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4.5 - Job Roles Exam Board: OCR Specification: 2016 - Unit 1 There are several different IT-related roles within most companies. Each role requires specific skills and attributes to be performed successfully. Try to apply the most suitable personal attributes that were described in 4.3 , as well as any other important skills relevant to the role , such as programming. Self-motivation Leadership Respect Dependability Punctuality Problem Solving Determination Independence Time Management Team Working Numerical Skills Verbal Skills Planning & Organisation Network Manager A network manager must control a group of employees with strong leadership to clearly set out their vision for the team. They must be able to motivate and encourage the team members to meet objectives . Because a network manager is high-ranking, there may not be many senior staff above them so they must be self-motivated and able to complete tasks independently , without being monitored . Network managers must be dependable and decisive , able to weigh up the consequences of a decision and make tough calls whilst under pressure . Time management is an important attribute for a network manager, they must be able to prioritise tasks and ensure deadlines are kept to . IT Technician IT technicians must have good interpersonal skills so that they can communicate clearly with other employees or customers. They should be able to use simplified terminology to help another person with their problem. They must be able to use questioning effectively to work out what the issue is to begin to solve it. IT technicians should have plenty of experience with hardware and software troubleshooting and be able to use a range of troubleshooting tools to solve a problem. They need to be respectful to customers and employees when solving a problem and show determination , as well as self-motivation , to fix issues within acceptable time limits . Programmer A programmer needs to be competent in specific programming languages that the company use. It would be beneficial to have knowledge of more than one programming language so they can be more versatile and approach a problem in different ways . Programmers need to have a logical mind so that they are able to creatively solve problems. Using computational thinking is an important set of skills that programmers should have - for example, by using decomposition to break a large problem into smaller, more manageable chunks. They must have good planning and organisational skills so that they can stay on top of the numerous tasks that need to be done. They need good time management skills to prioritise the more important tasks and stick to a deadline . Programmers must be patient individuals, all programs will contain errors that must be debugged and rewritten numerous times. Good interpersonal skills are necessary so programmers can work efficiently in teams - often multiple programmers will work on subsections of the same program that fit together later. Web Designer & Animator Web designers create , plan and code web pages to fit specific requirements made by their customers. They must create both the technical and graphical aspects of the web page, editing both how it looks and how it works. Web designers could also be responsible for maintaining a site that currently exists. They would need to have sufficient knowledge of using HTML (HyperText Markup Language ) for the structure and content of the webpage and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets ) for the formatting and style . An animator may use a mixture of digital and hand-drawn images or even puppets and models. The main skill of animation is still artistic ability , but there is an ever-increasing need for animators to be experienced with technical computer software . Animators usually work as part of a team with strict deadlines . Q uesto's Q uestions 4.5 - Job Roles: 1. Describe the key skills and personal attributes that a new programmer should have. [10 ] 2. A brief job description of a web designer and an animator are shown above on this page. Use the descriptions of what makes a suitable network manager, IT technician and programmer to help you explain which personal attributes and skills are required for: a) A web designer b) An animator [8 each ] 4.4 - Ready for Work Topic List 4.6 & 4.7 - Bodies & Certification

4.1 - Communication Skills Exam Board: OCR Specification: 2016 - Unit 1 Communication skills are vital for anybody working within the IT industry. Employees will need to communicate with other members of their team and with those who encounter issues with their computer systems. Interpersonal Skills Communication is not just through speaking to another person, behaviour is also important. Employees should sit up straight in their chairs to show interest and eye contact should be maintained when speaking to another person or listening in a meeting. It is important to speak clearly so that others can understand what you are trying to say. Verbal Communication Employees should know when to use informal and formal language appropriately. For example, formal language should be used in meetings as it is a work environment . Employees should think carefully about when to use technical terms . Technical terminology should be used when discussing issues with technicians but simplified explanations should be given to customers who may be inexperienced with their systems. Questioning Techniques Questioning is used to uncover problems in order to solve them . Closed questions will be direct and prompt a short, often one-word answer, such as "How many times have you tried to log in?". Open questions don't have an obvious answer and may elicit an opinion , such as "Why are you using Internet Explorer instead of Google Chrome?". Avoid leading questions - where you expect a certain response from the answerer, such as "Is the system always this slow?" Written Communication Again this form of communication can be formal - such as a letter to apply for a job - or informal - like sending a text or instant message to a team member. There are a number of considerations to take before deciding whether communication should be formal or informal. For example, if the communication is between peers or external agencies (such as other companies or customers), any policies the organisation has in place and whether the communication will be legally recorded (such as saving all email correspondence). Barriers to Communication There are several reasons why communication between people may be received or understood incorrectly . For example, noise in the room , language (this could be different spoken languages or the use of difficult technical terms ) and impairments (such as a hearing or visual impairment ). Another barrier is distraction - an email may be delayed because an employee is distracted by social media or other co-workers. Phones should also be turned off or silent during meetings. Q uesto's Q uestions 4.1 - Communication Skills: 1. Describe 3 interpersonal actions that an employee should follow when speaking or listening to other team members. [ 3 ] 2. Explain when an employee should use technical terms and when they should simplify their explanations . [ 4 ] 3. Describe the difference between closed , open and leading questions , giving an example of each. [6 ] 4. Describe 3 things that should be considered when deciding between formal or informal written communication . [3 ] 5. Describe 3 different barriers to successful communication . [3 ] 3.5 - Business Systems Topic List 4.2 - Communication Technology

