Learn about how communication skills contribute to software application development, including verbal, written and questioning techniques. Based on Unit F160 (Fundamentals of Application Development) for the OCR Cambridge Advanced National in Computing (H029 / H129) (AAQ - Alternative Academic Qualification). Qualification: Cambridge Advanced National in Computing (AAQ) Unit: F160: Fundamentals of Application Development Certificate: Computing: Application Development (H029 / H129) 6.2 - Communication Skills Watch on YouTube : Communication skills Developers working to create applications must be able to effectively communicate with team members , clients and users in a range of different ways . There are five communication skills you need to know: appropriate language , verbal , non-verbal , questioning techniques and written communication . You need to be aware of how each communication skill contributes to software application development and when they would be used appropriately by various job roles and in different stages of application development . Communication Skills Forms of Communication Appropriate language must be used to meet the needs of the audience by tailoring vocabulary , tone and technical detail to suit the client . Non-verbal communication includes body language , facial expressions , gestures , posture , eye contact and appearance . Question techniques have different goals , such as probing questions being used to explore detail and clarifying questions to check understanding . Verbal communication relates to spoken words and includes articulation , tone and pace , but also listening skills . Written communication is through emails , reports , documentation , messages and comments . It requires clarity , accuracy and professionalism . Q uesto's Q uestions 6.2 - Communication Skills: 1. Give examples of when written communication would be used in application development and by which job roles . [3 ] 2. Describe four different types of questions , with an example of each that relates to application development . [4 ] 3. Explain why effective non-verbal communication is important in application development . [ 3 ] Studies estimate that adults ask about 30 questions a day , whereas 4-year-olds ask on average 300 questions a day . D id Y ou K now? 6.1 - Job Roles Topic List

Learn about utility software including antivirus, firewall, compression, disk partitioners, defragmenters, backup and file managers. Based on the 2020 Eduqas (WJEC) GCSE specification. 6.2: Utility Software Exam Board: Eduqas Specification: 2020 What is utility software? Utility software are dedicated programs used for the maintenance and organisation of a computer system. Antivirus Antivirus software is used to locate and delete viruses on a computer system. The antivirus scans each file on the computer and compares it against a database of known viruses . Files with similar features to viruses in the database are identified and deleted . 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. Disk Defragmenter As files are edited over time they will become fragmented - this is when the file is split into parts that are stored in different locations on the hard disk drive . Files that are fragmented take longer to load and read because of the distance between the fragments of the file. Defragmentation software is used to rearrange the file on the hard disk drive so that all parts are together again in order. Defragmentation improves the speed of accessing data on the hard disk drive. Backup Software System backup copies data onto a separate storage device in case the original information is lost or corrupted . Backups should be saved regularly and stored in a different location to the rest of the data. Magnetic tape is a common backup medium. A typical backup policy is one known as 'grandfather - father - son' which uses three different backups at a time. Disk Compression Compression is the process of decreasing the size of a file . Disk compression is a utility tool that automatically compresses files when saved so that more data can be stored on the hard disk drive. When a file is to be opened, the program is automatically decompressed . Disk compression increases the amount of space on a hard disk drive but it takes longer to open and close files . Disk Checker This utility is used to scan a hard drive for any corrupted data . The corrupted data is deleted to speed up reading from and writing to the hard drive. More advanced disk checkers are used to scan for bad sectors . A bad sector is a permanently damaged section of the hard drive which can no longer be used and must be skipped over. Disk Formatter Disk Partition Editor This utility tool prepares a storage device such as the hard disk drive to be used by removing the current data and creating a file system . A file system manages how data is stored and accessed . Other devices like a USB stick may need to be formatted before they can be used for the first time . Within memory, partitions are segments of data that have been grouped together logically on the hard disk drive . A disk partition editor allows a user to view and modify these memory partitions . Options include creating, editing and deleting partitions. Clipboard