top of page

Search CSNewbs

Search this site

305 results found with an empty search

  • OCR CTech IT | Unit 1 | 5.6 - Data Disposal | CSNewbs

    Learn about laws regarding suitable data disposal of information and computer systems as well as methods including electromagnetic wipe and physical destruction. Based on the 2016 OCR Cambridge Technicals Level 3 IT specification. 5.6 - Data & System Disposal Exam Board: OCR Specification: 2016 - Unit 1 Computer components such as circuit boards, processors and monitors contain hazardous materials that cannot be disposed of in traditional ways such as rubbish collection and landfills. For security reasons, data must also be disposed of carefully so that it is not returned to a readable format by unauthorised viewers . Legislation In recent years, the government has introduced different laws that relate to the safe disposal of computer equipment to help reduce environmental impact . Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment ( WEEE ) Directive : This provides guidance on how hazardous materials should be disposed of safely . This includes materials such as mercury (found in smartphones and newer monitors ) and toner cartridges in printers . These materials can damage the environment if not disposed of appropriately . Waste Acceptance Criteria ( WAC ): Equipment must meet these rules before it can be sent to a landfill . Hazardous materials, such as the elements in computer monitors , do not meet these criteria and should not be accepted . Hazardous Waste Directive : This ensures businesses safely store hazardous materials and use authorised businesses to dispose of the waste . Hazardous materials include mercury and hexavalent chromium . Data Protection Act ( DPA ): One principle of the DPA specifies that data should only be kept for a reasonable amount of time until it is securely deleted . Data stored on customers should be checked regularly and permanently deleted if no longer required . Methods of Data & System Disposal Overwriting is when new data is written to the hard disk drive to replace the current data - essentially resetting the data . Remember all data stored by a computer is in a binary format . Overwriting just once is usually not enough to remove all evidence of the data and the process may be repeated several times . Overwriting data causes no damage and means the drive can still be used for other purposes afterwards. Electromagnetic wiping uses a machine called a degausser , which has a very strong electromagnetic coil , to completely wipe the hard disk drive . Many large organisations use degaussers to be sure that their data is no longer on the devices they have used so it can’t be restored and accessed by unauthorised viewers . Degaussers are expensive to buy but it allows the device to be used again for other purposes afterwards as it is not physically damaged. A third option is the physical destruction of a computer system or storage device , like a hard disk drive , which guarantees the data is permanently inaccessible . However, physical destruction also renders the storage media unusable again for other purposes. Examples of physical destruction include shredding (e.g. a CD shredder ) or tools such as sledgehammers if no other option is available. Q uesto's Q uestions 5.6 - Data & System Disposal: 1. Describe the purpose of 4 different pieces of legislation relating to how data or computer systems should be disposed of safely . [8 ] 2a. State 3 methods of data and system disposal . [3 ] 2b. Describe 1 advantage and 1 disadvantage of using each method you stated in 2a. [6 ] 5.5 - Digital Security Topic List

