The third part of a quick guide to the basics of Python aimed at Key Stage 3 students. Learn about creating and using inputs. Python - #3 - Inputs 1. Asking Questions Input means to enter data into a program. Use the input command to ask a question. You must save the answer into a suitably named variable using the = symbol. Task 1 - Create a new Python program and save the file as 3-Inputs.py Use the picture to help you ask what someone's name is. Run the program and type your name. When you run the program (F5) you can type your answer on any question line in the Python Shell . 2. Asking more Questions There is no limit to how many questions you can ask in Python. It is the most important way to interact with the user of your program. Task 2 - Ask two more questions on topics of your choice. 3. Using Variables in a Sentence When we have printed the answers so far, they have not been very informative! You can print variables together with sentences so that they mean more. Use a comma ( , ) between variables and sentences . Task 3 - Use the pictures to help you add commas and sentences to your program to be more informative. BONUS: After I took the screenshot of my code I added in print lines in the two blanks spaces that print a line of dashes. Try to do the same to make your program easier to read. 4. Using Integers An integer is a whole number . When you are asking a question that you know will have a number for an answer , you need to add int ( before your input. Don't forget to add double close brackets at the end of the question line ! Task 4 - Underneath your previous questions (don't delete anything) ask 2 questions that will have numbers for answers. You must use int ( - see the image for help. Challenge Programs Use everything that you have learned on this page to help you create these programs... Challenge Task 1 - Funny Food Create a new Python program. Save it as ' 3-FunnyFood.py ' Add a comment at the top with your name and the date. Create a program that asks two questions, one for their favourite colour and one for their favourite food. Print a funny sentence using both of their answers. BONUS : Try to use only one print line. Remember: Break up variables in a print line by using commas. When you run it, it could look something like this: Challenge Task 2 - Trivia Question Create a new Python program. Save is as ' 3-Trivia.py ' Add a comment at the top with your name and the date. Create a program that asks the user a trivia question of your choice. Print the correct answer AND their answer. BONUS : Use only one print line. BONUS : Try to use only two lines in total . Remember: Break up variables in a print line by using commas. When you run it, it could look something like this: Challenge Task 3 - Getting to School Create a new Python program. Save it as ' 3-School.py ' Add a comment at the top with your name and the date. Create a program that asks two questions, one for how they get to school and one for how long it takes. Don't forget - use int( and then double close brackets for a number! Print an appropriate response that uses both of their answers. BONUS : Use two separate input lines. BONUS : Try to use only one print line . Remember: Break up variables in a print line by using commas. When you run it, it could look something like this: <<< #2 Variables #4 Calculations >>>

Learn how to use random commands in Python. Try practice tasks and learn through text and images. Perfect for students learning GCSE Computer Science in UK schools. top Python 5a - Random Importing Section 5 looks at additional commands that you can import and use from Python’s code libraries . A library is a collection of different commands that automatically come with Python but are separate from the main file. They can be imported (brought in) to your program by using the import command at the start of your program . Imagine Python’s library to be similar to an actual library. There are different sections in a real library (such as History, Geography, Reference) and different sections in Python’s library (such as random or time ). Each real library has many individual books in each section, just like commands in Python. randint() choice() sample() shuffle() random sleep() ctime() strftime() time from random import randint from time import ctime You can import a specific command from one of Python's libraries using the from and import commands at the top of your program . Random Numbers To generate random numbers , first import the randint command section from Python’s random code library on the first line of the program. The randint command stands for random integer . In brackets, state the number range to randomly choose from. The random value should be saved into a variable . from random import randint number = randint(1,100) print ( "A random number between 1 and 100 is" , number) = A random number between 1 and 100 is 39 = A random number between 1 and 100 is 73 = A random number between 1 and 100 is 4 The randint range does not have to be fixed values and could be replaced by variables . Below is a program where the user selects the upper and lower values of the range: from random import randint lower = int ( input ( "What is the lowest number? " )) upper = int ( input ( "What is the highest number? " )) number = randint(lower,upper) print ( "A random number between" , lower , "and" , upper , "is" , number) = What is the lowest number? 