§1.1 · Paper 1
Systems Architecture
CPU components (ALU, CU, cache, registers). Von Neumann model. Fetch–execute cycle. Clock speed, cores, cache. Embedded systems.
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§1.2 · Paper 1
Memory and Storage
RAM, ROM, virtual memory, cache. Secondary storage types. Units and conversions. Binary, hex, characters, images, sound. Compression.
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§1.3 · Paper 1
Networks
LAN vs WAN. Client-server and peer-to-peer. Star and mesh topologies. Internet, DNS, Cloud. Protocols: TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP, SMTP, POP, IMAP.
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§1.4 · Paper 1
Network Security
Forms of attack: malware, phishing, brute force, DoS, SQL injection, data interception. Prevention: firewalls, encryption, access levels, penetration testing.
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§1.5 · Paper 1
Systems Software
Operating system functions: user interface, memory management, peripheral management, user management, file management. Utility software.
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§1.6 · Paper 1
Ethical, Legal, Cultural & Environmental Impacts
Impacts of digital technology across five categories. UK legislation: DPA 2018, Computer Misuse Act, Copyright Act. Open source vs proprietary licences.
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§2.1 · Paper 2
Algorithms
Computational thinking: abstraction, decomposition, algorithmic thinking. Pseudocode and flowcharts. Linear and binary search. Bubble, merge, insertion sort.
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§2.2 · Paper 2
Programming Fundamentals
Variables, constants, data types, operators. Sequence, selection, iteration. Strings, files, records, arrays (1D/2D), SQL, functions, procedures, random numbers.
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§2.3 · Paper 2
Producing Robust Programs
Defensive design: input validation, authentication. Maintainability: naming conventions, sub-programs, commenting. Testing types. Syntax vs logic errors. Test data.
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§2.4 · Paper 2
Boolean Logic
AND, OR, NOT logic diagrams. Truth tables for simple and compound expressions. Applying Boolean logic to solve problems. No XOR required (contrast with AQA).
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§2.5 · Paper 2
Languages and IDEs
High-level vs low-level languages. Purpose of translators. Compiler vs interpreter (assembler not required). IDE tools: editor, error diagnostics, run-time environment.
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