
risk analysis.
to standards. Better standards, much effective.
V-MODEL - It is where execution of processes
SOFTWARE ENGINEERING PARADIGM - It is also
happens in a sequential manner in a V-shape. It
referred to as a software development life cycle
is also known as Verification and Validation
in which it is a development strategy that
Model.
encompasses the process, methods, and tools.
BIG BANG MODEL - It is a process model
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT LIFE CYCLE
wherein it does not follow any specific process
1. REQUIREMENTS - Relevant information
AGILE MODEL - It is a combination of iterative
are gathered.
and incremental process models with focus on
2. DESIGN - Inputs are being materialized
for software architecture.
process adaptability and customer satisfaction
by rapid delivery of working software product.

RAD MODEL - It is based on prototyping and

iterative development with no specific planning
involved.

PROTOTYPING MODEL - It refers to building

software application prototypes which displays
the functionality of the product under
development, but may not actually hold the
exact logic of the original software.

SOFTWARE ANALYSIS AND DESIGN A graphical representation of flow of data in an

information system.
- It includes all activities which help the
transformation of requirement STRUCTURED ENGLISH - The description of what

specification into implementation. is required to code and how to code it. It helps
the programmer to write error-free code.

STRUCTURED ENGLISH - The description of what

is required to code and how to code it. It helps
the programmer to write error-free code.

DATA DICTIONARY - The centralized collection of

information about data. It stores meaning,
origin, relationship, format of data and etc.
DATA FLOW DIAGRAM
DECISION TABLE - Used to debug and prevent
errors. It helps group similar information into a
single table and then by combines to deliver
easy and convenient decision making.

ENGINEERING SCIENCE
What are found in the nucleus of an atom? 9. What is a substance that cannot be
broken down into simpler substances?
1. What are found in the nucleus of an
atom? Element

Protons and Neutrons 10. How are mixtures classified?

2. What is the negatively charged particle Suspension, Colloids or Solutions

of an atom?
11. The particles of sugar dispersed in water
Electrons are so small that a clear homogenous mixture
results. What is this homogenous mixture
3. he word “atoms” comes from Greek
called?
word “atomos” which means what?
Solution
Indivisible
12. How are elements classified?
4. Who was the first person to propose
that atoms have weights? Metals, Nonmetals or Metalloids

John Dalton 13. What is the property of metals that

reflect the light that strikes their surfaces,
5. Who discovered the electron?
making them appear shiny?
Joseph John Thomson
Luster
6. What is anything that occupies space
14. An acid can react with a base to
and has mass?
produce a .
Matter
Salt
7. What element has the smallest atom?
15. Vinegar is a solution of water and what
Hydrogen
Acetic Acid
8. What are the three isotopes of
16. What is the composition of common
Hydrogen?
table salt?
Protium, Deuterium, Tritium
Sodium Chloride
17. What occurs when a substance is 24. The first period in the periodic table
transformed into another substance with a contains how many elements?
totally different composition and properties?
Two
Chemical Change
25. What is another term for noble gases?
18. What describes the number of different
Inert Gases
homogenous materials in a sample?
26. What is the most abundant element in
Phase
the human body?
19. Atoms of the same element which have
Oxygen
different masses are called .
27. To form an ammonia, nitrogen must be
Isotopes
made to react with what element?
20. The number of
Hydrogen
in atom defines what element the atom is.
28. Caustic soda is used when making soap,
Protons textiles and paper. What is

21. A negatively charged ion which results another term for caustic soda?
when an electron is added to an atom is called
Sodium Hydroxide
Anion
29. What element is used as a coating for
22. The elements with similar properties iron to make galvanized iron a corrosion-
are placed in columns of the periodic table. resistant material?
These columns are commonly
Zinc
called .
30. What element is used in advertising
Groups of Families signs?

23. Elements in Group 1A in the periodic Neon

table are .

Alkali Metals
31. What are the main energy levels where
the valence electrons belong

called?

Valence shells

32. The elements of groups IA, IIA, IIIA,

IVA, VA, VIA, VIIA and VIIIA are called main

group elements or .

Representative/s

33. What is another term for lanthanides

and actinides?

Inner Transition Metals

34. The size of the atom is dependent on

which?

region of space occupied by electrons

35. What happens to the atomics size of the

elements in a group when you go from top to
bottom of the group?

Increases