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Test your understanding of working with files in Python, including reading, searching, writing and editing. Try practice tasks and learn through text and images. Perfect for students learning GCSE Computer Science in UK schools. Python - Section 10 Practice Tasks Task One Create a file in Python called DaysOfTheWeek.txt. Write the days of the week into the file in a single print line but put each day on a new line. Check the file to see if it has worked. Example solution: Task Two Create a file called Colours.txt. Use a for loop to ask the user to enter 8 different colours. Write each colour onto the same line, with a space between the colours. Close the file and open it again in read mode and print it. Example solution: Task Three Create a file named "Holiday.txt". Ask the user to enter the family name, destination and and number of passengers. Print each family's details on their own line. Bonus: Edit this program to add a search feature to look for the family name. Example solution: Task Four Use the holiday file from task three above. You are going to change the destination. Ask the user to enter a family name and then a new destination. Update the destination with the new value. Check the file to ensure the destination has been updated successfully. Use section 10c to help you with this task. Example solution: ⬅ 10c - Remove & Edit Lines 11 - Graphical User Interface ➡

Learn about the differences and characteristics of programs and applications. Resources based on Unit F160 (Fundamentals of Application Development) for the OCR Cambridge Advanced Nationals 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) 1.1 - Programs & Applications Watch on YouTube : Programs & Applications The terms 'program ' and 'application ' do not mean the same thing. A program performs individual operations while an application may use several programs together to create a functional tool for a user . For example, a program may calculate the total of a range of numbers . An example of an application is Microsoft Excel , which is spreadsheet software with a range of programs built in , including the ability to calculate totals , as well as many other functions . Programs and Applications Every topic in Unit F160 ( Fundamentals of Application Development ) comes with YouTube videos to help you learn . Some pages only have one video , while others have several . Programs Applications A program is a set of instructions that a computer can understand and execute to perform specific tasks . It is written in a programming language like Python or Java and instructs the computer how to perform individual operations . Programs can be simple (e.g. printing a message to the screen) or complex (e.g. managing a database or running a web server ). An application is a type of program designed to be user-friendly and help users complete specific tasks . Examples of applications include word processors (e.g. Microsoft Word), web browsers (e.g. Google Chrome) and mobile apps (e.g. Instagram). Applications are made up of one or more programs . Examples A program has a specific purpose , that is understood and executed by the computer . An example is a program that can sort data into alphabetical order . This may be used in an application like spreadsheet software . A video editing application may include several programs , each with a specific purpose , such as a program to import video , one to apply filters , another to edit audio and another to export the finished video . Characteristics Characteristics of a program: Programs are created using programming languages like Python or Java . They are translated into a format the computer understands and then run . Each program is designed to perform a specific function or set of functions . They may not have a user interface and may not require user interaction , such as an operating system's background processes . Programs may consist of smaller sub-programs that can be reused in different applications . Characteristics of an application: Applications are designed to meet user requirements . They are designed for specific tasks , such as editing photos or sending emails. Most have a user interface to provide a way for humans to interact with the application, e.g. menus and buttons . Applications may be designed to run on specific operating systems , such as an iPhone app designed for iOS. They may involve multiple programs working together . Devices that use Programs and Applications Every type of computer system will use programs and/or applications for different, specific purposes . Desktops and laptops run operating systems , software applications and utilities . Game consoles use applications for gaming , streaming and social features like group voice chats. Smart TVs use apps for streaming and browsing and programs for remote control . Smart speakers use programs to process voice commands , control smart home devices and play music based on user input . Smartphones and tablets use mobile apps for communication , games and productivity . AR (augmented reality ), VR (virtual reality ) and MR (mixed reality ) devices use programs to generate and manage 3D environments , track user movements and respond to inputs . Embedded systems like washing machines , smart fridges and cars use programs to manage their operations and interfaces . Q uesto's Q uestions 1.1 - Programs & Applications: 1. Explain the differences between a program and an application , using examples . [4 ] 2. Give 3 characteristics of a program and 3 features of an application . [6 ] 3. Briefly summarise how four different devices would use programs or applications . [4 ] As of 2025 , the Google Play Store has over 3.5 million apps and is close to reaching 150 billion downloads ! D id Y ou K now? Topic List 1.2 - Operating Systems

