All CS101 Articles

Each time I send a message, upload a file, or shop online, my data moves through many systems. These systems may be secure—or not. That’s why I need a way to protect the content of my messages from prying eyes. Enter encryption. In this article, I explain what is encryption, how it works, why it’s vital for IT security, and what types of encryption exist. I cover everything from simple concepts to real-world techniques. I’ll also show the difference between link and end-to-end encryption, and I explain how modern systems use keys and algorithms to keep your data safe.

When I first explored how computers work behind the scenes, one concept amazed me — interrupts. So, what are interrupts, and why are they so important? Interrupts allow a processor to respond instantly to unexpected events, enabling multitasking and real-time reactions. Without them, systems would be slow and unresponsive. In this article, I’ll explain what are interrupts, how they function, and why they’re essential for efficient and reliable computing today.

When I first learned how computers send data accurately, I kept hearing one term — the parity bit. So, what is a parity bit, and why is it important? A parity bit, also known as a check bit, is a small but powerful mechanism that helps detect transmission errors. It adds a single bit to binary data to verify accuracy. In this article, I’ll explain what is a parity bit, how it works, where it’s used, and why it’s essential for reliable digital communication.

Have you ever wondered how your computer handles multiple tasks so efficiently? I did too — until I learned about direct memory access. This powerful technique lets devices transfer data directly to and from memory without constantly involving the CPU. The result? Faster performance and smoother multitasking. In this article, I’ll explain direct memory access, how it works, and why it’s a game-changer for modern computing systems.

When I first discovered computers, they seemed almost magical — how could such small devices store so much? The answer lies in a tiny yet powerful component: the flip-flop. So, what is a flipflop? It’s a basic circuit that stores a single bit of data, forming the foundation of all computer memory. In this article, I’ll explain what is a flipflop, how it works, and how billions of them together create the incredible computing power we use every day.

When I write programs, clarity is everything — and that’s where subroutines shine. They let me organize code into reusable, logical blocks. But to use them effectively, you must understand how to pass data in and retrieve results out. This can be tricky for beginners. In this article, I’ll explain how to work with subroutines across languages, showing real-world examples that reveal how different programming languages handle subroutines in practice.

Let me take you behind the scenes of something powerful yet often overlooked — subroutines. You’ve probably used them without even realizing it. Every time a computer performs a repeated task, a subroutine is at work. So, what are subroutines? They are reusable blocks of code that make programs more efficient, organized, and easier to maintain. In this article, I’ll explain what are subroutines, how they function, and why they’re essential in computer science.

When I first started exploring low-level computing, one concept immediately caught my attention — stack pointers. At first, they seemed complex, but I soon discovered how essential they are for managing subroutines, memory, and interrupts. The more I learned, the more I admired their precision and logic. In this article, I’ll explain what stack pointers are, how they work, and why they’re vital to efficient program execution. Let’s dive into this fascinating part of computer architecture together.

When I first began studying computer architecture, one term kept coming up — processor register. At first, it sounded like just another technical phrase, but I soon realized it’s essential to how every computer operates. A processor register stores small, fast-access data directly within the CPU, enabling quick calculations and instruction handling. In this article, I’ll explain how processor registers work, their types, and how they fit into the overall processor structure.

When I first heard the term “bus” in computing, I imagined public transport — and the comparison fits surprisingly well. Just like buses carry passengers, a data bus carries information between computer components. So, what is a bus in computing? It’s a system of electrical lines that transfers data, addresses, and control signals across the hardware. Without it, the CPU couldn’t communicate with memory, and your entire computer would simply stop working.

What is an offset? You’ve probably heard this term in programming or computer architecture. Offsets are vital for efficient CPU operation, helping with memory access, branching, and smooth program execution. Without them, systems would be slower and less flexible. In this article, I’ll explain what is an offset, how it fits into the instruction cycle, and why it’s key for fetching, decoding, and executing instructions with real-world examples to make it clear.

When I first explored how computers work, I was amazed by how they interact with the outside world. How do keyboard inputs appear instantly on the screen, or data move swiftly from storage to memory? The answer lies in the In-/Output Interface. This crucial yet often-overlooked component serves as the bridge between the computer system and its environment. Thanks to the In-/Output Interface, devices communicate quickly, reliably, and in perfect coordination.

As someone passionate about technology, I’ve always been intrigued by computer memory. It’s the core component that makes every device function seamlessly, from smartphones to powerful servers. In this article, I’ll explain what computer memory is, how it works, and why it’s so vital to system performance. Understanding computer memory helps reveal how data is stored, accessed, and managed — the very processes that keep modern computing running efficiently.

Have you ever wondered how programmers communicate efficiently with computers? The answer lies in Mnemonics Coding — a method that bridges human logic and machine language. In this article, I’ll explain what Mnemonics Coding is, how machine instructions work, and how assembly language translates them into executable commands. You’ll discover why Mnemonics Coding remains a vital concept for understanding how computers process and execute instructions at their core.

When studying computer processors, you’ll often come across the debate of RISC vs. CISC architectures. As a technology enthusiast, I’ve always found this topic fascinating. What makes them different, and which one is better? In this article, I’ll explain RISC vs. CISC in simple terms, compare their design principles, and explore how each impacts performance and efficiency in today’s computing world.

Have you ever wondered how modern computers became so efficient and powerful? The answer lies in the Von Neumann architecture — a groundbreaking design that transformed the way computers process and store information. By combining data and instructions in a single memory system, the Von Neumann architecture laid the foundation for today’s digital technology. In this article, I’ll explain how it works and why it remains central to computing innovation.

Have you ever wondered how your computer knows which instruction to execute next? The secret lies in a crucial component called the program counter. But what is a problem counter, and why does it matter so much? In this article, I’ll explain what is a problem counter in simple terms, showing how it keeps programs running in the correct sequence and ensures every instruction is processed in perfect order for smooth computer operation.

When I first started studying computer science, one question stood out: what is a control unit? This component seemed to be at the heart of everything a computer does. The control unit manages and coordinates how instructions are processed, guiding the flow of data between hardware parts. In this article, I’ll explain what is a control unit, how it works, and why it’s such a vital part of every computing system.