By Revision Genie
Data Representation
Unit 1
Why Computers Use Binary
The Denary Number System
The Binary Number System
The Hexadecimal Number System
Converting Denary to Binary
Converting Denary to Hexadecimal
Converting Binary to Hexadecimal
Converting Hexadecimal to Binary
Benefits of Using Hexadecimal
Adding Two Binary Numbers
Understanding Binary Overflow
Logical Binary Shifts
Two's Complement Representation
Representing Text with ASCII
Representing Text with Unicode
How Computers Represent Sound
Sample Rate and Resolution Effects
How Computers Represent Images
Image Resolution and Colour Depth
Measuring Data Storage Units
Calculating Image File Size
Calculating Sound File Size
Purpose of Data Compression
Lossless Compression Methods
Lossy Compression Methods
Unit 2
Data Transmission
Understanding Data Packets
Structure of a Data Packet
Packet Switching Process
Serial Data Transmission
Parallel Data Transmission
Simplex Transmission Method
Half-Duplex Transmission Method
Full-Duplex Transmission Method
Suitability of Transmission Methods
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Interface
Advantages of USB Interface
Error Detection in Data Transmission
Causes of Errors in Transmission
Parity Check Method
Checksum Method
Echo Check Method
Check Digit for Error Detection
Applications of Check Digits
Automatic Repeat Query (ARQ)
Positive and Negative Acknowledgements in ARQ
Timeout in ARQ Mechanism
Purpose of Encryption in Data Transmission
Symmetric Encryption Process
Asymmetric Encryption Process
Public and Private Keys in Encryption
Unit 3
Hardware
The Role of the CPU
What is a Microprocessor?
Von Neumann Architecture Components
The Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle
Cores, Cache, and Clock Speed
Instruction Sets in CPUs
Embedded Systems Overview
Examples of Embedded Systems
Defining Input Devices
Examples of Input Devices
Defining Output Devices
Examples of Output Devices
What is a Sensor?
Types of Sensors and Their Data
Selecting Sensors for Contexts
Primary Storage Definition
RAM and ROM Differences
Why Computers Need RAM and ROM
Secondary Storage Definition
Magnetic Storage Operation
Optical Storage Operation
Solid-State Storage Operation
Virtual Memory: Creation and Use
Why Virtual Memory is Necessary
Cloud Storage Definition
Advantages of Cloud Storage
Disadvantages of Cloud Storage
Network Interface Cards (NICs)
Media Access Control (MAC) Address Structure
Purpose of MAC Addresses
Internet Protocol (IP) Address Types
Purpose of IP Addresses
IPv4 vs IPv6 Characteristics
Role of Routers in Networks
How Routers Assign IP Addresses
Connecting Local Networks to the Internet
Unit 4
Software
System Software vs Application Software
Examples of System Software
Examples of Application Software
Roles of an Operating System
Managing Files in an Operating System
Handling Interrupts in an Operating System
Providing an Interface in an Operating System
Managing Peripherals and Drivers
Memory Management in an Operating System
Multitasking in an Operating System
System Security Features in an Operating System
Managing User Accounts in an Operating System
Hardware, Firmware, and Operating Systems
How Applications Run on Operating Systems
Interrupts: Definition and Examples
Software Interrupts: Division by Zero Example
Hardware Interrupts: Keyboard and Mouse Example
Interrupt Service Routine (ISR) Process
High-Level Programming Languages
Low-Level Programming Languages
Assembly Language and Mnemonics
Assembler: Translating Assembly to Machine Code
Compilers: Operation and Features
Interpreters: Operation and Features
Advantages of Compilers vs Interpreters
Disadvantages of Compilers vs Interpreters
Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)
Code Editors in IDEs
Run-Time Environment in IDEs
Translators in IDEs
Error Diagnostics in IDEs
Auto-Completion Features in IDEs
Auto-Correction Features in IDEs
Prettyprint in IDEs
Unit 5
The Internet and Its Uses
The Internet vs. World Wide Web
What is a URL?