Learn how to comment in Python. Try practice tasks and learn through text and images. Perfect for students learning GCSE Computer Science in UK schools. top Python 1b - Commenting Writing Comments To annotate your work, you can write a comment using the # symbol. Comments are ignored when you run the program and they are not printed . #This is a comment! print ( "Welcome to Python!" ) #The code above prints a nice greeting = Welcome to Python! Programmers use comments to explain to other people (and themselves) what different sections of code do . With massive programs, comments are vital; otherwise, it would be too confusing, especially after returning from a few weeks or months on a different project. If you are creating a Python project for school (or A-Level Computer Science coursework), you will need comments to explain your code and prove you have written it yourself. Comments over Multiple Lines Have a lot to say in one comment? Use three apostrophes ( ”’ ) at the start and three more at the end of your comment like below: '''This is a comment that I have spread out over more than one line''' print ( "Hello! How are you?" ) Top Tip: Use multi-line comments when testing a program to ‘blank out’ sections that you know work fine and only focus on one part at a time. Commenting Task 1 (Day of the Week & Weather) On line 1 write a single-line comment ( use # ) to state that your program will print the day of the week. On line 2 print the current day of the week. On lines 3, 4 and 5 write a multi-line comment (use ''' ) about the weather today. Remember comments won't be printed so only the day of the week should be output. Example solution: Wednesday ⬅ 1a - Pri nting 1c - Crea ting Variables ➡

Learn about legislation that covers a wider geographic area including the UNCRPD. Based on the 2016 OCR Cambridge Technicals Level 3 IT specification for Unit 2 (Global Information). 4.2 - Global Legislation Exam Board: OCR Specification: 2016 - Unit 2 Data Protection Outside of the UK Personal data should not be transferred outside of the UK unless the country receiving the data has adequate data protection laws that match the Data Protection Act (2018) / GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation ). GDPR was introduced in all European Union (EU ) countries in 2018. This set of regulations ensure that personal data is protected and can be sent between EU countries. However, many other countries only have partially adequate data protection laws (such as the USA and Canada) whilst many nations have inadequate or no laws regarding data protection. Click the map button to visit CNIL's website and see exactly which countries have adequate, inadequate and no data protection laws. UNCRPD UNCRPD stands for United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities . This is a United Nations human right that states disabled people should be able to 'access information systems' (article 9) and 'use digital means to express their opinion' (article 21). Methods of complying with this convention include: Personal data can be sent between European countries (such as the UK) and the United States because of a protection scheme which was known as the 'Safe Harbour ' scheme (between 2000 and 2015) and the 'EU-US Privacy Shield ' (between 2015 and 2020). This provided protection to European data in the US and required both companies engaged in data transaction to sign up to the scheme before personal data could be transferred. The companies must have been assessed as responsible for the security of the data. The scheme was stopped in July 2020 because the European Court of Justice argued it did not adequately protect the personal data of Europeans from government access. Using < alt> text on images so that text-to-speech software can describe the image aloud, for the visually impaired . The tag can be added to the HTML code of an image on a website and will be audibly spoken by specialist reading software. This image contains alt text that can't be seen by a typical viewer but will be read aloud by screen reading software. Accessibility settings . Websites could allow users to change the font size and style or change the background colour to make text easier to read . Wikipedia presents some articles to be listened to if the user is unable to read them. Example Text Example Text Example Text Example Text Q uesto's Q uestions 4.2 - Global Legislation: 1a. What is the problem with transferring data outside of the UK ? [2 ] 1b. Why can personal data be transferred between European countries ? [2 ] 2. Open the CNIL map (use the link on this page and click on a specific country to see its name) and state: Four countries in the EU Two countries with partially adequate protection Two countries with an authority and law (dark purple) Two countries with laws only (light purple) Four countries with no data protection laws [7 ] 3a. What is UNCRPD and why is it important ? [3 ] 3b. Describe what alt text is used for. [2 ] 3c. State three accessibility settings that could affect how easy text is to read . [3 ] EU-US Privacy Shield 4.1 - UK Legislation Topic List 4.3 - Green IT

