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  • Python | 4a - If Statements | CSNewbs

    Learn how to use if statements in Python. Try practice tasks and learn through text and images. Perfect for students learning GCSE Computer Science in UK schools. top Python 4a - If Statements If Statements Selection is one of three constructs of programming , along with Sequence (logical order) and Iteration (loops). An if statement is a conditional statement that performs a specific action based on conditional values. Essentially, if thing A is true , then thing B will happen . If the user answers yes to the window question, then an appropriate statement is printed. Double equals stands for ‘is equal to ‘. The colon stands for THEN and the line after an if statement must be indented (press tab key once). answer = input ( "Is the window open? " ) if answer == "yes" : print ( "It's chilly in here!" ) Is the window open? yes It's chilly in here! But what if the window is not open? At the moment nothing will happen if you type no: Is the window open? no The elif command stands for else if . Essentially: If thing A is true then do thing B, else if thing C is true then do thing D: But what about any other answer than yes or no? The else command will submit a response if the value is anything else. The if and elif commands have a colon at the end, but else has it at the start. Also, else does not need to be on a new line. answer = input ( "Is the window open? " ) if answer == "yes" : print ( "It's chilly in here!" ) elif answer == "no" : print ( "It's quite hot in here!" ) answer = input ( "Is the window open? " ) if answer == "yes" : print ( "It's chilly in here!" ) elif answer == "no" : print ( "It's quite hot in here!" ) else : print ( "I'm not sure what you mean." ) Is the window open? no It's quite hot in here! Is the window open? banana I'm not sure what you mean. If Statements Task 1 ( Left or Right?) Use an input line to ask the user whether they want to turn left or right . Print a sentence of your choice if they chose left and a different sentence if they chose right . Include an else statement in case the user doesn't input left or right. Example solutions: There is a path ahead. Do you turn left or right? left The path turns and twists until it reaches a cliff. Dead end! There is a path ahead. Do you turn left or right? right A snake slithers across the path and bites your leg. Oh no! There is a path ahead. Do you turn left or right? backwards That's not an option! Nested If Statements Complex programs may require you to have if statements within if statements - when programming, one thing inside another is known as nesting . You must make sure that the related if , elif and else statements line up with each other . Use the tab key to indent a line. outer if inner if weather = input ( "What is the weather like today? " ) if weather == "sunny" : sunny = input ( "How hot is it? " ) if sunny == "very hot" : print ( "Take some sunglasses with you!" ) elif sunny == "cool" : print ( "Maybe take a jacket just in case?" ) else : print ( "Enjoy the sunshine!" ) elif weather == "rainy" : print ( "Take an umbrella!" ) else : print ( "Have a good day!" ) = What is the weather like today? rainy Take an umbrella! = What is the weather like today? sunny How hot is it? cool Maybe take a jacket just in case? = What is the weather like today? snowy Have a good day! = What is the weather like today? sunny How hot is it? very hot Take some sunglasses with you! If Statements Task 2 ( Nested Ifs) Use the weather program above as an example to help you write your own program with a nested if for at least one option. Be careful to have your nested if's if, elif and else statements in line with each other. Your program doesn't have to be about juice. Example solutions: Would you like orange, apple or tomato juice? orange Would you like your orange juice smooth or with bits? smooth One smooth orange juice coming up! Would you like orange, apple or tomato juice? orange Would you like your orange juice smooth or with bits? bits A pulpy orange juice is on its way! Would you like orange, apple or tomato juice? tomato Yuck, you can't be serious? Using Selection with Numbers Comparison operators such as > (greater than ) > = (greater than or equal to ) < (less than ) and < = (less than or equal to ) can be used with if statements. Logical operators such as and and or can also be used - more about them in section 4c . When comparing a variable's value to a specific number, such as 50, don't forget to use double equals ( == ) . Python Comparison Operators score = int ( input ( "Enter the maths test score: " )) if score == 50: print ( "You scored top marks!" ) elif score >= 40 and score < 50: print ( "You scored a great grade!" ) elif score >= 20 and score < 40: print ( "You did okay in the test." ) else : print ( "You have to try harder next time!" ) = Enter the maths test score: 50 You scored top marks! = Enter the maths test score: 43 You scored a great grade! = Enter the maths test score: 20 You did okay in the test. = Enter the maths test score: 13 You have to try harder next time! If Statements Task 3 ( Fastest lap) A racing video game has a challenging track that players try to get a quick lap on. The current fastest lap time is 37 seconds . Ask the player to enter their lap time and print a response based on their input . You need individual responses for the following inputs: Faster than 37 seconds. Between 37 seconds and 59 seconds. Between 60 seconds and 90 seconds. Slower than 90 seconds. Example solutions: Enter your lap time: 35 You have set a new record!!! Enter your lap time: 59 You did well this time! Enter your lap time: 83 A little bit slow this time! Enter your lap time: 110 Were you even trying!?! Hurry up! Not Equal To The opposite of equal to ( == ) is not equal to ( != ). != is often used with while loops to repeat code while an input is not what is expected , for example repeatedly asking for a password while the input is not equal to "fluffythecat123". The code below uses != for an incorrect answer (although it could easily be re-written to use == for a correct answer). answer = input ( "What is the capital of Eritrea? " ) if answer != "Asmara" : print ( "That is incorrect! It is Asmara." ) else : print ( "You got it right!" ) = What is the capital of Eritrea? Asmara You got it right! = What is the capital of Eritrea? Windhoek That is incorrect! It is Asmara. If Statements Task 4 ( True or False? ) Come up with your own true or false question that the user has to respond to. Depending on their answer , print whether they got it right or wrong . You may want to use an if statement with == for a correct answer or != for an incorrect answer , there's multiple ways to write this program. Example solutions: There are 140 million miles between Earth and Mars. TRUE or FALSE? TRUE That is correct! It is really that far! There are 140 million miles between Earth and Mars. TRUE or FALSE? FALSE You got it wrong, there really are 140 million miles between us! ⬅ Section 3 Practice Tasks 4b - Mathematical Operators ➡

