Complete A practical

ICT
approach for
the updated
syllabus

for Cambridge IGCSE ®

Revision Guide

Stephen Doyle

Oxford excellence for Cambridge IGCSE®

Contents
Introduction v

Exam guidance and practice 1 1

1 Types and components of computer systems

1.1 Hardware and software 8
1.2 The main components of computer systems 9
1.3 Operating systems 10
1.4 Types of computer 11
1.5 Impact of emerging technologies 11

2 Input and output devices

2.1 Input devices and their uses 16
2.2 Direct data entry and associated devices 20
2.3 Output devices and their uses 21

3 Storage devices and media

3.1 Storage devices and media 28
3.2 The advantages and disadvantages of the different
storage devices 30

4 Networks and the effects of using them

4.1 Network devices 34
4.2 Network issues and communication 37

5 The effects of using IT

5.1 Effects of IT on employment 47
5.2 Effects of IT on working patterns within organisations 48
5.3 Microprocessor-controlled devices in the home 48
5.4 Potential health problems related to the prolonged use
of IT equipment 49

6 ICT applications
6.1 Communication applications 55
6.2 Data handling applications 55
6.3 Measurement applications 55
6.4 Microprocessors in control applications 56
6.5 Modelling applications 57
6.6 Applications in manufacturing industries 57
6.7 School management systems 57

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IGCSE Revision guide: ICT

6.8 Booking systems 58

6.9 Banking applications 59
6.10 Computers in medicine 61
6.11 Computers in libraries 62
6.12 Expert systems 62
6.13 Computers in the retail industry 63
6.14 Recognition systems 65
6.15 Monitoring and tracking systems 66
6.16 Satellite systems 67

7 The systems life cycle

7.1 Analysis 72
7.2 Design 74
7.3 Development and testing 75
7.4 Implementation 76
7.5 Documentation 77
7.6 Evaluation 78

8 Safety and security

8.1 Physical safety 82
8.2 e-safety 83

9 Audience
9.1 Audience appreciation 92
9.2 Legal, moral, ethical and cultural appreciation 93

10 Communication
10.1 Communicate with other ICT users using email 98
10.2 Effective use of the internet 99

Exam guidance and practice 2 106

Revision Checklist for the Practical Papers 111

Exam guidance and practice 3 123

Answers 129

Glossary 161

iv
Introduction
This revision guide covers the theory content of Cambridge International
Examinations IGCSE® ICT (0417). It also gives you useful advice on the
practical part of the syllabus. This book will support you in your revision
and will help you achieve your best by offering practical help and guidance
on how to approach examination questions.
The main part of the book covers the theoretical part of the course.
Towards the end, you will find help and guidance on the practical section.
Here are some of the key features you will encounter throughout this
revision guide:

SYLLABUS REVISION SUMMARY

This gives the syllabus headings covered in the
topic. This describes the main concepts and
terminology covered in the topic.

Exam preparation Exam-style questions

These short exercises will increase your These are exam-style questions for you to try,
confidence in approaching exam-style based on the content in each topic. Sample
questions. Suggested answers can be found at answers are provided at the back of the book.
the back of the book.

Important things to remember 10 MINUTE TEST

This is a summary of the topic content but
with some words missing. Test yourself to This is a short test covering the key concepts
see if you can fill in the missing words and and terms covered in the topic. Suggested
phrases. Answers are provided at the back of answers to these are provided at the back of
the book. the book.

Exam guidance and practice

These sections will help you prepare for assessment. They contain useful
tips and techniques and there are lots of sample exam questions for you to
practise. Sample answers are provided at the back of the book.

Revision checklist; practical papers

The detailed content for the practical papers has not been included in this
revision guide as the skills needed should be developed over time during
your lessons.
However, in this section you will find checklists which allow you to assess your
practical skills. By assessing your skills and knowledge you can decide where to
focus your efforts. Are there areas where you need further practice?

