GCSE Computer Science

Revised: November 2013

GCSE Computer Science

2013

Geraint D. Jones

Mark D. Thomas

Disclaimer

This resource is provided to support the teaching and learning of GCSE Computer Science. The materials provide an

introduction to the main concepts of the theory of the subject and should be used in conjunction with other

resources and sound classroom teaching.

It is intended that the resource will be updated periodically due to the evolving nature of the subject. Suggestions as

to how the materials may be developed further are welcome through our feedback system or by sending an e-mail

to: resources @wjec.co.uk

2

Contents

Computer systems ...................................................................... 4

Data representation ................................................................. 20

Computer system ..................................................................... 35

Networks .................................................................................. 43

The Internet and communications........................................... 53

Algorithms ................................................................................ 62

Programming ............................................................................ 63

Ethical, social, and legal aspects .............................................. 70

3

I.

Computer systems

CAN YOU IDENTIFY AND DESCRIBE COMPUTER SYSTEMS?

You should be able to:

? identify and describe computer systems:

o CPU

o input devices

o output devices

o backing storage

o data bus

o address bus

o ports and connectivity

CPU

ALU

registers

controller

internal

memory

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the main component in a computer for processing data and

instructions. It could be considered as the computing equivalent of the human brain. It is a hardware

device that is made up of many sub components:

? controller

? ALU: arithmetic/logic unit

? registers

? internal memory

? buses

All of these components have their own specific function. These are discussed in further detail on page 7.

4

Input devices

An input device allows data, such as text, images, video or sound, to be entered into a computer system.

Some common hardware input devices are shown below:

graphics tablet

mouse

microphone

keyboard

Output devices

There are many outputs created by a computer system. These include printed document, on-screen data,

sound. An output device allows data to be communicated by the computer in a human-friendly form, for

example, sound being output by a speaker. Some common hardware output devices are shown below:

speakers

projector

monitor

printer

5

 ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download