  • 3.5 - Protocols - Eduqas GCSE (2020 spec) | CSNewbs

    Learn about the different protocols used on networks - HTTP, HTTPS, TCP, IP, Ethernet, WiFi, FTP and SMTP. Based on the 2020 Eduqas (WJEC) GCSE specification. 3.5: Protocols Exam Board: Eduqas / WJEC Specification: 2020 + What is a protocol? A protocol is a set of rules that allow devices on a network to communicate with each other . TCP / IP is actually two separate protocols that combine together. TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) TCP is a protocol that allows packets to be sent and received between computer systems. It breaks the data into packets and reassembles 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) Ethernet is a protocol for wired connections . Ethernet is used at both the data link and physical layers to describe how network devices can format data packets for transmission. WiFi is the main standard for wireless connections . WiFi is actually a brand name that uses a protocol called IEEE 802.11 . Another wireless standard is Bluetooth , for short-range data transfer. Connection Protocols 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 . Q uesto's Q uestions 3.5 - Protocols: 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. WiFi (802.11) [ 1 ] e. Ethernet [ 2 ] f. FTP [ 2 ] g. SMTP [ 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 wireless connection to play a mobile game. [ 1 ] d. Using a webpage to enter a password securely. [ 1 ] e. Watching a video on YouTube. [1 ] 3.4 Network Hardware & Routing Theory Topics 3.6 - 7 Layer OSI Model