Manager The clipboard is a temporary storage space for copied data. For example, a large amount of text can be copied and stored on the clipboard to be pasted into another document, even when the original file has been closed . The clipboard manager adds more functionality to the clipboard to allow multiple pieces of data to be copied, cut and pasted . System Profiles A system profiler displays detailed information about the applications on a computer system, as well as data about any attached hardware devices . Information is provided and updated in real-time about the performance of software and internal components such as the CPU . Data Recovery Data recovery tools allow deleted, corrupted or otherwise inaccessible data to be returned to a usable state . The data loss may have been caused by physical damage to a drive, corrupt memory partitions or accidental deletion . Most data is not permanently removed when it is deleted so data recovery software can often be used to reaccess files . Revision Control Revision control software manages previous versions of an application so that if an error occurs the program can be returned to a previous state . This is also called version control software and can be used to manage and monitor changes made to files over time. Archiver Archiving is the process of storing important data that is not currently required . It must not be deleted but it shouldn't take up valuable storage space either. An archiver compresses multiple files using lossless compression into one folder . This archived folder can be stored on a computer system or transferred to a storage device and won't take up much space . Cryptographic Utilities A cryptographic utility is used to encrypt data so that it cannot be understood if intercepted . Encryption is commonly for data in transit - being sent between devices . Cryptographic software can also encrypt data at rest - when stored on a hard disk drive for example - so that hackers would be unable to use the data . File Manager This utility tool provides an interface to the user for accessing, editing and moving files and folders on the system. Programs will be displayed in a hierarchical ( ordered ) structure with icons representing the application logo or file type. Files can be ordered in alphabetical, chronological or other orders and the manager provides an abstracted visualisation of where the data is stored. Q uesto's Q uestions 6.2 - Utility Software: 1. What is meant by utility software ? [1 ] 2. Describe each type of utility software : a. Antivirus b . Firewall c . Disk Defragmenter d . Backup Software e . Disk Compression f . Disk Checker g . Disk Formatter h . Disk Partition Editor i . Clipboard Manager j . System Profiles k . Data Recovery l . Revision Control m . Archiver n . Cryptographic Utilities o . File Manager [2 ] 6.1 - Operating Systems Theory Topics 7.1 - Language Levels

Learn how to create and use dictionaries in Python. Try practice tasks and learn through text and images. Perfect for students learning GCSE Computer Science in UK schools. top Python 8C - Dictionaries Creating a Dictionary Dictionaries are used in Python to link items of data together . The example on this page uses a footballer dictionary which links a player with a team they played for. To define a dictionary, use curly brackets { } and separate linked data with a colon . A dictionary can be written on one line but the method below makes it easier to read: Printing Data from a Dictionary The first part of the linked data in a dictionary is called the key (e.g. each footballer in my example above). The second part of the linked data in a dictionary is called the value (e.g. each team). Example: key : value "Harry Kane" : "Tottenham Hotspur" A for loop can be used to cycle through each set of keys and values in the dictionary: Practice Task 1 a) Create a dictionary of your teachers and the subject they teach. b) Print their name and the subject they teach on each line. Example solution: Adding and Removing Data from a Dictionary Data can be added to a dictionary by stating the new key and value . You must use square brackets - [ ] The new data will be added to the end of the dictionary. You can print the whole dictionary to see any changes - e.g. print(playerdictionary) Data can be removed from a dictionary by stating the new key to remove in a pop command. You can print the whole dictionary to see any changes - e.g. print(playerdictionary) The whole dictionary can be cleared (reset to blank) using the clear command. Practice Task 2 a) Ask the user to enter a new teacher and their subject. b) Ask the user to remove a teacher. c) Print the list of teachers and check the new teacher has been added and the other one removed. Example solution: Searching Through a Dictionary An if statement can be used to check if a specific key is in a dictionary. If the key is in the dictionary then a message can be displayed using the key and the value . Otherwise, an else statement can output an appropriate response. To search for a value in a dictionary a for loop should be used to cycle through each key . If the value of each key matches the value that is being searched for then it will be printed. Practice Task 3 a) Create a search that