1 What is the highest number? 50 A random number between 1 and 50 is 36 = What is the lowest number? 500 What is the highest number? 1000 A random number between 500 and 1000 is 868 Random Numbers Task 1 ( Ice Comet) A special comet made of ice passes the Earth only once every one hundred years , and it hasn't been seen yet in the 21st century . Use the randint command to randomly print a year between the current year and 2099 . Example solutions: Did you know it won't be until 2032 that the ice comet will next pass Earth!? Did you know it won't be until 2075 that the ice comet will next pass Earth!? Random Numbers Task 2 ( Guess the Number) Use randint to generate a random number between 1 and 5 . Ask the user to enter a guess for the number with int and input . Print the random number and use an if statement to check if there is a match , printing an appropriate statement if there is and something different if there is not a match . Example solutions: Enter a number between 1 and 5: 4 Computer's number: 5 No match this time! Enter a number between 1 and 5: 3 Computer's number: 3 Well guessed! It's a match! Choice - Random Word Rather than just numbers, we can also randomly generate characters or strings from a specified range by using the choice command. You must first import the choice command from the random library. Choice works well with a list of values , which require square brackets and commas separating each word . Below is a program that randomly chooses from a list of animals : from random import choice animals = [ "cat" , "dog" , "horse" , "cow"] randomanimal = choice(animals) print ( "A random animal is" , randomanimal) = A random animal is cat = A random animal is horse Choice - Random Character Instead of using a list you can randomly select a character from a string . The program below randomly selects a character from the variable named 'letters ' which is the alphabet . from random import choice letters = "abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz" randomletter = choice(letters) print ( "A random letter is" , randomletter) = A random letter is e = A random letter is y Random Choice Task 1 ( Holiday Destinations ) Harriet can't decide where to go on holiday and needs help deciding. Make a list of at least 6 destinations (see the animal example above ) and use the choice command (don't forget to import it from the random library ) to print a random destination . Example solutions: Why don't you go to Paris on holiday? Why don't you go to Barcelona on holiday? Random Choice Task 2 ( Vowels ) Use the choice command to randomly select a vowel (look at the alphabet example above ). Ask the user to input a vowel and use an if statement to check if the user's letter matches the randomly selected letter . Print a suitable statement if they match and something else if they don't . Example solutions: Enter a vowel: i Random vowel: i The vowels matched! Enter a vowel: o Random vowel: u The vowels didn't match! Sample - Random Strings To choose more than one value from a set of data, use the sample command. Sample is used with a list of values and a number representing how many from that list to pick. The code sample(days,2) picks two random values from the list called days . Both examples below perform the same task but, as with most code, there is no one way to solve a problem. from random import sample days = [ "Monday" , "Tuesday" , "Wednesday" , "Thursday" , "Friday" ] two_days = sample(days , 2) print ( "You will be set homework on:" , *two_days) A separate list and then a sample . = You will be set homework on: Thursday Monday = You will be set homework on: Friday Tuesday from random import sample two_days = sample([ "Monday" , "Tuesday" , "Wednesday" , "Thursday" , "Friday" ] , 2) print ( "You will be set homework on:" , *two_days) The list and sample is combined on one line. The sample command actually makes a new list with the number of values selected (e.g. ["Tuesday" , "Thursday"] in the examples above). You can use an asterisk - * - directly before the sampled variable to print just the list values , otherwise the brackets and apostrophes will be printed too. from random import sample names = sample([ "Bob" , "Ben" , "Jen" , "Ken" ] , 2) print ( "The names are:" , names) from random import sample names = sample([ "Bob" , "Ben" , "Jen" , "Ken" ] , 2) print ( "The names are:" , *names) The names are: ['Bob', 'Jen'] The names are: Bob Jen Sample - Random Numbers You can also use the sample command to choose several integers from a given range. By implementing the range command you don’t need to individually write out each number. from random import sample numbers = sample( range (1,100) , 5) print ( "Five random numbers between 1 and 100 are:" , *numbers) Five random numbers between 1 and 100 are: 53 42 11 8 20 Five random numbers between 1 and 100 are: 74 52 51 1 6 Random Samples Task 1 ( Frost Comets) The ice comet from a previous task has broken up into four smaller frosty comets that could pass the Earth anytime from next year to the year 2095 . Print four random years in that range . Example solutions: I predict the frost comets will be seen in these years: 2093 2036 2027 2091 I predict the frost comets will be seen in these years: 2076 2033 2053 2085 Random Samples Task 2 ( Baby Boy ) Aunt Meredith is having a baby boy . Create a program that randomly selects 3 male names from a list of 10 possible names . Example solutions: Hey Aunt Meredith, how about these names: Charlie Eddie Frank Hey Aunt Meredith, how about these names: George Harold Bill ⬅ Section 4 Practice Tasks 5b - Sleep ➡

Learn about different forms of cyber attacks online including malware, SQL injection, DoS attacks and social engineering. Based on the J277 OCR GCSE Computer Science specification (first taught from 2020 onwards). 4.1: Security Threats Exam Board: OCR Specification: J277 Watch on YouTube : Malware Social Engineering, Brute-Force & DoS Interception & SQL Injection Types of Malware Malware is any type of harmful program that seeks to damage or gain unauthorised access to your computer system. Virus A virus can replicate itself and spread from system to system by attaching itself to infected files . A virus is only activated when opened by a human . Once activated, a virus can change data or corrupt a system so that it stops working . Worm A worm can replicate itself and spread from system to system by finding weaknesses in software . A worm does not need an infected file or human interaction to spread. A worm can spread very quickly across a network once it has infiltrated it. Trojan A trojan is a harmful program that looks like legitimate software so users are tricked into installing it . A trojan secretly gives the attacker backdoor access to the system . Trojans do not self replicate or infect other files. Spyware Spyware secretly records the activities of a user on a computer. The main aim of spyware is to record usernames, passwords and credit card information . All recorded information is secretly passed back to the attacker to use. Keylogger A keylogger secretly records the key presses of a user on a computer. Data is stored or sent back to the attacker. The main aim of a keylogger is to record usernames, passwords and credit card information . Keyloggers can be downloaded or plugged into the USB port . Ransomware Ransomware locks files on a computer system using encryption so that a user can no longer access them. The attacker demands money from the victim to decrypt (unlock) the data . ? ? ? ? Attackers usually use digital currencies like bitcoin which makes it hard to trace them. SQL Injection SQL ( Structured Query Language ) is a programming language used for manipulating data in databases . A SQL injection is when a malicious SQL query (command) is entered into a data input box on a website. If the website is insecure then the SQL query can trick the website into giving unauthorised access to the website’s database . An SQL injection can be used to view and edit the contents of a database or even gain administrator privileges . DoS Attack A DoS (Denial of Service ) attack is when a computer repeatedly sends requests to a server to overload the system . A server overload will slow the system and may take websites offline temporarily. A DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service ) attack is a coordinated attack using a botnet of infected systems to overload a server with requests . A botnet is a large group of devices controlled and used maliciously by an attacker. Brute-Force Attack Every possible combination is tested in order from start to finish . This is not a quick method but it should break the password eventually and can be sped up if multiple computer systems are used at the same time. Social Engineering Social engineering means to trick others into revealing their personal data by posing as a trusted source . For example, impersonating an IT technician of a school via email and asking for a student's username and password . Data Interception This is when data packets on a network are intercepted by a third party (e.g. a hacker) and copied to a different location than the intended destination. Software called packet sniffers are used to intercept and analyse data packets. Q uesto's Q uestions 4.1 - Security Threats: 1. What is malware ? [ 2 ] 2a. Describe three characteristics of a virus . [3 ] 2b. Describe three characteristics of a worm . [3 ] 2c. What is a trojan ? [ 3 ] 2d. Describe how spyware and keyloggers work. [ 4 ] 2e. Explain how ransomware works and why it is difficult to trace attackers . [ 3 ] 2f. In your opinion, which malware do you think is the most dangerous and why ? [ 2 ] 3. Describe what an SQL injection is and how an attacker would use it. [ 3 ] 4a. Describe what a DoS attack is and its impact . [2 ] 4b. Describe how a DDoS attack is different to a DoS attack . [2 ] 5a. Describe a brute-force attack. [ 2 ] 5b. Describe social engineering and give an example of when it might be used . [2 ] 5c. Describe interception . [2 ] 3.2b - Protocols & Layers Theory Topics 4.2 - Preventing Vulnerabilities

A key term generator to display randomised or sequential terms from the OCR A-Level Computer Science (H446) course. Filter terms by topics and 'favourite' tricky terms to focus on later. Perfect for students learning A-Level Computer Science in UK schools. A-Level Key Terms Generator If you see this message, your school may be using a strict network filter which has blocked it. The tool uses basic JavaScript and should work fine on a home network. Use this tool to check your understanding of the OCR A-Level Computer Science H446 specification's key terms . OCR A-Level Homepage

Navigate between all topics in the OCR A-Level Computer Science H446 specification. Includes all topics from Component 1 (Computer Systems) and Component 2 (Algorithms and Programming). OCR Computer Science A-Level These pages are based on content from the OCR H446 Computer Science specification . This website is in no way affiliated with OCR . Component 1: Computer Systems Paper 1 Playlist on YouTube This content is under active development. Check here for the latest progress update. OCR A-Level Key Term Generator 1. Hardware 1.1 - Structure & Function of the Processor (The CPU) 1.2 - Types of Processor 1.3 - Input, Output & Storage 2. Software 2.1 - Systems Software 2.2 - Applications Generation 2.3 - Software Development 2.4 - Types of Programming Language 3. Networks & Databases 3.1 - Compression, Encryption & Hashing 3.2 - Databases 3.3 - Networks 3.4 - Web Technologies 4. Data & Logic 4.1 - Data Types 4.2 - Data Structures 4.3 - Boolean Algebra 5. Laws 5.1 - Computing-Related Legislation 5.2 - Moral & Ethical Issues Component 2: Algorithms & Programming 1. Computational Thinking 1.1 - 1.5 - Computational Thinking 2. Problem Solving & Programming 2.1 - Programming Techniques 2.2 - Computational Methods 3. Algorithms 3.1a - 3.1d - Algorithm Complexity 3.1e - Data Structure Algorithms 3.1f - Standard Algorithms

Learn about the denary, binary and hexadecimal number systems and how to convert between them. Based on the 2016 OCR Cambridge Technicals Level 3 IT specification. 1.8 & 1.9 - Number Systems & Conversion Exam Board: OCR Specification: 2016 - Unit 1 What is binary? What is denary? Denary (also known as decimal ) is the number system that you've been using since primary school. Denary is a base 10 number system. This means that it has 10 possible values - 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 . How to convert from binary to denary: How to convert from denary to binary: What is hexadecimal? Hexadecimal is a base 16 number system. This means that it has 16 possible values - 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C, D, E and F . Hexadecimal is used as a shorthand for binary because it uses fewer characters to write the same value . This makes hexadecimal less prone to errors when reading or writing it , compared to binary. For example, 100111101011 is 9EB. Hexadecimal only uses single-character values. Double-digit numbers are converted into letters - use the table on the right to help you understand. How to convert from binary to hexadecimal: How to convert from hexadecimal to binary: Converting from denary to hexadecimal / hexadecimal to denary To convert from denary to hexadecimal or the other way round you must convert to binary first . Denary > Binary > Hexadecimal Hexadecimal > Binary > Denary Use the videos on this page if you need help converting to or from binary. The most common number systems question in exams are from denary to hexadecimal or from hexadecimal to denary so make sure that you practice these conversions. Q uesto's Q uestions 1.8 & 1.9 - Number Systems: 1. Explain why hexadecimal numbers are used as an alternative