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Learn about the two types of language levels - high level languages and low level languages , as well as the use of interpreters and compilers. Based on the J277 OCR GCSE Computer Science specification (first taught from 2020 onwards). 5.1: Languages & Translators Exam Board: OCR Specification: J277 Watch on YouTube : High-Level & Low-Level Languages Translators (Compiler & Interpreter) There are two types of programming languages used within computer systems: High-Level Languages Why do programmers use high-level languages? H igh-level programming languages use code written in a way that is similar to a natural human language , such as English, making it easier to understand and use the language. Using high-level languages leads to fewer errors and allows for more powerful and complex commands compared to low-level languages. However, a high-level language must be translated into machine code (binary) before it can be run, as high-level languages cannot be executed directly by the CPU . Popular high-level languages: PYT HON C++ Ja v a Visual Basic Low-Level Languages Low-level languages do not closely resemble a natural human language , making it harder for humans to understand and write in. Low-level languages are used when a program must be executed quickly or when programmers need to write code that interacts directly with the hardware , such as device drivers. There are two types of low-level language : Machine Code This is the pure binary code that computers can directly process and execute . It is extremely tedious and difficult for humans to understand and write machine code. However, machine code can be used when a programmer needs to perform a very specific command that can't be done in a high-level language. Machine code will be executed faster than high-level programs because it is already in a format the CPU can execute and does not need to be translated . 0010 1011 0101 0101 0110 0111 0101 0001 0101 0101 0101 0100 1010 1010 1010 1010 1111 1110 0010 1001 0100 1001 0010 0111 0111 0101 0011 1010 1000 0101 0110 0111 0000 1010 1010 0011 1101 1001 0010 1101 0010 0100 1001 0011 1010 1001 0101 0101 0010 0101 0111 0101 0101 1000 1011 0111 Assembly Language Assembly language uses specialised command mnemonics to perform actions . See the Assembly Language section in the programming tab for a list of mnemonics such as INP , OUT and HLT . Assembly language is preferred by many programmers over machine code because it is easier to understand and spot errors . It is faster to execute than high-level languages and, like machine code, can be used to directly control the CPU . INP STA Number1 OUT HLT Number1 DAT Translators A translator changes (translates) a program written in one language into another language (usually machine code ). There are two main types of translator : Interpreter An interpreter converts high-level language one line at a time into machine code and executes it. Compiler A compiler converts high-level language into machine code for execution at a later time. The entire program is converted at once . PYT HON PYT HON 0010 1011 0101 0101 0110 0111 0101 0001 0101 0101 0010 1011 0101 0101 0110 0111 0101 0001 0101 0101 Interpreters vs Compilers Interpreter Compiler Execution Method: An interpreter translates source code (high level code) into machine code one line at a time . Execution Speed: An interpreter is slower than a compiler because the code must be reinterpreted each time the program is run. Complexity: Interpreters are smaller, simpler programs . Error Reporting: In error reporting, the interpreter would encounter the errors and report it to the user immediately and stops the program from running. Repetition: Interpreted programs can be edited and run without translating the whole program . Interpreters must reinterpret the program every time it is run. Execution Method: A compiler translates all the source code (high level code) into machine code in one go . A compiler produces an executable file that will run on other machines without the compiler needing to be installed. Execution Speed: Compilers can produce much more efficient code than interpreters making the compiled programs run faster . Complexity: Compilers tend to be large complex programs . Error Reporting: The compiler would analyse the entire program , taking note of where errors have occurred and record them in an error file . Repetition: Compilation requires analysis and the generation of the code only once , whereas interpreters must re-interpret each time. However, compiled programs have to be re-compiled after any changes have been made. x1 ∞ x1 Q uesto's Q uestions 5.1 - Languages & Translators: 1a. Describe three reasons why programmers use high-level languages . [ 3 ] 1b. Explain one limitation of using high-level languages . [2 ] 2a. Describe a key difference between low-level languages and high-level languages . [ 2 ] 2b. Describe when a low-level language would be used instead of a high-level language . [2 ] 2c. Describe an advantage and a disadvantage of writing directly in machine code . [2 ] 2d. Describe what assembly language is. Give one benefit to using assembly language instead of machine code and one benefit to using it instead of a high-level language . [3 ] 3. Compare high-level and low-level languages by stating which is: a. Easier to understand [ 1 ] b. Requiring translation [ 1 ] c. Quicker to execute [ 1 ] 4. Compare interpreters and compilers for each of the following features : a. Execution Method b. Execution Speed c. Complexity d. Error Reporting e. Repetition [ 10 total ] 4.1 - Boolean Logic Theory Topics 5.2 - IDE

A simple HTML and CSS editor using Code Minrror libraries. Learn how to create simple web pages using HTML. Try practice tasks and learn through text and images. Perfect for students learning GCSE Computer Science in UK schools. Simple HTML & CSS Editor This page is under active development.

