A-level Computing/CIE/Computer systems, communications and software

v • d • e A-level Computing : Section 1

Components of a computer system and modes of use	Types of hardware · Types of software

System software	Operating systems · User interfaces · Utility software

Data: its representation, structure and management	Data types · Data structures · Data management

Hardware	Processor components · Primary and secondary storage · Peripheral devices

Data transmission and networking	Data transmission · Circuit switching and packet switching · Protocols · Networking

System life cycle	Identification of problem · Feasibility study · Information collection · Analysis of a problem · Design of system to fit requirements · Development and testing of system · Installation of system · Maintenance of system · Obsolescence

Choosing appropriate applications software	Custom-written software versus off-the-shelf software packages · Application software

Handling of data in information systems	Data capture, preparation and data input · Validation and verification of data · Outputs from a system · Knowledge-based systems

Designing the user interface	Interface design

Logic gates	Uses of logic gates to translate Boolean concepts into physical uses

The Examination