  • OCR CTech IT | Unit 1 | 1.1 - Computer Hardware | CSNewbs

    Learn about input and output devices used with computer systems. Based on the 2016 OCR Cambridge Technicals Level 3 IT specification. 1.1 - Computer Hardware Exam Board: OCR Specification: 2016 - Unit 1 Input Devices An input device allows data, such as text, images, video or sound, to be entered into a computer system. Common input devices: Mouse Keyboard Scanner Controller Microphone Webcam Chip Reader OCR / OMR Scanner Barcode Scanner Graphics Tablet Sensors (e.g. light or temperature) Touch Screen Remote Control Biometric Scanner (e.g. fingerprint or iris) Concept Keyboard Output Devices There are many outputs created by a computer system, including printed documents, on-screen data and sound. Common output devices: Monitor Printer (e.g. inkjet or laser) Plotter Speakers Projector Alarm Light Headphones Touch Screen Braille Terminal Communication devices can be found in 1.5 . Biometric Devices A biometric device uses a human characteristic as part of its security mechanism, such as a fingerprint , iris (eye), face o r voice . Organisations using biometrics must instruct each employee to first input their information to a database , by scanning their fingerprint for example. Whenever the scanner scans a finger it searches in its database to see if the fingerprint matches one that it already holds . Only authorised employees will have already scanned their fingerprints so if there is no match then access is not allowed . Advantages of biometric devices: Security is improved as biometrics can't be shared like passwords can. Even if a password is exposed the system can't be accessed without having the biometric too. Biometric scanners verify that a user is who they claim to be. Using a biometric device (e.g. fingerprint scanner) might be quicker and easier than entering a username and password. Disadvantages of biometric devices: Can be expensive to install and all users must take the time to initially set up by entering their biometric into the database so they will be recognised by the system. Unreliable in that it can be affected by the environment (e.g. dirty fingers can't be used with a fingerprint scanner or voice recognition may not work in a loud environment). Disabled users might not be able to provide the biometric required. Privacy concerns - users might not want their personal characteristics stored on a computer system. Q uesto's Q uestions 1.1 - Computer Hardware: 1. Make a list of 5 input devices and 5 output devices . Challenge yourself to look up and include devices from this page you may not be familiar with. [10 ] 2a. State 3 human features that may be recorded by a biometric device . [3 ] 2b. Describe how a biometric device works . [3 ] 2c. A school is considering installing biometric devices to allow only sixth form students to enter certain parts of the school. Describe 3 advantages and 3 disadvantages to the school of using biometrics in this way. [10 ] Topic List 1.2 - Computer Components

  • OCR CTech IT | Unit 1 | 1.5 - Communication Hardware | CSNewbs

    Learn about different types of hardware that allow data to be sent between systems, including router, modem, bridge and WAP. Based on the 2016 OCR Cambridge Technicals Level 3 IT specification. 1.5: Communication Hardware Exam Board: OCR Specification: 2016 - Unit 1 The devices on this page are used to create or link together networks , allowing data to be sent between computer systems . Hub A hub receives data packets from a connected device and transfers a copy to all connected nodes . Switch A switch receives data packets , processes them and transfers them on to the device s pecifically listed in the destination address of the packet. Modem Modems are used to send data across the telephone network . The telephone lines can only transfer analog signals so a modem is used to convert a computer's digital data into an analog signal . Another modem converts the signal back to a digital format at the receiving end. Router Routers are used to transfer data packets between networks . Data is sent from network to network on the internet towards the destination address listed in the data packet. A router stores the address of each computer on the network and uses routing tables to calculate the quickest and shortest path . Wireless Access Point (WAP) Provides a link between wireless and wired networks . It creates a wireless local area network that allows WiFi enabled devices to connect to a wired network. Combined Device Also known as a hybrid device , this provides the functionality of multiple communication devices (e.g modem, router, switch and/or wireless access point) in a single device . They can be more expensive than a single device but are more adaptable - if the routing part of the device fails it might still be able to function as a switch / wireless access point etc. However, you will see an increased performance from a standalone device rather than a combined one as standalone devices have more complex features (e.g. VPN support). Network Interface Card (Network Adapter) A Network Interface Card (often shorted to NIC ) is an internal piece of hardware that is required for the computer to connect to a network . It used to be a separate expansion card but now it is commonly built directly into the motherboard (and known as a network adapter ). Wireless network interface cards allow wireless network connection. Q uesto's Q uestions 1.5 - Communication Hardware: 1. What is the difference between a hub and a switch ? [2 ] 2. Explain how a modem works. [3 ] 3. Explain the purpose of a router . [2 ] 4. What is a Wireless Access Point (WAP )? [2 ] 5. Describe what is meant by a 'combined device '. Give one advantage and one disadvantage of using a combined device. [3 ] 1.4 - Connectivity 1.6 - Hardware Troubleshooting Topic List