The final part of a quick guide to the basics of Python aimed at Key Stage 3 students. Learn about importing turtle to command a moving object. Python - Iteration For Loops Editor Execute A for loop is a count controlled loop. It repeats for a certain number of times as stated in the range brackets. The first number (1) states the number to start on . The second number is an exclusive end . This means it actually finishes on the number before . (11 will end on 10). You need a colon at the end of the loop line . Each line to be repeated must be indented (press the tab key). You can use the loop number within the loop itself. 1. Write a for loop to print your name 8 times . (Count it to double-check it prints eight times.) 2. Use a for loop to print each number between 10 and 50 . 3. Use a for loop from 1 to 10 . Print the 3 times table by multiplying number by 3 underneath the loop. 4. Ask the user to input a whole number (call it num1 ). Write num1 in your range brackets to repeat any message that many times. 5. Ask the user to input a whole number (call it num1 ) and then input a word . Print the word by the number they entered . (Hint: Use num1 in the range.) 6. Delete your code and copy these 3 lines: #Delete the space after the colon for number in range(0,21,2): print(number) What happens when you run this code? 7. Use Q6 to help you print 0 to 100 , going up in 5s . Think about the 3 values you need in the range brackets. 8. Use Q6 to help you print 100 down to 0 , backwards by 1 . Think about the 3 values you need in the range brackets. Tasks While Loops Editor Execute A while loop is a condition controlled loop . While loops repeat as long as the condition is true . As soon as the condition becomes false , the loop will end . 1. Change the program in the editor to repeat the loop while a number is not equal to 33 . 2. Make a new while loop that asks the user to enter a whole number . While the number is less than or equal to 1000 , keep repeating. 3. Make a new while loop for while a colour is not equal to purple (or any colour you want). Ask the user to enter a colour inside of the loop . Don't forget to set colour to "" before you start. 4. Edit your colour program to count how many guesses were made. Make a new variable called count and set it to 0 at the start of the program. Increase it by 1 in the loop, using count = count + 1 . 5. While a total is less than 100 , ask the user to input a decimal number . When it is over 100 , print ‘COMPUTER OVERLOAD’ . You need a variable called total . Increase the total each time with total = total + number . Don't forget to start it at 0 . Tasks != means ‘not equal to ’. The loop below will repeat as long as the password is not equal to “abc123” . Any variable you use in your condition must have a value first . You can’t check for your password if it doesn’t exist. That’s why I have written password = “” , to give password a value before we check it .

