1.1.1

Architecture Introduction

Test yourself

Elements of Computer Systems

Computer systems are made of hardware and software which work together. Hardware are the physical components of the computer, such as:

Illustrative background for Input/Output (I/O) devicesIllustrative background for Input/Output (I/O) devices ?? "content

Input/Output (I/O) devices

  • I/O devices allow users to input data into the computer, or receive a data output from the computer.
  • Examples of common I/O devices are:
    • Keyboard.
    • Mouse.
    • Monitor.
    • Speakers.
Illustrative background for ProcessorsIllustrative background for Processors ?? "content

Processors

  • A processor is a special component that processes data and instructions to control other components within the computer.
  • The two main types of processor are:
    • Central Processing Unit (CPU).
    • Graphics Processing Unit (GPU).
Illustrative background for Primary storageIllustrative background for Primary storage ?? "content

Primary storage

  • Primary storage is the memory in which the computer can store the data or instructions that are currently in use.
  • The two main types of primary storage are:
    • Random Access Memory (RAM).
    • Read-Only Memory (ROM).
Illustrative background for Secondary storageIllustrative background for Secondary storage ?? "content

Secondary storage

  • Secondary storage is the memory in which the computer can store the data or instructions which are NOT currently in use.
  • Not all computer systems use secondary storage.
  • The main types of secondary storage are:
    • Hard Disk Drive (HDD).
    • Solid State Drive (SSD).
    • Compact Disc (CD).
    • Flash (USB Drive).

Types of Computer System

There are lots of different types of computer systems, including:

Illustrative background for General purpose systemsIllustrative background for General purpose systems ?? "content

General purpose systems

  • General purpose systems are capable of performing many different tasks.
  • For example:
    • PCs
    • Macs
    • Smartphones
Illustrative background for Embedded systemsIllustrative background for Embedded systems ?? "content

Embedded systems

  • An embedded system is a computer system which is built into another device to support its operation.
  • For example:
    • Washing machines.
    • Digital cameras.
    • Sat-Navs.

Jump to other topics

1Computer Systems

1.1Systems Architecture

1.1.1Architecture Introduction

1.1.2Von Neumann Architecture

1.1.3Fetch-Execute Cycle

1.1.4Factors Affecting CPU Performance

1.1.5Elements of Computer Systems

1.1.6Exam-Style Questions - Von Neumann Architecture

1.2Memory & Storage

1.2.1Types of Memory

1.2.2Flash Memory

1.2.3Virtual Memory

1.2.4Exam-Style Questions - Primary Memory

1.2.5Capacity

1.2.6Solid State Storage

1.2.7Magnetic Storage

1.2.8Examples of Magnetic Storage

1.2.9Optical Storage & its Properties

1.2.10Examples of Optical Storage

1.2.11End of Topic Test - Computer Systems

1.2.12Grade 9 - Storage

1.2.13Exam-Style Questions - Storage

1.2.14Units of Information

1.2.15Number Bases

1.2.16Converting Number Bases

1.2.17Hexadecimal

1.2.18Binary Arithmetic

1.2.19Representing Text

1.2.20ASCII & Unicode

1.2.21Representing Images

1.2.22Representing Sound

1.2.23Data Compression

1.2.24End of Topic Test - Representation

1.2.25Exam-Style Questions -Data Conversions

1.3Computer Networks, Connections & Protocols

1.3.1Benefit of Networks

1.3.2Network Performance

1.3.3Networks: How Do Packets Get Routed?

1.3.4Types of Networks

1.3.5Client-Server Model

1.3.6Pros & Cons of Client-Server Model

1.3.7Peer-to-Peer Model

1.3.8Pros & Cons of Peer-to-Peer Model

1.3.9Network Hardware

1.3.10What is the Internet?

1.3.11URLs

1.3.12DNS & Web Hosting

1.3.13The Cloud

1.3.14Pros & Cons of the Cloud

1.3.15Exam-Style Questions - Networking Models

1.3.16Topology

1.3.17WiFi

1.3.18WiFi Encryption

1.3.19IP Addresses

1.3.20MAC Addresses

1.3.21Network Protocols

1.3.22Application Protocols

1.3.23Layers

1.3.24Advantages of Layering

1.3.25Exam-Style Questions - Network Protocols

1.4Network Security

1.4.1Forms of Attack

1.4.2Malware

1.4.3Social Engineering

1.4.4Phishing

1.4.5Common Active Attacks

1.4.6Information Security

1.4.7SQL Injection

1.4.8Network Administration

1.4.9Protecting Against Malware

1.4.10Authentication & Passwords

1.4.11Encryption

1.4.12End of Topic Test - Networks

1.5Systems Software

1.5.1Types of System Software

1.5.2Operating Systems

1.5.3Operating System Managers

1.5.4File Management

1.5.5Device Management

1.5.6User Management

1.5.7Utility Software: Encryption & Defragmentation

1.5.8Utility Software: Data Compression & Backup

1.6Ethical, Legal, Cultural & Environmental Concern

1.6.1Open Source vs Proprietary Software

1.6.2Licensing Issues

1.6.3Ethical Issues

1.6.4Ethical Issues 2

1.6.5Exam-Style Questions - Ethical Issues

1.6.6Legal Issues

1.6.7Legal Issues 2

1.6.8Freedom of Information Act (2000)

1.6.9Cultural Issues

1.6.10Environmental Issues

1.6.11Positive Environmental Impact

1.6.12Privacy Issues

1.6.13Stakeholders

1.6.14End of Topic Test - Software & Issues

2Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming

2.1Algorithms

2.1.1Computational Thinking

2.1.2Algorithmic Thinking

2.1.3Pseudocode & Flow Diagrams

2.1.4Interpreting & Correcting Algorithm

2.1.5Completing Algorithms

2.1.6Search Algorithms

2.1.7Binary Search

2.1.8Overview of Sort Algorithms

2.1.9Bubble Sort & Insertion Sort

2.1.10Merge Sort

2.1.11Exam-Style Questions - Sorting Algorithms

2.2Programming Fundamentals

2.2.1Fundamentals

2.2.2Program Flow 1

2.2.3Program Flow 2

2.2.4Arithmetic & Relational Operators

2.2.5Boolean Operators

2.2.6Data Types

2.2.7Arrays

2.2.8Strings

2.2.9File Handling

2.2.10Structuring Data

2.2.11End of Topic Test - Programming

2.2.12Exam-Style Questions - Translation

2.3Producing Robust Programs

2.3.1Defensive Design Considerations

2.3.2Defensive Design Considerations 2

2.3.3Maintainability

2.3.4Testing

2.3.5Test Plans

2.3.6Error Types

2.3.7End of Topic Test - Programming

2.3.8Exam-Style Questions - Testing

2.4Boolean Logic

2.4.1Computational Logic

2.4.2Boolean Logic

2.4.3Boolean Operators

2.4.4Grade 9 - Logic

2.5Programming Languages & IDEs

2.5.1High-Level vs Low-Level Languages

2.5.2Translation - Compliers & Interpreter

2.5.3Translation - Assemblers

2.5.4Integrated Development Environments

2.5.5Exam-Style Questions - Translation

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson

Von Neumann Architecture