IGCSE Edexcel ICT

–
Unit 1 Revision
Contents
Digital Devices: ................................................................................................................................ 3
Mainframe computers & microprocessors ................................................................................... 4
Laptops & desktop computers ..................................................................................................... 5
Mobile phones & tablet devices.................................................................................................... 6
Multifunctional devices .............................................................................................................. 10
What is convergence? ................................................................................................................ 10
Features of digital devices.............................................................................................................. 11
What are the features of digital devices? .................................................................................... 11
What is a user interface? ............................................................................................................ 12
Digital device comparison .......................................................................................................... 14
Input devices ................................................................................................................................. 15
Types of Input Devices:............................................................................................................... 16
Output devices............................................................................................................................... 20
Comparison between different types of printers:........................................................................ 22
Storage devices .............................................................................................................................. 23
Magnetic storage ........................................................................................................................ 23
Solid state storage ...................................................................................................................... 24
Optical storage ........................................................................................................................... 24
Capacity of storage .................................................................................................................... 25
What is storage media? .............................................................................................................. 26
Tips and Tricks ............................................................................................................................ 26
Storage Media ................................................................................................................................ 26
Hard disks .................................................................................................................................. 26
Optical media............................................................................................................................. 27
Memory.......................................................................................................................................... 29
RAM............................................................................................................................................ 29
ROM ........................................................................................................................................... 29
Differences between RAM & ROM............................................................................................... 30
Flash memory ............................................................................................................................ 30
Processors ..................................................................................................................................... 31
Central Processing Unit (CPU) .................................................................................................... 31
The processor cycle stages......................................................................................................... 31
 How is the speed of a processor measured? .............................................................................. 32
Number of cores ........................................................................................................................ 32
Software: ....................................................................................................................................... 33
Purpose of application & system software .................................................................................. 33
What is application software? .................................................................................................... 33
Role & function of an operating system ...................................................................................... 34
Single user and network operating systems................................................................................ 35
Application Software .................................................................................................................. 38
Free/open source & proprietary software.................................................................................... 42
Features of open source & proprietary software ......................................................................... 43
Tips and Tricks: ........................................................................................................................... 44
Advantages & disadvantages of open source & proprietary software .......................................... 44
Communication Software .......................................................................................................... 45
Software updates ....................................................................................................................... 47
Worked Examples from Past Papers: .............................................................................................. 48
Example 1:.................................................................................................................................. 48
Example 2:.................................................................................................................................. 48
Example 3:.................................................................................................................................. 49
Example 4:.................................................................................................................................. 49
Example 5:.................................................................................................................................. 49
Example 6:.................................................................................................................................. 50
Example 7:.................................................................................................................................. 50
Example 8:.................................................................................................................................. 51
Example 9:.................................................................................................................................. 51
Example 10:................................................................................................................................ 51
Example 11:................................................................................................................................ 51

Digital Devices:
What is a computer?
 • A computer is an electronic device capable of taking an input, processing
data, storing information and providing an output
• Data comprises raw, unprocessed facts that need context to become useful, while
information is data that has been processed, organized, and interpreted to add
meaning and value.

Mainframe computers & microprocessors

What is a mainframe computer?

• A mainframe computer is a computer with huge processing power and data storage
capabilities
• Built to handle enormous amounts of data and carry out complex calculations

• Designed to be secure, reliable and support large volumes of simultaneous users

• Carry out critical tasks for large organisations in sectors such as:
o Finance

o Health
o Government etc.

What is a microprocessor?

• A microprocessor is an integrated circuit (IC) that contains a

central processing unit (CPU)

• A microprocessor is embedded into devices to help them carry

out tasks

• The microprocessor is responsible for executing instructions

• Microprocessors are used in a home

to monitor and control devices such as:
o Central heating systems
o Security alarm systems
 o Home entertainment system etc.

Laptops & desktop computers

What is a desktop computer?

• A desktop computer is a computer designed to stay in

one place, for example on a desk

• A desktop computer traditionally consists of a separate:

o Monitor

o Computer

o Keyboard & mouse

• Desktop computers are typically more powerful than mobile computers

• Desktop computers are upgradable, the parts can be replaced/changed to increase

performance
Uses of desktop computers

Office & Business Education Gaming & entertainment

Word processing Online learning Online gaming

Financial modelling Research (www) Streaming music/film/TV

Email Content creation Social media

Data storage & backup Multimedia presentations Online browsing

Video/image editing Online collaboration

Project management Online communication

Video conferencing

What is a laptop computer?