Learn about the main character sets - ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) and Unicode. Based on the J277 OCR GCSE Computer Science specification (first taught from 2020 onwards). 2.4c: Character Storage Exam Board: OCR Specification: J277 Watch on YouTube : Character Sets ASCII Unicode Text File Size What is a Character Set? A character set is a table that matches together a character and a binary value . Each character in a character set has a unique binary number matched with it . Character sets are necessary as they allow computers to exchange data and humans to input characters . Two common character sets are ASCII and Unicode : H = 01001000 ASCII Unicode ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange ) is a common character set which does not take up much memory space . It is important to understand that the number of characters that can be stored is limited by the bits available - ASCII uses 1 byte (8 bits ) which only gives 256 possible characters . This is enough for the English language but it can’t be used for other languages or all punctuation symbols. Unicode is a more popular character set because it uses 2 bytes (16 bits ) that allow for 65,536 possible characters . The extra byte allows many different languages to be represented , as well as thousands of symbols and emojis . However Unicode requires more memory to store each character than ASCII as it uses an extra byte . Character sets are logically ordered . For example, the binary code for A is 01000001 , B is 01000010 and C is 01000011 as the code increases by 1 with each character. The file size of a text file is calculated as shown below: bits per character x number of characters Example: A small text file uses the ASCII character set (which uses 8 bits per character ). There are 300 characters in the file . 300 x 8 = 2,400 bits This could be simplified as 300 bytes or 0.3 kilobytes . File Size of Text Files 01101010 = 256 possible characters 8 bits (1 byte) 1000101101001111 = 65,536 possible characters 16 bits (2 bytes) Q uesto's Q uestions 2.4c - Character Storage: 1. What is a character set and why are they needed ? [ 2 ] 2. Describe 3 differences between ASCII and Unicode . [6 ] 3. The binary code for the character P in ASCII is 01010000 . State what the binary code for the character S would be. [1 ] 4a. A text file uses the ASCII character set and contains 400 characters . What would the file size be in kilobytes ? [ 2 ] 4b. A text file uses the Unicode character set and contains 150 characters . What would the file size be in kilobytes ? [ 2 ] 2.4b - Binary Addition & Shifts Theory Topics 2.4d - Image Storage

Learn about the benefits and drawbacks of virtualization, as well as about cloud storage and virtual clients. Based on the 2016 OCR Cambridge Technicals Level 3 IT specification. 3.2 - Virtualisation Exam Board: OCR Specification: 2016 - Unit 1 What is virtualisation? Virtualisation is the creation of a virtual version of a device , software , operating system or server . These virtual versions can then be run on a different physical computer system , such as a powerful server . There are many different types of virtualisation . Storage virtualisation combines multiple separate storage devices into acting and appearing like a single , central storage system . Using storage virtualisation improves scalability as further devices can join the storage system if more space is required . It also simplifies the management of storage across the network. Server virtualisation allows one physical server to be divided into and host multiple virtual servers , each running separately . Each virtual server operates independently , handling its own operating system and applications . This allows for resources to be used more effectively and improves the scalability and versatility of the physical server . Client Virtualisation (Virtual Clients) Client virtualisation is when several virtual desktops are run on a single server - think back to the hypervisor from 3.1 . A virtual client is a full desktop environment where the processing happens remotely . For example, where an operating system is managed and hosted centrally but displayed locally on a different computer. These are often known as 'dumb clients ' because the server does the processing for it , meaning it can have minimal resources like a slow processor and little memory / storage . General Benefits & Drawbacks of Virtualisation Benefits of virtualisation: Costs are cheaper in the long-term because money is saved by not purchasing multiple physical devices . Money is also saved due to less cabling and lower power consumption . If set up efficiently, it can be used for higher performance at a lower cost - "Do more with less" . Programs can be tested in a secure environment before main-system deployment. Simplified response to recover after a disaster because only the server needs to be fixed. Drawbacks of virtualisation: If not set up efficiently, users could face serious performance issues , as fewer servers do more work. If a single physical system fails , the impact will be greater . Initial set up is complex , requires technical knowledge and can cost a lot. Easier for hackers to take more information at once as the data is stored in the same place. Benefits of client virtualisation: All data is stored in one central location , making backup and disaster planning easier to manage . The whole system can be managed , secured and updated from the server , rather than from each individual