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

Learn how to handle numbers in Python. Try practice tasks and learn through text and images. Perfect for students learning GCSE Computer Science in UK schools. top Python 9b - Number Handling Rounding Numbers The round() command is used to round a value to a certain number of decimal places . Type your variable into the round command brackets, add a comma and state the number of decimal places to round to. Fixed Decimal Places (Currency) The round function will remove any trailing 0s , for example 30.1032 will become 30.1 even if you specified to round to 2 decimal places . Instead, you can use an f -string and write :.2f after a bracketed variable to use exactly 2 decimal places . The number can be changed from 2. books = int ( input ( "How many books would you like to buy? " )) total = books * 3.99 print ( f"The total is £ {total:.2f} - Thanks for your order!" ) How many books would you like to buy? 10 The total is £39.90 - Thanks for your order! How many books would you like to buy? 100 The total is £399.00 - Thanks for your order! Practice Task 1 Ask the user to enter any large number. Ask the user to enter another large number. Divide the two numbers and print the answer to 3 decimal places. Example solution: Using Numbers as Strings The following techniques all require the integer to be converted into a string first using the str command. Just like a string, you can shorten a variable to only display a certain length . Remember that Python starts at zero . You can select a specific digit in the same manner as when selecting characters in a string. If you want to use your variable as an integer again later you would need to convert it from a string to an integer using the int command. Again, reversing a number is the same as reversing a string. You can also use other string handling methods such as .startswith() or .endswith() Practice Task 2 Ask the user to enter a 10 digit number. Select the 2nd and 8th digits and add them together. Print the total. Example solution: ⬅ 9a - String Handling Section 9 Practice Tasks ➡

Learn how to use App Inventor 2 to create simple programs. Try to complete task 3 on this page. Perfect for Key Stage 3 students to experiment with block coding, objects and properties. App Inventor Task 3 - Munchin' Pizza This page will teach you how to make a simple app that changes pictures when a button is pressed . You can make the app more complex by adding sounds or additional buttons. Step 1: Set up App Inventor 2 Open App Inventor 2 (use the button on the right) and create a new project. You will need to log in with a Google account. Download the picture images from the zipped folder on the App Inventor 2 Basics page here . Once you have downloaded the pizza pictures you will need to upload them. Find the Media tab on the right side of App Inventor and click 'Upload File...' You will need to upload each picture individually. In the Palette tab on the left side, drag two buttons into the middle screen so they look like this: In the Components tab on the right, click on Button1 and click the Rename button at the bottom to change it to Pizza . Then Rename Button2 to Munch . This will help us when we code later as it will be less confusing. Click on the second button (Munch) that you just dragged into the centre then look in the Properties tab on the right and scroll down to Text . Change 'Text for Munch' to something like 'Munch Pizza' . Now click on the first button in the centre (Pizza) and in the Properties tab, click on Image and select the first image. It should be the full slice of pizza. When you have set the image, you might notice it goes a bit crazy. Still in the Properties tab, change the Height and Width to 'Fill parent...' for both. This will make the image fit within the boundaries of the screen. Finally, change the Text for the Pizza button to be blank. Otherwise it will appear on top of the pizza and look odd. So far you should have a button disguised as a pizza and another button that tells you to munch that lovely cheesy deliciousness. If your program does not look like this, read the instructions above again carefully. Step 2: Code Click on the Blocks button in the top right to start adding code. In the Blocks tab on the left side click on Munch and drag the when Munch Click block into the centre. This block will execute any code inside of it whenever the munch button is clicked. In the Blocks tab on the left side click on Logic and drag an if then block and snap it inside the block you just dragged