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- Python | 6b - While Loops | CSNewbs
Learn how to create and use while loops in Python. Try practice tasks and learn through text and images. Perfect for students learning GCSE Computer Science in UK schools. top Python 6B - While Loops Types of Loop The third construct of programming (after Sequence and Selection) is Iteration . If you iterate something, then you repeat it. There are two key loops to use in Python: for loops and while loops . A for loop is count controlled – e.g. “For 10 seconds I will jump up and down”. The loop will continue until the count (e.g. 10 seconds) has finished . A while loop is condition controlled – e.g. “While I am not out of breath, I will jump up and down.” The loop will continue as long as the condition remains true . Simple While Loops A while loop keeps repeating as long as the starting condition is true . If the condition of the while loop becomes false , the loop ends . In this example, the number variable is increased by 1 inside of the loop until it is no longer less than or equal to 10 . number = 1 while number <= 10: print (number) number = number + 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Comparison Operators == equal to != not equal to < less than <= less than or equal to > greater than >= greater than or equal to It is important to give the variable a value before you start the while loop . I have assigned number as 1. The last line increases the number by 1 otherwise the number would stay at 1 and the loop would repeat forever . While Loops Task 1 (Countdown from 100 ) Example solution (shortened): Create a simple while loop that starts at 100 and prints each number down to 1 . Think about the comparison operator you will need to check you have reached 1. 100 99 98 ... ... 3 2 1 Inputs Inside While Loops If you want the user to keep entering an input until they give a certain answer then you need to put the input inside the while loop : age = 0 while age < 18: print ( "Only adults allowed to the casino." ) age = int ( input ( "Enter your age: " )) print ( "Welcome and enjoy your visit." ) Only adults allowed to the casino. Enter your age: 14 Only adults allowed to the casino. Enter your age: 18 Welcome and enjoy your visit. month = " " while month != "July" : month = input ( "Guess the month I'm thinking of: " ) print ( "Correct! It was July!" ) Guess the month I'm thinking of: August Guess the month I'm thinking of: June Guess the month I'm thinking of: July Correct! It was July! Notice that the variable in the condition (age or month in these examples) has to be given a value first before it can be used in a while condition. The program will crash if the variable is not declared and assigned a value - for example, the age cannot be checked to see if it less than 18 if there is no age variable! For string variables like month in the example above then a blank default value like " " can be used. For integer variables often 0 will be used. While Loops Task 2 (Guess the Colour ) Example solution: Use a variable named colour and a while loop that allows the user to keep entering colours until a specific one (your choice) has been input. Guess the colour: blue Guess the colour: purple Guess the colour: yellow Correct! It was yellow! While Loops Task 3 (Integer Trivia ) Use a while loop to ask a question that has an integer (whole number) as an answer , such as "How many James Bond films did Daniel Craig appear in?" or "In which year did Wigan Athletic win the FA Cup?". Remember that integers do not use speech marks , e.g. year = 0 Example solution: Which year was the first Iron Man movie? 2010 Which year was the first Iron Man movie? 2009 Which year was the first Iron Man movie? 2008 Correct! It was 2008! While True Loops A while True loop will repeat indefinitely , only stopping when the break command is used to end the loop . While True loops are often preferred because you do not need to set default values for any variables before the loop begins. while True : password = input ( "Enter the password: " ) if password == "icecream21" : print ( "Correct Password!" ) break Enter the password: vanilla32 Enter the password: chocolate83 Enter the password: strawberry100 Enter the password: icecream21 Correct Password! The program below has been adapted to record the number of attempts made . The value is increased by 1 each time the loop restarts. guesses = 0 while True : guesses = guesses + 1 password = input ( "Enter the password: " ) if password == "goat7" : print ( "Correct Password! It took" ,guesses, "attempts!" ) break else : print ( "Incorrect. Try again!" ) Enter the password: sheep3 Incorrect. Try again! Enter the password: cow4 Incorrect. Try again! Enter the password: horse5 