system. Hardware costs will be reduced because the virtual clients do not store or process their own data , meaning they can be of a low spec . Users can have multiple virtual machines and log in remotely (from anywhere with internet access ). Drawbacks of client virtualisation: Users will be unable to work if network connectivity is lost . There is a high strain on the server as the virtual clients do not store or process data themselves . An increased load on the server might result in poor performance for each client, especially with multiple connections . As the data is stored in one location , there are security risks of unauthorised access if the server is not adequately protected . Server Virtual Clients Cloud Technology 'The cloud ' is storage that is accessed through a network , primarily the internet. A cloud server is an example of storage virtualisation as data may be stored across multiple physical devices . There are three different types of cloud storage: Private cloud is where a business will have its own data centre that employees can access. This allows for flexible and convenient data storage and gives the business control over data management and security . Users of the private cloud will not usually have to pay individually for access - but the company will need to spend a lot of money on set up and maintenance . Public cloud uses third-party service providers such as Google Drive or DropBox to provide storage over the internet . Public cloud is usually a pay-for-use service , where businesses will pay for specific amounts that they need. Data management and data security is maintained by the cloud provider and the business is dependent on them providing constant access and deploying effective security measures. Hybrid cloud uses a mix of on-site storage (private cloud) and third-party (public cloud) services . Organisations can move workloads between private and public clouds as their specific needs and costs change . A benefit of hybrid cloud is that it gives an organisation greater flexibility and data storage options. As an example, a company could use on-site or private cloud storage to hold sensitive information and third-party, public cloud services to hold less important data . Q uesto's Q uestions 3.2 - Virtualisation: 1. What is the difference between server and storage virtualisation ? [ 2 ] 2a. What is a virtual client ? [ 1 ] 2b. What are the advantages and disadvantages of client virtualisation ? [ 8 ] 3. Explain any further general advantages and disadvantages of using virtualisation , not covered in your answer to 2b. [4 ] 4. Describe the differences between private , public and hybrid cloud storage. [6 ] 3.1 - Server Types Topic List 3.3 - Network Characteristics

Learn about the tags that improve the layout of a web page, including how to centre content and add horizontal lines, bullet points and block quotes. 6. Organisation HTML Guide Watch on YouTube: This page explains the following tags which can be used to structure a simple page layout: Horizontal Line Centre Quote Bullet Points Numbered Points hr Horizontal Line You can add a horizontal line by simply adding to your document. There is no close tag. Add at least one horizontal line to your web page. center Centre Align This tag places the content within the tags on the centre of the page . Be careful - you need to use the American spelling - 'center ' - in your tags. Add tags to place your main heading in the centre of the page. blockquote Blockquote A blockquote is used to display a quote from another person or place. Text is indented further from the margin than the other content. It is not used very often, but can be found in some online articles and essays. Add at least one block quote to your web page. uo list Unordered List An unordered list is a set of bullet points . The tag is placed before the bullet points and afterwards. Each bullet point is placed within tags. That stands for list item . Add either an unordered or ordered list to your web page. Include at least three items in your list. o list Ordered List An ordered list will number each line . The tag is placed before the list and afterwards. Each list item is placed within tags. Add either an unordered or ordered list to your web page. Include at least three items in your list. Next it is time to add tags to the head, including a page title and metadata. 5. Images HTML Guide 7. Head Tags

Learn about methods of physically protecting data such as biometric devices, RFID and tokens, privacy screens and shredding. Based on the 2016 OCR Cambridge Technicals Level 3 IT specification. 5.4 - Physical Security Exam Board: OCR Specification: 2016 - Unit 1 RFID & Tokens Radio-frequency identification (RFID) uses electromagnetic fields to attach tags to physical objects . RFID tags can be embedded within 'dumb' objects such as clothing, packages and even animals. RFID is used with security tokens (such as an ID keycard ) to permit the access of authorised people to certain areas. RFID can be used by IT companies to track equipment and manage access . Shredding This is the cutting up of documents (paper or CDs ) into small pieces so that they cannot be reassembled and read. Sensitive data on paper or optical disc should be shredded when no longer required. Locks A lock can be used to prevent access to server rooms or sensitive data stores . Only authorised personnel with the right key will have access. Physical Security Measures Biometrics Biometric devices require the input of a human characteristic (such a fingerprint , iris or voice scan ). The biometric data is checked against previously inputted data in a database . A match will allow access to the user. See more in section 1.1 . Privacy Screens These plastic screens are placed over a monitor to obscure the screen to anyone except the person sitting directly in front of them. This prevents shoulder surfing and prevents data from being read by unauthorised people nearby. Q uesto's Q uestions 5.4 - Physical Security: 1. Explain how locks can be used as a physical security method within an organisation. [2 ] 2. Explain what RFID is and how it can be used with tokens as a physical security method. [3 ] 3. Explain how biometric devices can be used as a physical security method. [3 ] 4. Explain how privacy screens are used to protect data. [2 ] 5. What is the purpose of shredding ? [2 ] 5.3 - Threats Topic List 5.5 - Digital Security

Learn about how to perform binary addition and binary shifts. Based on the J277 OCR GCSE Computer Science specification (first taught from 2020 onwards). 2.4b: Binary Addition & Shifts Exam Board: OCR Specification: J277 Watch on YouTube : Binary Addition Overflow Errors Binary Shifts Issues with Shifts Binary Addition Binary addition is a method of adding binary values without having to convert them into denary. How to add binary numbers: What is an overflow error? An overflow error occurs when a binary value is too large to be stored in the bits available . With a byte (8 bits ) the largest number that can be held is 255 . Therefore any sum of two binary numbers that is greater than 255 will result in an overflow error as it is too large to be held in 8 bits . What is binary shift? Binary 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: Binary Shifts Watch on YouTube Watch on YouTube Q uesto's Q uestions Binary Addition: 1. Explain what an overflow error is. [ 2 ] 2. Add together the following binary values. If an overflow error occurs you must state one has occurred. a. 010110012 and 010001012 [2 ] b. 110110112 and 010111012 [2 ] c. 001101102 and 011010112 [2 ] d. 110110112 and 010101112 [2 ] e. 011011012 and 110101102 [2 ] Binary Shifts: 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 places. c. 00001011 : Shift right by 2 places. d. 01101110 : Shift left by 1 place. [ 2 each ] 2.4a - Number Systems Theory Topics 2.4c - Character Storage

Learn about how information can be classified into groups including private, public, sensitive and confidential. Based on the 2016 OCR Cambridge Technicals Level 3 IT specification for Unit 2 (Global Information). 2.2 - Information Classification Exam Board: OCR Specification: 2016 - Unit 2 Information can be classified into different groups . Some data may fall into more than one classification. Sensitive Information Description: Information that should be protected from being publicly released as it could harm the safety or privacy of an organisation or an individual . Examples: Medical data that could be embarrassing to an individual if released. Financial data that will negatively impact the company if made public to competitors. Non-Sensitive Information Description: Information that can be released publicly with no fear of negative consequence . Examples: Store information including shop addresses , opening hours and the names of senior managers. Product information including prices , online reviews and general availability . Private Information Description: Private information relates to an individual and it should not be shared with anyone else without the data subject's permission . Private information is protected by the Data Protection Act and would need to be stored securely so it cannot be accessed without authorisation. Examples: Home addresses, contact information, birth dates and banking details . Employee data such as linked bank accounts and addresses. Public Information Description: Released to the public and can therefore be seen by anyone . Public information is non-sensitive . Examples: Social media usernames, posts and shared images. Public business information including addresses, promotional material and opening times. A government report like the national census every ten years. Personal Information Description: Identifiable data about a specific individual . Examples: Full name , date of birth , gender , marital status, medical history, sexual orientation and voting history. Business Information Description: Any kind of data about a specific business. This information could be public or private. Examples: Address of its headquarters Financial data or employee details. Annual sales figures . Confidential Information Description: Private data that is more restricted than sensitive information , with access limited to only those who need to know. Examples: Doctor / therapist notes Business Profits and losses Trade secrets Classified Information Description: Highly sensitive information stored by a government institution , requiring the highest levels of restricted access . Access is usually restricted by law and only viewable by authorised individuals or groups. In the UK there are three levels of classified information: OFFICIAL , SECRET and TOP SECRET . Examples: Military data Terrorism precautions Crime scene reports Anonymised Information Description: Anonymisation removes personally identifiable data from information so that an individual cannot be identified . This allows the information to be used in much wider context without running the risk of legal action. Examples: Partially