over. Click on the blue cog button and drag four else if blocks inside the if block at the bottom. The blocks at the top will automatically update when you drag the blocks under the if block underneath. Because we are using different images, we need to check which image is currently being displayed, so we know which picture to change to. Firstly we want to check if the first image is being displayed. Connect an = block from the Logic section. Then add a Pizza Image block from the Pizza section. Lastly grab a " " block from the Text section and write the name of your first image inside (e.g. pizza1.jpg) Don't forget the extension (.jpg). But what does this code actually mean? It is checking to see what the current pizza image is. And if it is pizza1.jpg then it is going to... ...change the picture to pizza2.jpg, as if someone has munched the pizza! Grab a set Pizza Image to block from Pizza and then snap another " " block from Text and add the pizza2.jpg text inside. Now that we have written the code to check the current picture and move it to the next one when pressed, we just need to copy this for the other four pizza pictures. Rather than select all the blocks again, right-clicking on the blocks and selecting 'Duplicate' will copy them. Copy each block and then change the values so that if pizza2.jpg is the current image, then it sets it to pizza3.jpg and so on. Make sure that pizza5.jpg sets the image to pizza1.jpg so that it goes round in a loop. Program 3 Complete! Step 3: Run The easiest way to run an app that you have created at home using App Inventor 2 is to download the free MIT AI2 Companion App on your smartphone from the Google Play Store . At the top of the App inventor program on your computer , click on Connect and AI Companion . This will generate a six-digit code you can type into your phone. If your school has the emulator installed, you can also use this to test your app. Extra Step: Challenges 1. Create your own images and upload them . You can easily create your own set of pictures and link them together. Why not try: Eating a different type of food (e.g. cookie or doughnut). A simple scene that changes from night to day. A simple character that changes appearance (like Pikachu powering up a thunder strike with each button press). 2. Add a sound effect whenever a button is pressed . In the video at the top of the page, you'll see I have a 'munch' sound whenever the button is pressed. You could record this sound yourself or use a sound effect site. Once you have got your sound file (it should be short and .mp3) you need to upload it, just like you uploaded your images. In the Designer layout click 'Upload file...' in the Media tab on the right. Then look in the Palette tab on the left side, open the Media section and drag a Sound block into the centre. It will appear underneath the phone screen in a section called 'non-visible components' which is fine. Now click on Properties on the right side and choose the sound file you just uploaded in the Source box. Click on the Blocks button in the top right to start adding the code! In the Blocks tab on the left side, click on Sound1 and drag the call Sound1 Play block directly underneath when Munch click . This will play the sound everytime the button is pressed. 3. Add more buttons . You could add a second clickable button which reverses the pattern and a third button that resets the order back to the first image. Adding new buttons is easy - drag them from the Palette tab in the Designer layout. Change the button text in the Properties tab and the name of the button in the Components tab. To add code, click on Blocks in the top right then you can duplicate the code for Munch by right-clicking and choosing Duplicate. Now just change the values to what you want. If you are making a reset button, you don't need an if then statement, just set the image to your first image when the button is clicked. Keep messing around with the program and have fun! KS3 Home Tasks 4, 5 & 6

Learn how to handle errors in Python. Try practice tasks and learn through text and images. Perfect for students learning GCSE Computer Science in UK schools. Python 12 - Error Handling Errors When an error occurs in Python, you may see a chunk of red text like this. This is very useful when creating programs as it tells us the exact line of the error (10), and its type (NameError). However, a completed program should have code in place for when an unexpected error occurs – we call this exception handling . General Exception In this example, Python will attempt to run the code indented beneath try . If there are no errors then the code will stop just before except . If an error does occur then the Exception code will be run . If we enter a correct value then the program will execute normally: But if an error occurs (such as writing a string when an integer is expected) then the Exception code will run : You can add the else command to your code that will execute only if there are no errors : If a valid number is entered then the else code will be printed: If a code generating an error is entered then the except code will be printed: Practice Task 1 Create a program that asks the user