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

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

Learn about the three factors that affect computer performance - cache memory, clock speed and the number of cores. Based on the J277 OCR GCSE Computer Science specification (first taught from 2020 onwards). 1.2: CPU Performance Exam Board: Cambridge OCR Specification: GCSE - J277 Watch on YouTube : CPU Performance How these CPU characteristics affect the performance of a computer system: Clock speed Cache size Number of cores What You Need to Know Clock Speed A computer has a component called a clock , which produces regular electrical pulses . Clock speed is the number of clock pulses the CPU receives per second . It is measured in gigahertz (GHz ). For example, 3.5 GHz is 3.5 billion pulses per second . The Control Unit (CU ) uses each clock pulse to send control signals that coordinate operations within the computer. A higher clock speed improves the performance of the CPU because more fetch-execute cycles can be completed per second . This means more instructions can be executed in the same amount of time , so tasks can be completed faster . Cache Size Cache memory is fast , temporary storage inside (or very close to) the CPU , which stores frequently accessed data and instructions . It is typically split into three levels (L1 , L2 and L3 ), with each level generally being larger but slower than the previous level. As data and instructions are fetched during the fetch-execute cycle , frequently accessed data and instructions can be stored in cache , reducing the need to repeatedly fetch them from RAM, which is slower to access . A CPU with a larger cache can store more frequently accessed data and instructions , improving performance because they can be accessed faster from cache than from RAM . Number of Cores Some CPUs have multiple cores . A core is an individual processing unit within the CPU , containing components such as a control unit , ALU , registers and cache . Each core can independently perform the fetch-execute cycle . A CPU with more cores can have higher performance because it can process more instructions at the same time . However, performance may not improve if one core must wait for another to complete its task . Also, some software is not designed to use multiple cores , so it will not benefit from having additional cores . Single-core Dual-core Quad-core Octa-core Q uesto's Q uestions 1.2 - CPU Performance: Clock Speed 1a. What is clock speed ? What is it measured in? [ 2 ] 1b. Explain how a higher clock speed improves performance . [ 2 ] Cache Size 2a. What is cache memory ? [ 2 ] 2b. Describe why a larger c ache size may mean performance is higher . [ 4 ] Number of Cores 3a. What is a core ? [ 2 ] 3b. Explain why a quad-core processor should have a higher performance than a dual-core processor . [ 3 ] 3c. Explain two reasons why having more cores doesn't necessarily mean the performance will be better . [ 2 ] 1.1b - Fetch-Execute Cycle 1.3 - Embedded Systems Theory Topics

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 different input and output devices, RAM (random access memory) and ROM (read only memory) and storage devices, including solid state, magnetic and optical types. Based on the OCR H446 Computer Science A-Level specification. Exam Board: OCR A-Level 1.3 - Input, Output & Storage Specification: Computer Science H446 Watch on YouTube : Input & output devices Storage devices RAM & ROM Virtual storage This topic covers the internal and external devices required to input data into computer systems , output from them and store data for both temporary and long-term use . Input & Output Devices Input devices , such as a keyboard , mouse , microphone or sensor , allow data to be entered into a computer system for processing . Input can be manual (e.g. typing on a keyboard ) or automatic (e.g. a temperature sensor taking readings ). Output devices , such as monitors , printers and speakers , present the results of processing in a form understandable to humans . Input and output are not limited to text - they may also be visual , audio or tactile (e.g. braille displays or printed paper ). Storage Devices Secondary storage is non-volatile storage used to permanently hold programs and data when not in use by the CPU . There are three types : Magnetic storage uses magnetised patterns on a disk or tape (e.g. hard disk drives or magnetic tape ) to store large amounts of data for a low cost per gigabyte . Solid-state storage uses flash memory with no moving parts (e.g. SSDs and USB drives ), making it very fast , durable and portable . Because there are no moving parts, it is the fastest to access data . Optical storage uses lasers to read and write data as pits and lands on a disc surface (e.g. CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray). Discs are cheap to mass produce , but they are not durable , slow to access and have a low capacity . RAM & ROM Primary storage is low-capacity , internal storage that the CPU can directly access . There are two types: Random Access Memory (RAM ) is volatile storage that temporarily holds both programs and data currently in use , including the operating system . It can be read from and written to , but all contents are lost when the power is turned off . Read Only Memory (ROM ) is non-volatile storage that normally cannot be changed . The contents of ROM are saved when the power is turned off . ROM stores the BIOS and firmware , including the instructions needed to boot the computer when it is switched on . Virtual Storage Virtual storage is the separation of logical storage from physical storage , such as when data is stored remotely and accessed over a network instead of being kept locally . A common example is cloud storage , where data is held on remote servers and accessed via the internet . Benefits are that it is scalable , enables easy collaboration , provides automatic backup and saves local storage space . Drawbacks include that it relies on a stable internet connection , poses security risks and reduces user control over data . Q uesto's K ey T erms Input & Output Devices Secondary Storage: magnetic, solid state, optical, portability, capacity, cost (per GB), access speed, reliability, durability, power consumption Primary Storage: RAM, ROM, volatile, non-volatile Virtual Storage: cloud storage D id Y ou K now? The first commercial hard disk drive , the IBM 305 RAMAC (released in 1956 ), was the size of two fridges , weighed around a tonne , and stored just 5 MB of data - about the same as one .mp3 song . 1.2 - Types of Processor A-Level Topics 2.1 - Systems Software