Components of a URL
HTTP Protocol Basics
HTTPS Protocol Basics
How Web Browsers Work
Functions of Web Browsers
Bookmarks and Navigation Tools
Cookies: Definition and Purpose
Session Cookies vs. Persistent Cookies
How Web Pages Are Retrieved
Role of DNS in Web Browsing
Role of IP Addresses in Web Browsing
Role of Web Servers in Web Browsing
HTML Rendering in Browsers
Introduction to Digital Currency
Uses of Digital Currency
What is Blockchain?
Blockchain for Digital Currency Transactions
Unit 6
Cyber Security
Defining Cyber Security
Brute Force Attack
Data Interception
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attack
Hacking Techniques
Understanding Malware
Viruses in Cyber Security
Worms and Their Impact
Trojan Horse Malware
Spyware Threats
Adware Characteristics
Ransomware Explained
Pharming Attacks
Phishing Scams
Social Engineering Tactics
Access Levels for Security
Anti-Malware Solutions
Anti-Virus Software Usage
Anti-Spyware Tools
Authentication Methods
Username and Password Security
Biometric Authentication
Two-Step Verification
Automating Software Updates
Identifying Suspicious Communication
URL Checking for Security
Firewalls and Their Role
Privacy Settings for Protection
Proxy Servers in Security
Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Protocol
Unit 7
Automated and Emerging Technologies
Introduction to Automated Systems
Sensors in Automated Systems
Microprocessors in Automated Systems
Actuators in Automated Systems
Collaborative Use of Sensors, Microprocessors, and Actuators
Advantages of Automated Systems
Disadvantages of Automated Systems
Automated Systems in Industry
Automated Systems in Transport
Automated Systems in Agriculture
Automated Systems in Weather Monitoring
Automated Systems in Gaming
Automated Systems in Lighting
Automated Systems in Science Applications
Introduction to Robotics
Characteristics of Robots
Mechanical Structure of Robots
Electrical Components in Robots
Programming Robots
Roles of Robots in Industry
Roles of Robots in Transport
Roles of Robots in Agriculture
Roles of Robots in Medicine
Roles of Robots in Domestic Applications
Roles of Robots in Entertainment
Advantages of Using Robots
Disadvantages of Using Robots
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Characteristics of Artificial Intelligence
Data Collection in AI Systems
Rules for Using Data in AI Systems
Reasoning in AI Systems
Learning and Adaptation in AI Systems
Expert Systems in AI
Components of Expert Systems
Knowledge Base in Expert Systems
Rule Base in Expert Systems
Inference Engine in Expert Systems
Interfaces in Expert Systems
Introduction to Machine Learning
Basic Operation of Machine Learning
Automatic Adaptation in Machine Learning
Simulating Intelligent Behavior with AI
Unit 8
Algorithm Design and Problem-Solving
The Program Development Life Cycle
Stages of Analysis in Development
Abstraction in Problem Analysis
Decomposition of Problems
Identifying Requirements in Analysis
Designing Solutions with Flowcharts
Using Structure Diagrams in Design
Writing Pseudocode for Solutions
Coding Solutions from Designs
Iterative Testing During Coding
Validation of Input Data
Types of Validation Checks
Implementing Range Checks
Implementing Type Checks
Implementing Format Checks
Verification of Input Data
Double Entry Verification Checks
Visual Verification Checks
Testing with Normal Data
Testing with Extreme Data
Testing with Abnormal Data
Boundary Testing Explained
Trace Tables for Dry-Running Algorithms
Documenting Algorithm Steps in Trace Tables
Finding Errors in Algorithms
Correcting Errors in Algorithms
Standard Methods of Solution
Linear Search Algorithm
Bubble Sort Algorithm
Totalling in Algorithms
Counting in Algorithms
Finding Maximum Values in Algorithms