• A laptop computer is a computer designed to be portable

 • A laptop computer traditionally consists of built-in:

o Monitor
o Computer

o Keyboard & trackpad or touch screen keyboard & pointer

• Laptop computers are typically less powerful than desktop computers due to:

o Power constraints due to size

o Focus on extending battery life

• Laptop computers are not easily upgradable, components are integrated for size
and efficiency

• Laptop computers are battery powered

• Some laptops are used as desktop replacements

Advantages and disadvantages of Laptop Computers:

Advantages Disadvantages

Easy to carry and use on the go (Portability) Limited expandability (Difficult to upgrade
hardware)

Access to internet and resources from Less powerful (Lower performance compared to
anywhere (Flexibility) desktop computers)

Can be used for various tasks and activities Shorter battery life (Needs frequent charging)
(Multi-functionality)

Mobile phones & tablet devices

What is a mobile phone?
 • A mobile phone is an ultra portable electronic device designed to be lightweight and
fit in a pocket or small bag
• Mobile phones are used to transmit information between people and
devices using radio waves
• Two examples of mobile phones are:

o Smartphones

o Specialist
Smartphones

• A smartphone is a versatile general-purpose device

• Smartphones use subscriber identity module (SIM) cards to link the devices to
a network carrier, allowing them to make phone calls and send messages

• Smartphones include features such as:

Feature Description

SMS messaging • Quick communication

• Messages are stored on the device and can be read at

any time

• Use virtual keyboards and predictive text

Phone calls • Simple voice communication

• Requires cellular reception

Voice over internet protocol • Audio & visual communication via the internet
(VoIP)
• Requires extra apps installed on the devices

• Can make & receive calls via smartphone, tablet and

computers
• Requires a forward-facing camera for video calls

Accessing the internet • Requires cellular reception to access on the move

• Web pages are optimised for smartphone access
• Automatically used Wi-Fi when in range and connected

Mobile payments • Uses NFC

 Camera • Smartphones have built-in cameras for video calls

• Camera can act as a barcode scanner for QR codes

Specialist Phones:
• A specialist phone is designed for a particular group of users or environment.

• They prioritise specific features over general-purpose use.

Example Specialist features

Senior phones • Larger buttons

• Easy to read displays

• Simplified user interface

• Emergency alert buttons

• Hearing aid compatibility

Children's phones • Brightly coloured

• Robust

• Child friendly interface

• Limited app access

• Parental controls

Rugged phones • Designed for tough environments

• Thick screens

• Rugged outer casing

• Built to withstand:

o Water submersion

o Dust
o Extreme temperatures

o Drops

What is a tablet device?

• A tablet is a general-purpose device that sits between a laptop and a smartphone

 • A quick comparison shows:

Feature Smartphone Tablet

Size Ultra portable, designed to fit in a Portable but the larger screen means
pocket they require a bag or case to carry around

Focus Communication (calls, texts, Entertainment & productivity (games,

mobile data), camera for capturing reading, watching movies)
images & videos

Power & Carry out everyday tasks but may Typically more powerful than a
performance lack power for demanding smartphone but not as powerful as a
applications or tasks laptop, more processing power & RAM.

Battery life Due to battery size they usually Typically longer battery life depending on
require charging more often than a usage
tablet

Other digital devices

Device Description Features

Cameras & Uses light sensors to • Lens - High quality lens allows light to
camcorders capture images formed by pass through without defects
light passing through a lens.
• Image processor - Compensates for
poor lighting
• Sensors - Capture detail, more pixels
are produced

Games console Specialised PC for playing • Powerful processors & graphics for
video games high quality smooth gameplay

• Online capability
• Controllers for interactivity

Home Hub for connecting audio • Connects TVs, speakers and media
entertainment and video devices players together
systems
• Receiver processes audio and video
signals
 • Can provide immersive experience
(surround sound)

Media players A device for multimedia • Connects to TVs or speakers for

playback playback
• Plays different media such as Blu-ray,
DVD

• Portable media players for on the go

Multifunctional devices
What is a multifunctional device?
• A multifunctional device is a device designed to carry out a wide range of tasks

• Multifunctional devices combine functions that would usually be separate

• Examples of multifunctional devices include:

o Smartphones - Communication, photography, gaming, media
playback/streaming, web browsing all in one device
o Printers - Printing, copying and scanning in one device

o Smart TVs - Watch TV, connect to the internet, stream content

What is convergence?
• Convergence is the merging of technologies that would usually be separate
• Convergence led to the rise of smartphones
Features of digital devices
What are the features of digital devices?
• The most common features of a digital device are:

o Portability

o Performance
o Storage

o User interface

o Connectivity
o Media support

o Energy consumption
o Expansion capability

o Security features

Feature Description

Portability How easy is the device to carry around

Performance Processing power/memory (RAM)

Storage How much data can the device hold

Connectivity How can the device connect to other devices

Media support What media formats can the device play

Energy How much energy does the device consume
consumption

Expansion Can more storage, memory or other features be added

capability

Security features What security features does the device have to help protect device and
user data
What is a user interface?
• A user interface is how the user interacts with the operating system
• Examples of user interfaces include:

o Command Line Interface (CLI)

o Graphical User Interface (GUI)

o Menu

o Natural language (NLI)

What is a command line interface?