Glossary
At the end of the revision guide, you will find a glossary containing
definitions of key ICT terms.
Best of luck in your examinations and beyond!

v
 Exam guidance and practice 1
What you will learn
There are three assessment objectives for the IGCSE in ICT. You will be
assessed on your:
• ability to recall, select and communicate knowledge and understanding
of ICT,
• ability to apply knowledge, understanding and skills to produce ICT
solutions,
• ability to analyse, evaluate and make reasoned judgements and present
conclusions.
You will be required to take three examination papers with each paper
covering the following:
Paper 1 Theory
Paper 2 Document Production, Data Manipulation and Presentations
Paper 3 Data Analysis and Website Authoring.

The examination will assess your skills and

knowledge of ICT
All questions in each of the papers are compulsory and your answers to all
the papers are externally assessed.

Paper Duration Coverage Weighting

1 Theory 2 hours Assesses theoretical knowledge in 40%
Sections 1–21 (i.e. all the sections).
2 Document Production, 2½ hours Assesses practical skills in Sections 17, 30%
Data Manipulation and 18 and 19.
Presentations
3 Data Analysis and 2½ hours Assesses practical skills in Sections 20 30%
Website Authoring and 21.

Answering questions
There are two main things which might limit how well you do in
an examination:
• Lack of knowledge
• Lack of examination technique.
It is possible to know a topic very well and yet not do as well as you
could because of lack of examination technique. Examination technique
is particularly important in ICT because the questions need quite a lot of
analysing before answering.
Most importantly, you need to answer:
• the question you have been asked
• not a question you think has been asked
• or the question you would like to have been asked (because you know
the answer to it!).

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IGCSE Revision guide: ICT

Common mistakes when answering ICT questions

Here is a list of the common mistakes made when answering ICT questions:
• Copying out the question or part of the question in the answer – this
just wastes time.
• Writing one word for an answer that requires a sentence.
• Writing a sentence for an answer that requires a one-word answer.
• Writing ’faster, cheaper, better, easier, etc.’, in your answers, rather
than explaining why.
• The use of brand names on their own such as Word or Access when
you should write word-processing software or database software.

Tips for answering questions

In many cases the introductory sentences/paragraphs will refer to a particular
business or type of organisation such as a car dealership, a school library, a
shop, a doctors’ surgery, etc., and the answers you give should relate to the
context. Do not write general answers that would apply to any organisation.
Be clear and concise in your answers.
Do not waffle or ramble on. This wastes time. Concentrate on giving facts,
not flowery prose.
The average person knows quite a bit about ICT. For IGCSE ICT your
knowledge is deeper than this, so your answers to questions need to
reflect this.
Questions often contain emboldened details on the number of responses
needed. For example, ’Describe three ways in which an organisation’s own
staff can present a security risk for ICT systems’. Make sure that your three
answers are distinctly different.
Make sure that you also use some of the knowledge gained from practical
work in your answers.

What is a structured question?

A structured question consists of a series of related questions often based
on a short paragraph describing a situation. Some questions may require
short, one-word answers or a single sentence. Others will require more
detailed explanations.
Here is an example of a structured question:
Stergos runs a medium-sized company. His computer network uses a file server
which has all the data files and programs stored on it. Stergos is investigating
the best method of backing up the data and programs on this server.
A Describe what is meant by a backup. (2 marks)
B Give two ways in which the original data on the file server
could be lost, damaged or destroyed. (2 marks)
C Stergos has decided to choose between magnetic hard disk
and magnetic tape for the taking of backup copies.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using each of
these media. (6 marks)

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 Exam guidance and practice I

The marks for each question will vary according to how much explanation
is required in the answers. For example, short answers requiring a very brief
statement or definition could earn you 1 or 2 marks. Questions that require
longer answers that demonstrate a deeper understanding will usually be
awarded more marks.