allows a user to enter a teacher's name and prints the subject that they teach. b) Include an else statement to print a response if a teacher is not in the dictionary. Example solution: Changing Data & Copying a Dictionary The way to change values is similar to adding new data. The first input below is to determine the key and the second input determines the new value to be changed to. The copy command is used to make a duplicate of a dictionary . Practice Task 4 a) Create a copy of your teacher dictionary. b) Allow the user to enter a teacher and a new subject that they teach. c) Print the copy of the dictionary with the new values. Example solution: Using a Dictionary to Make a Game The code below is used to make a puzzle game where the user has to type in a footballer and the team they played for. I have added comments to explain the different parts of the code. A separate list has been created at the start to store the names of keys (players) that been correctly guessed . A while loop is used to constantly ask the user for players and teams. When they have guessed all 10 players (and the correct list reaches 10 ) the loop breaks and the game end. Instead of a further practice task here, Task 6 of the Section 8 Practice tasks page challenges you to make a similar game using a dictionary. ⬅ 8b - 2D Lists Section 8 Practice Tasks ➡

Learn about different types of operating systems and the various roles that they manage, including memory, security and processing. Based on the 2016 OCR Cambridge Technicals Level 3 IT specification. 2.4: Operating Systems Exam Board: OCR Specification: 2016 - Unit 1 An operating system (OS) is software that manages the resources of a computer system . The operating system is loaded by the BIOS (Basic Input / Output System). Types of Operating System Single user operating systems are found on most desktop computers, laptops and tablets where only one person will use the device at a single time. Multi-user operating systems allow more than one user to access the processor simultaneously , such as a server that users, with correct permissions , can access remotely . However, one user should not be negatively impacted by another user on the same operating system and security must be managed carefully as data may be visible to other users . Single Processor operating systems have only a single processor (CPU), which is shared between users by dividing the CPU time into time-slices and allocating one of these to each user in turn. The time-slices are very short, giving each user the impression that their programs are running continuously. Multiple Processor operating systems have more than one processor (CPU). Users still have to share processors and it is a more complicated system but performance is improved as there are fewer users per processor. Some supercomputers have thousands of processors running in parallel. Operating systems can also be off-the-shelf , open-source or bespoke . See 2.1 . What are the roles of an Operating System? Manage Input / Output Devices Receives data from input devices (e.g. a keyboard). Sends data to output devices (e.g. a monitor) in the correct format . Manage Printing Checks the printer is free then uses spooling (storing data in a queue ) to print documents in order. Manage Backing (Secondary) Storage Ensures data is stored correctly and can be retrieved from secondary storage devices (e.g. hard drive / SSD ). Organises files in a hierarchical structure. Manage Memory (RAM) Ensures that programs / data do not corrupt each other and are stored in correct memory locations . Manage Processes Ensures different processes can utilise the CPU and do not interfere with each other or crash. On most OS the tasks appear to run simultaneously . Manage Security Allows users to create, manage and delete user accounts with different permissions. Allows users to logon and change passwords . User Interface The final function of an operating system is to provide a user interface . This includes: A folder and file system is displayed and manipulated allowing for copying , searching , sorting and deleting data. Icons are displayed to represent shortcuts to applications and files. Multiple windows can be opened at the same time and switched between. The interface can be customised , such as changing font sizes and the desktop background . System settings can be accessed such as network and hardware options . Q uesto's Q uestions 2.4 - Operating Systems: 1. Describe five different roles of the operating system. Include the importance of the operating system in performing each role. [ 5 ] 2. What is the difference between single user and multi-user operating systems? [2 ] 3. What is the difference between single processing and multi-processing operating systems? [2 ] 4. Using your knowledge from 2.1 Software Types, explain two advantages and one disadvantage to a company if they decided to use a closed source operating system. [6 ] 2.3 Utility Software Topic List 2.5 Communication Methods