  • Assembly Language | CSNewbs

    Learn about key mnemonics used in assembly language and how very simple programs can be created. Assembly Language Assembly language is a low-level programming language - it is closer to machine code (binary) than high-level programming languages like Python. Assembly language uses mnemonics (abbreviations of commands) to signify instructions; for example, input is written as INP and output is written as OUT . Little Man Computer is a representation of assembly language . This simulator will help you understand assembly language and allow you to check if your instructions are correct. Assembly Language Mnemonics INP (Input) INP is used to input a number . The number is temporarily stored in the accumulator . OUT (Output) OUT is used to output the number currently stored in the accumulator . STA (Store) STA stores the value that is currently in the accumulator . It can be used to assign a value to a variable. ADD (Addition) ADD is used to add a number to the value currently stored in the accumulator. SUB (Subtraction) SUB takes away a number from the value currently stored in the accumulator. LDA (Load) LDA is used to load the value of a stored variable back into the accumulator . BRZ (Branch if Zero) BRZ is used to loop only if the value in the accumulator is currently 0 . BRP (Branch if Positive) BRP is used to loop only if the value in the accumulator is currently positive (including 0). BRA (Branch Always) BRA is used to loop continuously . HLT (Halt) HLT will stop running the program . Every program MUST have a HLT command. DAT (Data Definition) DAT must be used to define a variable name (and / or set it with a starting value). Data definitions must be written at the end of the instructions . Peter Higginson's Little Man Computer simulation Examples of Simple Assembly Language Programs #1 - Input & Output Program Purpose: Input a number, store the number as a variable called Number1 and output the number. 1. Lets the user input a number 3. Outputs the value in the accumulator - which will be the number that was just inputted. 5. Defines a variable called 'Number1'. This has to be at the end of the program and you must write the variable name first, not the command first. INP STA Number1 OUT HLT Number1 DAT 2. Stores the number in a variable named 'Number1' - there must be no spaces in a variable name. 4. Halts (stops) the program. Type these instructions line by line into the Little Man Computer simulator to see how it works. #2 - Addition Program Purpose: Input and store two numbers. Add them together. Output the total. 1. Lets the user input a number 3. Lets the user input another number 5. Adds number1 to the value in the accumulator (which is currently number2 as you just inputted it). 7. Halts the program. Type these instructions line by line into the Little Man Computer simulator to see how it works. Then change the program to subtract the number instead. INP STA Number1 INP STA Number2 ADD Number1 OUT HLT Number1 DAT Number2 DAT 2. Stores the inputted number in a variable named 'Number1'. 4. Stores the inputted number in a variable named 'Number2'. 6. Outputs the value in the accumulator (which is now number1 added to number2. 8. & 9. The two variables Number1 and Number2 are defined on separate lines. #3 - Load in Order Program Purpose: Input and store three numbers. Load and output them in the order that they were entered. 1. - 6. Lets the user input three numbers and immediately stores each one as they are entered. 8. Now that Number1 has been loaded into the accumulator, this value is outputted. 13. Halts the program. Type these instructions line by line into the Little Man Computer simulator to see how it works. Let the user input a fourth number and output this fourth number last . INP STA Number1 INP STA Number2 INP STA Number3 LDA Number1 OUT LDA Number2 OUT LDA Number3 OUT HLT Number1 DAT Number2 DAT Number3 DAT 14. - 16. The three variables Number1, Number2 & Number3 are defined on separate lines. 9. - 12. Number2 is loaded and output then Number3 is loaded and output 7. Once all three numbers have been inputted and stored, the first number is loaded back into the accumulator. #4 - Branching Program Purpose: Input and store two numbers. Output the largest number. (Branching required). 1. - 4. Lets the user input two numbers and immediately stores each one as they are entered. 7. BRP is 'Branch is Positive'. If the result of Number1 - Number2 is positive then the program will jump to line 11. You can write any value instead of 'loop', such as 'jump' or 'break'. If the result is not positive it will continue to the next line. 11. - 13. The program will jump to line 11 if the result of Number1 - Number2 is positive. This means that Number1 is larger than Number2 so Number1 is loaded and output then the program is halted. INP STA Number1 INP STA Number2 LDA Number1 SUB Number2 BRP loop LDA Number2 OUT HLT loop LDA Number1 OUT HLT Number1 DAT Number2 DAT 5. & 6. Loads Number1 and subtracts Number2 from it. 8. - 10. The program will continue to line 8 if the result of Number1 - Number2 is not positive. Because the result is a negative number, this tells us that Number2 is larger than Number1. So we load Number2, output it because it is bigger, then halt the program. 14. - 15. The variables Number1 & Number2 are defined on separate lines. Type these instructions line by line into the Little Man Computer simulator to see how it works. Change the program so that the smallest number is output .