to binary . [ 2 ] 2. Convert the following values from binary to denary : a. 00101010 b. 11011011 c. 01011101 d. 11101110 e. 01011111 [1 each ] 3. Convert the following values from denary to binary : a. 35 b. 79 c. 101 d. 203 e. 250 [1 each ] 4. Convert the following values from binary to hexadecimal : a. 11110101 b. 01100111 c. 10111010 d. 10010000 e. 11101001 [1 each ] 5. Convert the following values from hexadecimal to binary : a. C2 b. 8A c. DE d. 54 e. F7 [1 each ] 6. Convert the following values from denary to hexadecimal : a. 134 b. 201 c. 57 d. 224 e. 101 [1 each ] 7. Convert the following values from hexadecimal to denary : a. 32 b. A5 c. 88 d. C0 e. BE [1 each ] Watch on YouTube Watch on YouTube Watch on YouTube Watch on YouTube By now you should know that computer systems process data and communicate entirely in binary . Section 1.7 explained different binary storage units such as bits (a single 0 or 1), nibbles (4 bits) and bytes (8 bits). Binary is a base 2 number system. This means that it only has 2 possible values - 0 or 1 . Click the banners above to try self-marking quizzes (Google Form) on these topics. Denary to Binary: Binary to Denary: Binary to Hexadecimal: Hexadecimal to Binary: 1.7 - Units of Measurement Topic List 2.1 Software Types

Test your ability to create a more complex program in Python based on a given scenario. Perfect for students learning GCSE Computer Science in UK schools. Extended Task 4 Hi, Jacob Mortimer here from Cats & Dogs Veterinary Surgery . There was a flood last week, and our computer systems were totally destroyed . I need you to create a program , using a file , that allows my receptionist to: Add new animals to the file . Search through the file and print the details of a specific animal . Allow a specific animal to be removed from the file . Vet Surgery For this task, you will need to create a document and include the following sections (with screenshots where appropriate): An introduction to explain the Purpose of your program . A List of Requirements for a successful program. Screenshots of your code (with comments in your code to show understanding). Testing – Create a plan to show how you will test your program and then explanations of any errors that you found and how they were fixed . An Evaluation of what worked, what didn’t, and how you met each of your requirements from your original list. Also, discuss further improvements that you could have made to improve your program. Reminders for this task: You will need to create a selection of options for the user to choose from. Subroutines and a while true loop may help. Section 10 will help you to open, write and read from files . Section 10c shows how to edit data in a file. You will need to adapt this code and not write the line that has been selected, instead of writing a modified version of it. There are multiple ways to approach this program, and your solution might look different from the example. Break the problem down and focus on one part at a time. Example solution: Entering 1 allows the user to enter the details of a new animal which is saved into the file . Entering 4 will stop the loop and ends the program. Entering 2 allows the user to enter the details of an animal to search for . If the animal is in the file, their details are printed clearly on a new line. Entering 3 allows the user to enter the details of an animal to remove from the file . If the animal is in the file, all lines are transferred into a temporary file except for the line to be removed . ⬅ Extended Task 3 (Blackjack) Extended Task 5 (Colour Collection) ➡

Learn about the different protocols used on networks - HTTP, HTTPS, TCP, IP, FTP and SMTP. Also learn about protcol layers in the 4-layer TCP/IP model. Based on the J277 OCR GCSE Computer Science specification (first taught from 2020 onwards). 3.2b: Protocols & Layers Exam Board: OCR Specification: J277 Watch on YouTube : IP & MAC Addresses Protocols & Standards Common Protocols Protocol Layers Protocols A protocol is a set of rules that allow devices on a network to communicate with each other . TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) TCP / IP is actually two separate protocols that combine together. TCP is a protocol that allows packets to be sent and received between computer systems. It breaks the data into packets and reorders them back into the original data at the destination. IP is a protocol in charge of routing and addressing data packets . This ensures data packets are sent across networks to the correct destination . It is also an addressing system - every device on a network is given a unique IP address so data packets can be sent to the correct computer system. HTTP is used to transfer web pages over the Internet so that users can view them in a web browser . All URLs