syllabus 9c - detailed

[Comp Teacher]

PLease read the syllabus clear fully

3.3 Logic gates and circuits
Candidates should be aware of the use of logic gates in creating electronic circuits and components. It is
useful to use kits available on the market to understand how logic gates work and to build some simple
circuits. There are numerous websites, such as www.kpsec.freeuk.com (choose the STUDY section and
then the LOGIC GATES option) which help in supplying worked examples.
3.3.1 Basic logic gates Candidates should be able to understand and define the function of
NOT, AND, OR, NAND and NOR logic gates including the binary output
produced from all possible binary inputs. They need to be able to draw
truth tables and recognise a logic gate from its truth table.
3.3.2 Logic gate symbols Candidates need to recogniseways of representing the logic gate


Generic software packagesThe aim of this section is to give candidates a broad overview of generic software packages. These should
be experienced through practical work. Although candidates may choose to become expert in the use of a
particular package, they only need a general knowledge of the kinds of features typical of generic packages.
Software for word processing,database management,spreadsheets

Computer, microcomputer,
microprocessor, standard
input and output devices,
broad classes of processor
power
Candidates should be able to identify:
– the use of laptop computers (including their differences to
desktop PCs)
– the required specification for a laptop (i.e. they should consume
little power, run cool, etc.)
– the use of microprocessors in everyday-life objects (e.g. cameras
(including CCTV), digital watches, televisions)
Candidates should be able to describe/select:
– suitable input and output devices in relation to the requirements of
the application
– the use of specialist input and output devices (e.g. to help
disabled people communicate with a computer system, devices to
communicate with virtual reality systems)
5.1.2 The functions and
characteristics of storage
media
Candidates should have a good understanding of the operation of
internal memory devices such as RAM, ROM, hard disk.
Candidates should understand the operation and areas of application
for traditional external storage media such as CD-ROM, CD-RW and
DVD.
Candidates should understand the operation of other memory devices
such as:
– USB flash memories
– memory systems used in MP3/4 players
– HD cards in digital cameras
– use of modern devices in storing music and films (e.g. use of hard
drive which allows recordings to take place at the same time as
playing back files)
5.1.3 The characteristics and
performance of a range
of peripherals (including
control and communication
devices)
Candidates should be able to discuss the suitability of different
peripherals for various applications.
Candidates should be aware of the role of the mobile telephone in
communications systems (this can cover a wide range of topic areas
such as Internet access, use as cameras, use as MP3 players, etc.).

Candidates should be aware of the different types of sensor used in a
wide variety of control and monitoring applications, such as:
– temperature (e.g. heating systems)
– moisture (e.g. greenhouse applications)
– gas (e.g. environmental monitoring)
– light (e.g. operating automatic doors)
– infra-red (e.g. detecting intruders)
5.2 Systems and communications
5.2.1 The nature of batch,
multi-access, real-time
transaction processing,
multitasking, network and
process-control operating
systems
A real-time transaction processing system is an online system which
processes individual, discrete transactions as they occur, e.g. an
airline booking system and an online stock control system. This use
of the term real-time differs from its use in a real-time process-control
system, which continuously monitors and processes physical quantities
sufficiently rapidly to be capable of influencing the sources of data.
5.2.2 The form of interface
between the operating
system and the user; use
of command line and use
of graphical user interfaces
5.2.3 Management of files; file
directories; folders
The need for and use of facilities to copy, move, list, print files. The use
of sub-directories.
5.2.4 Peripheral device control;
use of buffers; interrupts
and interrupt priorities;
polling; handshaking;
checksums
For an interrupt system the external device or event interrupts the
processor, whereas in a polling system the processor interrogates the
device or status register. These two alternative methods have very
different processing requirements.
Adding together all of the elements (for example, bytes) of a block
produces a single element known as the checksum. This can then
be stored with the block and provides a check when the block is
transferred.