  • 4.5 - Character Sets & Data Types - GCSE (2020 Spec) | CSNewbs

    Learn about the main character sets - ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) and Unicode. Also, discover the five data types - character, string, integer, real and Boolean. Based on the 2020 Eduqas (WJEC) GCSE specification. 4.5: Character Sets & Data Types Exam Board: Eduqas / WJEC Specification: 2020 + What is a Character Set? A character set is a table that matches together a character and a binary value . Character sets are necessary as they allow computers to exchange data . Two common character sets are ASCII and Unicode . ASCII Unicode ( American Standard Code for Information Interchange ) 0100 0001 0100 0010 0100 0011 Uses Binary 128 Tiny Set of Characters Less Memory Required Per Character U+0042 U+0055 U+004E Uses Hexadecimal 137,000+ Large Set of Characters More Memory Required per Character What are the different data types? When programming, variables should be given appropriate data types . Character String Integer A single character , such as a letter, number or punctuation symbol. Examples: A sequence of characters , including letters, numbers and punctuation. Examples: A whole number . Examples: T 8 ? Harry Waters 14:50pm Ice Age 4 475 -8432 56732 Real Boolean Telephone numbers are always stored as a string , not an integer. True / False Yes / No 0 / 1 An answer that only has two possible values . Examples: A decimal number . Examples: 65.3 -321.1234 909.135 Be careful with punctuation. 32.10 is a real but £32.10 is a string. Q uesto's Q uestions 4.5 - Character Sets & Data Types: 1. What is a character set and why are they needed ? [ 2 ] 2. Describe 3 differences between ASCII and Unicode . [6 ] 3. State the 5 different data types . [ 5 ] 4. State which data type is most suitable for the following variables: a. Age [ 1 ] b. Surname [ 1 ] c. Height (in metres) [ 1 ] d. First Initial [ 1 ] e. Phone number [ 1 ] f. Right-Handed? [ 1 ] 4.4 Arithmetic Shift Theory Topics 4.6 - Graphical Representation

  • Python | Setting up 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. 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 ➡

  • Python | Section 7 Practice Tasks | CSNewbs

    Test your understanding of subroutines (procedures and functions) in Python. Try practice tasks and learn through text and images. Perfect for students learning GCSE Computer Science in UK schools. top Python - Section 7 Practice Tasks Task One Example solution: Create a program with three different subroutines (procedures ). One subroutine asks the user their name and prints a response. The second asks for their age and prints a response. The third asks for their favourite colour and prints a response. Remember to write subroutines before the main program. Task Two Create a program that asks a user to input the length of a side in a square. Write a function that takes this value and returns it to be printed. Example solution: Task Three Example solution: Create a program that takes 3 inputs from the user – a name, a villain and a place. Write a function that outputs a story using the user’s answers. Task Four Create a calculator program that uses four different subroutines (add, subtract, multiply and divide). In the main program ask the user to make a choice of which operator to use and then to enter two numbers. Keep looping until the user types stop. Use the 'Using Subroutines as a Menu' section in the 7b to help you. Example solution: ⬅ 7b - Functions 8a - Using Lists ➡

  • 5.2 - Application Software Installation | F161 | Cambridge Advanced National in Computing | AAQ

    Learn about application software installation methods, including clean, remote, cloud, mobile and network installation. 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 5.2 - Application Software Installation Watch on YouTube : Application installation You need to know how different installation processes (e.g. clean , remote , cloud , network and mobile installs) work as well as their advantages , disadvantages and appropriate uses . What You Need to Know Application Installation ? YouTube video uploading soon Q uesto's Q uestions 5.2 - Application Software Installation: 1. What? [2 ] 2. What? [1 ] 3. What? [1 ] 4. What? [1 ] ? D id Y ou K now? 5.1 - Testing Topic List 5.3 - Policies

