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Computer science from A to Z
This A-Z provides an overview of computer science research. For each letter, Inria researchers have chosen a word that sheds light on their fields of research. A short text explains the research subject, the issues involved and its applications. Compiled in collaboration with researchers, this A-Z provides an introduction only: for more detailed information, visit the Interstices website.
Computer science from A to Z
K is for Kilobit
The quantity of information that a network can transmit increases by a factor of nearly 1000 every 10 years:
from several thousand bits (kilobits) per second in 1980, to a few million (megabits) in 1990, to billions (gigabits) in the 21st century.
Keywords:
Computer science from A to Z
L is for Language
If (x = = y) {n + + ;}/
But why don't we speak to computers in the same way we speak to people?
Keywords:
Computer science from A to Z
M is for Multimedia
Texts, drawings, photos, music, films... culture takes many forms, all of which are now accessible via a computer: welcome to the multimedia age!
Keywords:
Computer science from A to Z
N is for Numerical (Digital)
Camcorders, personal music players, telephones, computers... digital devices do not easily digest the incredibly nuanced, constantly changing information from the world around us.
Keywords:
Computer science from A to Z
O is for Ordinateur (Computer)
Gears, electromechanical relays, mercury tubes, vacuum lamps...
computers over the years have resorted to virtually everything.
Keywords:
Computer science from A to Z
P is for Protocol
“Hello? - Hi, it's Michael. Can I come over? - Yes, sure. - See you soon. - Bye.” This may be a banal conversation, but it follows well established practices: a protocol.
In order to understand each other, computers too follow protocols.
Keywords:
Computer science from A to Z
Q is for Quality
We know what makes a quality car: reliability, solidity, safety, elegance, comfort...
But what makes high-quality software?
Keywords:
Computer science from A to Z
R is for Robot
What do “Star Wars” and a car assembly line have in common?
The answer is that robots rule in both!
Keywords:
Computer science from A to Z
S is for Simulation
What do a supersonic aircraft, a tropical cyclone, a plant and a nuclear reactor have in common?
Answer:
computer-aided simulation.
Keywords:
Computer science from A to Z
T is for Time
“Please wait”: what an irritating sight this sentence makes on your computer screen.
But in some situations, known as “real time” situations, such a wait could bring disaster!