Finding Minimum Values in Algorithms
Finding Average Values in Algorithms
Writing Algorithms in Pseudocode
Amending Pseudocode Algorithms
Writing Algorithms Using Flowcharts
Amending Flowchart Algorithms
Common Algorithm Design Traps
Debugging Algorithms Effectively
Examining Algorithm Purpose
Using Subsystems in Problem Decomposition
Designing Solutions Using Subsystems
Exam Scenario-Based Algorithm Design
Unit 9
Programming
Understanding Variables and Constants
Basic Data Types in Programming
Using Input and Output Statements
Concept of Sequence in Programs
Selection with IF Statements
Selection with CASE Statements
Iteration with FOR Loops
Iteration with WHILE Loops
Iteration with REPEAT Loops
String Handling Techniques
Arithmetic Operators in Programming
Logical Operators in Programming
Boolean Operators in Programming
Using Nested Statements
Procedures: Definition and Use
Functions: Definition and Use
Parameters in Procedures and Functions
Local vs Global Variables
Using Library Routines
Creating Maintainable Programs
Using Meaningful Identifiers
Commenting Syntax Effectively
Declaring One-Dimensional Arrays
Declaring Two-Dimensional Arrays
Using Arrays for Data Storage
Reading and Writing Array Values
Purpose of File Handling in Programs
Opening and Closing Files
Reading Data from Files
Writing Data to Files
Program Development Life Cycle Overview
Analysis Stage of Program Development
Design Stage of Program Development
Coding Stage of Program Development
Testing Stage of Program Development
Understanding Subsystems and Decomposition
Designing Solutions with Pseudocode
Designing Solutions with Structure Diagrams
Validation Checks on Input Data
Verification Checks on Input Data
Types of Test Data
Using Trace Tables for Dry Runs
Identifying Errors in Algorithms
Writing Algorithms in Program Code
Writing Algorithms in Flowcharts
Unit 10
Databases
What Is a Database?
Fields and Records Explained
Single-Table Databases Overview
Database Design Principles
Choosing Database Fields
Data Types in Databases
Text/Alphanumeric Data Type
Character Data Type
Boolean Data Type
Integer Data Type
Real Data Type
Date/Time Data Type
What Is a Primary Key?
Selecting a Primary Key
Why Primary Keys Are Important
Introduction to SQL
SQL Syntax Basics
Using SELECT in SQL Queries
Using FROM in SQL Queries
Using WHERE in SQL Queries
Using ORDER BY in SQL Queries
Using SUM in SQL Queries
Using COUNT in SQL Queries
Combining SQL Clauses Effectively
Reading SQL Query Outputs
Completing SQL Scripts
SQL Querying Step-by-Step
Common SQL Errors and Fixes
Validating Data in Databases
Database Design Exam Tips
Unit 11
Boolean Logic
Introduction to Boolean Logic
Logic Gate Symbols
The NOT Gate
The AND Gate
The OR Gate
The NAND Gate
The NOR Gate
The XOR Gate
Functions of Logic Gates
Binary Inputs and Outputs
Creating Logic Circuits from Statements
Creating Logic Circuits from Truth Tables
Creating Logic Circuits from Expressions
Completing Truth Tables from Statements
Completing Truth Tables from Expressions
Completing Truth Tables from Logic Circuits
Writing Logic Expressions from Statements
Writing Logic Expressions from Circuits
Writing Logic Expressions from Truth Tables
Simplifying Logic Expressions
Designing Logic Circuits with Multiple Inputs
Common Exam Traps in Logic Circuits
Using Logic Gates in Real-World Applications
Interpreting Complex Logic Circuits
Troubleshooting Logic Circuits
Key Differences Between Logic Gates
Constructing Circuits with Up to Three Inputs
Truth Table for Three Inputs
Examining Binary Outputs in Depth
Practical Uses of XOR Gates
Understanding Gate Limitations
Binary Logic in Computational Systems
Exam Tips for Boolean Logic Questions
Introduction to Logic Circuit Design
Step-by-Step Logic Circuit Design