Learn how to create, open and write to files in Python. Try practice tasks and learn through text and images. Perfect for students learning GCSE Computer Science in UK schools. Python 10a - Open & Write To Files Creating and Opening Files The "a" opens the file in append mode which will add new data to the end of the file. The open command is used to open files but it is also used to create new files . 'file' is just a variable and can be more relevant such as customer_file or whatever your file will be storing. Python looks in the same folder as your .py file and checks to see if Customers.txt already exists. If it doesn't exist, it will create the file . The .txt extension will create a Notepad file. You can use alternatives such as .text or .docs. Writing to a File In the example below I ask the user to input a name which is written to the Names.txt file. The .write command writes the contents of the brackets to the file . You must close the file with the .close() command or the contents will not be saved . The .write command can be adapted depending on how you want the file to appear: Your text file won't update while it is open . Close it and open it again to see any changes . If you make any mistakes, just edit the file by hand and save it again. Practice Task 1 Create a new file called MyFriends.txt Ask the user to enter 5 names. Write the 5 names into a file. Place each name on a separate line. Check the file to see if the names have been entered. Example solution: Writing Multiple Lines to a File Files are often used to store data about multiple people . The program below asks for a customer's name, appointment date and VIP status then saves this information into a file. The plus symbol is used to write information for a single customer on the same line . This is beneficial if you want to search for a customer later. Practice Task 2 Create a new file called ALevels.txt Ask the user to enter a student's name and their three A-Level subjects. Write each student's information on the same line. Enter at least three different students and check your file to see it has worked. Example solution: ⬅ Section 9 Practice Tasks 10b - Read & Search Files ➡

Learn about the three data states - at rest, in transit (in motion) and in use. Resources based on Unit F161 (Developing Application Software) for the OCR Cambridge Advanced Nationals in Computing (H029 / H129) AAQ (Alternative Academic Qualification). Qualification: Cambridge Advanced Nationals in Computing (AAQ) Certificate: Computing: Application Development (H029 / H129) Unit: F161: Developing Application Software 2.3 - Data States Watch on YouTube: Data States You need to understand the characteristics and uses of the three data states (at rest , in transit (in motion) and in use ) What You Need to Know Data States Data states describe what is happening to data at a particular time - whether it is being stored , transferred or actively used . At Rest Data is at rest when it is stored on a device or storage system and is not currently being transferred or processed . It remains in a stable state until it is accessed , changed or deleted . It is for when data needs to be stored for later use , such as files saved on an SSD , customer details in a database or photos stored on a phone . In Transit Data in transit (also known as data in motion ) is actively moving from one location or device to another , often across a network . It may be sent to multiple users but is susceptible to interception or security attacks while being transferred . It is used when data needs to be sent or shared , such as loading a webpage , sending an email , uploading a file to cloud storage or streaming a video . In Use Data in use is currently being accessed , processed or changed by a user , application or computer system . It is used when an application needs to work with data , such as editing a document , calculating values in a spreadsheet , processing a database search or editing graphics . Q uesto's Q uestions 2.3 - Data States: 1. What is meant by a data state ? [ 1 ] 2. Describe the characteristics of data at rest , data in transit and data in use . [2 each ] 3. Give two examples of when data would be at rest , in transit and in use . [2 each ] 4. Explain how the same piece of data could move between all three data states . [3 ] 5. What might data in transit be particularly susceptible to? [2 ] When you stream a film on Netflix , its data can move through different states : it is at rest on a server , in transit while being sent across the internet , and in use when your device processes it for playback . D id Y ou K now? 2.2 - Data Flow Topic List 3.1 - APIs

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. Setting up Python Downloading Python If you are using Python in Computer Science lessons, then your school should already have it downloaded and installed on the school computers. It is a good idea to download it on a home computer too so you can practice outside of lessons. Python is free and can be downloaded from the official website. You should download the most up-to-date version of Python 3. Save the file and then run it to start installing. Official Download Page Using Python When you run the Python application, it will open the shell. This window will display the outputs of any program you have created. Do not type into the shell . Click on the File tab then New File to open the editor. Python Shell - This displays the outputs of your program. Do not write directly