Incorrect. Try again! Enter the password: goat7 Correct Password! It took 4 attempts! The continue command will move to the next iteration (it can be considered as starting the loop again ). The program below allows numbers to be entered and keeps track of a running total. Entering 1 inputs a number, 2 displays the total and 3 stops the program. total = 0 while True : choice = input ( "\nType 1 to enter, 2 for a total and 3 to stop: " ) if choice == "1" : number = int ( input ( "Enter a number: " )) total = total + number continue elif choice == "2" : print ( "The total is" , total) continue elif choice == "3" : break print ( "\nProgram finished." ) Type 1 to enter, 2 for the total and 3 to stop: 1 Enter a number: 40 Type 1 to enter, 2 for the total and 3 to stop: 1 Enter a number: 35 Type 1 to enter, 2 for the total and 3 to stop: 2 The total is 75 Type 1 to enter, 2 for the total and 3 to stop: 3 Program finished. While Loops Task 4 (Guess the Planet ) Example solution: Use a while True loop to keep asking a user to input a planet . Keep track of the number of guesses that have been made and output the total when they input the correct planet. Use the second example in the 'While True Loops ' section above to help you. Enter a planet: Mars Incorrect guess, try again! Enter a planet: Mercury Incorrect guess, try again! Enter a planet: Neptune Correct it was Neptune! While Loops Task 5 (Up to 100 ) Create a while True loop that asks the user to enter a number . Add the number to a total variable and print it. When the total reaches 100 or more , stop the program. Don't forget to set the total variable to 0 at the start and to add the number entered by the user to the total. Example solution: Enter a number: 34 The current total is: 34 Enter a number: 29 The current total is: 63 Enter a number: 18 The current total is: 81 Enter a number: 22 The current total is: 103 Over 100! ⬅ 6a - F or Loops Section 6 Practice Tasks ➡
- 3.1 - Network Characteristics - Eduqas GCSE (2020 spec) | CSNewbs
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
- Download Greenfoot | CSNewbs
A tutorial to understand how to create a game in Greenfoot. A simple step-by-step guide and walkthrough featuring all code needed for the Eduqas GCSE 2016 specification. Installing Greenfoot Greenfoot Home According to the WJEC 2017 specification , students will use version 2.4.2 of Greenfoot in the Component 2 exam . WJEC GCSE students should practice using version 2.4.2 - despite the most up-to-date version currently being 3.9.0 . If you are not learning Greenfoot for the WJEC GCSE then you may wish to download and use the most current version . WJEC 2017 Specification Students Other Students The version used in the Component 2 exam is 'Greenfoot version 2.4.2 '. Scroll down to 2.4.2 on the old download page and select the correct version for your computer. Windows systems should use the 'For Windows ' option. If you are not following the WJEC 2017 specification then you should download the most up-to-date version of Greenfoot. Select the correct version for your computer at the top of the download page .
- OCR CTech IT | Unit 1 | 2.4 - Operating Systems | CSNewbs
Learn about different types of operating systems and the various roles that they manage, including memory, security and processing. Based on the 2016 OCR Cambridge Technicals Level 3 IT specification. 2.4: Operating Systems Exam Board: OCR Specification: 2016 - Unit 1 An operating system (OS) is software that manages the resources of a computer system . The operating system is loaded by the BIOS (Basic Input / Output System). Types of Operating System Single user operating systems are found on most desktop computers, laptops and tablets where only one person will use the device at a single time. Multi-user operating systems allow more than one user to access the processor simultaneously , such as a server that users, with correct permissions , can access remotely . However, one user should not be negatively impacted by another user on the same operating system and security must be managed carefully as data may be visible to other users . Single Processor operating systems have only a single processor (CPU), which is shared between users by dividing the CPU time into time-slices and allocating one of these to each user in turn. The time-slices are very short, giving each user the impression that their programs are running continuously. Multiple Processor operating systems have more than one processor (CPU). Users still have to share processors and it is a more complicated system but performance is improved as there are fewer users per processor. Some supercomputers have thousands of processors running in parallel. Operating systems can also be off-the-shelf , open-source or bespoke . See 2.1 . What are the roles of an Operating System? Manage Input / Output Devices Receives data from input devices (e.g. a keyboard). Sends data to output devices (e.g. a monitor) in the correct format . Manage Printing Checks the printer is free then uses spooling (storing data in a queue ) to print documents in order. Manage Backing (Secondary) Storage Ensures data is stored correctly and can be retrieved from secondary storage devices (e.g. hard drive / SSD ). Organises files in a hierarchical structure. Manage Memory (RAM) Ensures that programs / data do not corrupt each other and are stored in correct memory locations . Manage Processes Ensures different processes can utilise the CPU and do not interfere with each other or crash. On most OS the tasks appear to run simultaneously . Manage Security Allows users to create, manage and delete user accounts with different permissions. Allows users to logon and change passwords . User Interface The final function of an operating system is to provide a user interface . This includes: A folder and file system is displayed and manipulated allowing for copying , searching , sorting and deleting data. Icons are displayed to represent shortcuts to applications and files. Multiple windows can be opened at the same time and switched between. The interface can be customised , such as changing font sizes and the desktop background . System settings can be accessed such as network and hardware options . Q uesto's Q uestions 2.4 - Operating Systems: 1. Describe five different roles of the operating system. Include the importance of the operating system in performing each role. [ 5 ] 2. What is the difference between single user and multi-user operating systems? [2 ] 3. What is the difference between single processing and multi-processing operating systems? [2 ] 4. Using your knowledge from 2.1 Software Types, explain two advantages and one disadvantage to a company if they decided to use a closed source operating system. [6 ] 2.3 Utility Software Topic List 2.5 Communication Methods
- HTML Guide 3 - Text Tags | CSNewbs
Learn how to use tags to format text in HTML, including how to underline, italicise and embolden text. Also, learn about heading size and paragraphs. 3. Tags for Text HTML Guide Watch on YouTube: Remember to write the tags for everything you want the user to see between the and tags. Headings Time to add text to your web page such as headings and paragraphs. To write a large heading , use and To write headings in a smaller size, use numbers between 1 and 6. Add a large heading and a sub-heading to your webpage. paragraph Paragraphs Typing text between the and tags will create a paragraph . Add at least three different paragraphs to your webpage. bold underline italics Bold, Underline & Italics You can format your text by changing it to be bold , underlined or italicised (slanted). Now you have text on your web page, you can add hyperlinks to take viewers to different websites. In the paragraphs you have already written, add at least 1 bold tag, 1 underline tag and 1 italics tag. 2. Essential Tags HTML Guide 4. Hyperlinks
- 2.2 - Data Flow | F161 | Cambridge Advanced National in Computing | AAQ
Learn about how data is input to an application to be converted and output as information. Covers types of data and information such as numbers, text, audio and images as well as the black box concept to show data flow in a diagram. Resources based on Unit F161 (Developing Application Software) for the OCR Cambridge Advanced Nationals in Computing (H029 / H129) AAQ (Alternative Academic Qualification). Qualification: Cambridge Advanced Nationals in Computing (AAQ) Certificate: Computing: Application Development (H029 / H129) Unit: F161: Developing Application Software 2.2 - Data Flow Watch on YouTube : Data vs Information Data Input Information Output Black Box Concept You need to know the difference between the terms 'data ' and 'information ' and how data is input to be converted to information as an output . There are specific types of input and output , including numbers , text , movement , audio and images . You need to understand how data and information flows through application software and can be stored . You must be able to represent data flow in a diagram using the black box concept . What You Need to Know Data and Information ? YouTube video uploading soon Data Input ? YouTube video uploading soon Information Output ? YouTube video uploading soon Black Box Concept ? YouTube video uploading soon Q uesto's Q uestions 2.2 - Data Flow: 1. What? [2 ] 2. What? [1 ] 3. What? [1 ] 4. What? [1 ] ? D id Y ou K now? 2.1 - Data Formats & Types Topic List 2.3 - Data States
- OCR CTech IT | Unit 1 | 1.3 - Computer System Types | CSNewbs