Identifying what each question requires

In the example structured question on page 2, notice how different words
are used at the start of each question to tell you what to do, such as
’describe’, ’give’ and ’discuss’.
The following words are commands or instructions common to all
structured questions. Each one requires you to answer a question in a
different way. Some examples of questions are provided.

Commands What is required?

Compare and Point out the similarities and differences between two things.
contrast
Define Give a definition of a term.
Describe Provide a series of short descriptions or explain a series of steps.
’A store uses an EFTPOS terminal for stock control. Describe the computer
processing that takes place in order to determine if a product needs
re-ordering.’
’Describe what is meant by spyware.’
’Describe the differences between physical security and e-safety when using
computers.’
Discuss Describe reasons or arguments for and against a particular proposal.
Sometimes you have to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of two
devices, ways of doing things or situations.
Usually these are questions requiring longer answers.
’Homes contain many microprocessor-controlled devices. Discuss the effects
of these on people’s lifestyles.’
Explain Clearly define and describe what a term/process means. Usually a more
extended answer is needed involving several sentences.
’Explain the differences between phishing and pharming.’
Give Usually a single word or a short sentence.
’CDs or pen drives can be used for transferring work between computers.
Give three reasons why a student may prefer to use a pen drive.’
’Give two uses of expert systems.’
Identify Find or state the choice.
’Identify two input devices which would be used at an EFTPOS terminal.’
Name Just give the name, which is usually a single word.
’Other than a temperature sensor, name two sensors used in a greenhouse.’

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IGCSE Revision guide: ICT

How to approach a structured question

Read the introductory sentences/paragraph slowly and then read all the
subsequent questions in full before starting your answer.
Make sure you understand as much as you can about each question before
you start writing your answer.
Underline all the key terms and concepts you can identify in the extract/
scenario and each question.
Note the command word in each question to identify what is expected
from your answer.
We will now apply these techniques to the structured question on page 2.
Stergos runs a medium-sized company. His computer network uses a file
server which has all the data files and programs stored on it. Stergos is
investigating the best method of backing up the data and programs on
this server.
A Describe what is meant by a backup. (2 marks)
Do not waste time writing any part of the question out – so, for
example, don’t start by writing ’The purpose of a backup is…’.
Here is a sample answer with the marks in brackets.
A copy of programs and data files (1) kept for security purposes on an
alternative medium (1) in case the originals are damaged or destroyed
(1) and kept away from the location of the computer (1).
B Give two ways in which the original data on the file server could be
lost, damaged or destroyed. (2 marks)
’Give’ means one-word or several-word answers are ok.
Any two answers from the following would be acceptable:
Fire (1)
Theft of hardware (1)
Virus attack (1)
Equipment malfunction (1)
User error (1)
C Stergos has decided to choose between magnetic hard disk and
magnetic tape for the taking of backup copies.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using each of these
media. (6 marks)
There are six marks here for advantages and disadvantages, so separate
and distinct points are needed. In ’discuss’ questions you should provide
a conclusion.
Here is an example of a good quality answer, which includes a number
of clear advantages and disadvantages, as well as a conclusion:
It is faster to store onto tape when all the files on the server need
backing up (1)
For the same amount of data, tape storage is cheaper (1)
Tapes are easier to store (1)

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 Exam guidance and practice I

Tapes are easier to remove from the premises as they are separate from
the drive (1)
Hard disks are mainly situated in the drives which makes them heavy
and less portable (1)
Tape backup drives are usually included with file servers so no extra
device needs to be bought (1)
Conclusion: Tape would be best as the capacity is higher, they are more
portable and the speed at which data is saved to them is faster as all
the files on the server need to be backed up (1)

20 MINUTE TEST

You now have 20 minutes to answer the When you have finished writing your answers,
following structured question using all the compare them with the sample answers and
techniques you have learned in this section. teacher comments provided on the following
1 There are a number of health and safety pages.
risks associated with the use of computers.
A Explain the difference between a health
risk and a safety risk. (2 marks)
B Give the names of three health risks
associated with computer use and
describe what a computer user can
do to minimise each risk. (6 marks)

