Computer Software Intermediate 2

Computer Software Intermediate 2

Intermediate 2 Computing – Unit 1 Computer Systems – Study Checklist

Topic 1 – Data Representation / Notes / Success Guide / Revised
Represent positive numbers in binary using eight bits / 5,6 / 7
Give 3 Advantages of using binary numbers / 7 / 6
Describe floating point representation of real numbers using the terms mantissa and exponent / 8,9 / 7
Describe file sizes, backing storage and main memory capacities using the terms: bit, byte, Kilobyte, Megabyte, Gigabyte, Terabyte (Kb,Mb,Gb,Tb) / 4 / 6
Describe ASCII code including control characters / 9-11 / 8
Explain the term character set / 10 / 8
Describe how a black and white bit-mapped graphic is stored / 12,13 / 8,9
Calculate the file size of a black and white bit-mapped graphic / 13 / 9
Topic 2 – Computer Structure
Describe the purpose of a processor / 18 / 10
List the parts of a processor as;
  • ALU,
  • control unit and
  • registers
/ 18,19 / 10
Be able to illustrate the structure of a computer in the form of a simple five box diagram representing:
  • input devices,
  • processor,
  • main memory,
  • output devices, and
  • backing storage
/ 17 / 10
Explain the difference between main memory and backing storage / 20 / 11
Describe the features and uses of RAM and ROM / 19,20 / 11
Describe the uses of embedded, palmtop, laptop, desktop and mainframe computers / 21-31 / 12
Compare features of
  • embedded,
  • palmtop,
  • laptop,
  • desktop and
  • mainframe computers using :
  • type and speed of processor,
  • size of main memory,
  • backing storage,
  • input and output devices
/ 21-31 / 11
Describe clock speed as a simple indicator of system performance / 22 / 12
Topic 3 Peripherals
Describe the features, functions and uses of the following input devices:
  • keyboard,
  • mouse,
  • microphone,
  • touchpad,
  • digital camera,
  • scanner,
  • webcam
/ 33
34-35
36-37
42
38
40
43 / 14
Compare input devices using appropriate characteristics:
  • resolution,
  • capacity,
  • speed of data transfer,
  • cost
/ 33-43 / 14
Describe the features, functions and uses of a
  • monitor,
  • LCD panel,
  • inkjet and laser printers,
  • loudspeakers
/ 44
45
46,47
48 / 15
Compare output devices using appropriate characteristics:
  • resolution,
  • capacity,
  • speed of data transfer,
  • cost
/ 44-48 / -
Magnetic storage:
Describe the features, functions and uses of current magnetic storage devices and media including;
  • floppy drive,
  • hard drive,
  • magnetic tape drive
/ 50
51
53,54 / 16
Optical storage: Describe the features, functions and uses of current optical storage devices and media including:
  • CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW,
  • DVD-ROM,
  • rewritable DVD
/ 54-58
58
59-60 / 16
Solid State storage: Describe the features, functions and uses of current solid state storage devices and media:
  • Flash cards
  • USB “sticks”
/ - / -
Compare storage devices using appropriate characteristics:
  • type of access,
  • capacity,
  • speed of data transfer,
  • cost
/ 50-60 / 16
Describe the need for interfaces with reference to the following functions:
  • compensating for differences in speed between the CPU and peripherals,
  • data conversion from analogue to digital forms and
  • temporary data storage
/ 61
61
62 / 17
Topic 4 Networking
Describe the following features of LANs, WANs and the Internet:
  • transmission media,
  • bandwidth,
  • geographical spread and
  • functions
/ 64 / 18
Describe the functions of a client and server on a network / 67 / 19
Describe the benefits of networks / 67,68 / -
Describe the following features and functions of e-mail:
  • e-mail address,
  • sending, reading, replying,
  • setting up an address book,
  • setting up mailing lists,
  • setting up folders
/ 71
71,72
73
73,74 / 19
Describe the following features of the World Wide Web:
  • web pages,
  • hyperlinks,
  • browser,
  • search engine
/ 68
69
68
70 / 20
Describe the following economic factors which have led to the development of computer networks:
  • falling cost of telecommunication technologies and services,
  • shared access to expensive equipment,
  • geographic spread of organisations,
  • demand for up-to-date information
/ 66 / 20
Describe the main features of:
  • the Computer Misuse Act,
  • the Copyright Designs and Patents Act and
  • the Data Protection Act
/ 74,75
75
75 / 21
Topic 5 Computer Software
Distinguish between an operating system and an application program with examples of each / 77,78 / 22
Explain the need for standard file formats / 79 / 22
Describe the following standard file formats for text files: text, ASCII, rich text file / 79 / 22
Identification of data objects and operations in the context of word processing, databases, spreadsheets and graphic packages / 80 / 23
Give a definition of a virus / 81 / 23
Describe how a virus operates / 81 / 23
Describe the following common symptoms of virus infection:
  • displaying unwanted messages,
  • unusual visual/sound effects,
  • computers rebooting unexpectedly,
  • unwanted generation of e-mails
/ 82 / 23
Describe how viruses are spread via floppy disk, homemade CDs, ‘fun’ websites and e-mail attachments / 81 / 23
Explain the need for anti-virus software / - / -

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