anonymised information - where some of the personal information has been removed and replaced by a symbol . Completely anonymised information - where all identifiable data has been removed . Bank details are often partially or completely anonymised. A partially anonymised credit card number might be listed as: **** - **** - **** - 7427 Problems with anonymising data include: If sensitive data is not anonymised enough and the person can be identified . Useful information could be lost if too much data is anonymised . The public could lose trust in an organisation if data is insufficiently anonymised . Q uesto's Q uestions 2.2 - Information Classification: 1. Describe each type of information classification and give at least two examples : a. Sensitive information [3 ] b. Non-Sensitive information [3 ] c. Private information [3 ] d. Public information [3 ] e. Business information [3 ] f. Confidential information [3 ] g. Classified information [3 ] h. Anonymised information (partial and complete) [6 ] 2. State which classification(s) the following pieces of information would be categorised as. It might fit into more than one category. a. Shop opening times [1 ] b. Medical history [1 ] c. Twitter username [1 ] d. Crime scene report [1 ] 3. Describe three problems that organisations should consider when anonymising data . [6 ] 2.1 - Information Styles Topic List 2.3 - Quality of Information

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

Learn about key computing laws including the Data Protection Act (2018) (GDPR), Computer Misuse Act (1990), Copyright Designs and Patents Act (1988), Creative Commons and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act. Based on the 2020 Eduqas (WJEC) GCSE specification. 11.2: Legislation Exam Board: Eduqas Specification: 2020 Data Protection Act (2018) In 2018 the European Union introduced GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation ) to protect the privacy of data for people in the EU. The UK matched this by updating the Data Protection Act introduced in 1998 to become the Data Protection Act (2018) . This act protects the data of individuals that is stored on computers and processed by organisations. How the Data Protection Act works: Each person who has their data stored is known as a data subject . An employee within an organisation must be appointed as a data controller and it is they who are responsible for registering with the Information Commissioner . The Information Commissioner is the person in the UK who is responsible for managing several laws , most significantly the Data Protection Act. When registering with the Information Commissioner, the organisation's data controller must be clear on exactly: What information they are collecting, Why it is being collected, What the data will be used for . The six principles of the Data Protection Act state that data must be: 1. Collected lawfully and processed fairly. 2. Only used for the reasons specified. 3. Data must be relevant and not excessive. 4. Data must be accurate and up-to-date. 5. Data must not be stored for longer than necessary, 6. Data must be stored and processed securely. Computer Misuse Act (1990) This act was introduced as computers became cheaper and more common at home and work . The act attempts to stop and punish those who use computers inappropriately . Breaking any of the three principles could result in fines and a jail sentence but only if it can be proved it was done on purpose and not by accident. The Computer Misuse Act (1990 ) includes three main principles : 1. No unauthorised access to data. Example: Hacking a computer system. 2. No unauthorised access to data that could be used for further illegal activities. Example: Accessing personal data to use as blackmail or identity theft. 3. No unauthorised modification of data. Example: Spreading a virus to change data. Freedom of Information Act (2000) This act allows people to request public authorities to release information . Public authorities include local councils , government departments , universities and hospitals . A freedom of information request must be formally submitted in a letter or email and a reply from the organisation is required within twenty days of receiving the request. A simple freedom of information request might be the average response times of the local ambulance service in the past year. Certain requests will not be accepted , such as if processing the request would be too expensive or if it involves sensitive information protected by the Data Protection Act (2018 ). Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (2000) This act (often shortened to RIPA ) was introduced in response to the increase in both criminal and terrorist activities on the internet, it is used to monitor and access online communication of suspected criminals . If criminal activity is suspected by an individual then this act grants the following powers : Internet Service Providers (ISPs) must provide access to the suspect's online communication , such as emails or social media. Locked or encrypted data may be accessed such as online messages. ISPs could install surveillance equipment or software to track the suspect's online activity . Surveillance may take place to physically track the suspect , e.g. in private vans or by undercover officers in public spaces. Access must be granted to personal information . This act became controversial as its use widened and local councils were using it for minor offences - a Scottish council used the act to