• A Command Line Interface (CLI) requires users to interact with the operating system
using text based commands

• CLIs are more commonly used by advanced users

• Examples of CLIs are MSDOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System) and Raspbian (for
Raspberry Pi)

What is a graphical user interface?

• A Graphical User Interface (GUI) requires users to interact with the operating system
using visual elements such as windows, icons, menus & pointers (WIMP)

• GUIs are optimised for mouse and touch gesture input

• Examples of GUIs are Windows, Android and MAC OS
What is a menu interface?

• A menu interface (a type of GUI) is successive

menus presented to a user with a single
option at each stage
• Often performed with buttons or a keypad

• Examples include

o Vending machines
o Entertainment streaming services

What is a natural language interface (also called voice interface)?

• A natural language interface (NLI) uses the spoken word to respond to spoken or
textual inputs from a user
• Examples include

o Virtual assistants - Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri

o Search engines
o Smart home devices
Digital device comparison
Feature Desktop Laptop Smartphone

Portability

Performance

Storage

Media support

Energy
consumption

Expansion
capability

Security
features

User interface Keyboard & mouse Keyboard & touchpad Touchscreen

(touchscreen on some
laptops)

Connectivity Multiple, wide variety of Most common ports Wireless (Wi-

ports (USB, HDMI etc.) available but fewer Fi/Bluetooth)
number

- Low
- Moderate
- High
Input devices
What is an input device?
• Input devices are hardware components that allow users to interact with a
computer system

• They enable the user to input data or commands into the system, which the
computer then processes to produce an output
 Types of Input Devices:

Input Device Use Advantages Disadvantages

Keyboard Entering data into a • Easy method of • Repetitive strain
computer entering data injury

• Very common • Slow to enter

data compared
to direct data
entry

Mouse To select on screen objects • Intuitive and precise • RSI (strain on

control wrist)

• Fast to make on- • Requires flat

screen choices surface

• People with
disabilities can
find them
difficult to use

Joystick Moves sprites/characters • Enhances • Expensive

around a game gameplay/simulation
• Limited use
experience
outside of
• Improve realism gaming and
simulators
• Accurate

Graphics tablet Use a stylus to draw or write • Precise • Cost

• Natural feel • Learning curve

• Ergonomic • Battery life

Scanner Convert paper documents • Accurate • Quality depends

to electronic reproduction on resolution

• Easy to share and • High quality

store means can be
slow
• Combined with
barcodes becomes a
DDE

Digital camera Taking photos/videos • Vast amounts can be • Storage

captured compression can
 • No developing lead to a loss in
quality
• Easy to share
• Need to be tech-
savvy to use
effectively

Webcam Streaming images/video • Real-time • Image quality

communication
• Privacy concerns
• Cheap

• Multipurpose

Microphone Input speech, sensor to • Hands-free input • Variable quality

pick up sounds
• Can be used for • Verbal inputs can
voice recognition be inaccurate

• Fast • Need to
remember key
words and/or
phrases

Resistive Pressure causes layers to • Intuitive • Screens can get

touchscreen 'touch' dirty
• No need for a
Durable separate pointing • Easily scratched
device
Capacitive Conduct electricity • Less precise than
touchscreen • Easy to keep clean a mouse
Finger causes a change in
electrical charge and can
be measured precisely

OMR Read marks on exam paper • Fast processing • Limited to

in pen/pencil specific forms
Optical Mark • Reduced human
Recognition error • Cannot read
handwriting

• Form must be
completed
accurately

OCR Text to digital data • Fast data entry • Can struggle with
complex layouts
Optical Character • Accurate and less
Recognition error prone • Font dependent
 • Not always 100%
accurate

• Expensive

Barcode scanner Reads barcode labels • Fast and accurate • Requires line-of-
sight
• Low cost
• Barcodes are
• Allows for automatic
easily damaged
stock control
• Barcodes can be
• Tried & trusted
swapped/altered
by consumers

Biometric scanner Fingerprint/facial/voice/iris • Easier than • Privacy concerns

recognition passwords
• Expensive
• More secure

• Speed

Magnetic stripe Debit/credit cards • Fast • Magnetic stripes

reader can get damaged
• Simple to use
and become
• Secure (unreadable) unreadable

• Reader must be
in close contact

Chip and PIN reader Retail card payments • Secure • Requires PIN
input
• Reduced fraud risk
• Potential for
skimming

