Computer ScienceCode 9618
Computers and their components
What this topic asks you to be able to do
- Demonstrate an understanding of why input, output, primary memory and secondary storage (including removable media) are required
- Demonstrate comprehension of embedded systems, including the advantages and drawbacks they bring.
- Describe the main operations carried out by hardware devices, including: microphone, touchscreen, virtual reality headset, speakers, Laser printer, 3D printer, optical disc reader/writer, magnetic hard disk, solid state (flash) memory
- Demonstrate comprehension of how buffers are employed
- Explain how Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM) differ, including how each is employed across a variety of devices and systems
- Explain how Static RAM (SRAM) differs from Dynamic RAM (DRAM), including where SRAM and DRAM are each found across a variety of devices and systems, and why a device and the job it does might call for one rather than the other
- Explain what distinguishes Programmable ROM (PROM), Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM) and Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM) from one another
- Demonstrate comprehension of monitoring and control systems, including how monitoring differs from control, the way sensors (including temperature, pressure, infra-red, sound) and actuators are used, and why feedback matters