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IGCSE Revision guide: ICT

A Explain the difference between a health risk and a safety risk. (2 marks)
Sample answer
A health risk is something that makes you unhealthy and a safety risk is
something that is dangerous.
Teacher comments
This answers simply repeats a lot of words from the question and is not
clear enough to do well.
The student needed to mention that safety usually concerns the things
which might cause accidents (e.g. things piled too high that may fall over
onto someone, cables lying across the floor as a tripping hazard, etc.) and
health risk are things that do not cause accidents but can lead to health
problems.
B Give the names of three health risks associated with computer use and
describe what a computer user can do to minimise each risk. (6 marks)
Sample answer
Becoming overweight – do not snack while you are using your computer.
Eye strain – have regular eye tests.
Repetitive strain injury caused by using a keyboard or mouse over a long period
without a break – take regular breaks or changes in activity to an activity that
does not involve computer use.
Teacher comments
Putting on weight is not really directly caused by computers because this
tends to be caused by overeating or lack of exercise.
The second answer is okay but it fails to explain how eye strain is caused by
computer use. If the student had mentioned that it was caused by a dirty
screen, screen flicker, etc., then I would have given two marks. Only one
out of two marks is given.
The third answer is fine as the health risk, how it is caused by computer use and
how it can be avoided are mentioned. I’d award two marks here.

So, how good do you think your answers were compared to those of
the student and the examiner’s comments? For each question, make
a note of where you need to improve your answers.

Let’s look at another example

Computer viruses are a threat to computer systems.
A Explain what is meant by a computer virus. (2 marks)
B Give one thing that a computer virus might do on a computer system.
(1 mark)
C Give one way of preventing computer viruses entering a system.
(1 mark)
Sample answer 1
A A program that does damage.
B Destroy the computer.
C Use McAfee to stop viruses getting into your computer.

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 Exam guidance and practice I

Teacher comments
A This is a bit vague because it is not specific about what it does damage to.
I would award 1 mark for this answer.
B Not a strong answer. Viruses can be removed and therefore cannot be said
to ’destroy’ the computer.
C Brand names should never be given. So instead of McAfee they should
have said ’antivirus software or virus scanner’.
(1 mark out of 4)
Sample answer 2
A A mischievous program that copies itself onto your computer and does harm
by messing up settings or deleting data.
B It can start to make your computer run slowly and can also cause it to crash
unexpectedly.
C Use virus scanning software to scan for viruses and remove them if they are
found.
Teacher comments
A A good answer which makes it clear that it is a program that
copies itself.
B Again another good answer which gives an example of what a virus
might do.
C A strong answer.
(4 marks out of 4)
Teacher’s suggested answers
A Two marks allocated in the following way:
Program that copies itself automatically (1) and causes damage to data
or causes the computer to run slowly (1).
B One mark for an answer such as:
Can erase files which means the operating system software cannot be
loaded (1).
Can cause the deletion of data (1).
Can cause the computer to crash (1).
Can cause the changing of settings, which causes annoyance to the
user (1).
Can copy passwords and usernames and transmit these to another
person (1).
C One mark for one of the following:
Don’t open file attachments unless you know who they are from. (1)
Install virus scanning/checking software. (1)
Keep virus scanning/checking software up-to-date. (1)
Don’t download files from unknown sources. (1)