• High payment
limits an issue for
stolen cards

RFID reader Contactless payments • Fast transaction (no • Transaction limit

pin) is smaller

• Data wirelessly • RFID signals can

transferred securely be
read/intercepted
• Retailers don't have
to access customer
credit/debit
information
Analogue sensors Measure environmental • Generally accurate • May require
data e.g. temperature, light, calibration
• Provides real-time
sound, humidity etc.
information • Data must be
converted to
• Automatic
digital data (ADC)
• Can collect data
• Data may need to
from places where
be checked for
they may be threat to
accuracy
human life
Output devices
What is an output device?
• Output devices are hardware components that receive information from a
computer system and present it to the user in a comprehensible form

• They enable the computer to communicate the results of processed data or

commands

Types of output devices

Output Use/features Advantages Disadvantages

device

CRT monitor Display output from a • Large viewing • Run hot

computer angles
• Heavy
Screen size is measured • Can be used with
• Consume more
diagonally in inches light pens
power (than other
Resolution is the number monitor types)
of pixels measured
LCD • Low power • Motion
horizontally across the
monitor blur/ghosting
screen • Lightweight
• Colour & contrast
• No flickering
variable from
• No image burn-in different viewing
angles

LED monitor • No motion • More expensive

blur/ghosting (than LCD)

• Low power • Contrast can be

poor
• Long life

Laser High volume printing • Fast • Expensive initial

printer cost
Electronically • High-quality
charged toner prints • Limited to flat
surfaces
Dry ink • Lower cost per
page

Inkjet Home printing & • Lower initial cost • Slower

printer photographs
 Uses wet ink separated • High-quality • Higher cost per
into black, cyan, magenta prints page
& yellow
• Ink can be refilled • Ink may smudge
Tiny dots sprayed onto
paper

Dot matrix Useful when • Low cost • Noisy

printer printing multiple copies
• Can print multi- • Low print quality
Paper is impacted through part forms
• Slow
a ribbon of ink
• Very good for
long print runs
3D printer Create real-life 3D • Customisable • Limited materials
versions of digital models designs
• Slow process
• Rapid prototyping
• Counterfeit items
• Medical benefits easier to produce

• Very expensive

Plotters Create drawings & • High accuracy • Slow

blueprints
• Can print on • Expensive to buy
various materials
• Large size
• Inexpensive to
run

Multimedia Output computer usually • Large display • Requires

projector to much larger display darkened room
• Good for
presentations • Expensive bulbs
• Space saving • Need separate
audio
• Quality is variable

Speakers Output audio • Range of sizes • Expensive for

and power higher quality
outputs output

• Immersive audio • Varying sound

quality
 • Helps people
with disabilities

Actuators Control motors, pumps, • Precise • Requires power

switches etc. movement
• Potential
• Programmable mechanical wear

• Allow automatic • Requires DAC

control of many interface
devices

Comparison between different types of printers:

Storage devices
What is a storage device?
• A storage device is the hardware that reads from and writes to different storage
medias

• Storage devices are non-volatile secondary storage, that retain digital data within
a computer system

• They provide a means of storing, accessing, and retrieving data, which can include
software applications, documents, images, videos, and more

• There are 3 types of storage device:

o Magnetic
o Solid State

o Optical

Magnetic storage
• Magnetic storage is a type of non-volatile media that
uses magnets (polarity) to store binary 0s and 1s

Advantages Disadvantages

Capacity - High storage Durability - Moving parts can get damaged if dropped

Cost - Low per gigabyte Portability - Heavy & bulky making them less
convenient for transport

Speed - Moderate read/write Reliability - Prone to mechanical failure

access

Noise - Loud (spinning disks)

Solid state storage
• Solid state storage is a type of non-volatile media that
uses electronic circuits to store binary 0s and 1s

Advantages Disadvantages

Capacity - Medium/high storage Cost - Very high per gigabyte

Speed - Very fast read/write access Reliability - Limited read/write cycles

Durability - No moving parts

Portability - Small and no moving parts

Noise - Silent

Optical storage
• Optical storage is a type of non-volatile media that uses lasers to burn the surface
of a disk, creating pits and lands suitable for storing binary 0s and 1s

Advantages Disadvantages

Cost - Very low per gigabyte Capacity - Very low

Durability - No moving parts Speed - Very slow read/write access

Portability - Small and no moving parts Reliability - Prone to scratches

Noise - Silent
Capacity of storage
What is the capacity of storage?
• Capacity of storage describe the amounts of binary digits that can be stored on a
digital device

Unit Symbol Value

Bit b 1 or 0

Nibble 4b

Byte B 8b

Kibibyte KiB 1024 B (210)

Mebibyte MiB 1,048,576 KB (220)

Gibibyte GiB 1,073,741,824 MB (230)

Tebibyte TiB 1,099,511,626,776GB (240)

Megabyte vs Mebibyte

• 1 kibibyte = 1024 bytes - binary prefixes (to the power of 2)

• 1 kilobyte = 1000 bytes - decimal prefixes (to the power of 10)
What is storage media?
• Storage media is the physical media that holds non-volatile data
• Storage devices have a specific read/write mechanism built in to interact with a
particular storage media

• For example, magnetic tape media is read by a magnetic storage device

Tips and Tricks

• Try not to get confused between storage devices and storage media.
• Think of storage devices as large pieces of furniture in your home e.g. bookshelf,
chest of drawers etc.
• Storage media is what you store in the furniture e.g. books on the shelf or clothes in
the drawers
• The device that actually holds the data is known as the storage medium ('media' is
the plural). The device that saves data onto the storage medium, or reads data from
it, is known as the storage device. Sometimes the storage medium is removable
from the device, e.g. a CD-ROM can be taken out of a CD drive.