Learn about lossy and lossless compression and the lossless compression algorithms run-length encoding and dictionary coding. This topic also covers symmetric and asymmetric encryption and the uses of hashing. Based on the OCR H446 Computer Science A-Level specification. Exam Board: OCR A-Level 3.1 - Compression, Encryption and Hashing Specification: Computer Science H446 Watch on YouTube : Lossy & Lossless Compression Lossless Compression Algorithms Encryption Hashing Lossy vs Lossless Compression Compression is the process of reducing the size of a file so it takes up less storage space and can be transmitted more quickly over a network . It works by encoding data more efficiently or removing unnecessary information . Benefits of compression include faster file transfer speeds , reduced storage requirements and improved performance when streaming data . Lossy compression permanently removes some data that is less important to human perception , such as subtle sounds or image details , resulting in smaller file sizes but slightly lower quality . Lossless compression reduces file size without losing any data , allowing the original file to be perfectly restored after it is decompressed . Lossless Compression Algorithms There are two types of lossless compression that you need to know: Run-Length Encoding (RLE ) is a simple form of lossless compression that reduces file size by storing repeating data as a single value and a count . For example, a sequence like AAAAABBBCCCC could be stored as A5B3C4 , saving space in files with many repeated elements , such as pixels in images . Dictionary Encoding replaces repeating patterns of data with shorter codes that reference entries in a dictionary . The dictionary stores common sequences once , and each repetition is replaced by a shorter reference , making it efficient for text and other data with recurring patterns . Encryption Encryption is the process of converting readable data (plaintext ) into an unreadable form (ciphertext ) to prevent unauthorised access . It ensures the confidentiality and security of information during storage or transmission . Symmetric encryption uses the same key for both encryption and decryption , meaning the sender and receiver must share the key securely . It is fast and efficient, but key distribution is a major risk if the key is intercepted . Asymmetric encryption uses a pair of keys - a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption . It is more secure for communication and vital for confidential uses such as banking . Hashing Hashing is the process of applying a mathematical function (hash function ) to data to produce a fixed-size value , known as a hash . It is a one-way process , meaning the original data cannot be reconstructed from the hash . Hashing is commonly used for data integrity checks , password storage and digital signatures . Even a tiny change in the input data produces a completely different hash , making it useful for detecting tampering or corruption . Q uesto's K ey T erms D id Y ou K now? Compression: lossy compression, lossless compression, run-length encoding, dictionary encoding Encryption: plaintext, ciphertext, key, symmetric encryption, asymmetric encryption Hashing: hash function, hash Alan Turing and his team used pattern recognition to analyse recurring sequences in encrypted German messages , helping to break the Enigma code , which was a major factor in the Allies’ victory in World War II . 2.4 - Programming Languages A-Level Topics 3.2 - Databases

Consider multiple extensions to increase the complexity of your Greenfoot game. Part 7 of the Greenfoot Tutorial for the Eduqas / WJEC GCSE 2016 specification. 7. Extension Ideas Greenfoot Tutorial This concludes the tutorial for a simple Greenfoot game! Try a combination of the suggestions below to add complexity to your game: 1. Make a New Class for 'Bad' Collectibles Create a new subclass in the Actor classes section for a new collectible that will lower the score if picked up. Add code to your main character to remove the collectible when they touch . Add code to decrease the counter by 1 at the same time. 2. Make the Collectibles Move Randomly Copy the code from your enemy class that makes it move randomly and bounce on edge , and paste this into your collectible class . This makes it harder to catch the collectables, especially if there are 'bad' objects to avoid. 3. Stop the Game Go to the code of your enemy and add the line underlined in red within your removal code. This will stop the game if your main character is eaten. 4. Make the Game Multiplayer Create a new subclass in the Actor classes section for a new main character that will be controlled by a second player . Add code to your new character to move it right, down, left and up . Choose different keys for each direction , such as the WASD keys or IJKL keys. If the second player touches a collectible , add code to decrease the score . Multiplayer Rules: Player 1 wins if the final score is above 0 . Player 2 wins if the final score is negative . It is a draw if it finishes on 0 . < Part 6 - The Counter