7
1 Types and components of computer systems
REVISION SUMMARY
➔ Hardware means the physical components of a computer system SYLLABUS
(i.e. the parts you can physically touch) whereas software are This section will
programs for controlling the operation of the computer or the • Detail the types
processing of electronic data. and components
➔ Hardware can be either internal (inside the computer casing) or of computer
external (outside the computer casing). systems including
➔ Software can be divided into system software and applications hardware and
software. System software is the collection of programs that software, the
control the running of a computer system. Applications software main components,
is software that is used to complete a task such as storing student operating systems,
details in a database. types of computer
and the impact
➔ The main components of a computer system are the central
of emerging
processing unit (CPU), internal memory (ROM and RAM), input
technologies.
devices, output devices and secondary/backing storage.
➔ All computers need an operating system as part of the system
software. Operating systems can use a command line interface
(CLI) or a graphical user interface (GUI).
➔ There is a range of computers to choose from: desktop computers,
laptop computers, tablet computers and smartphones. Most
users connect their computers to networks, mainly the internet,
using wires/cables or wirelessly using 3G/4G technology.
➔ New technologies are being developed all the time and these are
called emerging technologies and currently include artificial
intelligence, biometrics, vision enhancement, robotics,
quantum cryptography, computer-assisted translation,
3D and holographic imaging and virtual reality.

1.1 Hardware and software

Hardware – can be internal or external
Internal hardware devices are devices inside the computer casing and
include the following:
Processor/central processing unit (CPU) – does the processing such as
calculations, logic comparisons, sorts, etc.
Motherboard – the main printed circuit board containing the central
processing unit and memory and also connectors for connecting external
hardware devices such as keyboards, mice, speakers, etc.
Random access memory (RAM) – memory chips which lose their contents
when the power is removed.
Read-only memory (ROM) – memory chips where the contents cannot be
changed by the user and where the contents are retained when the power
is removed.
Video cards – circuits that generate the signals so that a video output
device can display computer data such as text and graphics.

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 Types and components of computer systems 1

Sound cards – an expansion card that allows a computer to send audio

signals to audio devices such as speakers or headphones.
Internal hard disk drives – a rigid magnetic material coated disk on which
programs and data can be stored.

External hardware devices are those devices outside the computer casing
and include monitors, keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, etc., as well as
external storage devices such as some optical drives and portable hard disks.

Software
Software consists of sets of instructions that tell the computer hardware
what to do.
There are two types of software: system software and applications software.
System software consists of programs that control the computer
hardware directly by giving the step-by-step instructions that tell the
computer hardware what to do. Here are the components of system
software and what they do:
• Operating system – controls the system resources and the processes
using these resources on a computer. Operating systems control the
handling of input, output, interrupts, etc.
• Device drivers – short programs used to supply the instructions to the
hardware on how to operate devices connected to a computer such as
a printer, scanner, etc.
• Compilers – software that converts programming language
instructions into binary code in one go. The binary code can be
understood directly by the computer.
• Linkers – link the code (i.e. program instructions) that the programmer
writes with other resources and libraries that make up the whole
program file.
• Utilities – programs to help users with everyday tasks such as: file
maintenance, compressing files to make more room, installing and
uninstalling software, checking for and removing viruses, etc.

Applications software are programs designed to carry out certain

tasks such as keeping accounts, storing and organising student details,
producing documents, etc.

1.2 The main components of

computer systems
Processor (CPU) and
Input devices Output devices
internal memory

Backing/secondary
storage devices

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IGCSE Revision guide: ICT

Input devices – include keyboards, mice, microphones, scanners, etc.,

and are used to enter data into the computer system for processing by
the processor.
Processor – sometimes known as the CPU (central processing unit), it is the
brain of the computer and it interprets and executes the commands given
to it by the hardware and software.
Internal memory – this is where data and instructions are held that are
needed immediately by the processor and can be ROM (read only memory)
or RAM (random access memory).
Backing/secondary storage devices – this is storage other than internal
memory (i.e. RAM and ROM) and includes the internal hard disk, portable
hard disk, optical disks, pen drives, etc.
Output devices – such as screens, printers and speakers, and are used to
output the results of processing the input data.

ROM (read only memory) RAM (random access memory)

Data and program instructions are stored Data and program instructions are stored
permanently. temporarily.
The computer can only read the contents. Can read contents as well as write new contents.
Non-volatile, meaning the contents of memory Volatile, meaning the contents are lost when
are retained when there is no power. there is no power.
Used to store the BIOS program used to boot up
the computer when the power is turned on.