to input their age. Don't forget to use the int command. Use try and except to print a message if a number is not inputted. Example solution: Specific Exceptions The Exception command used in the section above is for any general error that occurs. You can also use specific except commands for a variety of errors. Below is a program with two different specific exception commands for one try statement: If a Value Error occurs, such as when the wrong data type is entered , then related code will be printed: Or if the user tries to divide by zero then a Zero Division Error will be triggered which prints a relevant response: Other types of exception can be found here . Practice Task 2 Create a program that asks the user to input a number and then divides this value by 999. Create a Value Error and Zero Division Error exception and include an appropriate message in both. Example solution for Zero Division: ⬅ 11 - Graphical User Interfac e Extended Task 1 (Pork Pies) ➡

A complete list of tags required for students to know how to use in the 2016 Eduqas GCSE specification. Follow the links on each tag to see how to use them. Here you can find a list of tags. Click a tag to see how to use it. Tags for Eduqas GCSE:

Learn about why testing is needed, types of testing, types of test data and types of error. Based on the J277 OCR GCSE Computer Science specification (first taught from 2020 onwards). 3.2: Testing Exam Board: OCR Specification: J277 Watch on YouTube : Purpose of Testing Types of Error Test Data The main purpose of testing is to ensure that a program works correctly no matter what input has been entered by the user. Other reasons to test a program include ensuring the user requirements have been met , errors have been removed and the program doesn't crash while running . Types of Testing Iterative Testing Iterative testing takes place during program development . The programmer develops a module , tests it and repeats this process until the module works as expected . Final Testing Final testing, also known as terminal testing , takes place after development and before the program is released to the end user. This testing takes place once all modules have been individually tested to ensure the whole program works as originally expected. Programming Errors Syntax Error Logical Error A syntax error is a mistake in the grammatical rules of the programming language , such as an incorrect spelling of a command word. A syntax error will prevent the program from being compiled and executed . Examples: Incorrect Spelling: pront ( "hello" ) Incorrect punctuation: print ( "hello" ( A logic error is a mistake made by the programmer - the program runs without crashing but will display the wrong output . Examples: Incorrect calculation: total = num1 - num2 print (total) Incorrect variable printed: age = 16 name = "Steve" print ( "Nice to meet you" , age) Test Data Test data is used to test whether a program is functioning correctly . It should cover a range of possible and incorrect inputs , each designed to prove a program works or to highlight any flaws . Four types of test data are: Normal data - Sensible data that the program should accept and be able to process . Boundary data - Data at the extreme boundary of any data ranges. Invalid data - Data of the correct data type that does not meet the validation rules (e.g. outside of the range). It should not be accepted . Erroneous data - Data of the wrong data type that the program cannot process and should not accept . Q uesto's Q uestions 3.2 - Testing: 1. Give 3 reasons why programs are tested . [ 3 ] 2. What is the difference between iterative and final testing ? [ 2 ] 3a. What is a syntax error ? Give an example . [ 2 ] 3b. What is a logical error ? Give an example . [ 2 ] 4. State and describe the four types of test data . [ 6 ] 3.1 - Defensive Design Theory Topics 4.1 - Boolean Logic

Learn about required internal hardware including the CPU, motherboard and PSU. Find out about ports and expansion cards. Based on the 2016 OCR Cambridge Technicals Level 3 IT specification. 1.2 Computer Components Exam Board: OCR Specification: 2016 - Unit 1 This page describe the various components inside of computer systems . The first three are necessary in every type of computer: Processor Motherboard Power Supply Unit The main role of a processor is to manage the functions of a computer system by processing data and instructions . The primary processor of each computer system is the Central Processing Unit ( CPU ). A processor is attached to the motherboard using a connection point called a CPU socket . The motherboard is the main circuit board of a computer on which components such as the CPU and ROM are connected . The motherboard contains PCI slots for expansion cards and ports for external devices to be connected . The power supply unit (PSU ) converts electricity from AC (Alternating Current) from the mains power supply to DC (Direct Current) which the computer system can use . The PSU of desktop computers is internal whereas portable devices require an external 'charger '. Memory Computer memory is split into two types - volatile and non-volatile . Volatile storage is temporary (data is lost whenever the power is turned off ). Non-volatile storage saves the data even when not being powered , so it can be accessed when the computer is next on and can be stored long-term . Random Access Memory (RAM) Read-Only Memory (ROM) Cache Memory RAM is volatile (temporary) storage that stores all programs that are currently running . RAM also stores parts of the operating system to be accessed by the CPU. RAM is made up of a large number of storage locations, each can be identified by a unique address . ROM is non-volatile storage that cannot be changed . ROM stores the boot program / BIOS for when the computer is switched on. The BIOS then loads up the operating system to take over managing the computer. Cache memory is volatile (temporary) storage that stores frequently accessed data . It is very quick to access and faster than other types of memory like RAM because it is stored on the processor itself. RAM ( R andom A ccess M emory) ROM ( R ead O nly M emory) Cache Memory Secondary Storage Magnetic Storage Optical Storage Optical Storage Characteristics: X - Low CAPACITY : 700 MB (CD ), 4.7 GB (DVD ), 25 GB (Blu-ray ). X - Not DURABLE because discs are very fragile and can break or scratch easily. ✓ - Discs are thin and very PORTABLE . X - Optical discs have the Slowest ACCESS SPEED . Magnetic Disks are spelled with a k and Optical Discs have a c. Magnetic Storage Characteristics: ✓ - Large CAPACITY and cheaper per gigabyte than solid state . X - Not DURABLE and not very PORTABLE when powered on because moving it can damage the device. ✓ - Relatively quick ACCESS SPEED but slower than Solid State . Optical storage uses a laser to project beams of light onto a spinning disc, allowing it to read data from a CD , DVD or Blu-Ray . This makes optical storage the slowest of the four types of secondary storage. Disc drives are traditionally internal but external disc drives can be bought for devices like laptops. A magnetic hard disk drive (HDD ) is a common form of secondary storage within desktop computers. A read/write head moves nanometres above the disk platter and uses the magnetic field of the platter to read or edit data. Hard disk drives can also be external and connected through a USB port . An obsolete (no longer used) type of magnetic storage is a floppy disk but these have been replaced by solid state devices such as USB sticks which are much faster and have a much higher capacity. Another type of magnetic storage that is still used is magnetic tape . Magnetic tape has a high storage capacity but data has to be accessed in order (serial access ) so it is generally only used by companies to back up or archive large amounts of data . Solid State Storage Cloud Storage When you store data in 'the cloud ', using services such as Google Drive, your data is stored on large servers owned by the hosting company . The hosting company (such as Google) is responsible for keeping the servers running and making your data accessible on the internet . Cloud storage is typically free for a certain amount of storage and users can buy more storage space when they need it - the scalable nature of this storage type makes it very flexible for businesses. Cloud storage is very convenient as it allows people to work on a file at the same time and it can be accessed from different devices . However, if the internet connection fails , or the servers are attacked then the data could become inaccessible . Cloud storage is also known as 'virtual storage ' because the data is saved remotely , freeing up physical storage space for users on their own devices . There are no moving parts in solid state storage . SSD s (Solid State Drives ) are replacing magnetic HDDs (Hard DIsk Drives) in modern computers and video game consoles because they are generally quieter , faster and use less power . A USB flash drive ( USB stick ) is another type of solid state storage that is used to transport files easily because of its small size. Memory cards , like the SD card in a digital camera or a Micro SD card in a smartphone , are another example of solid state storage. Solid State Characteristics: X - High CAPACITY but more expensive per gigabyte than magnetic . ✓ - Usually DURABLE but cheap USB sticks can snap or break . ✓ - The small size of USB sticks and memory cards mean they are very PORTABLE and can fit easily in a bag or pocket. ✓ - Solid State storage has the fastest ACCESS SPEED because they contain no moving parts . Cloud Storage Characteristics: ✓ - Huge CAPACITY and you can upgrade your subscription if you need more storage. ✓ / X - Cloud storage is difficult to rank in terms of PORTABILITY , DURABILITY and ACCESS SPEED because it depends on your internet connection. A fast connection would mean that cloud storage is very portable (can be accessed on a smartphone or tablet) but a poor connection would make access difficult . Storage Protocols SCSI ( Small Computer System Interface ) is a protocol (set of rules) for attaching external devices to a computer system, such as a printer, storage drive or scanner. SAS ( Serial Attached SCSI ) is an improved version of SCSI that enables many more external devices (up to 128) to be connected at the same time to a computer system. Expansion Cards Expansion cards are dedicated circuit boards with a specific purpose that are attached to the motherboard . Most of the following expansion cards can also exist as integrated components on the motherboard, rather than a separate card. Graphics Card Sound Card Processes graphical data (e.g. videos or animations) and converts it into a displayable output on a monitor . Network Interface Card (NIC) 0010 1011 0101 0101 0110 0111 0101 0001 0101 Sound cards convert analogue sound waves into digital data (binary) when inputting audio through a microphone. Sound cards also convert digital data (binary) into analogue sound waves to output audio through speakers or headphones. 