into the shell . Python Editor - All code is written into the editor. When you want to test a program press the F5 key (or click the Run tab then Run Module ). The first time you test a program, it will prompt you to save the file. Make sure you save it somewhere you will remember - it is a good idea to create a folder named 'Python' where you can keep all your practice programs. The next page looks at actually creating a program but above shows how code has been typed into the editor and then displayed in the shell. You never need to save the shell window. Also, the editor saves automatically every time you run the program. Opening a Saved Program When you want to re-open and edit a file you have created previously double-clicking on it won't work . Right-click on the file and select Edit with IDLE : https://trinket.io/python/76b41b35c5 1 a - Printing ➡

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 two methods of representing negative numbers in binary - sign and magnitude and two's complement. Based on the 2020 Eduqas (WJEC) GCSE specification. 4.2: Signed Binary Exam Board: Eduqas Specification: 2020 What are Sign and Magnitude and Two's Complement? Sign and Magnitude and Two's Complement are both methods of writing positive and negative binary values . Sign and Magnitude is simpler but will cause incorrect answers if used in binary calculations . Two's Complement is more complex but will generate correct answers when used in binary calculations . Sign & Magnitude The most significant bit (MSB ) is the largest bit of a binary number - the one furthest to the left . The MSB is the sign - it represents whether the binary value is positive or negative . If the sign is 0 then the binary number is positive . If the sign is 1 then the binary number is negative . The other bits represent the magnitude - the value of the binary number. For an 8-bit binary number , the range is -127 to 127 , because only 7 bits are used to define the magnitude. Sign & Magnitude: Problems Sign and magnitude is not commonly used by computers for two main reasons: Performing binary addition and subtraction (see section 4.3 ) will often cause a wrong result . In the example below, -7 + 3 should equal -4 but the result given is 2. + Sign and magnitude creates two different values for 0 - positive 0 and negative 0 which is incorrect. Two's Complement Two's complement is a method of representing positive and negative binary values. It is used often by computers because binary calculations will work correctly and there is only one value for zero. Two's Complement: Denary to Binary To represent a negative value using two's complement follow these steps: Write out the positive value in binary . Start on the right-hand side and move along, copy all 0s until you get to the first 1 . The first 1 is copied too. After the first 1 invert each value (change to its opposite ). So 0 becomes 1 and 1 becomes 0 . 1. 2. 3. Two's Complement: Binary to Denary To convert a binary number to denary using two's complement you must remember that the MSB is a negative value . Just add the numbers with 1 together to work out the denary value . Q uesto's Q uestions 4.2 - Signed Binary: Sign & Magnitude 1. Using sign and magnitude , convert the following values to denary : a. 00011101 b. 11100011 c. 10110110 d. 01001111 [1 each ] 2. Using sign and magnitude , convert the following values to binary : a. 83 b. -13 c. -102 d. -24 [1 each ] 3. Describe two problems when using sign and magnitude . [ 4 ] 4. Using sign and magnitude , the range of numbers that can be represented in 6 bits is from - 31 to + 31 . State the range of numbers that can be represented using sign and magnitude in the following bits: a. 8 bits b. 4 bits [1 each ] Two's Complement 1. Using two's complement , convert the following values to binary : a. -20 b. -49 c. -87 d. -113 [2 each ] 2. Using two's complement , convert the following values to denary : a. 10110010 b. 11101110 c. 01101011 d. 10011111 [2 each ] Watch the video to learn how sign and magnitude is used to represent negative numbers in binary . Watch the video to learn how two's complement is used to represent negative numbers in binary . Watch on YouTube Watch on YouTube 4.1 - Number Systems Theory Topics 4.3 - Binary Calculations

Learn about the motherboard, graphics processing unit (GPU), sound card, embedded systems and input / output systems. Based on the 2020 Eduqas (WJEC) GCSE specification. 1.6: Additional Hardware Exam Board: Eduqas Specification: 2020 1.6a - Internal Hardware Motherboard The motherboard is the main circuit board of a computer , unique for each device. It holds and connects the different components together , allowing data to be transferred between them. Components such as the CPU and ROM are directly attached to the motherboard. The motherboard has expansion slots for additional cards (i.e. sound cards) and ports (i.e. USB). Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) Sound Card A GPU is a microprocessor that performs complex calculations to generate graphical images to be displayed on a monitor . There are two types of GPU, integrated GPUs within the motherboard circuitry or dedicated GPUs on an additional card (known as a 'graphics card'). An integrated GPU is cheaper and generates less power because it uses the RAM of the computer . Integrated GPUs are used in tablets and laptops as they generate less heat and are optimal for general computing uses (e.g. web browsing or watching movies). A dedicated GPU is more expensive and generates more heat, often requiring a fan because it contains its own memory . Dedicated cards are used by animation professionals and professional gamers who require the best graphics. Sound cards convert analogue sound waves into digital data (binary) when inputting audio through a microphone. 0010 1011 0101 0101 0110 0111 0101 0001 0101 0010 1011 0101 0101 0110 0111 0101 0001 0101 Sound cards also convert digital data (binary) into analogue sound waves to output audio through speakers or headphones. 1.6b - Embedded Systems Example: A washing machine has a control chip that manages the different program cycles. An embedded system is a computer system built into a larger machine to provide a means of control . Embedded systems perform a specific pre-programmed task which is stored in ROM . An embedded system uses a combination of hardware and software . Example: A traffic light has a control chip that determines when to change to a green or red light. 1.6c - Input & Output Devices Input devices are used by humans to interact with a computer system , through methods such as text , voice or touch . Output devices show the result of computer processing , such as sound , printed text or a visual display on a monitor. Storage devices , such as a USB stick or an external hard drive, are neither input nor output devices - see 1.4 . Input Devices These are just some of the more common input devices . A mouse and a keyboard have been described in further detail. Are there any devices below you haven't heard of before? Mouse Benefits: Easy to navigate a graphical user interface. A wireless mouse takes up less space . Faster to select options (e.g. in a video game). Drawbacks: Difficult to use for people with restricted hand movement . Difficult to use on some surfaces . Other input devices: Scanner Controller Microphone Webcam Chip Reader OCR Scanner 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 Sip / Puff Switch Keyboard Benefits: Quick to input text . Easy to use with a familiar layout on most keyboards. Keys can be customised and shortcuts can be used . Drawbacks: Takes up a large amount of space on a desk. Difficult for people to use with restricted hand movement or poor eyesight . Output Devices Monitor These are just some of the more common output devices . A monitor and a printer have been described in further detail. Are there any devices below you haven't heard of before? Other output devices: Plotter Speakers Projector Alarm Light Headphones Touch Screen Braille Terminal What is it? A monitor is required to see the result of human input and computer processing . Monitors can be bought in different sizes and resolutions for a range of purposes such as video editing or playing games . Monitors settings can be changed to alter the brightness or contrast . Printer What is it? A printer uses ink or toner to print a document (such as text or images) onto paper . Inkjet printers use ink cartridges , are generally slower and print in a lower quality . Laser printers use toner cartridges and are generally quicker and print to a higher quality . Q uesto's Q uestions 1.6 - Additional Hardware: 1.6a - Internal Hardware 1. What is the purpose of the motherboard ? [2 ] 2a. What is the purpose of the GPU ? [ 2 ] 2b. Describe two differences between integrated and dedicated expansion cards . [ 4 ] 3. Explain how a sound card works. [ 4 ] 1.6b - Embedded Systems 1. What is an embedded system ? [3 ] 2a. Give two examples of an embedded system. [ 2 ] 2b. Research and describe another example of an embedded system. [ 2 ] 1.6c - Input & Out[ut Devices 1. Choose four input devices and describe at least two benefits and two drawbacks of using each one. [ 8 ] 2. Describe three output devices . [ 3 ] 3. Justify which input and output devices would be most suitable in the following scenarios: a. A teacher needs to take the class register . [ 4 ] b. A family want to communicate with their cousins in Australia. [ 4 ] c. The school movie club wants to play Star Wars in the assembly hall. [ 4 ] d. An e-sports player is taking part in an online multiplayer tournament . [ 4 ] e. A laboratory needs security so that only registered scientists can enter. [ 4 ] 1.5 - Performance 2.1 - Logical Operators Theory Topics