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

1.6 - Hardware Troubleshooting Exam Board: OCR Specification: 2016 - Unit 1 What is troubleshooting? Troubleshooting means to analyse and solve a problem with a computer system. Hardware troubleshooting refers to fixing an issue with the physical parts of the computer or any connected devices. Hardware issues might occur as a result of damage (intentional or accidental), power surges or malware . Steps to Take When an Error Occurs Try to identify the problem by looking for the simplest explanation first (e.g. checking the power supply) and ask the user questions about the issue. Create a theory about what the cause of the problem could be and prepare to test the theory using a series of troubleshooting tests . Create a troubleshooting plan and record the steps that are taken before moving on to the next test. Check the system works after each stage of the plan. Create a findings document that explains if and how the problem was fixed, for future reference if the problem occurs again. Documentation Technicians and help desk (see 3.5 ) staff should document , on a fault sheet , the following information regarding the issue: The fault itself (such as 'system not turning on'). The system in question. The user logged in at the time. Exact date & time the problem occurred. Symptoms of the issue (such as 'slow load times' or 'beeping'). Problem history - checking if it has happened to this system before. Back up documentation - Whether the data been backed up recently. Troubleshooting Tools The following tools can be used to identify an error so a technician has a greater understanding of the problem. Event Viewer Event Viewer is a type of utility software that lists detailed information about an error when one occurs. It can be used to work out how to fix the issue and will display both minor and major faults. Power On Self Test (POST) On start-up, a power on self test (POST) checks memory, power, hardware and cooling systems are all working properly. Beep codes signal if an error has been detected; 1 beep will sound for no error but if multiple beeps are heard then an error has been discovered. Ping Test This is a connectivity test between two computers. A message is sent to the destination computer and waits for a return message named the echo reply . This procedure can be repeated with other systems until the source of the problem is identified from a computer that does not reply . Q uesto's Q uestions 1.6 - Hardware Troubleshooting: 1. Summarise the 'Steps to Take when an Error Occurs ' section into your own top three tips for what to do when a hardware error happens . [3 ] 2. List 6 pieces of information that an IT technician should record when a hardware error has occurred . [6 ] 3. Briefly explain the purpose of three troubleshooting tools . [6 ] 1.5 - Communication Hardware 1.7 - Units of Measurement Topic List

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

4.8: Compression Exam Board: Eduqas / WJEC Specification: 2020 + What is compression? To compress a file means to make its size smaller . Benefits of compression include: Files take up less storage space (so more files can be stored). Files can be transferred quicker (because they are smaller). Files can be read from or written to quicker . There are two methods that are used to compress files: Lossy and Lossless . Lossy Compression Lossy compression uses an algorithm (set of instructions) to analyse a file and remove data that cannot be heard or seen by humans . For example, a lossy algorithm would analyse the sound waves of an audio file and remove any frequencies which humans cannot hear. This process reduces the size of the file . Further lossy compression will remove data that humans can see / hear . For example, the dog image to the right has been strongly compressed using a lossy algorithm and some data has clearly been removed. Lossy compression removes the data permanently , so the file can never return to its original form . Lossy compression is often used with images , audio and video to reduce the file size, for example to send over the internet. Lossless Compression Lossless compression reduces the size of a file without permanently removing any data . Because of this, the file is returned to its original form when decompressed, so no quality is lost . A file that is compressed with a lossless algorithm is usually larger than a file compressed with a lossy algorithm because no data has been permanently removed. Lossless compression is used with files that would not work if data was removed, for example executable files (e.g. programs and games) or word documents . Remember that lossy and lossless compression do not just refer to images. Below is an audio file that has been compressed with lossy compression . Data has been removed so the audio quality has decreased. 197 KB 81 KB 43 KB Compression Ratios Original File Size Compression Ratio = Compressed File Size 4 Mb = 5:1 20 Mb Example: A file has been compressed from 20 megabytes down to 4 megabytes. This is a compression ratio of 5:1. To calculate the size after compression , divide the original size by the first ratio value, then multiply it by the second value. For example, the new size for file 1 is (210 ÷ 10) x 3 = 63 MB. Triple-click the final column to see the right answers. Q uesto's Q uestions 4.8 - Compression: 1. Describe 3 benefits of compressing a file . [ 3 ] 2. Describe the differences between lossy and lossless compression . [4 ] 3. A student needs to compress a Microsoft Word document to send in an email. Suggest which type of compression they should use and why . [ 2 ] 4a. A text file was 72 KB and was compressed to 8 KB . State the compression ratio . 4b. An audio file was 4.5 MB and has been compressed to 0.9 MB. State the ratio. 4c. A 20 MB file is compressed with a ratio of 5:2 . What is the size of the compressed file ? [ 1 each ] 63MB 164KB 96KB 4.7 Sound Representation Theory Topics 5.1 - Data Structures