1.3 Operating systems

Operating systems use the following two main ways of interacting with users:
Graphical user interface (GUI) – consisting of Windows, Icons, Menus
and Pointers (i.e. WIMP for short). Selections are made by clicking a mouse.
Command line interface (CLI) – commands are entered using the keyboard.

Benefits of a GUI Drawbacks of a GUI

More user friendly. More hard disk space needed to store operating
system.
No commands to remember. Typing in commands can be faster.
Easy to pass data between software packages. More RAM and ROM needed.

Benefits of a CLI Drawbacks of a CLI

Can be faster to type commands than to move Commands need to be remembered.
and click a mouse.
Does not need as much hard disk space as a GUI. Commands need to be given precisely.
Does not need as much ROM and RAM.

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 Types and components of computer systems 1

1.4 Types of computer

There are the following types of computer arranged in order of the largest
to the smallest: desktop, laptop, tablet and smartphone.
Most of the exam questions on types of computer are comparative, for
example comparing the relative advantages and disadvantages in using a
desktop compared to a laptop.
The main features of each are summarised in this table:

Desktop Laptop Tablet Smartphone

Separate components All in one so easy to Light and compact so Very light and pocket
means it is hard to move. easily transported. sized.
dismantle.
Used on a desk so less Often used awkwardly Uses an on-screen On-screen keyboard is
likelihood of RSI or so chance of backache keyboard which can be small and hard to use.
backache. or RSI. awkward to use.
Needs a mains power Can be used away Can be used away Can be used away
supply. from the mains power. from the mains power. from the mains power.
Easy to upgrade and Harder to upgrade and Harder to upgrade and Harder to upgrade and
repair. repair. repair. repair.
Full-sized keyboard and Touch pad is more Uses a touch screen Small screen makes it
mouse are easy to use. cumbersome to use. which makes it easy to more difficult to use.
surf the net.
Flat surface needed to No flat surface is Can be used in most Easiest type to use
move mouse on. needed. positions including when on the move.
standing up.

1.5 Impact of emerging technologies

You need to know about the following emerging technologies:
Artificial intelligence (AI) – science of computers learning things to become
more intelligent and work things out for themselves.
Biometrics – uses a property of the human body such as fingerprints,
pattern on the back of the eye (i.e. the retina) or the pattern on the
iris to recognise a person. Can be used for access to phones, buildings,
computers and to restrict access at border control at airports and ports.
Computer assisted translation – automatically recognises the language a
section of text is in and then converts it into a language you can understand.
Quantum cryptography – uses quantum mechanics to produce a very
secure encryption technique. It can detect eavesdroppers and stop the
communication.
Vision enhancement – detects light as well as some radiation outside the
visible spectrum to produce a clearer image. Used by the military to see in
poor light and it can enable people with poor eyesight to see more clearly.
3D and holographic imaging – uses lasers to give the illusion of depth in
an image.

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IGCSE Revision guide: ICT

Virtual reality – a simulation of the real or an imaginary world. Image

is displayed on a headset and you can interact with the system using a
keyboard and mouse or using a special glove.
Robotics – robots are used in factories for welding panels, assembling
components, paint spraying, moving and packing stock. Robots can be
used in the home for vacuuming or washing floors or mowing grass.

Advantages of using robots Disadvantages of using robots

Can operate continuously 24 hours per day. Initial purchase cost is high.
You don’t have to pay them wages. Equipment can go wrong.
Can re-program the device to perform different Fewer people employed leads to unemployment.
tasks.
Expensive specialist programmers needed.
More accurate than humans.

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 Types and components of computer systems 1

Exam preparation
1 Use the information contained in the table in Section 1.4 (Types of
computer) to compare the benefits and drawbacks of the following
different types of computer:
A A desktop computer compared to a laptop computer.
B A laptop computer compared to a tablet computer.
C A tablet computer compared to a smartphone having all the
latest features.