start with either HTTP or HTTPS (e.g. https://www.csnewbs.com). HTTPS is a more secure version of HTTP that works with another protocol called SSL ( Secure Sockets Layer ) to transfer encrypted data . You should see a padlock symbol in the URL bar if your connection to that website is secure. HTTP/HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) Transfer Protocols FTP ( File Transfer Protocol ) is used to transfer files across a network. It is commonly used to upload or download files to/from a web server . SMTP ( Simple Mail Transfer Protocol ) is a protocol used to send emails to a mail server and between mail servers . POP ( Post Office Protocol ) and IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol ) are both protocols for receiving and storing emails from a mail server. POP will delete an email from the email server once it has been downloaded to a device . Pop! IMAP syncs the message with an email server so it can be accessed by different devices . IP Address & MAC Address There are two versions of IP addressing currently used - IPv4 and IPv6 . IPv4 is a 32-bit address , represented in denary , that allows for over 4 billion unique addresses . It has four 8-bit segments of denary values (from 0 to 255) separated by full stops . IPv4 example: 145.13.218.102 IPv6 is a 128-bit address , represented in hexadecimal , that allows for an undecillion unique addresses . It has eight 16-bit segments of four hexadecimal values (0000 - FFFF), separated by colons . IPv6 example: 736E:1029:A4B3:902D:77B2:72FF:AE62:0912 A MAC address is a unique hexadecimal number assigned to each network interface card/controller inside a networked device such as a router or laptop . A MAC address is a 48-bit address made up of six 8-bit pairs in hexadecimal , separated by dashes . While an IP address may change , the MAC address can’t be changed . MAC stands for Media Access Control . Network Interface Card (NIC) MAC example: 19-C2-D1-47-AA-38 Networking Standards Networking standards are rules that allow computer systems to communicate across networks . Standards have been created to ensure devices can exchange data and work together by interpreting signals in the same way , regardless of the manufacturer . TCP/IP Stack & Layers What is TCP/IP? TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol ) is a set of protocols that operate on different layers . These two protocols are used together to allow computers to communicate on a network . What is a protocol layer? A layer is a division of network functionality - each layer provides a specific function to assist the transmission of the data that is being sent. TCP/IP is split into four layers (named Application , Transport , Internet and Link ). Important Note: You do not need to know any layer names or the purpose of any specific layers in the OCR GCSE J277 specification , just what layers are and why they’re used . Why are protocol layers used? Layers are self-contained , so they allow different developers to concentrate on one aspect of the network at a time . A layer can be taken out and edited without affecting other layers . Protocol layers are used to visualise the different parts of a network , as each of the four layers of TCP/IP has a specific role and is associated with different protocols . Protocols are broken down into well-defined , specific layers to simplify design , making it easier to identify errors (known as troubleshooting ). Each layer uses specific protocols , so layering ensures these protocols are applied in a specific order . This process uses abstraction and layers only communicate with adjacent layers for easy compatibility . Q uesto's Q uestions 3.2b - Protocols & Layers: 1. Describe each of the following protocols . It might be helpful to also draw an icon or small diagram for each one: a. TCP [ 2 ] b. IP [ 2 ] c. HTTP & HTTPS [ 3 ] d. FTP [ 2 ] e. SMTP [ 2 ] f. POP3 & IMAP [ 2 ] 2. State which protocol would be used in the following scenarios : a. Transferring a music file to a friend over the internet. [ 1 ] b. Sending an email to a family member in America. [ 1 ] c. Using a webpage to enter a password securely. [ 1 ] d. Receiving an email from a bank. [ 1 ] 3a. What are networking standards ? [ 2 ] 3b. What is TCP/IP ? [ 2 ] 3c. What is a protocol layer ? [ 2 ] 3d. Give at least two reasons why protocols are split into layers . [ 4 ] 3.2a - Wired & Wireless Networks Theory Topics 4.1 - Security Threats