top Python - Section 3 Practice Tasks Task One: Square Number Create a program that asks the user to input a number and then prints the square of that number - to do this, multiply the number by itself . Remember: Break up variables and parts of a sentence in a print line by using commas. Example solutions: Enter a number: 12 The square of 12 is 144 Enter a number: 7 The square of 7 is 49 Task Two: Multiplying Numbers X Example solutions: Create a program that asks the user to input two numbers (num1 and num2 ). Multiply the two numbers together and print the total . Remember: Break up integer variables in a print line by using commas between each part of the sentence. Enter number one: 7 Enter number two: 9 7 x 9 = 63 Enter number one: 8 Enter number two: 12 8 x 12 = 96 Task Three: Turning 65 Example solutions: Create a program to input how old the user will turn this year and then print the year they will turn 65 . You could do this in just two lines but before trying that work out on paper the steps to calculating your own age you will turn 65. What steps did you take? Try to recreate those steps in Python. You might need to create another variable to make it easier. How old will you turn this year? 15 You will turn 65 in 2073 How old will you turn this year? 42 You will turn 65 in 2046 Task Four: Multiplication Table Let the user enter a number then print the first five multiplications in its times table. This can be done more simply when you learn about for loops but for now you will need to multiply the number by 1 , then multiply it by 2 etc. Try to make this program better by displaying the number and the value it is multiplied by in your print statements. Simple example solution: Enter a number: 8 8 16 24 32 40 Better example solution: Enter a number: 7 7 x 1 = 7 7 x 2 = 14 7 x 3 = 21 7 x 4 = 28 7 x 5 = 35 ⬅ 3b - Simple Calculations 4a - If Statements ➡

Setting up Python Downloading Python If you are using Python in Computer Science lessons, then your school should already have it downloaded and installed on the school computers. It is a good idea to download it on a home computer too so you can practice outside of lessons. Python is free and can be downloaded from the official website. You should download the most up-to-date version of Python 3. Save the file and then run it to start installing. Official Download Page Using Python When you run the Python application, it will open the shell. This window will display the outputs of any program you have created. Do not type into the shell . Click on the File tab then New File to open the editor. Python Shell - This displays the outputs of your program. Do not write directly into the shell . Python Editor - All code is written into the editor. When you want to test a program press the F5 key (or click the Run tab then Run Module ). The first time you test a program, it will prompt you to save the file. Make sure you save it somewhere you will remember - it is a good idea to create a folder named 'Python' where you can keep all your practice programs. The next page looks at actually creating a program but above shows how code has been typed into the editor and then displayed in the shell. You never need to save the shell window. Also, the editor saves automatically every time you run the program. Opening a Saved Program When you want to re-open and edit a file you have created previously double-clicking on it won't work . Right-click on the file and select Edit with IDLE : https://trinket.io/python/76b41b35c5 1 a - Printing ➡

