Grade 1222 periods
Introduction to Computer
Explores the evolution of computing devices, so as to be able to describe and compare the performance of modern computers
Exam objectives
- Describe generations 1G-4G of computers with their defining technology and features, in tabular form
- Classify computers by technology (analog/digital), purpose (general/special) and size (super/mainframe/mini/micro, incl. mobile devices)
Important areas to cover
- "Complete the generations-of-computers table" is a classic structured question
- Classify-by-example MCQs (e.g. what class a smartphone falls into) are common
Lesson content not added yet.
Exam objectives
- Identify input devices, distinguishing direct-entry from keyboard-entry, and their interfaces
- Identify output devices and their features (CRT/TFT/LED monitors, dot-matrix/inkjet/laser/3D printers, plotters)
- Categorise storage devices and state the advantages of direct-entry input over keyboard-entry input
Important areas to cover
- Matching a device to input/output/storage is heavily tested in MCQs
- "Advantages of direct-entry input over keyboard entry" is a recurring short-answer question
Lesson content not added yet.
Exam objectives
- Draw and label the Von-Neumann architecture (CU, ALU, memory, I/O, data and control buses)
- Describe the stored-program concept and the fetch-execute cycle
- Explain why multi-core processors are needed
Important areas to cover
- Drawing the Von-Neumann diagram from memory is one of the most frequently repeated essay/structured tasks in the whole syllabus
- Listing the fetch-execute cycle steps in order is a common short-answer question
Lesson content not added yet.
Exam objectives
- Explain the need for a memory hierarchy and its comparison criteria (access time, capacity, cost)
- Compare volatile memory (registers, cache, RAM incl. SRAM/DRAM/SDRAM) and non-volatile memory (ROM/PROM/EPROM/EEPROM, secondary storage)
- Compare memory types by access time, cost per MB, capacity and physical arrangement of data
Important areas to cover
- Comparison tables of RAM vs ROM vs cache are a recurring structured question
- "Why is a memory hierarchy needed" is a regular short-essay question
Lesson content not added yet.