  • 4.4 - Arithmetic Shift - Eduqas GCSE (2020 Spec) | CSNewbs

    Learn how binary numbers can be multiplied or divided using arithmetic shift. Understand the effect the shift has on the binary value. Based on the 2020 Eduqas (WJEC) GCSE specification. 4.4: Arithmetic Shift Exam Board: Eduqas / WJEC Specification: 2020 + What is arithmetic shift? Arithmetic shift is used to multiply and divide binary numbers . The effect of shifting left is to multiply a binary number. The effect is doubled by each place that is shifted . x The effect of shifting right is to divide a binary number. ÷ Shifting by 1 has an effect of 2 . Shifting by 2 has an effect of 4 . Shifting by 3 has an effect of 8 . For example, shifting left by 2 places has an effect of multiplying by 4 . Another example: Shifting right by 3 places has an effect of diving by 8 . How to shift a binary number: An exam question may ask you to arithmetically shift a binary number of up to 16 digits . Q uesto's Q uestions 4.4 - Arithmetic Shift: 1a. Draw a diagram to show the effect of multiplying and dividing a binary number . [2 ] 1b. Draw a diagram or table to show the effect a shift has for each place from 1 to 4 . For example, a shift of 1 place has an effect of 2. [4 ] 2. State the effect of the following shifts: a. Shift right by 2 places. b. Shift left by 1 place. c. Shift left 3 places. d. Shift right by 4 places. [ 1 each ] 3. Shift the following binary numbers and state the effect of the shift: a. 10101011 : Shift left by 2 places. b. 11101100 : Shift right by 3 place. c. 00001011 : Shift right by 2 places. d. 01101110 : Shift left by 1 place. [ 2 each ] Watch on YouTube 4.3 Binary Calculations Theory Topics 4.5 - Character Sets & Data Types

  • HTML Guide 8 - Videos | CSNewbs

    Learn how to easily embed a video from YouTube into an HTML web page. 8. Videos HTML Guide Watch on YouTube: Embedding a video from YouTube into your web page is very easy. YouTube Videos Find an appropriate video on YouTube and click the Share button underneath the video. Next, click the Embed option. Embed a video onto your web page. Copy the HTML code that is displayed on your screen and paste it directly into your HTML document. Next you can customise your web page with a background colour and different font styles. 7. Head Tags HTML Guide 9. Colours & Fonts

  • CTech 4.3 - Personal Attributes | CSNewbs

    Learn about 11 key attributes that a respected and successful member of staff should develop in a work environment. Based on the 2016 OCR Cambridge Technicals Level 3 IT specification. 4.3 - Personal Attributes Exam Board: OCR Specification: 2016 - Unit 1 Any employee in an organisation must demonstrate positive qualities that makes them a useful worker . The following are some of the key attributes that a successful employee of an IT organisation should have. Self-motivation: Workers must be able to motivate themselves to produce high-quality work . They must arrive to work willing to face new challenges and retain a good attitude even when faced with difficulties. Leadership: Managers must show good leadership skills by respecting members of their team so that they are motivated and produce good work. A leader must delegate tasks and take responsibility for negative outcomes. Respect: Respect must be shown at all times to other members of staff and to customers . Employees should be polite and patient when dealing with requests and uphold the company's values . Dependability: Managers must be able to depend on their employees to complete work to the best of their ability and complete it on time . Employees should also be trustworthy and reliable to work on tasks independently. Punctuality: Arriving to work on time is important and shows a commitment to your job . Employees must show up on time to meetings and scheduled events so they don't miss out or upset others. Problem Solving: An employee must be able to look at a problem from different angles and perspectives in order to solve it. Workers must use logic and learn from previous mistakes . Determination: Workers should be focused on their job role and not give up on challenging tasks. Workers must be prepared to work on a dedicated task until it is fully completed . Independence: Workers should be able to work alone on tasks and not rely on other members of staff . They should be confident in finding a solution to a problem independently. Time Management: Most tasks will have a deadline and it is the worker or team's responsibility to ensure all work is completed before that date. Workers must be organised and plan ahead in case of unforeseen circumstances. Team Working: Most modern IT jobs involve group work , either within the office or using online communication across different sites. Workers must cooperate with their peers, share ideas and work together to complete tasks on time. Numerical Skills: Maths skills are required in IT jobs to ensure that jobs are completed accurately and within the budget . Workers may use calculators or spreadsheets to prevent mistakes. Verbal Skills: Spoken communication is a huge part of most jobs, whether that be face-to-face , on the phone or through video calls . Workers must be polite to customers and respectful to co-workers , using appropriate language at all times. Planning & Organisation: To ensure all deadlines are met , teams must carefully plan who will complete each task and by when. Companies must be well organised so that departments can work together and share information when necessary. Q uesto's Q uestions 4.3 - Personal Attributes: The Job Roles section (4.5 ) may help you answer these questions. 1. A games company are looking to hire a new manager to oversee the development of their next video game. Describe 4 personal attributes that the manager should have. [10 ] 2. A software company that develops web browsers is hiring a new programmer . Describe 4 personal attributes that the programmer should have. You must not describe the same attributes as Q1 . [10 ] 3. An animator is required at a large design and movie production studio. Describe 4 personal attributes that the animator should have. You must not describe the same attributes as Q1 or Q2 . [10 ] 4.2 - Communication Technology Topic List 4.4 - Ready for Work