Exam-style questions
1 A Define the terms hardware and software.
B Hardware devices can be internal or external. Give the names of
three internal hardware devices and three external hardware
devices.
C Here are the main components of a computer system:
Output devices
Backing/secondary storage devices
Input devices
Processor (CPU) and internal memory
Place each of the above in its correct box in the following
diagram of a computer system.

2 Desktop computers and smartphones can be used to access the

internet.
A Give two advantages in using a desktop computer rather than a
smartphone for this purpose.
B Give two disadvantages in using a desktop computer rather
than a smartphone for this purpose.

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IGCSE Revision guide: ICT

Important things to remember

Fill in the missing key words ____________ storage is slower storage and
Computer systems consist of physical includes the internal hard disk as well as
components you can touch called ____________ external hard disk, pen drives, tape drives, etc.
and the instructions, data and programs to tell Operating systems require an ____________ to
the computer what to do called ____________. allow a user to communicate with them and there
Hardware inside the computer casing (such are two main types: a graphical user interface and
as the motherboard, RAM and ROM) is called a ____________ ____________ interface. A GUI
____________ hardware and hardware outside the consists of windows, ____________, ____________
computer casing (such as keyboards and printers) and pointers and uses a mouse or touch pad
is called ____________ hardware. to make selections. A command line interface
works by the user typing in carefully constructed
Software used to control the computer
____________ and this makes it hard to use.
hardware directly is called ____________
software, and that used to accomplish a task There are a number of ____________ methods
such as word proccessing is called ____________ used to recognise a person to allow them access
software. to buildings, countries or computer resources.
One method called ____________ scanning
____________ driver software gives instructions
uses the unique pattern of blood vessels at the
to the computer as to how to use a new
back of the eye and another method called
hardware device such as a new printer attached
____________ scanning uses the pattern on the
to the computer.
coloured area around the pupil to recognise a
Operating systems, linkers and compilers are
person. Another method called ____________
examples of ____________ software.
uses the unique pattern on a finger or thumb to
The central processing unit is the brain of the recognise a person.
computer and it carries out the instructions
Other emerging technologies include using
given to it by the hardware and ____________.
quantum physics for quantum ____________
There are two types of internal memory: ROM which allows very secure transmission of secret
and ____________. The BIOS program used to information, and ____________ enhancement
start the computer is stored in ____________ which can allow partially blind people to
which is non-volatile meaning it retains its improve their sight.
contents when the power is removed. RAM
____________ are used in factories for the
is ____________ meaning it loses its contents
assembly of components, welding, paint-
when the power is removed, and it is used
spraying, etc. They have the advantages that
to hold program instructions and user data
they don’t need paying, can work ____________
currently being worked on.
without a break and produce high-quality work.

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 Types and components of computer systems 1

10 MINUTE TEST

1 Tick true or false next to each of these 3 Describe the differences between the two
statements. types of internal memory: ROM and RAM.

true false 4 Robots are used in car factories.

A Describe two tasks performed by robots
A graphical user
on a car production line.
interface is a method of
B Describe two advantages and two
interacting with a user.
disadvantages of using robots in car
A compiler is an example factories.
of system software.
5 Describe three drawbacks of using an
A laptop computer is operating system that uses a command line
usually larger than a interface (CLI).
desktop computer.
6 Two emerging technologies are:
An icon is part of a vision enhancement
command line interface.
biometrics
Input devices are Choosing just one of the above technologies,
examples of hardware. explain how it works and how it is used.

2 Tick true or false next to each of these

statements.

true false
System software is a set
of programs and not a
single program.
Command line interfaces
are usually considered to
be the easiest interface
to use.
One disadvantage
in using GUIs is that
older computers may
need to be upgraded
owing to their increased
memory and processor
requirements.
Biometric devices are
computers that behave
like the human brain.
Graphical user
interfaces have features
such as windows,
icons, menus and
pointers.

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