  • 4.2 - Preventing Vulnerabilities - OCR GCSE (J277 Spec) | CSNewbs

    Learn about common prevention methods of minimising cyber security risks including anti0malware, firewalls and penetration testing. Based on the J277 OCR GCSE Computer Science specification (first taught from 2020 onwards). 4.2: Preventing Vulnerabilities Exam Board: OCR Specification: J277 Watch on YouTube : Preventing Vulnerabilities Penetration Tests Penetration tests are carried out as part of ethical hacking. The purpose of a penetration test is to review the system's security to find any risks or weaknesses and to fix them . Internal tests are to see how much damage could be done by somebody within the company with a registered account. External tests are for white hat hackers to try and infiltrate a system from outside the company . Anti-Malware Software Anti-malware software is used to locate and delete malware, like viruses, on a computer system. The software scans each file on the computer and compares it against a database of known malware . Files with similar features to malware in the database are identified and deleted . There are thousands of known malware, but new forms are created each day by attackers, so anti-malware software must be regularly updated to keep systems secure. Other roles of anti-malware software: Checking all incoming and outgoing emails and their attachments . Checking files as they are downloaded . Scanning the hard drive for viruses and deleting them . Firewall A firewall manages incoming and outgoing network traffic . Each data packet is processed to check whether it should be given access to the network by examining the source and destination address . Unexpected data packets will be filtered out and not accepted to the network. Other roles of a firewall include: Blocking access to insecure / malicious web sites . Blocking certain programs from accessing the internet . Blocking unexpected / unauthorised downloads . Preventing specific users on a network accessing certain files . Secure Passwords ******** Usernames must be matched with a secure password to minimise the chances of unauthorised users accessing a system. Passwords should contain a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters , punctuation and numbers . Passwords should be of a substantial length (at least 8 characters) and should be regularly changed . User Access Levels Access levels are used to only allow certain users to access and edit particular files. ' Read-Only ' access is when a user can only view a file and is not allowed to change any data . For example, a teacher might set homework instructions as read-only for students to view. ' Read and Write ' access allows a user to read and edit the data in a file. For example, a teacher might set an online workbook as read and write access for students to fill in. It is important to set access levels so that only authorised users can view and change data. The more users who have access to a file, the more likely it is to be compromised. Certain users may also have no access to a file - when they can't view or edit it. Encryption Encryption is the process of scrambling data into an unreadable format so that attackers cannot understand it if intercepted during transmission. The original data (known as plaintext ) is converted to scrambled ciphertext using an encryption key . Only at the correct destination will the encryption key be used to convert the ciphertext back into plaintext to be understood by the receiving computer. Physical Security A lock can be used to prevent access to server rooms or locations that store confidential data . Only authorised personnel with a matching key will have access. Biometric devices require the input of a human characteristic (such a fingerprint , iris or voice ). The biometric data is checked against previously inputted data in a database. Only a match will allow access to the user. Other forms of physical security include keycards , security staff , CCTV cameras and alarms . Q uesto's Q uestions 4.2 - Preventing Vulnerabilities: 1. Describe the purpose of penetration tests . [2 ] 2. Describe the purpose of anti-malware software and its different roles . [ 4 ] 3. Describe the purpose of a firewall and its different roles . [ 4 ] 4. State three rules for choosing a strong password . [ 3 ] 5. Describe the three types of access level . [6 ] 6a. Describe the purpose of encryption . [ 2 ] 6b. Explain how encryption works, using the terms plaintext , key and ciphertext . [ 4 ] 4.1 - Security Threats Theory Topics 5.1 - Operating Systems