Learn about six different types of computer system including embedded, mainframe and quantum. Based on the 2016 OCR Cambridge Technicals Level 3 IT specification. 1.3 - Computer System Types Exam Board: OCR Specification: 2016 - Unit 1 Different types of computer system are available to purchase and use, each with their own benefits , drawbacks and typical functions . Desktop A computer suitable for use at an ordinary desk. They are bulky and not so easy to move . Individual components (e.g. graphics card) can be upgraded over time . Desktops are versatile , they allow the user to carry out a range of activities , including document creation, data manipulation, game playing, design and communication facilities for personal or business purposes. Tablet / Laptop A small and portable type of computer. Many modern laptops can also fold back , effectively turning them into a tablet with a screen-based virtual keyboard . They can perform many of the functions of the traditional PC, but the screen size can be restrictive , especially if several documents need to be open at the same time. Because it can be transported through public spaces, loss or theft is more likely. Smartphone Embedded Systems Smartphones can be used to run a range of applications including email, social media, videos and music. However, they can negatively affect social interaction (e.g. by using them and ignoring people around you) and reduce spatial awareness when being used. Security is another issue as they can be easily lost or stolen . Security software for phones is not as secure as other computer systems so sensitive data should not be held on smartphones. An embedded system is when a smaller computer system is installed within a larger device , such as a washing machine, traffic light or car. Embedded systems have a dedicated purpose and often run in real-time . The internet of things (IoT) describes a global network of connected objects that were previously 'dumb', such as smart bulbs, smart plugs and thermostats. Mainframe Mainframes are huge and very powerful computers that are reliable . Mainframes are used to process large amounts of data and can be used to solve scientific and engineering problems that require complex calculations with large datasets (e.g. weather forecasting or scientific simulations). Mainframes are reliable and secure because they have large backup capabilities . Mainframes are very expensive and require teams of experts to oversee them, and so are used only by organisations that need to process very large amounts of data quickly, such as banks and airlines . Quantum These are still experimental and in development . They work with quantum bits ( qubits ), which, unlike binary, are not limited to just two states (0 or 1). Qubits represent atomic particles, which can be in several different states at the same time . A fully working quantum computer would potentially be able to process data and perform calculations millions of times faster than currently available computers. Q uesto's Q uestions 1.3 - Computer System Types: 1. For each type of computer system , make a list of benefits , drawbacks and possible uses . a. Desktop [6 ] b. Tablet / Laptop [6 ] c. Smartphone [6 ] d. Embedded System [6 ] e. Mainframe [6 ] f. Quantum Computer [6 ] 2. Suggest and justify which type of computer system is most suitable for the following scenarios: a. Updating a spreadsheet while on a train. [3 ] b. Forecasting the next week’s weather. [3 ] c. A PE teacher recording sports day race times. [3 ] d. Playing a new video game on maximum settings. [3 ] 1.2 - Computer Components Topic List 1.4 - Connectivity
- Python | 6a - For Loops | CSNewbs
Learn how to create and use for loops in Python. Try practice tasks and learn through text and images. Perfect for students learning GCSE Computer Science in UK schools. top Python 6a - For Loops Types of Loop The third construct of programming (after Sequence and Selection) is Iteration . If you iterate something, then you repeat it. There are two key loops to use in Python: for loops and while loops . A for loop is count controlled – e.g. “For 10 seconds I will jump up and down”. The loop will continue until the count (e.g. 10 seconds) has finished . A while loop is condition controlled – e.g. “While I am not out of breath, I will jump up and down.” The loop will continue as long as the condition remains true . Simple For Loops (1 Range Value) for i in range (5): print ( "This is a loop!" ) This is a loop! This is a loop! This is a loop! This is a loop! This is a loop! for i in range (8): print ( "Jaffa Cakes aren't biscuits" ) Jaffa Cakes aren't biscuits Jaffa Cakes aren't biscuits Jaffa Cakes aren't biscuits Jaffa Cakes aren't biscuits Jaffa Cakes aren't biscuits Jaffa Cakes aren't biscuits Jaffa Cakes aren't biscuits Jaffa Cakes aren't biscuits The i is a count variable , it is used to measure each iteration (turn) of the loop. In the range brackets write the number of times to loop the indented code. Don’t forget the colon at the end and remember that everything you want to repeat must be indented (press tab key once). For Loops Task 1 (Repeat Your Name ) Example solutions (shortened): Create a simple for loop that prints your name twenty times. For Loops Task 2 (Are We There Yet? ) Christopher Christopher Christopher ... Create a simple for loop that prints the sentence 'Are we there yet?' 150 times. Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? ... Counting Using i (2 Range Values) For loops can be used to count by referring to the iteration inside the loop itself using i : for i in range (5): print ( "Loop number" , i) Loop number 0 Loop number 1 Loop number 2 Loop number 3 Loop number 4 for i in range (1,6): print ( "Loop number" , i) Loop number 1 Loop number 2 Loop number 3 Loop number 4 Loop number 5 There are two important things to know about how Python counts using for loops. Python will automatically start counting at 0 rather than 1. The second value in the range is an exclusive limit - it will stop 1 before this value. For example, if you wanted to count 1 to 10 you would need to write range(1,11) . For Loops Task 3 (100 to 150 ) Create a for loop that prints all numbers from 100 to 150 . You don't need to print any additional text, just the i variable. Example solution (shortened): 100 101 102 ... ... 148 149 150 Using a Step (3 Range Values) A third value can be added to the range brackets of a for loop to define a step . A step is the number to go up (or down ) with each iteration . for i in range (2,11,2): print ( i) 2 4 6 8 10 for i in range (18,0,-3): print ( i) 18 15 12 9 6 3 In most programs defining a step is not essential , Python will assume it is +1 if you don't include it. For Loops Task 4 (Even Numbers 10 to 30 ) Example solution for Task 4 (shortened): Create a for loop that prints all even numbers from 10 to 30 . Use a step . For Loops Task 5 (Countdown ) Use a for loop with a negative step to print a countdown from 10 to 1 . 10 12 14 ... ... 26 28 30 Using Variables with For Loops Variables can be used to make for loops suitable for a range of different purposes. loopnum = int ( input ( "Times to repeat: " )) for i in range (loopnum): print ( "Hello!" ) Times to repeat: 4 Hello! Hello! Hello! Hello! The loop above uses a variable in the range brackets to repeat the loop the specific number of times that the user enters . loopnum = int ( input ( "Times to repeat: " )) word = input ( "Word to repeat: " ) for i in range (loopnum): print (word ) Times to repeat: 3 Word to repeat: velociraptor velociraptor velociraptor velociraptor The loop above uses two variables that are input by the user ; one to define the range and another that is printed . For Loops Task 6 (Many Happy Birthdays ) Example solution for Task 6 (shortened): Ask the user to input their age then print 'Happy Birthday! ' that many times. For Loops Task 7 (House Number and Name ) Ask the user to enter their house number (e.g. 15 if they lived at 15 Cherry Road) and their name . Print their name as many times as their house number . For example, if Hannah lived at 103 Apple Lane then Hannah would be printed 103 times . Enter your age: 5 Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday! ⬅ Section 5 Practice Task s 6 b - While Loops ➡
- 2.1 - Systems Software | OCR A-Level | CSNewbs
Learn about operating systems, memory management (segmentation and paging), scheduling, interrupts, the BIOS, device drivers and virtual machines Based on the OCR H446 Computer Science A-Level specification. Exam Board: OCR A-Level 2.1 - Systems Software Specification: Computer Science H446 Watch on YouTube : Operating systems functions Paging & segmentation Interrupts Scheduling algorithms Types of operating system BIOS Device drivers Virtual machines This topic looks at how the operating system manages the resources of a computer system . It also includes programs related to the operating system , such as the BIOS , device drivers and virtual machines . Operating Systems The operating system performs essential functions to keep a computer running efficiently . It provides a user interface , such as a command line or graphical user interface ( GUI ), and ensures system security by managing access rights and protecting files . The OS manages hardware , coordinating devices like the CPU , printers and hard drives and provides built-in utilities for tasks such as file management and disk defragmentation . It acts as a platform for software , allowing applications to be installed and run . The OS also