monitor dog barking and a council in Cumbria gathered video evidence about who was feeding pigeons . The act has since been changed to only allow the surveillance of crime suspects . Copyright, Designs & Patents Act (1988) This act makes it a criminal offence to copy work that is not your own without the permission of the creator or the copyright holder. This can refer to text, images, music, videos or software. Owning the copyright of an image might not prevent others from copying and using it but this act means that the owner can bring legal proceedings in court to those who have stolen their work . However, it is difficult to trace who has stolen work once it has been uploaded to the internet and copies can easily spread, especially television shows and movies. This act specifically prohibits the following actions: Making copies of copyrighted material to sell to others . Importing and downloading illegally copied material (except for personal use). Distributing enough copyrighted material to have a noticeable effect on the copyright holder . Possessing equipment used to copy copyrighted material , as part of a business. Creative Commons (CC) Licensing A CC licence allows people to share their copyrighted work while still retaining rights to the material . There are different types of licence that specify exactly what can and can't be done to the copyrighted material. For example: An attribution licence allows copyrighted material to be edited and distributed but the original owner must be credited . A non-commercial licence allows copyrighted material to be shared and edited but no profit must be gained through its distribution. CC licences are not automatically given , they must be granted by the copyright owner . To ensure you are not illegally using copyrighted work change the Tools and Licence setting when using Google Images to filter work with CC licenses applied . Telecommunications Regulation Act (2000) This act allows organisations to lawfully monitor communications made online and on the phone by employees while at work . All users of the network should be aware that their communication is being monitored when they are using emails , the internet or telephone calls . The act was introduced to ensure that employees are using the computer systems for the correct purpose , to prevent illegal activity and to monitor staff performance . Codes of Conduct One way that organisations try to ensure that staff are held to professional standards and display appropriate behaviour is to create a code of conduct . This is a set of rules or requirements that employees must follow or they may be punished, such as a temporary ban from the network or being fired. There are two types of codes of conduct: Formal codes of conduct are a set of written rules that clearly state expected behaviour , such as what employees can access online at work . Schools may have this too, and you might have to sign a document at the start of the year before you can use the computers. Informal codes of conduct are used by small organisations where there might not be a written set of rules , but newer employees follow the habits and expectations of senior members of staff. This is harder to monitor but provides a more relaxed working environment. Q uesto's Q uestions 11.2 - Legislation: 1a. State the 6 principles of the Data Protection Act (2018) . [ 6 ] 1b. Explain how the Data Protection Act works . In your answer, you should include definitions of a data subject , the data controller and the Data Commissioner . [ 6 ] 2. Describe the 4 principles of the Computer Misuse Act (1990) . [3 ] 3. Describe the purpose of the Freedom of Information Act (1990) and state an example of a freedom request . [ 3 ] 4a. What is the purpose of RIPA (2000) ? [ 2 ] 4b. Describe 3 actions that RIPA (2000) allows the government / police to do . [ 3 ] 5a. What is the purpose of the Copyright, Designs & Patents Act (1988) ? [ 2 ] 5b. Describe 3 actions that CDPA (1988) prohibits . [ 3 ] 6a. What is a Creative Commons ( CC ) licence ? [ 2 ] 6b. Describe 2 types of CC licence . [ 4 ] 7a. What is the purpose of the Telecommunications Regulation Act (2003) ? [ 2 ] 7b. Describe 3 reasons why this act was introduced . [ 3 ] 8a. What is the purpose of a code of conduct ? [ 2 ] 8b. Describe the difference between formal and informal codes of conduct . [ 2 ] 11.1 - Impacts of Technology Theory Topics

Learn about the differences between wired and wireless networks. Based on the J277 OCR GCSE Computer Science specification (first taught from 2020 onwards). 3.2a: Wired & Wireless Networks Exam Board: OCR Specification: J277 Watch on YouTube : Wired Networks Wireless Networks Encryption 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 Encryption Wireless connections are less secure and require encryption . Encryption is the process of scrambling data into an unreadable format so that attackers cannot understand it if intercepted during transmission. The original data (known as plaintext ) is converted to scrambled ciphertext using an encryption key . Only at the correct destination will the encryption key be used to convert the ciphertext back into plaintext to be understood by the receiving computer. Q uesto's Q uestions 3.2a - Wired & Wireless Networks: 1. Briefly compare wired and wireless networks in terms of movement , transmission speed , security and required hardware . You could answer this in the form of a table. [ 8 ] 3.1b - Network Hardware & Internet Theory Topics 3.2b - Protocols & Layers