  • 1.5 - WWW Technologies | Unit 2 | OCR Cambridge Technicals | CSNewbs

    Learn about the purpose and characteristics of intranets, the internet and extranets - all three types of World Wide Web technologies. Based on the 2016 OCR Cambridge Technicals Level 3 IT specification for Unit 2 (Global Information). 1.5 - WWW Technologies Exam Board: OCR Specification: 2016 - Unit 2 The internet is a global network of interconnected networks . The world wide web (WWW ) is not the same as the internet. It is a way of accessing information , using protocols such as HTTPS to view web pages . There are three types of world wide web technologies : Internet Intranet Extranet The internet i s a global network of interconnected networks . The internet is public and users have open access . Examples of use: Accessing web pages to shop and watch videos . Businesses may use web pages to advertise their products and allow customers to purchase items. An intranet is a private network that is only accessible to authorised users (e.g. members of a business or school). Intranets are private and users have closed access . Examples of use: Because an intranet is a secured online area , schools often use an intranet to log in to that displays information for teachers and students (such as test results or upcoming events ). Businesses might use an intranet for employees to see sales and performance data or for communication because it can be accessed remotely . An extranet is a private network that is accessible using the internet but provides access only to authorised users . Extranets are private and users have shared access . Example of use: Hotel booking companies (like booking.com) use an extranet to allow hotel owners to log in via the internet to access and update their information. Network Characteristics When connecting to WWW technologies there are several characteristics that a user must consider: Speed Speed refers to how quickly data can be accessed . For example, an extranet is the slowest network to use because it must be accessed through the internet first. Security Security relates to how likely the data will be kept secure . An intranet is more secure than the internet because only authorised users can log in. Access Levels Access levels , or permissions , refers to who can see what, in terms of data and files . Resources on an intranet can be set so that only certain users can view them. Accessibility This characteristic relates to how available the data is . For example, the internet can be accessed on any network-enabled device, at any time . Q uesto's Q uestions 1.5 - WWW Technologies: 1. Explain the difference between the internet and the world wide web . [2 ] 2. Describe each of the 3 types of WWW technology . You must mention whether they are private or public and what type of access they have. a. Internet b. Intranet c. Extranet [2 each ] 3. Describe at least one example of how each of the 3 types of WWW technology could be used . [6 ] 4. Describe the 3 WWW technologies in terms of each of the 4 network characteristics . You need to think carefully about this; the descriptions under each icon above can help you with certain answers. To start, describe the speed, security, access levels and accessibility of an intranet . [12 each ] 1.4 - Internet Connections Topic List 1.6 - Information Formats

  • Python | Section 3 Practice Tasks | CSNewbs

    Test your understanding of data types, calculations and modulo. Try practice tasks and learn through text and images. Perfect for students learning GCSE Computer Science in UK schools. top Python - Section 3 Practice Tasks Task One: Square Number Create a program that asks the user to input a number and then prints the square of that number - to do this, multiply the number by itself . Remember: Break up variables and parts of a sentence in a print line by using commas. Example solutions: Enter a number: 12 The square of 12 is 144 Enter a number: 7 The square of 7 is 49 Task Two: Multiplying Numbers X Example solutions: Create a program that asks the user to input two numbers (num1 and num2 ). Multiply the two numbers together and print the total . Remember: Break up integer variables in a print line by using commas between each part of the sentence. Enter number one: 7 Enter number two: 9 7 x 9 = 63 Enter number one: 8 Enter number two: 12 8 x 12 = 96 Task Three: Turning 65 Example solutions: Create a program to input how old the user will turn this year and then print the year they will turn 65 . You could do this in just two lines but before trying that work out on paper the steps to calculating your own age you will turn 65. What steps did you take? Try to recreate those steps in Python. You might need to create another variable to make it easier. How old will you turn this year? 15 You will turn 65 in 2073 How old will you turn this year? 42 You will turn 65 in 2046 Task Four: Multiplication Table Let the user enter a number then print the first five multiplications in its times table. This can be done more simply when you learn about for loops but for now you will need to multiply the number by 1 , then multiply it by 2 etc. Try to make this program better by displaying the number and the value it is multiplied by in your print statements. Simple example solution: Enter a number: 8 8 16 24 32 40 Better example solution: Enter a number: 7 7 x 1 = 7 7 x 2 = 14 7 x 3 = 21 7 x 4 = 28 7 x 5 = 35 ⬅ 3b - Simple Calculations 4a - If Statements ➡