Storage Media
Hard disks
• Hard disks are a magnetic storage media
• Made up of platters that spin on a central spindle

• A read/write head moves on an arm across the platter to read/write data

• The amount of time taken to read/write data is influenced by:

o How fast the platters spin (measured in revolutions per minute (RPM))

o How fast the head moves across the platter

• Used in personal computers, servers and backups
Optical media
• Used with an optical storage device
• All optical media is recordable (CD-R, DVD-R, BD-R)

• Some optical media can be re-written (CD-RW, DVD-RW, BD-RE)

• Used for multimedia (music, games & films)

CDs DVDs Blu-ray

up to 700 MB data 4.7 GB single sided/single layer 25 GB single sided

18 GB double sides/double layer
50 GB double sided

Flash media
• Flash media is a solid state storage media

• More reliable than a hard disk as contains no moving parts

• Very fast read/write speeds

• Used in mobile devices, laptops

Magnetic tape
• Old technology used primarily for recording sound

• Now used to store vast amounts of data (backups)

• Very slow read/write speeds

• Used for whole system backups and archives
Memory
RAM
What is RAM?

• RAM (Random Access Memory) is primary storage that is directly connected to the
CPU and holds the data and instructions that are currently in use(temporary)
• RAM is volatile which means the contents of RAM are lost when the power is turned
off

• For the CPU to access the data and instructions they must be copied from
secondary storage

• RAM is very fast working memory, much faster than secondary storage
• RAM is read/write which means data can be read from and written to

• In comparison to ROM, it has a much larger capacity

• RAM capacity can be increased to improve performance

ROM
What is ROM?
• ROM (Read Only Memory) is primary storage that holds the first instructions a
computer needs to start up (Boot file)
• ROM contains the BIOS (Basic Input Output System)

• ROM is a small memory chip located on the computers motherboard

• ROM is fast memory, much faster than secondary storage but slower than RAM
• ROM is non-volatile which means the contents of ROM are not lost when the power
is turned off

• ROM is read only which means data can only be read from
• In comparison to RAM, it has a much smaller capacity

• ROM capacity can not be increased

• Some types of ROM can be changed

o EPROM - erasable programmable read only memory

o EEPROM - electronically erasable programmable read only memory

Differences between RAM & ROM
Feature RAM ROM

Stores Data & programs in use Boot file (start-up instructions)

Capacity Variable Fixed

Contents Temporary Permanent

Read/Write Read & write Read only

Volatile/Non-volatile Volatile Non-volatile

Flash memory
What is flash memory?
• Flash memory is a type of EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read
Only Memory)

• Non-volatile
• Fast access times

• Low power consumption

• Used in solid state drives, USB drives and SD memory cards
Processors
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
What is the purpose of the CPU?

• The purpose of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) is to executeinstructions

• The CPU achieves thisby completing processor cycles

• A modern CPU is capable of performing billions of processor cycles in one
second

The processor cycle stages

1. Fetch stage

• During the fetch stage of the

cycle, the next instruction or
data must be fetched from the
computer's memory (RAM)

• The instruction or data is brought

back to the CPU
2. Decode stage

• During the decode stage of the cycle, the CPU needs to work out what is
required from the instruction

• This could be a range of tasks depending on what the instruction or data

included
3. Execute stage

• During the execute stage of the cycle, the CPU will carry out the instruction that
was fetched
• Some examples that would take place at this stage are

o Performing a calculation
o Storing a result or data back in main memory (RAM)

o Going to main memory to fetch data from a different location

How is the speed of a processor measured?
• The speed of a processor is measured by it's clock speed
• Clock speed is measured in Hertz (Hz)

• The clock speed measures the number of processor cycles that can take place in 1
second
• The faster the clock speed, the more instructions can be fetched and executed per
second
• Modern computers have a clock speed in Gigahertz (GHz), meaning billion

• A clock speed of 3.5GHz can perform up to 3.5 billioninstructions per second

Number of cores
• A core works like it is its own CPU

• Multiple core processors mean they have multiple separate processing units that
can fetch, decode and execute instructions at the same time

• Multi-core processors can run more powerful programs with greater ease

• Multiple cores increase the performance of the CPU by working with the clock
speed

o Example: A quad-core CPU (4 cores), running at a clock speed of 3Ghz

▪ 4 cores x 3GHz

▪ 4 x 3 billion instructions

▪ 12 billion instructions per second

Software:
Purpose of application & system software
What is software?