0010 1011 0101 0101 0110 0111 0101 0001 0101 Allows computers to connect to networks (such as the Internet ) and enables them to transfer data to other computers. Transfers data between servers across a network. Fibre channel allows for quick transfer speeds and is primarily used to connect data storage to servers in large data centres. Fibre Channel Card Storage Controller Card Required for the computer to manage and use any attached storage devices . Ports A port is the interface between external devices and the computer . Ports allow data to be transferred from and to these devices. USB Port Connects storage devices such as USB sticks or external hard drives . Connects input devices such as a keyboard or mouse, as well as other devices for data transfer such as a camera or smartphone. Ethernet Port Connects computers to network devices such as a modem or router, allowing access to the internet . FireWire Port Developed for Apple products, FireWire transfers data at a high speed from devices such as camcorders and external hard drives . FireWire supports isochronous devices , meaning data is sent in a steady , continuous stream . SATA Port Allows fast data transfer to external HDD , SSD or optical drives . SD Port Enables data from an SD card to be transferred from a device like a camera to the computer. Micro SD Port Allows data from a micro SD card to be transferred from devices such as smartphones , tablets and handheld games consoles to a computer. Q uesto's Q uestions 1.2 - Computer Components: Vital Components: 1. Describe the purpose of the following components : a. The CPU (Central Processing Unit ) [2 ] b. The motherboard [2 ] c. The PSU (Power Supply Unit ) [2 ] Primary Memory: 2a. What is the difference between primary and secondary memory ? [2 ] 2b. What is the difference between volatile and non-volatile storage ? [2 ] 2c. For each of the three types of primary memory , describe its role and give an example of what it can store. [6 ] Secondary Storage: 3a. For magnetic , optical and solid-state storage rank these three secondary storage mediums in terms of capacity , durability , portability and speed . [9 ] 3b. For the following scenarios justify which secondary storage medium should be used and why it is the most appropriate : Sending videos and pictures to family in Australia through the post. [3 ] Storing a presentation to take into work. [3 ] Storing project files with other members of a group to work on together. [3 ] Backing up an old computer with thousands of file to a storage device. [3 ] Additional Components: 4a. State the purpose of five different expansion cards . [5 ] 4b. What is the purpose of the motherboard ? [2 ] Ports: 5a. Describe the six different ports . [6 ] 5b. What is the difference between SCSI and SAS ? [2 ] 1.1 - Computer Hardware Topic List 1.3 - Computer System Types

Learn about the motherboard and the components that are connected to this important piece of computer hardware. The Motherboard What is a motherboard? The motherboard is the main circuit board of a computer that links all other components together. Components can communicate by sending signals and data across pathways called buses . Some components, like the CPU and RAM , are directly installed in special sockets on the motherboard . There are expansion slots for further components like a graphics card . What is connected to the motherboard? Central Processing Unit Random Access Memory Graphics Processing Unit Read Only Memory Cache Memory Sound Card Hard Disk Drive Power Supply Unit What is a motherboard's form factor? Form factor relates to the motherboard's size , shape and how many components it can fit . The three most common form factors are compared below: ATX Micro ATX Mini ITX Standard Small Very Small 32 GB 64 GB 128 GB 7 4 1 Size Max RAM Expansion Card Slots GB stands for gigabytes What ports does a motherboard have? The motherboard contains several ports on the back panel , allowing cables to be connected to input or output data . Below are some of the common ports : USB (Type-A) Connects input devices like keyboards and mice or storage devices like a USB memory stick. USB (Type-C) A newer type of USB that is faster and commonly used to charge devices or transfer data. Ethernet Allows a device to connect to a wired network, most commonly to a router, for internet access. HDMI Connects to a monitor or TV to show the computer's audio and visual output. KS3 Home