schedules jobs , handles interrupts from devices, and manages memory , ensuring each process has the resources it needs without conflicts. Paging & Segmentation Paging is a memory management method that splits memory into equal-sized blocks called pages . This makes memory use more efficient as programs don’t need to be stored in one continuous block but unused space may be wasted inside a page . Segmentation divides memory into segments of different sizes based on program structure . This makes it easier to organise parts of a program , but because segments are different sizes , it can leave small unused gaps in memory that can’t be easily filled by other data. Interrupts An interrupt is a signal that tells the CPU to pause its current task and respond to something more urgent . Interrupts can come from hardware , such as a keyboard press , or from software , such as an error . When an interrupt occurs , the CPU saves its current state by placing current register values into a stack . The CPU runs an interrupt service routine ( ISR ) to handle the interrupt event . After the ISR finishes , the CPU restores its state by popping values from the stack and continues the original program . Scheduling Scheduling algorithms are used by the CPU to decide the order in which processes are executed . They aim to manage CPU time efficiently and ensure all programs get a fair share of resources . Common scheduling algorithms include: First-Come First-Served : Processes are executed in the order they arrive to the CPU . Round Robin : Each process gets a fixed time slice in turn , cycling through all processes. Shortest Job First / Shortest Time Remaining : These methods identify the process with the shortest estimated runtime to be executed first . Multi-Level Feedback Queue : Uses multiple queues with different priority levels . Processes can be moved between queues to avoid starvation . Types of OS Different types of operating systems exist depending on the computer system and purpose : Multitasking OS : Allows a single computer to run multiple programs at the same time by quickly switching between them. Multi-user OS : Lets multiple users access the computer and its resources simultaneously , often via a network . Distributed OS : Manages a group of networked computers as a single system , sharing resources and tasks . Embedded OS : Designed for devices with specific functions , like microwaves or smart TVs , often with limited resources . Real-time OS : Provides immediate processing and responses for time-critical tasks , used in systems like medical devices or industrial robots . The BIOS The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System ) is firmware stored in ROM that helps the computer start up and manage initial communication between hardware and the operating system . During the start-up sequence , the BIOS first checks that essential hardware (e.g. the CPU and RAM ) is present and working correctly by running a Power-On Self Test (POST ). Signals are transmitted to all connected components . The BIOS then runs the bootstrap program to locate and load the operating system from a connected storage device into RAM . Once the OS is loaded , control is handed over to it, allowing the computer to become fully operational . Device Drivers A device driver is software that allows the operating system to communicate with hardware devices such as printers , graphics cards or keyboards . Hardware and the OS speak different ' languages ', so the driver translates OS instructions into commands the device can understand and vice versa. They are needed because, without drivers , the OS wouldn’t know how to control the hardware or use its features properly. Drivers also allow devices to work with different versions of an operating system and enable updates that improve performance or fix bugs . Virtual Machines A virtual machine is a software-based computer that runs an operating system and applications like a real computer , using part of the host computer’s hardware . It is isolated from the main system , so it can operate safely without affecting the host . Virtual machines are commonly used for testing software , running multiple operating systems and safely handling untrusted files . They provide flexibility , efficient hardware use and a secure environment for experimentation . Q uesto's K ey T erms Operating Systems: user interface, file management, user management Memory Management: paging, segmentation, virtual memory Interrupts: interrupt, interrupt service routine, stack Scheduling Algorithms: first come first serve, round robin, shortest job first, shortest time remaining, multilevel feedback queue Types of Operating System: multitasking, multi-user, distributed, embedded, real-time BIOS: ROM - power-on self-test (POST) Device Drivers: device driver Virtual Machines: virtual machine, thin clients, servers D id Y ou K now? New versions of the Android operating system used to be named alphabetically after sweet treats , from Cupcake , Donut and Eclair to Nougat , Oreo and Pie - the final named update in 2019 . 1.3 - Input, Output & Storage A-Level Topics 2.2 - Applications Generation