• Software is the set of programs that control the hardware; they live on the
computer system but cannot be physically touched
• Software can be broken down in to two categories:

o Application software

o System software

What is application software?

• Application software (abbreviated 'apps') is software chosen by a user to help
them carry out a specific task
• Application software is installed on top of system software and is user-chosen to
best suit industry requirements

• Common categories of application software include:

o Word processing: creating and editing text documents

o Spreadsheet: organising and analysing data in a grid format

 o Database management systems: storing, retrieving and managing data in
databases
o Control/measurement: uses sensors to measure and control a system

o Video editing: creating and modifying video files

o Graphics editing: creating and modifying images

o Audio editing: creating and modifying sound files

o Computer-Aided Design (CAD): designing and modelling objects in 2D or 3D

Role & function of an operating system

What is an operating system?
• An operating system (OS) is software that provides an interface between the user
and the hardware in a computer system

• An operating system hides the complexities of the hardware from the user, for
example:

o A user does not need to know 'where' on secondary storage data is kept, just
that it is saved for when they want it again
• There are two main types of operating systems:

o Single User Operating System

o Network Operating Systems (NOS)

• An operating system has many functions, this includes:

o Memory management

o Resource management

o Security
o Print spooling
Single user and network operating systems
Single user Network

Allow for a single general user Provide access to network storage and shared
resources

No option to customise user interface Server is sent requests when users log in with
for different users usernames and passwords

Typically used in a household User accounts are kept separate to ensure users
appliances cannot access each other's files

Resource management
• Memory

o Memory management is a process carried out by the operating

system allocating main memory (RAM) between different programs that
are open at the same time

o The OS is responsible for copying programs and data from secondary to

primary storage as it is needed

o Programs and data require different amounts of RAM to operate efficiently

and the OS manages this process
o RAM is allocated based on priority and fairness, for example, system
applications (essential) may have a higher priority than user applications
o The OS dynamically manages the memory, adjusting allocation as needed
to maintain optimal system performance

o Memory management makes multitasking possible

• Processor

o Processor management is a process carried out by the operating

system dividing time (time slicing) in to small chunks and allocating them
to different programs

o The CPU can only execute one instruction at a time, it can can
execute billions of them in one second.

o The OS decides what programs get access to the CPU to give a user the
perception of being able to use multiple programs at the same time
(multitasking)
 • Inputs & outputs

o Input/output (I/O) management is a process carried out by the operating

system managing the way input and output devices interact with software

o The OS allocates system resources to inputs/outputs to ensure efficient

operation

o I/O management makes plug-and-play (PnP) functionality

possible, automatically detecting and configuring new
inputs/outputs without the need for manually installing device drivers or
power cycling the system

• Files
o File management is a process carried out by the operating system creating,
organising, manipulating and accessing files and folders on a computer
system

o The OS manages where data is stored in both primary and

secondary storage
o File management gives the user the ability to:

▪ Create files/folders
▪ Name files/folders

▪ Rename files/folders

▪ Copy files/folders
▪ Move files/folders
▪ Delete files/folders

o The OS allows users to control who can access, modify and delete
files/folders (permissions)

o The OS provides a search facility to find specific files based on various

criteria

Security

• Security management is a process carried out by the operating system enabling

different users to log onto a computer

• A system administrator is able to allocate different access rights for different users
on a network
 • The OS is able to maintain settings for individual users, such as desktop
backgrounds, icons and colour schemes
• The OS audits (keeps a log of) files created by users, accesses, edits and deletes

• Operating systems can provide software firewalls

Print spooling

• Print spooling is a process carried out by the operating system when printing is
required
• The spooler creates a temporary holding area (queue) for the print job

• Queuing pages increases efficiency

Application Software
Office-productivity tools
What are office productivity tools?

• Office productivity tools are applications designed to enable common work related
tasks to be carried out
• Office productivity tools are often combined into a single application suite

Word processing
• Word processing software is software used primarily for tasks involving text and
images
• Common tasks include:
o Letters

o Reports

o Essays
o Books

• Examples of word processing applications include:

o Microsoft Word

o Google Docs

Spreadsheet
• Spreadsheet software is software used for tasks involving calculations
• Spreadsheets allow users to model financial situations and answer 'what if'
questions

• Formulas and functions can be used to aid complex arithmetic calculations

• Examples of spreadsheet applications include:

o Microsoft Excel

o Google Sheets
Desktop publishing

• Desktop publishing software is software used for tasks that involve complicated
page layouts

• Common tasks include:

o Newsletters

o Leaflets

• Examples of desktop publishing applications include:

o Microsoft Publisher

o Adobe InDesign

Database

• Database software is software used to store data

• Common features include:

o Data entry form design

o Perform queries to select data that meet a certain criteria

o Build reports to display data in a readable format

• Examples of database applications include:

o Microsoft Access

o Oracle MySQL

Web authoring software

What is web authoring software?

