Chapter 1
Data Representation
Number Systems
Binary, denary and hexadecimal number systems, conversions between bases, and binary addition and subtraction.
Text, Sound, and Images
Character encoding (ASCII and Unicode), bitmap image representation (pixels, resolution, colour depth), and sound sampling (sample rate, bit depth).
Data Storage and Compression
Measurement units (bits, bytes, KB, MB, GB, TB), and lossy vs. lossless compression methods.
Chapter 2
Data Transmission
Types and Methods of Data Transmission
Serial and parallel transmission, and simplex, half-duplex and full-duplex communication modes.
Methods of Error Detection
Parity checks, checksums, automatic repeat requests (ARQ), and echo checks for detecting transmission errors.
Encryption
Symmetric and asymmetric encryption techniques, and the role of encryption in secure data transmission.
Chapter 3
Hardware
Computer Architecture
The von Neumann model, CPU components and registers, and the Fetch–Decode–Execute cycle.
Input and Output Devices
Sensors, actuators, scanners, screens and printers — how devices interact with a computer system.
Data Storage
Primary, secondary, virtual and offline memory types, and choosing the right storage for a task.
Network Hardware
Routers, network interface cards (NICs), and MAC and IP addressing on a network.
Chapter 4
Software
Types of Software and Interrupts
Operating systems, applications and utility software, and how interrupts are handled by the CPU.
Types of Programming Language, Translators, and IDEs
High-level vs. low-level languages, compilers, interpreters and assemblers, and the features of an IDE.
Chapter 5
The Internet and its Uses
The Internet and the World Wide Web
Web browsers, URLs, HTTP/HTTPS protocols, and the Domain Name System (DNS).
Digital Currency
Blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies, and digital wallets — how digital money works.
Cyber Security
Threats such as malware and phishing, and preventative measures including firewalls and user authentication.
Chapter 6
Automated and Emerging Technologies
Automated Systems
Sensors, microprocessors and actuators working together in automated feedback loops.
Robotics
Characteristics, components and uses of robots in industry and everyday life.
Artificial Intelligence
AI characteristics, machine learning, and expert systems — how intelligent systems are built and used.
Chapter 7
Algorithm Design and Problem-Solving
The Program Development Life Cycle
Analysis, design, coding and testing phases of the program development life cycle.
Computer Systems, Sub-systems, and Decomposition
Structure diagrams and top-down design — decomposing a system into sub-systems.
Explaining the Purpose of an Algorithm
Reading and interpreting given algorithmic solutions and explaining what they do.
Standard Methods of Solution
Linear searches, bubble sorts, totals, averages and counting — the standard algorithm patterns.
Validation and Verification
Data validation types (range, length, type, presence checks) and verification checks.
Test Data
Normal, abnormal, boundary and extreme test data sets for thoroughly testing a program.
Trace Tables and Dry Runs
Tracking variable states through an algorithm using trace tables and dry runs to debug processes.
Identifying Errors in Algorithms
Finding syntax, runtime and logic errors in a given algorithm and correcting them.
Writing and Amending Algorithms
Modifying or creating solutions using pseudocode and flowcharts to solve a given problem.
Chapter 8
Programming
Programming Concepts
Variables, constants, data types, and sequence, selection and iteration constructs in pseudocode.
Arrays
Declaring, populating and manipulating one-dimensional arrays in pseudocode.
File Handling
Opening, reading from, writing to and closing external files in pseudocode.
Chapter 9
Databases
Chapter 10
Boolean Logic