  • Python | Section 2 Practice Tasks | CSNewbs

    Test your understanding of inputs in Python. Try practice tasks and learn through text and images. Perfect for students learning GCSE Computer Science in UK schools. top Python - Section 2 Practice Tasks Task One: Food & Colour Ask a user to input their favourite colour and their favourite food and then print a response using both answers. Requirements for a complete program: Use only one print line. Include both of the user's answers in the print line. Include capital letters, full stops and no irregular spacing in the printed line. Remember: Break up variables in a print line by using commas or plus signs between each part of the "sentence" . Example solutions: What is your favourite colour? green What is your favourite food? cheese Yum! I'll have green cheese for dinner tonight! What is your favourite colour? purple What is your favourite food? ice cream Let's have purple ice cream for breakfast! Task Two: Trivia Question Create a program that asks the user to input an answer to a trivia question of your choice then prints the correct answer with their response too. Requirements for a complete program: Only two lines. Include capital letters, full stops and no irregular spacing in the printed line. Example solution: What is the capital city of Botswana? Windhoek Correct answer: Gaborone. Your answer: Windhoek What is the closest planet to Earth? Mars Correct answer: Mars. Your answer: Mars Task Three: Getting to School Create a program that asks the user how they get to school and how many minutes it takes them (using int ). Then print an appropriate response that uses both variables . Requirements for a complete program: Use only one print line. Include both of the user's answers in the print line. Include capital letters, full stops and no irregular spacing in the printed line. Example solution: How do you get to school? car How many minutes does it take you? 45 Really? It takes you 45 minutes to get here by car? How do you get to school? walking How many minutes does it take you? 20 Really? It takes you 20 minutes to get here by walking? ⬅ 2b - Inputting Numbers 3a - Data Types ➡

  • 6.1 - Operating Systems - Eduqas GCSE (2020 Spec) | CSNewbs

    Learn about the eight roles of an operating system including CPU management, security, managing interrupts and the user interface. Based on the 2020 Eduqas (WJEC) GCSE specification. 6.1: Operating Systems Exam Board: Eduqas Specification: 2020 What is an Operating System? An operating system (OS ) is software that helps to manage the resources of a computer system . There are eight main roles of an operating system: Manage the CPU A critical role of the OS is to manage the CPU so that applications and processes can be run efficiently . The CPU is effectively managed by performing three further roles: Manage Memory (RAM) The OS reserves memory space in RAM for stored programs to be copied into. The FDE cycle is executed continuously to carry out the instructions. The OS also ensures that programs are appropriately managed so that data is stored in correct memory locations and not corrupted . Manage Interrupts A interrupt is an alert signal sent to the CPU when an application or hardware device requires immediate attention . The OS must efficiently manage interrupts so that a problem can be dealt with quickly if one occurs. Manage Multi-Tasking The OS manages tasks so instructions can be executed by the CPU in turn - this is called scheduling . The OS prevents processes from interfering with others and crashing. Tasks should appear to run simultaneously even though only one process can be executed at a time. Manage Backing Store The backing store is another term for secondary storage devices such as the magnetic hard disk drive , optical drives or solid state memory sticks. The OS ensures data is stored correctly and can be efficiently retrieved from the backing store. Files are organised in a hierarchical (logical) structure . Manage Peripherals A peripheral is an external device connected to a computer system to input or output data . The OS manages the receiving of data from input devices (such as a keyboard or mouse) and the transfer of data to output devices (such as a monitor or speaker). Manage Security The OS allows users to create, manage and delete accounts with different permissions. It also permits multiple users to log in and change passwords . Antivirus and firewall software is managed by the OS as well as some data encryption processes. Manage the User Interface The final function of an operating system is to provide a user interface , allowing a human to interact with the computer system . The way in which a user can navigate a computer system is known as human-computer interaction ( HCI ). Graphical User Interface (GUI) The most common type of user interface is a graphical user interface (GUI ) which can be presented in the following ways: Icons are displayed to represent shortcuts to applications and files. Multiple windows can be opened at the same time and switched between. A folder and file system is displayed and manipulated allowing for copying , searching , sorting and deleting data. The interface can be customised , such as changing font sizes and the desktop background . The taskbar allows shortcuts to be pinned for quick access . Menus can be opened from the Start button to display files and shortcuts. System settings can be accessed such as network and hardware options . Q uesto's Q uestions 6.1 - Operating Systems: 1. Describe each role of the operating system : 1. Manage the CPU [ 2 ] 2. Manage memory [ 2 ] 3. Manage interrupts [ 2 ] 4. Manage multi-tasking [ 2 ] 5. Manage backing store [ 2 ] 6. Manage peripherals [ 2 ] 7. Manage security [ 2 ] 8. Manage the user interface [ 2 ] 2. Describe 5 different ways the operating system can provide a graphical user interface (GUI) . [5 ] 3. Describe two advantages and two disadvantages of using the following types of human-computer interaction (HCI) : a. Command-Line interface [ 4 ] b. Touch-Sensitive interface [ 4 ] c. Menu-Driven interface [ 4 ] d. Voice-Driven interface [ 4 ] Command-Line Interface Other types of user interface do exist, such as a command-line interface (CLI ). This type of interface is entirely text-based and requires users to interact with the system by typing commands . This is a complicated process and mistakes could easily accidentally delete data. There are many commands to learn so only experts who have been trained t o learn this interface will be able to efficiently make use of it. Menu-Driven Interface A menu-driven interface displays data in a series of linked menus . Examples include cash machines (ATMs) and old iPods . This type of interface is generally user friendly and easy to use as commands do not need to be memorised. However it can be annoying to find specific data through a large number of menus without a search feature. Touch-Sensitive Interface Another type of user interface is a touch-sensitive interface , used with smartphones and tablets . A human interacts with the device by pressing on a touchscreen , making it very intuitive and suitable for most users without training. Touch-sensitive interfaces may not work with dirty or wet fingers and it will take longer to write text compared to using a keyboard. Voice-Driven Interface A voice-driven interface can be controlled by speaking commands aloud to a listening device. Examples include Amazon's Alexa devices, Apple's Siri technology and Google Home . This interface is intuitive , can be used hands-free and helps to speed up processes . However commands may be misheard or limited in what can be performed. 5.1 - Data Structures Theory Topics 6.2 - Utility Software