• Web authoring software is software designed to allow the creation of websites

• Websites are written in HTML and translated by web browsers to display in a way
users can see and read
• Web authoring software gives users with little to no HTML experience tools to help
them create web pages

• Uses a What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) interface

 • Examples of web authoring applications include:

o Adobe Dreamweaver
o Google Sites

Image editing & sound editing software

What is image editing software?

• Image editing software is software that allows users to manipulate and enhance
digital photographs and images

• Common features include:

o Resizing
o Adjusting brightness & contrast

o Applying filters
o Red-eye removal

o Cropping

• Examples of image editing applications include:

o Adobe Photoshop

o GIMP

What is sound editing software?

• Sound editing software is software that allows users to edit audio files
• Common features include:

o Cut and join audio clips

o Alter volume
o Change tempo

o Add effects
o Apply audio processing

• Examples of sound editing applications include:

 o Audacity

o Adobe Audition

Presentation software
What is presentation software?

• Presentation software is software designed to allow users to create multimedia

content that can be displayed typically on slides
• Common features include:

o Transitions & animations

o Presenter notes
o Automatic or timed navigation

• Examples of presentation applications include:

o Microsoft PowerPoint

o Google Slides

Control software

What is control software?

• Control software is software that users sensors to capture inputs, processes them
and outputs something

• They make something happen in the physical environment

• Outputs can be commands that control devices such as:

o Actuators

o Motors
• Commonly used in engineering, vehicles and building control
Project management software

What is project management software?

• Project management software is software designed make the organisation of
projects more efficient by tracking individual tasks
• Common features include:

o Timeline - shows a graphical representation of events and the time and order
in which they occur
o Critical path - allows a project manager to see the shortest time a project
will take to complete

o Milestones - a time or date by which a task must be completed

• Gannt charts are often used to visualise project timelines

Free/open source & proprietary software

What is a software licence?

• A software licence is a legal agreement that lays out rules for how software can
and can't be used
• There are two main types of software licence, each with very different rules
on usage, distribution and support, they are:
o Free or open source

o Proprietary
Features of open source & proprietary software
Software Licence Features

Free • Free to modify, study, copy or distribute

Open source • Access to source code to edit/change

• Able to edit and distribute

Proprietary • Costs money

• Produced by 'professional' companies

• More regular official updates/support/upgrades/fixes
Tips and Tricks:
• In regard to free software, the term 'free' means free from restrictions and NOT the
cost of the software.

Advantages & disadvantages of open source & proprietary software

Software Advantages Disadvantages
Licence

Free or open • Allows collaboration with other • Relies on support of other

source people who may want the same users
modifications
• To edit the code, you need
• Less buggy versions of the expert knowledge
software may appear faster
• May not receive regular
• Usually free, good for updates
companies with limited budgets
• Could be more open to
• Generally strong social support exploitation through users
adding malicious code

Proprietary • Generally free customer • Cost can be significant

support
• Limited expansion, only what is
• Created to professional available
standards
• Relies on one company
• Always someone to go back to
• May not fully meet the need of
with any problems
the user/customer
Communication Software
What is communication software?
• Communication software is software that provides remote access to systems

• To exchange files and messages in text, images, audio and/or video formats
between different computes or users
• Common examples of communication software include:

o Web browsers
o Email

o Social media

o SMS/MMS
o Instant messaging

Web browsers

• A web browser is a piece of software used to access and display information on

the internet

• The purpose of a web browser is to render hypertext markup language

(HTML) and display web pages

• Web browsers interpret the code in HTML documents and translate it into a visual
display for the user
Email

• Email is a method of exchanging messages and files over the internet

• The main uses of email are:

o Personal communication

o Professional correspondence
o Marketing

• Companies provide guidelines about acceptable use of emails

• Guidelines about emails from a company include:

o Purpose of the email

o Using acceptable language

 o Email security, including anti-virus software

Social media
• Social media is a platform where users can connect with others and share content

• They include platforms such as

o Facebook

o Tiktok

o X (Twitter)
o Instagram

o LinkedIn

• Social media platforms usually require users to create a profile and allow them to
share text, images, videos, and links

• They facilitate interaction, collaboration, and information sharing on a large scale

• Privacy settings allow users to control who can see their content

SMS/MMS

• Short messaging service (SMS) and multimedia messages service (MMS) are a
method of communication using a mobile phone network

• SMS allows 160 text characters per message

• MMS allows more than 160 characters and can include video, animations,
images and audio
• No internet connection is required
Instant messaging

• Instant messaging requires an internet connection to allow multimedia

communication between single and groups of users
• Includes extra features such as:

o See when users are typing (online/offline status)

o Include location data
Software updates
Why is software updated?
• Software is updated to:

o Fix bugs or software vulnerabilities

o Increase compatibility with newer operating systems

o Improve performance

o Introduce new features

o Improve usability

• Updates are typically downloaded from the internet by a user or automatically

from within the software itself
• Operating system can schedule updates to suit user needs and minimise
disruption

What are the risks of updating software?