- Greenfoot Guide #7 | Extension Ideas | CSNewbs
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
- OCR A-Level | CSNewbs
Navigate between all topics in the OCR A-Level Computer Science H446 specification. Includes all topics from Component 1 (Computer Systems) and Component 2 (Algorithms and Programming). OCR Computer Science A-Level These pages are based on content from the OCR H446 Computer Science specification . This website is in no way affiliated with OCR . Component 1: Computer Systems Paper 1 Playlist on YouTube This content is under active development. Check here for the latest progress update. OCR A-Level Key Term Generator 1. Hardware 1.1 - Structure & Function of the Processor (The CPU) 1.2 - Types of Processor 1.3 - Input, Output & Storage 2. Software 2.1 - Systems Software 2.2 - Applications Generation 2.3 - Software Development 2.4 - Types of Programming Language 3. Networks & Databases 3.1 - Compression, Encryption & Hashing 3.2 - Databases 3.3 - Networks 3.4 - Web Technologies 4. Data & Logic 4.1 - Data Types 4.2 - Data Structures 4.3 - Boolean Algebra 5. Laws 5.1 - Computing-Related Legislation 5.2 - Moral & Ethical Issues Component 2: Algorithms & Programming 1. Computational Thinking 1.1 - 1.5 - Computational Thinking 2. Problem Solving & Programming 2.1 - Programming Techniques 2.2 - Computational Methods 3. Algorithms 3.1a - 3.1d - Algorithm Complexity 3.1e - Data Structure Algorithms 3.1f - Standard Algorithms
- OCR CTech IT | Unit 1 | 4.6 & 4.7 - Bodies & Certification | CSNewbs
Learn about the purpose of professional bodies and IT industry certification. Based on the 2016 OCR Cambridge Technicals Level 3 IT specification. 4.6 & 4.7 - Bodies & Certification Exam Board: OCR Specification: 2016 - Unit 1 What is a professional body? A professional body is an organisation that seeks to develop and support workers in a certain profession. Professional bodies will share best practice , help people starting in the profession and support any role-related learning . In the UK a popular professional body is the British Computer Society (BCS) - also known as the Chartered Institute for IT - with over 65,000 members. What is industry certification? Professional bodies exist to provide trainees with industry certification . Industry certifications are qualifications in different areas of expertise so applicants are trained with up-to-date knowledge and skills . Two popular organisations that administer industry certifications in America are Cisco and CompTia . Cisco's website claims that they provide "certifications for all experience levels covering topics in networking , security , collaboration , and more. Cisco's certification program can meet you where you are on your learning journey and take you to where you want to go." Advantages of Industry Certification Disadvantages of Industry Certification Develop IT skills: Trainees develop experience and competency in areas relevant to actual jobs. Access resources: Trainees are part of a network of like-minded professionals with access to help from experts . P rofessional development opportunities: Trainees are invited to special events and seminars to ensure skills remain up-to-date . Cost: Training for industry certification can cost hundreds or even thousands of pounds and is often self-funded . No guarantees: Earning a certificate doesn't guarantee you a better job or more money. Time and dedication: Like other qualifications, classroom activities or online learning must be completed. Exams must be passed at the end of the course. Many organisations now require IT employees to have earned relevant industry certifications . This is so that the organisation can be confident that the employee has been appropriately trained and will have gained experience at the required level for the certification. The employee should be able to demonstrate technical knowledge as a result of gaining the certification. Q uesto's Q uestions 4.6 & 4.7 - Bodies & Certification: 1a. What is a professional body ? [1 ] 1b. State 3 roles of a professional body . [3 ] 2. What are industry certifications ? [2 ] 3. Describe 3 advantages and 3 disadvantages of an IT worker earning industry certifications . [2 each ] 4. Why do many IT organisations require its employees to have earned industry certifications ? [4 ] 4.5 - Job Roles Topic List 5.1 - Ethical Issues









