3.1.1

Elements of Computer Systems

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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:

Input/Output (I/O) devices

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.
Processors

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).
Primary storage

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).
Secondary storage

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 Disk (CD).
    • Flash (USB Drive).
Jump to other topics
1

Computational Thinking & Algorithms

1.1

Computational Thinking

1.1.1Abstraction Thinking1.1.2Decomposition Thinking1.1.3Algorithmic Thinking
1.2

Algorithms

1.2.1Algorithms1.2.2Pseudocode1.2.3Flow Diagrams1.2.4Logical Reasoning & Debugging1.2.5Reading Algorithms1.2.6Correcting Algorithms1.2.7Complete the Algorithm1.2.8Search Algorithms1.2.9Linear Search1.2.10Binary Search1.2.11Sort Algorithms1.2.12Bubble Sort1.2.13Insertion Sort1.2.14End of Topic Test - Algorithms
2

Programming

2.1

Programming Fundamentals

2.1.1Variables & Constants2.1.2Comments2.1.3Input & Output2.1.4Arithmetic Operators2.1.5Relational Operators2.1.6Boolean Operators2.1.7Sequence2.1.8Selection2.1.9Iteration2.1.10Subroutines2.1.11Scope2.1.12Data Types2.1.13Casting2.1.14Arrays2.1.152D Arrays2.1.16Lists2.1.172D Lists2.1.18Strings2.1.19Syntax Errors2.1.20Logic Errors2.1.21Runtime Errors2.1.22End of Topic Test - Programming
2.2

Designing Code

2.2.1Code2.2.2Programs2.2.3Writing Your Own Program2.2.4Designing a ‘Basketball’ Game2.2.5Turning an Algorithm into an App2.2.6End of Topic Test - Designing Code
2.3

Python

2.3.1Introduction to Python2.3.2Input2.3.3Output2.3.4Casting2.3.5Type Coercion2.3.6Selection2.3.7Iteration2.3.8Files2.3.9File Handling2.3.10Identifiers2.3.11Whitespace2.3.12Comments2.3.13Exceptions
3

Hardware & Software

3.1

Hardware

3.1.1Elements of Computer Systems3.1.2Central Processing Unit (CPU)3.1.3Registers of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)3.1.4Factors Affecting CPU Performance3.1.5Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle3.1.6Binary Systems3.1.7Logic Circuits3.1.8Boolean Logic3.1.9End of Topic Test - Logic
3.2

Software

3.2.1System Software
4

Data

4.1

Representing Data

4.1.1Binary4.1.2Converting Binary & Hexadecimal4.1.3Converting Denary & Hexadecimal4.1.4Binary Arithmetic4.1.5Representing Sound4.1.6Representing Images4.1.7Character Sets4.1.8American Standard Code for Information Interchange4.1.9Unicode4.1.10End of Topic Test - Representation
5

The Internet

5.1

Networks

5.1.1Networks5.1.2Geographical Classification of Networks5.1.3What is the Internet?5.1.4The World Wide Web5.1.5Uniform Resource Locators (URLs)5.1.6Web Hosting5.1.7HTML5.1.8Searching the World Wide Web5.1.9Good Searching Tips5.1.10Are You Looking at Reliable Information?
6

Online Safety & Security

6.1

Protecting Yourself Online

6.1.1Digital Footprints6.1.2Leaving a Safe Online Footprint6.1.3Online Safety6.1.4Malware - Viruses6.1.5Malware6.1.6People Online6.1.7Your Feelings6.1.8Getting Help
6.2

Computing and the Law

6.2.1Data Protection Act (1998)6.2.2Computer Misuse Act (1990)6.2.3Freedom of Information Act (2000)6.2.4Plagiarism6.2.5Copyright6.2.6Copyright Designs and Patents Act (1988)6.2.7Creative Commons Licensing

Practice questions on Elements of Computer Systems

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  1. 1
    The TWO main types of processors are:Fill in the list
  2. 2
    Toggle until all are correct: common Input/Output devices include..?True / false
  3. 3
    Where does the computer store data and instructions which are NOT currently in use?Multiple choice
  4. 4
    Common examples of secondary storage include:Fill in the list
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Exceptions

Central Processing Unit (CPU)