Learn about three key methods of ensuring that an employee is ready for a successful job role, such as their clothing, hygiene and attitude. Based on the 2016 OCR Cambridge Technicals Level 3 IT specification. 4.4 - Ready for Work Exam Board: OCR Specification: 2016 - Unit 1 Successful employees always demonstrate that they are ready to work hard for their organisation by presenting themselves in a professional manner in line with the company's policies. Dress Code Employees must follow the dress code policy of an organisation at all times . For some businesses this may be very formal such as a suit and tie for men and a smart dress or trousers for women. Other organisations enforce a smart-casual dress code where expectations for dress are not as strict but obscene attire is still not permitted. Different job roles within a company may also have different expected standards of dress , for example a manager may require a tie and a technician may not. Presentation Employees should have good personal hygiene so that they can comfortably communicate with other staff members and customers. Good personal hygiene demonstrates respect for the organisation, other employees and yourself. Wearing clean clothes and avoiding bad odour help to give a professional impression . Attitude Maintaining a positive attitude can help you to be noticed and liked by peers and management. Having an 'I can do it' attitude, even during difficult times, will make you a hugely important team member of an organisation. Employees should be able to adapt and respond to on-going situations, be flexible and listen to suggestions made by others. Q uesto's Q uestions 4.4 - Ready for Work: 1. What is meant by a dress code ? Explain why it is important for employees of an organisation to follow the company's dress code policy . [2 ] 2. Why is personal presentation so important in an organisation? [2 ] 3. A games company has had its latest game flop and nobody seems to be buying it. What should the attitude of the company manager be during this time? [3 ] 4. Explain why two workers in the same company may have different expected standards of dress . [1 ] 5. Identify and describe three ways that IT employees can demonstrate that they are ready for work . You should refer to each of the 3 subsections (dress code, presentation and attitude). [6 ] 4.3 - Personal Attributes Topic List 4.5 - Job Roles

The first part of a quick guide to the basics of Python aimed at Key Stage 3 students. Learn about comments and printing. Python - #2 - Variables 1. Number Variables A variable is a value that can change . Imagine there are 20 biscuits in a jar. Then I eat one. Now there are only 19. You must state what the value of a variable is before it is used . e.g. biscuits = 20 Task 1 - Create a new Python program and save the file as 2-Variables.py Create a variable called sweets and give it the value 15. Then print sweets. Variable names cannot have spaces . You can use underscores if you want, e.g. num_of_eggs When you are printing variables, you don't put them in speech marks . Otherwise, it will print the variable name and not the value. 2. String Variables A string is a programming term for a collection of characters . When you are giving a variable a string value, it must be written in speech marks . Remember when you print the variable however, it is never printed in speech marks . Task 2 - Create a variable called name and give it the value of your name. Then print the name variable. 3. Using Variables in a Sentence When we have printed the variables so far, they have not been very informative! You can print variables together with sentences so that they mean more. Use a comma ( , ) between variables and sentences . Task 3 - Use the pictures to help you add commas and sentences to your program to be more informative. 4. Using Variables Together You can print more than one variable together in the same sentence by separating them with sentences and commas . If this doesn't work, double-check your program has a comma between each variable and sentence . Task 4 - Type a new print line that uses both your name and your sweets variables together. Use the image to help you. Challenge Programs Use everything that you have learned on this page to help you create these programs... Challenge Task 1 - Funny Animals Create a new Python program. Save it as ' 2-FunnyAnimals.py ' Add a comment at the top with your name and the date. Create a variable for a colour and give it a value (e.g. "blue") Create a variable for an animal and give it a value (e.g. "horse") Print a funny sentence that uses both variables. BONUS : Try to use only one print line. BONUS : Try to use only three lines in total . Remember: Break up variables in a print line by using commas. When you run it, it could look something like this: Challenge Task 2 - Funny Sentence Create a new Python program. Save is as ' 2-FunnySentence.py ' Add a comment at the top with your name and the date. Write a program that uses three variables, an adjective (descriptive word), a number and an animal. Print a funny response using all variables. BONUS : Try to use only one print line. BONUS : Try to use only four lines in total . Remember: Break up variables in a print line by using commas. When you run it, it could look something like this: <<< #1 The Basics #3 Inputs >>>