Learn about how information can be categorised for both individuals and organisations. Based on the 2016 OCR Cambridge Technicals Level 3 IT specification for Unit 2 (Global Information). 3.2 & 3.3 - Information Categories Exam Board: OCR Specification: 2016 - Unit 2 Categories of Information for Individuals Communication Texting a friend about dinner plans, sending an email to a family member in another country, ringing work because trains are delayed. Education and Training Revision textbooks, logging into a virtual learning environment to upload a completed worksheet, hand-written feedback sheets from a teacher after an exam. Planning Using a shared document to arrange meeting dates, using a webpage hosting a bus timetable, a calendar app. Financial Using a bank statement to plan holiday saving, creating a spreadsheet of expenditure this month, logging in to a secure web page to buy a present online. Entertainment Reading a film review in a magazine, listening to a podcast about trains, watching a tutorial on DIY. Research Using online encyclopedias for a school project, searching for research articles to write an essay, using a recipe book Location Dependent Find local pizza restaurants, searching for emergency dental care on holiday, Pokemon GO Categories of Information for Organisations Knowledge Management & Creation Managing information across an organisation e.g. sharing information between branches in different cities. Management Information Systems (MIS) A system that provides an overview of key information e.g. the location and contact details of each charity worker in a disaster area. A decision can be made on overall figures or individual data as appropriate. Financial Analysis & Modelling Analysing trends e.g. determining the top selling products in a year or weekly cash flow, to create models of customer/user behaviour. Contact Management Managing contact between a business and the customer e.g. tracking appointments at a doctor’s surgery. Internal and External Communication Providing a communication medium to staff and/or customers e.g. posting Christmas opening times on the website, or sending a staff email invite to the Christmas party. Big Data Any data too large or complex for traditional data analysis techniques to be used e.g health data on the population of an entire country. Marketing, Promotion & Sales Identifying patterns or trends in sales figures, so that certain products or areas can be targeted, e.g. to plan marketing campaigns. Decision Making Using available information to make decisions, e.g. a charity deciding on the amount of aid to be sent to a disaster area based on local data. Q uesto's Q uestions 3.2 & 3.3 - Information Categories: 1. Describe two examples of each category of information used by individuals : Communication Education & Training Entertainment Planning Financial Research Location Dependent [2 each ] 2. Describe two examples of each category of information used by organisations : Knowledge Management & Creation Management Information Systems (MIS) Marketing, Promotion & Sales Financial Analysis & Modelling Contact Management Decision Making Internal & External Communication Big Data [2 each ] 3.1 - Data vs. Information Topic List 3.4 - Stages of Data Analysis

Learn about the differences between CISC and RISC processors, GPUs and multicore and parallel systems. Based on the OCR H446 Computer Science A-Level specification. Exam Board: OCR A-Level 1.2 - Types of Processor Specification: Computer Science H446 Watch on YouTube : CISC and RISC GPUs Multicore & parallel systems Instruction Sets An instruction set is the complete list of machine code instructions a CPU is designed to execute as part of the FDE cycle . CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer ) CPUs have a large set of complex instructions , so tasks can be achieved in fewer lines of code , but some instructions take multiple clock cycles . RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer ) CPUs use a smaller set of simple instructions , each designed to execute in a single clock cycle , making execution faster but sometimes requiring more instructions overall . GPUs A GPU (Graphics Processing Unit ) is a co-processor with thousands of smaller cores designed for parallel processing . This is in contrast to the CPU , which has fewer but more powerful cores . GPUs are used for rendering images , animations and video for fast , realistic graphics in games and multimedia . Because of their ability to handle many calculations at once , GPUs are widely used for non-graphical purposes too, such as machine learning , scientific simulations , data analysis and cryptocurrency mining . Multicore & Parallel Systems A multicore processor has multiple independent cores on a single CPU chip . Each core can carry out its own FDE cycle , so tasks can be split up , enabling multitasking and faster processing . However, only software designed to use multiple cores will benefit from this increased performance . A parallel system uses multiple processors (or cores ) working together on the same problem at the same time . This may involve multiple cores within one CPU or multiple CPUs in a single machine . Parallel processing greatly improves performance for tasks that can be divided into smaller sub-tasks , such as simulations and graphics rendering . However, some problems cannot be parallelised because they must be executed sequentially . Q uesto's K ey T erms Instruction Sets: instruction set, complex instruction set computer (CISC) , reduced instruction set computer (RISC) GPUs: graphics processing unit (GPU) Multicore Systems: multicore systems, parallel processing D id Y ou K now? Sony coined the term ' GPU ' for the PlayStation (1994), making it one of the first home consoles with a dedicated graphics processor . The term was later popularised further by NVIDIA in 1999 with the GeForce 256 . 1.1 - The Processor A-Level Topics 1.3 - Input, Output & Storage