Learn how to add a counter to Greenfoot to keep track of the score. Learn how to add and subtract points to the counter. Part 6 of the Greenfoot Tutorial for the Eduqas / WJEC GCSE 2016 specification. 6. The Counter Greenfoot Tutorial 1. Import the Counter The counter class can be imported into your Greenfoot world. Select Edit in the main Greenfoot window then ' Import Class... ' and choose Counter . Watch on YouTube: The Counter class will appear in the Actor classes list . Right-click on the Counter, choose the ' new Counter() ' option and drag it into the world. Now right-click on the background and select 'Save the World' once you have dragged the counter into the world. 2. Increase the Counter by 1 Two lines of code are required to increase the counter . Add this code when your main character is removing the collectible object . This code allows your main character to access the 'add' method from the Counter class . The method 'add ' just increases the value of the counter by the number in the brackets . To decrease the counter , type a negative value in the brackets, such as -1 . < Part 5 - Play Sounds 3. Compile and Run Click the Compile button at the top of the code editor . Then you can go back to the main Greenfoot window and click Run to test if your counter increases . Click on me if you've got an error that you're stuck with. Part 7 - Extension Ideas >

Learn about key computing laws including the Data Protection Act (2018), Computer Misuse Act (1990), Copyright, Designs and Patents Act (1988) and software licences. Based on the J277 OCR GCSE Computer Science specification (first taught from 2020 onwards). Exam Board: OCR 6.1b: Legislation Specification: J277 Watch on YouTube : Data Protection Act Computer Misuse Act Copyright, Designs & Patents Act Open Source Licence Proprietary Licence Data Protection Act (2018) In 2018 the European Union introduced GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation ) to protect the privacy of data for people in the EU. The UK matched this by updating the Data Protection Act introduced in 1998 to become the Data Protection Act (2018) . This act protects the data of individuals that is stored on computers and processed by organisations. How the Data Protection Act works: Each person who has their data stored is known as a data subject . An employee within an organisation must be appointed as a data controller and it is they who are responsible for registering with the Information Commissioner . The Information Commissioner is the person in the UK who is responsible for managing several laws , most significantly the Data Protection Act. When registering with the Information Commissioner, the organisation's data controller must be clear on exactly: What information they are collecting, Why it is being collected, What the data will be used for . The six principles of the Data Protection Act state that data must be: 1. Collected lawfully and processed fairly. 4. Data must be accurate and up-to-date. 2. Only used for the reasons specified. Principles of the Data Protection Act (2018) 5. Data must not be stored for longer than necessary, 3. Data must be relevant and not excessive. 6. Data must be stored and processed securely. Computer Misuse Act (1990) This act was introduced as computers became cheaper and more common at home and work . The act attempts to stop and punish those who use computers inappropriately . Breaking any of the three principles could result in fines and a jail sentence but only if it can be proved it was done on purpose and not by accident. The Computer Misuse Act (1990 ) includes three main principles : 1. No unauthorised access to data. Example: Hacking a computer system. 2. No unauthorised access to data that could be used for further illegal activities. Example: Accessing personal data to use as blackmail or identity theft. 3. No unauthorised modification of data. Example: Spreading a virus to change data. Copyright, Designs & Patents Act (1988) This act makes it a criminal offence to copy work that is not your own without the permission of the creator or the copyright holder. This can refer to text, images, music, videos or software. Owning the copyright of an image might not prevent others from copying and using it but this act means that the owner can bring legal proceedings in court to those who have stolen their work . However, it is difficult to trace who has stolen work once it has been uploaded to the internet and copies can easily spread, especially television shows and movies. This act specifically prohibits the following actions: Making copies of copyrighted material to sell to others . Importing and downloading illegally copied material (except for personal use). Distributing enough copyrighted material to have a noticeable effect on the copyright holder . Possessing equipment used to copy copyrighted material , as part of a business. Software Licences A software licence refers to how a user can legally use the software , there are two main types: Open Source Licence Source code is the software code written by programmers . If the software is open source it means that users can view and modify the source