Learn how to set up a brand new HTML page using Notepad ++. Find out how to format the document ready for tags to be entered. 1. Setting up a HTML document HTML Guide Watch on YouTube: This guide assumes that you have Notepad++ already installed. If you are working at home and need to download Notepad++ then click here . Save as .html file Notepad++ assumes you are writing a text file so you must change the file type . Open Notepad++ Click File then Save As... Change Save as type: from Normal text file (.txt) to Hyper Text Markup Language file (.html) Change File name: to Fanpage Website.html These steps are necessary to set up your HTML web page correctly. Open Notepad ++ and save your file as a .html document. Editor vs. Browser View In newer versions of Notepad++ click on View then View Current File in and choose a browser installed on your computer such as Chrome . Some versions of Notepad++ enable you to view the document in a web browser by selecting Run then an option such as Launch in Chrome . It is good practice to have both Notepad++ and a web browser open at the same time so that you can easily check if any changes have been made correctly. Remember to press the save icon ( ) before you refresh your browser . Don't expect your web browser to show anything yet. Next it is time to add our essential tags for the structure of the web page. HTML Guide 2. Essential Tags

Learn what a tag is in HTML and which ones are necessary to format a webpage ready for text and other content. 2. Creating Essential Tags HTML Guide Watch on YouTube: What is a tag ? HTML uses tags to define the content of a webpage . A tag uses angle brackets - they look just like my teeth... Some examples of tags are and and Most tags have a start tag and an end tag . The actual content is written in between the tags . For example : The p tag is used to write a paragraph Notice that the end tag uses a forward slash . < > Essential Tags There are three tags that are essential for every HTML web page : - This tag declares the start and the end of your html web page. - The head is the part of the web page that the user will not see. - The body holds all of the content of the web page (text, images, video etc.) Don't forget to use backslash for the end tags : / Use the image on the right to add the three essential tags (and their end tags) to your document. Now it is time to add something we can actually see! Text tags are up next. 1. Setup HTML Guide 3. Text Tags

Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of networks, the five types of network - LAN, WAN, PAN, MAN and VPN - and differences between wired and wireless networks. Based on the 2020 Eduqas (WJEC) GCSE specification. 3.1: Network Characteristics Exam Board: Eduqas Specification: 2020 What is a network? A network is more than one computer system connected together allowing for communication and sharing of resources . There are many benefits but also some drawbacks to using a network compared to having an unconnected ('standalone' ) computer: Advantages of Networks Easily share files , software and hardware between computers. Disadvantages of Networks There is an initial cost because network devices like routers are required . Larger companies will need to buy and maintain a server . Log in from any connected computer and access your data and files. A network manager / administrator might need to be employed to maintain the network . An administrator can monitor network activity and control security settings. Data from computers on the network can be automatically backed up on central storage. Security breaches are more likely and malware , such as worms, can spread quickly across the network. If the web server fails , all connected computers won't be able to access files or log on . Network Types Networks can be split into different types , usually categorised by their geographical distance apart and the area that they serve. Local Area Network A local area network (LAN ) has computer systems situated geographically close together , usually within the same building or small site , like a school or office . Wide Area Network A wide area network (WAN ) has computer systems situated geographically distant to each other, possibly across a country or even across the world . The internet is an example of a WAN that spans the globe. Personal Area Network A PAN is a personal network for an individual , such as a photographer connecting a smartphone, desktop computer and printer together. Metropolitan Area Network A MAN is larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN and typically covers a relatively large area like a university campus, town or city . Virtual Private Network A VPN allows for a secure and encrypted connection to a public network like the internet. It is often used to protect an individual's privacy by concealing their real location. Wired & Wireless Networks Wired Connections Wireless Connections Wireless connections, such as WiFi or Bluetooth , use no cables but require a wireless network interface card (WNIC ). Wireless connections generally have a slower speed and can be affected by the computer's distance from the wireless router as well as obstacles like walls or bad weather. Wired connections use physical cables , such as copper or fibre optic wires , and require a network interface card (NIC ) to connect to a network. These wired connections use a wired connection protocol - most commonly Ethernet . Restricted Movement Faster More Secure NIC Required Freedom of Movement Slower Less Secure WNIC Required Q uesto's Q uestions 3.1 - Network Characteristics: 1. A retirement home for the elderly is considering installing a LAN , give 3 benefits and 3 drawbacks they might find of using a network . [6 ] 2a. Describe the difference between a LAN and WAN . [2 ] 2b. Give an example of how a LAN and a WAN could each be used . [ 2 ] 3 . Explain the differences between a PAN , MAN and VPN . [ 3 ] 4. For each of the scenarios below, state which network type would be most suitable : a. The IT rooms of a secondary school . [ 1 ] b. A study in a house with a desktop and printer. [ 1 ] c. Using online banking when abroad on a holiday to stay secure . [ 1 ] d. A large technology company with offices across Europe . [ 1 ] e. Council offices with several locations across Manchester . [ 1 ] 5. Briefly compare wired and wireless networks . [ 8 ] 2.2 - Boolean Algebra 3.2 - Data Packets & Switching Theory Topics