  • Python | CSNewbs

    Learn how to create simple programs in Python. Try practice tasks and learn through text and images. Perfect for students learning GCSE Computer Science in UK schools. Formerly pynewbs.com. Follow the instructions in each section and try the practice tasks on every page . At the end of each section are larger problems to solve. Pyt hon Sections 0. Setting up Python Installing and Using Python 1. Printing and Variables a. Printing b. Comments c. Creating Variables d. Using Variables Section 1 Practice Tasks 2. Inputting Data a. Inputting Text b. Inputting Numbers Section 2 Practice Tasks 7. Subroutines a. Procedures b. Functions Section 7 Practice Tasks 8. Lists a. Using Lists b. 2D Lists c. Dictionaries Section 8 Practice Tasks 9. String Handling a. Basic String Handling b. Number Handling Section 9 Practice Tasks 3. Data Types & Calculations a. Data Types b. Simple Calculations Section 3 Practice Tasks 4. Selection a. If Statements b. Mathematical Operators ( & MOD / DIV) c. Logical Operators Section 4 Practice Tasks 5. Importing from Libraries a. Random b. Sleep c. Date & Time d. Colorama e. More Libraries (math) Section 5 Practice Tasks 6. Loops a. For Loops b. While Loops Section 6 Practice Tasks 10. File Handling a. Open & Write to Files b. Read & Search Files c. Remove & Edit Lines Section 10 Practice Tasks 11. User Interfaces a. Graphical User Interface 12. Authentication a. Error Handling Extended Tasks Extended Task 1 (Pork Pies) Extended Task 2 (Lottery) Extended Task 3 (Blackjack) Extended Task 4 (Vet Surgery) Extended Task 5 (Colour Collection) Extended Task 6 (Guess the Word) Extended Task 7 (Guess the Number)