• Software updates typically require the removal of components to be replaced
with new ones
• This process can cause

o Incompatibility - may not work with older hardware or software

o Workflow disruption - new features/interface tweaks may need time to

adjust to, slowing down productivity

o Update issues - in rare cases the installation process can go wrong, leading
to data loss

What are the risks of NOT updating software?

• Software is often released in a less than perfect state and flaws/vulnerabilities

may exist which can provide an opportunity for hackers

• Unpatched/outdated software can lead to:

o Data breaches
o Installation of malware
Worked Examples from Past Papers:
Example 1:
A. Which one of these could be used as a desktop replacement computer? [1]

A. Laptop

B. Mainframe

C. Media Player

D. Server

Answer -> A. Laptop

B. Describe how tablet computers allow people to work from home. [2]
Answer -> A description to include two linked points from:

• Portability

• Internet connectivity
• Cloud storage

• Hosted applications
• Collaboration

Workers can connect to the Internet [1] to access cloud storage [1]

Example 2:
List two peripheral devices that could be used to input text by people who are unable to use
a mouse and keyboard

Answer
Any two from:

• Microphone

• Touchscreen
• Trackpad

• (Graphics) tablet
• Camera / Eye tracker / Gesture sensor/reader
Example 3:
Explain one benefit of using solid state storage with a smartphone [2]
Answer

An explanation such as:

• Data (transfer) will not be negatively affected by movement / less risk of damage to
the drive [1]...

• ...because solid state storage does not use moving parts [1]
OR

• Smartphones are portable [1]...

• ...because solid state storage takes up less space / has no moving parts [1]
OR

• Longer battery life [1]...

• ...because solid state storage uses less power [1]

Example 4:
A USB flash memory card has 64 MiB of storage capacity.
Construct an expression to show how many bits are in 64 MiB [3]

Answer
• 1 mark for sight of 8

• 1 mark for sight of 1024

• 1 mark for complete expression: 64 x 10242 x 8

o …including all parts multiplied

• All three marks for the result of the calculation: 536,870,912

Example 5:
Explain one negative impact of a user decreasing the amount of RAM in a computer [3]
Answer
 • Programs will load more slowly / Fewer applications can be open at the same
time [1]...
• ...as they are more reliant on being read from secondary storage / virtual memory /
HDD / SSD [1]...
• ...which has slower read/write times than RAM [1]

Example 6:
Describe how the speed of the processor affects a users experience when playing a game [
4]

Answer
A description to include four from:

• Faster processors fetch/decode/execute more instructions/data / have more

cycles [1] per second [1]
so:

• graphics render more quickly / at greater resolution [1]

• making the visuals smoother / graphics can be displayed at greater resolution [1]
• making the environment more realistic [1]

• more actions can be carried out [1]

• making the gameplay more immersive/exciting [1]

Example 7:
Explain one reason an administrator would use a network operating system to manage
users. [2]

Answer
A linked explanation such as:

• Multiple people can use the same computer [1] because users can be
added/deleted [1]
• Only specific users can securely access their storage space [1] because user
permissions can be edited [1]

• Only certain users can install programs / access certain files [1] because user
permissions can be enforced [1]
 • The limited storage on the machine can be shared [1] because the amount of
resources/storage each user can access can be controlled [1]

Example 8:
Describe how application software is different from systems software [2]

Answer
• Application software is used to carry out tasks for the user [1]

• Systems software carries out tasks for the machine/computer [1]

Example 9:
State what is meant by the term ‘open source software’. [2]

Answer
• It is available to users [1] to modify /distribute / viewed [1]

‘Free’ (in relation to cost) is not accepted

Example 10:
Describe the function of a web browser [2]

Answer

A description such as:

• To access/request/render/display [1] HTML / web pages [1]

Website / web content is acceptable for web page

Example 11:
Fyn want to play a game he installed a year ago
A. Describe how Fyn can update the game software [2]

B. Give 2 reasons why Fyn should update the game software [2]

Answers
A.

• Download (the update file) [1]

• Install (the file) [1]

B.
• Any two from:

o To get new features (perfective)

o Improve compatibility e.g. with operating system/hardware changes

(adaptive)

o To fix/patch bugs (corrective)

o To protect against new security vulnerabilities (preventative)