Systems Architecture

CPU Architecture, Performance & Embedded Systems

The Purpose of the CPU

CPU Components & Their Function

Von Neumann Architecture

Characteristics of the CPU

Embedded Systems

Memory & Storage

Primary & Secondary Storage

The Need for Primary Storage

RAM & ROM

Virtual Memory

The Need for Secondary Storage

Common Types of Storage

Suitable Storage Devices

Data Storage & Compression

Units of Data Storage

Processing Binary Data

Data Capacity & Calculating Capacity Requirements

Converting Between Denary & Binary

Binary Addition

Converting Between Denary & Hexadecimal

Converting Between Binary & Hexadecimal

Binary Shifts

Representing Characters

Representing Images

Representing Sound

Compression

Computer Networks, Connections & Protocols

Networks & Topologies

Types of Network

Factors of Network Performance

Client Server & Peer to Peer Networks

Local Area Network Hardware

The Internet

Star & Mesh Networks

Wired & Wireless Networks, Protocols & Layers

Modes of Connection

Encryption

IP Addressing & MAC Addressing

Standards in Computing

Network Protocols

The Concept of Layers

Network Security

Identifying & Preventing Threats to Computer Systems & Networks

Forms of Attack on a Network

Methods of Preventing a Network Attack

Systems Software

Operating Systems & Utility Software

The Purpose & Functionality of Operating Systems

The Purpose & Functionality of Utility Software

Ethical, Legal, Cultural & Environmental Impacts of Digital Technology

Ethical, Legal, Cultural & Environmental Impact

Impacts of Digital Technology on Wider Society

Legislation in Computer Science

Algorithms

Computational Thinking, Searching & Sorting Algorithms

Principles of Computational Thinking

Standard Searching Algorithms

Standard Sorting Algorithms

Designing, Creating & Refining Algorithms

Inputs, Processes, & Outputs for a Problem

Structure Diagrams

Pseudocode & Flowcharts

Identify Errors in Algorithms

Trace Tables

Programming Fundamentals

Programming Fundamentals & Data Types

Fundamental Programming Concepts

Programming Constructs

Common Arithmetic Operators

Common Boolean Operators

Data Types

Additional Programming Techniques

String Manipulation

File Handling

Records to Store Data

SQL

Arrays

Sub Programs

Random Number Generation

Producing Robust Programs

Defensive Design & Testing

Defensive Design Considerations

Input Validation

Program Maintainability

Testing Programs

Identify Syntax & Logic Errors in Testing

Selecting & Using Suitable Test Data

Boolean Logic

Boolean Logic Diagrams

Boolean Logic Diagrams

Combining Boolean Operators

Programming Languages & Integrated Development Environments

Programming Languages & Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)

Levels of Programming Languages

Translators, Compilers & Interpreters

Tools & Facilities in IDEs

Exam Technique

The Exam Papers

Paper 1 Guidance

Paper 2 Guidance

Structuring Your Responses

How to Answer Extended Response Questions

How to Answer Programming Questions

How to Answer Trace Table Questions

Exam boards

• AQA GCSE Computer Science
• Edexcel GCSE Computer Science

Study tools

• OCR GCSE Computer Science · Exam Questions
• OCR GCSE Computer Science · Flashcards
• OCR GCSE Computer Science · Past Papers

Related links

• GCSE Computer Science · Revision Notes
• GCSE Computer Science · Exam Questions
• GCSE Computer Science · Flashcards
• GCSE Computer Science · Past Papers
• GCSE Computer Science · Glossary
• OCR GCSE Computer Science · Exam specification