  • Key Stage 3 Python | Turtle | CSNewbs

    The final part of a quick guide to the basics of Python aimed at Key Stage 3 students. Learn about importing turtle to command a moving object. Python - #6 - Turtle Import the Turtle The turtle library stores all of the code to create and move an object called a turtle . The turtle library must be imported into your Python program before you can use it to draw lines, shapes and colours . Create a new Python program and save the file as PythonTurtle . Write import turtle as the first line of code. Basic Shapes The turtle can be controlled by writing how many pixels it should travel forward and the angle it should point left or right . Moving Forwards turtle.forward(100) will move the turtle forward by 100 pixels. turtle.forward(200) will move the turtle forward by 200 pixels. When using the left command or the right command, the turtle won't actually move , but it will rotate by the number of degrees that you state. For example, typing turtle.left(90) will point the turtle upwards . Rotating Left & Right Copy the code to the right to make the turtle draw a square. Then try to make: A Rectangle A Triangle A Pentagon A Hexagon Square Rectangle Triangle Pentagon Hexagon Hint: To work out the angles, divide 360 by the number of sides. Using Loops You can use a for loop to repeat code . This is especially helpfully with intricate shapes with many sides. The code below will print a square but in only 3 lines instead of the 8 lines from task 2. This is the number of times the code underneath will be repeated . Change it to a higher number to repeat it more often . Each line after the 'for num in range' line must be indented . Press the tab key once on your keyboard to indent your code. Task 3 - Copy the code above to make the turtle draw a square using a loop. Then try to make: A Heptagon An Octagon A Circle A Pentagram (5-sided Star) Square Heptagon Octagon Circle Pentagram Hint: To work out the angles, divide 360 by the number of sides. Advanced Features Choose a background colour turtle .bgcolor("red") Choose the line size and colour turtle.pensize(6) turtle.color("green") Fill a shape turtle.color("yellow") turtle.begin_fill() (put your turtle's directions in here) turtle.end_fill() Lift the pen turtle.penup() turtle.pendown() Speed up/Slow down the turtle turtle.speed(speed=10) Change the turtle's appearance turtle.shape("turtle") Other options include "circle" and "arrow". Task 4 - Use the code above to make: A blue square on a red background. A yellow triangle on a pink background. Two different coloured circles - not touching each other. Three different shapes of three different colours - not touching each other. Complex Shapes Use everything that you have learned on this page to help you create more complex shapes. You could try: A Flower A Word (like your name - you will need to use the penup() and pendown() commands. A Christmas tree A Landscape (green ground, blue sky, yellow sun) <<< Selection

  • 2.4a - Number Systems - OCR GCSE (J277 Spec) | CSNewbs

    Learn about how to convert between the denary (decimal), binary and hexadecimal number systems. Based on the J277 OCR GCSE Computer Science specification (first taught from 2020 onwards). Exam Board: OCR 2.4a: Number Systems Specification: J277 Watch on YouTube : Binary and Denary Hexadecimal Number System Ranges Binary to Denary Denary to Binary Binary to Hexadecimal Hexadecimal to Binary Denary to Hexadecimal Hexadecimal to Denary What is binary? By now you should know that computer systems process data and communicate entirely in binary . Topic 2.3 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 . 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 . Binary & Denary Convert from binary to denary: Convert from denary to binary: Hexadecimal 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 in binary is 9EB in hexadecimal. Hexadecimal only uses single-character values. Double-digit numbers are converted into letters - use the table on the right to help you understand. Binary to hexadecimal: Hexadecimal to binary: Converting from denary to hexadecimal / hexadecimal to denary To convert from denary to hexadecimal or from hexadecimal to denary , it is easiest to convert to binary first . However, it is possible to convert directly from denary to hexadecimal or directly from hexadecimal to denary . The videos below explain both methods . Denary to hexadecimal: Hexadecimal to denary: Watch on YouTube Watch on YouTube Watch on YouTube Watch on YouTube Watch on YouTube Watch on YouTube Q uesto's Q uestions 2.4a - Number Systems: 1. Explain why hexadecimal numbers are used as an alternative to binary . Use an example . [ 3 ] 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 ] Click the banners below to try self-marking quizzes (Google Forms) on these topics. Binary to Denary: Denary to Binary: Binary to Hexadecimal: Hexadecimal to Binary: 2.3 - Data Units Theory Topics 2.4b - Binary Addition & Shifts

  • All Programming Topics | CSNewbs

    A list of programming topics including HTML, Greenfoot, Python. All Programming Topics Python HTML Greenfoot Assembly Language App Inventor 2

© CSNewbs 2026

The written, video and visual content of CSNewbs is protected by copyright. © 2026
bottom of page