Computer Studies
1
GCSE Computing Revision Booklet
This booklet has been created to provide an overview of each of the topics that you need to revise. Each section is broken down and guidance given on what you need to know. Use it in conjunction with your own revision techniques, e.g. mindmaps, to prepare for the exam.
Name:
………………………………………………………………………………..
2
Fundamentals of Computer Systems
You need to be able to: (a) define a computer system (b) describe the importance of computer systems in the modern world (c) explain the need for reliability in computer systems (d) explain the need for adherence to suitable professional standards in the development, use and maintenance of computer systems (e) explain the importance of ethical, environmental and legal considerations when creating computer systems.
What is a computer system? At its very basic, a computer system nothing more than an input, a processor and an output.
Input
Processor
Output
A computer system will usually have some storage capability and more often now – a way of communicating with other devices. Computers are all around us and I’m not just talking about your desktop or laptop computer. Your “smartphone”, your games console, your ipad, even your Sky+ or freeview recorder is a computer system of sorts.
3 Computer systems are integral parts of our lives. Think about all the computer systems you or your parents use on a daily or weekly basis:
Running washing programmes and sensing when clothes are dry.
On-board computers to control everything from engine efficiency to voiceactivated MP3/Bluetooth hands-free system.
Cashless catering system in school to add and subtract money from your account.
Self-service checkouts in supermarkets that scan, weigh, take payment and give change.
Contactless card payment systems where a small RFID (radio frequency ID) tag is embedded into the card and read when the card is near.
RFID technology – often used in library books and
GCSE Computing Revision Booklet
This booklet has been created to provide an overview of each of the topics that you need to revise. Each section is broken down and guidance given on what you need to know. Use it in conjunction with your own revision techniques, e.g. mindmaps, to prepare for the exam.
Name:
………………………………………………………………………………..
2
Fundamentals of Computer Systems
You need to be able to: (a) define a computer system (b) describe the importance of computer systems in the modern world (c) explain the need for reliability in computer systems (d) explain the need for adherence to suitable professional standards in the development, use and maintenance of computer systems (e) explain the importance of ethical, environmental and legal considerations when creating computer systems.
What is a computer system? At its very basic, a computer system nothing more than an input, a processor and an output.
Input
Processor
Output
A computer system will usually have some storage capability and more often now – a way of communicating with other devices. Computers are all around us and I’m not just talking about your desktop or laptop computer. Your “smartphone”, your games console, your ipad, even your Sky+ or freeview recorder is a computer system of sorts.
3 Computer systems are integral parts of our lives. Think about all the computer systems you or your parents use on a daily or weekly basis:
Running washing programmes and sensing when clothes are dry.
On-board computers to control everything from engine efficiency to voiceactivated MP3/Bluetooth hands-free system.
Cashless catering system in school to add and subtract money from your account.
Self-service checkouts in supermarkets that scan, weigh, take payment and give change.
Contactless card payment systems where a small RFID (radio frequency ID) tag is embedded into the card and read when the card is near.
RFID technology – often used in library books and