2.2: Data Types Exam Board: OCR Specification: J277 What are the different data types? When programming, variables should be given appropriate data types . Character A single character , such as a letter, number or punctuation symbol. Examples: T 8 ? String A sequence of characters , including letters, numbers and punctuation. Examples: Harry Waters 14:50pm Ice Age 4 Integer A whole number . Examples: 475 -8432 56732 Real Boolean A decimal number . Examples: 65.3 -321.1234 909.135 An answer that only has two possible values . Examples: True / False Yes / No 0 / 1 Telephone numbers are always stored as a string , not an integer. Casting Converting the value of a variable from one data type into another is known as casting . Python automatically assumes an input is a string so the int() command is used to cast an input into an integer . Other Python commands for casting include str() and float() . For example: age = int(input("Enter your age: ")) Q uesto's Q uestions 2.2 - Data Types: 1. List the five data types , giving an example of each . [ 5 ] 2. State which data type is most suitable for the following variables: a. Age [ 1 ] b. Surname [ 1 ] c. Height (in metres) [ 1 ] d. First Initial [ 1 ] e. Phone number [ 1 ] f. Right-Handed? [ 1 ] 3. Explain what casting is and give a programming situation in which it would be used . [ 2 ] 2.1 - Programming Fundamentals Theory Topics 2.3 - Additional Techniques

top Python - Section 2 Practice Tasks Task One: Food & Colour Ask a user to input their favourite colour and their favourite food and then print a response using both answers. Requirements for a complete program: Use only one print line. Include both of the user's answers in the print line. Include capital letters, full stops and no irregular spacing in the printed line. Remember: Break up variables in a print line by using commas or plus signs between each part of the "sentence" . Example solutions: What is your favourite colour? green What is your favourite food? cheese Yum! I'll have green cheese for dinner tonight! What is your favourite colour? purple What is your favourite food? ice cream Let's have purple ice cream for breakfast! Task Two: Trivia Question Create a program that asks the user to input an answer to a trivia question of your choice then prints the correct answer with their response too. Requirements for a complete program: Only two lines. Include capital letters, full stops and no irregular spacing in the printed line. Example solution: What is the capital city of Botswana? Windhoek Correct answer: Gaborone. Your answer: Windhoek What is the closest planet to Earth? Mars Correct answer: Mars. Your answer: Mars Task Three: Getting to School Create a program that asks the user how they get to school and how many minutes it takes them (using int ). Then print an appropriate response that uses both variables . Requirements for a complete program: Use only one print line. Include both of the user's answers in the print line. Include capital letters, full stops and no irregular spacing in the printed line. Example solution: How do you get to school? car How many minutes does it take you? 45 Really? It takes you 45 minutes to get here by car? How do you get to school? walking How many minutes does it take you? 20 Really? It takes you 20 minutes to get here by walking? ⬅ 2b - Inputting Numbers 3a - Data Types ➡

Python - #1 - The Basics 1. Start with Commenting Programmers write A LOT of code. They need to understand exactly what they have written, especially if they are working as part of a team or returning to code after working on other projects. To help them understand what they have written, programmers use comments to annotate (explain) their code . Task 1 - Create a new Python program and use # to write a comment that says your name and the date. Save the file as 1-Basics.py In Python, type the # symbol then your message to write a comment. Comments are not printed when you run a program! It is a good idea to start every program with a comment, so you know what the program is about . 2. Printing to the Screen The most basic and common command you will use in Python is print . Inside the print brackets, you can write a message within speech marks . Your print command should turn purple - don't use any capital letters in Python unless it is inside speech marks! Task 2 - Write a nice message by using the print command, brackets and speech marks. Press F5 to run your program. 3. More Printing You can write multiple print lines one after another to print on different lines. Task 3 - Add two more print lines to your program. You can choose any message that you like. 4. New Lines You can use the special command \n to start a new line . This allows you to write on multiple lines but only use one print line. Use the backslash ( \ ) not the forward-slash ( / ). Task 4 - Use \n to write a 3 sentence conversation in only one line of code. Challenge Programs Use everything that you have learned on this page to help you create these programs... Challenge Task 1 - Days of the Week Create a new Python program. Save it as ' 1-Week.py ' Add a comment at the top with your name and the date. Create a program that prints the days of the week, with each day on a new line. BONUS : Try to use only one print line. BONUS : Have no empty spaces at the start of each line. When you run it, it should look like this: Challenge Task 2 - Conversation Create a new Python program. Save it as ' 1-Conversation.py ' Add a comment at the top with your name and the date. Create a program that prints a 6-line conversation between two people. It is up to you what these two people are talking about. BONUS : Try to use only one print line. BONUS : Have no empty spaces at the start of each line. When you run it, it could look something like this: #2 Variables >>>

Installing Greenfoot Greenfoot Home According to the Eduqas 2016 specification exam students will use version 2.4.2 of Greenfoot in the Component 2 exam . Eduqas GCSE students should practice using version 2.4.2 - despite the most up-to-date version currently being 3.6.1. If you are not learning Greenfoot for the Eduqas GCSE then you may wish to download and use the most current version. Eduqas 2016 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 Eduqas 2016 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 .