  • 3.1 - Data vs Information | Unit 2 | OCR Cambridge Technicals | CSNewbs

    Learn about the technical difference between data and information, with examples. Based on the 2016 OCR Cambridge Technicals Level 3 IT specification for Unit 2 (Global Information). 3.1 - Data vs. Information Exam Board: OCR Specification: 2016 - Unit 2 The terms 'data ' and 'information ' are often used interchangeably but they do not mean the same thing . The term 'data ' refers to unprocessed facts or statistics that have no context . For example, 53% is data - it is a statistic that has no context. The term 'information ' refers to data that has been processed , organised and structured into context . For example, 53% of pumpkin stock was sold in 2019 is information - it is data that has been given context (meaning). Data Processing Information Q uesto's Q uestions 3.1 - Data vs. Information: 1. Describe , using examples , the difference between data and information . [4 ] 2.4 - Information Management 3.2 & 3.3 - Information Categories Topic List

  • The CPU | Key Stage 3 | CSNewbs

    Learn about the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and factors such as clock speed. Learn about components within the CPU including the ALU and control unit. The CPU What is the CPU? The CPU CPU stands for C entral P rocessing U nit . The CPU is considered the brain of the computer because it is used to process data and instructions , just like a human brain . Every single type of computer needs a CPU , from desktop computers to laptops , game consoles , even smart TVs and smart watches . The CPU plugs directly into the motherboard in a special socket . What does the CPU do? The CPU works in a cycle (called the FDE cycle ), which it repeats up to billions of times a second . In the FDE cycle , the CPU first f etches instructions from RAM. Next, the CPU d ecodes (understands ) the instructions and finally e xecutes (runs ) them. RAM (Random Access Memory) Instructions CPU (Central Processing Unit) What is clock speed? The clock speed is how many instructions a CPU can carry out per second . Clock speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz ), where 1 GHz = 1 billion cycles per second . The higher the clock speed , the faster the CPU will run , as more instructions can be processed per second . What are the four components of the CPU? The Control Unit (CU ) sends control signals to direct the operation of the CPU . It also decodes instructions as part of the FDE cycle . ALU stands for Arithmetic Logic Unit . It performs simple calculations and compares data . The registers are temporary storage spaces for instructions inside the CPU. They are used in the FDE cycle . Cache memory stores frequently accessed data that the CPU needs to access at very high speeds . What is overclocking and underclocking? Typical clock speed: 3.5 GHz 3.9 GHz 3.3 GHz Overclocking is when the computer's clock speed is increased higher than the recommended speed. This will make the computer perform faster but it can lead to overheating and could damage the computer . Underclocking is when the computer's clock speed is decreased lower than the recommended speed. This will make the computer perform slower but will increase the lifespan of the computer . KS3 Home

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