code . Linux, Python and Firefox are examples of open source software. Benefits Drawbacks Because the source code is available to edit , it can be customised to the organisation's needs . Often shared in the public domain so users can work together to modify, debug and improve a product. Unwanted features can be removed to make the software run faster . There are security risks - some editors may add malicious code to the program. Open source software is often low in price and sometimes free. It may be difficult to receive support as development is often distributed between people in different locations. The code may be prone to errors as it may not have been tested fully. It requires technical skills to be able to adapt source code efficiently and to maintain the code . Proprietary Licence Another term for a proprietary licence is closed source because the code is restricted - users are prevented from being able to view or modify the source code . You buy the right to use the software but you don't actually own it. Microsoft Office, Fortnite and Spotify are examples of closed source software. Benefits Drawbacks The code is well tested and has been professionally developed. Updates will generally be secure . Users must rely on the company to provide updates and fix issues. This might be infrequent or stop completely. The company can be held to account if it does not perform as listed in the terms and conditions upon purchase. Often not free and may be expensive. Most developers will provide some form of help/support . Users cannot modify, debug or improve the code for their own benefit. Q uesto's Q uestions 6.1b - Legislation: 1a. State the 6 principles of the Data Protection Act (2018) . [ 6 ] 1b. Explain how the Data Protection Act works . In your answer, you should include definitions of a data subject , the data controller and the Data Commissioner . [ 6 ] 2. Describe the 3 principles of the Computer Misuse Act (1990) . [3 ] 3a. What is the purpose of the Copyright, Designs & Patents Act (1988) ? [ 2 ] 3b. Describe 3 actions that CDPA (1988) prohibits . [ 3 ] 4a. Describe the difference between an open source and a proprietary licence . [ 2 ] 4b. State two benefits and two drawbacks of using software with a: Open source licence [ 4 ] Proprietary licence [ 4 ] 6.1a - Impacts of Technology Theory Topics

Learn about the three main types of memory in a computer system - RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory) and Cache Memory. Memory What is memory? Memory is where a computer stores information , instructions and data so it can use them quickly when needed . There are three main types of memory : RAM Random Access Memory ROM Read Only Memory Cache Memory What is Random Access Memory? RAM is volatile (this means that when power is lost, the data is deleted ). Every program that is being run by the computer (such as Google Chrome, Spotify or Microsoft Word) is stored in RAM . RAM is made up of a large number of storage locations , and each is identified with a unique address . What is Read Only Memory? ROM is non-volatile (this means that data is saved, even when the power is off ). The start-up instructions (for when a computer is switched on ) are stored in ROM . ROM is read-only, which means that it cannot be edited or changed . What is Cache Memory? Cache memory is fast to access because it is built into the CPU (or very close to it) . Cache memory stores data that needs to be accessed very frequently . Cache memory is very expensive , so there is only a small amount in most computers. How can a computer run faster? There are many reasons why a computer may be running slowly . Here are some methods related to memory that can help speed up a system : Close unnecessary programs to free up RAM so it doesn't run out of memory space . Add more RAM so the computer can run more programs at once without slowing down . Increase the cache size so the CPU can access important data more quickly . KS3 Home Note: Only larger systems like desktop computers can have their components easily upgraded and replaced.

Homepage for learning about computer science in school. Discover topics across GCSE and Level 3 IT subjects, plus programming languages including Python, HTML and Greenfoot. C omputer S cience P ros Official 2026 CSPros: Henry C Rohan Finlay Adam Chantel Olivia Jessie Kelvin Lucas Gajanan Danny Marcus José Claudia Charlie Ryan Harry Ethan Henry P Yash Marcus Thomas Walter Folu Asher Pippa Zach Leighton Jess James Holly Zac Ryan 2025 CSPros: Jack Harry Aarav Trisha Mario Hiba Rory Clark Lucy Divya Luke Callum James Zoya Timucin Matthew 2024 CSPros: 2023 CSPros: Henry Zain Iman Alex I-C Alex B Tomos Aidan Rahul Hussain Diyar Sam Harry Will Alex H 2022 CSPros: Logan Eleanor Mark Edward Alfie Henry Enzo Sam George Harry Ella Kav