Algorithms, Flowcharts & Pseudocode

BA2 develop a suitable algorithm and psuedocode for your hangman game that adheres to the task you have been set

Writing Algorithms

 
 

 

 

2.1.2 Input/Output & Storage

BA2 identify a range of Input and Output devices and analyse their use, especially for people with different needs

STARTER:

What is an Input device? How many can you name? Are there any that 'blur the lines'...?

TASK:

Using software of your choice, make a list of different Input devices making sure you analyse how each one works. Try to get 5.

Once done, do the same for Output devices. Again, try to get 5.

Consider specialist Input devices for people with special or particular needs

Consider specialist Output devices for people with special or particular needs

TASK 2:

Research and provide evidence of Secondary Storage:

• Magnetic Hard Disks
• Optical Disks
• Flash Memory

PLENARY:

Try to explain and list any devices you can think of that are both and Input and an Output device

2.1.2 Binary Logic

BA2 breakdown Binary Code by applying Logic Gates


In a nutshell...

The computer uses electronic circuits to store one of two values using a switch - the switch is either on (1) or off (0)

Please open "Binary Logic" from O:\ICT\GCSE Computing and be prepared to answer the questions!

 

 

TASKS FOR TODAY:

• Truth Tables

 

 

Please open "2.1.2 Binary Logic - Test your knowledge" from O:\ICT\GCSE Computing

• Draw a Truth Table for each of the following Boolean expressions:
• NOT(A OR B)
• NOT(A) OR NOT(B)
• A AND NOT(B)
• A AND NOT(B OR C) 
• Draw the logic circuits for each of the expressions above
• Draw the truth tables for A AND (B OR C) and for  (A AND B) OR (A AND C)
• Calculate 3x(5+^) and 3x5 + 3x6
• What do you notice?
• Complete the Binary Logic activity sheet from the past 3 lessons

EXT:

1. Draw a Logic Circuit for A OR (B AND C) OR D
2. How many rows must the truth table have?
3. Complete the truth table
4. De Morgan's law says NOT(B OR C) is the same as NOT(B) AND NOT(C). Show this is true by completing the truth tables
5. The NAND gate is an important type of gate and is used to create a circuit called a flip-flop. Investigate what is a flip-flop, what does it do and why is it important?

 

 

 



2.1.2 Memory

BA2 distinguish between different forms of memory and identify when the use of each is appropriate

STARTER:

You should be able to idwentify how the CPU uses memory by now...

Use the link below to test your own memory. Consider how a computer would order and then recall a process like this.

Memory Test

TASK:

Using a method of your choice, you need to explain and give examples of the following points:

• RAM (Random Access Memory)
• Cache Memory
• ROM (Read Only Memory)
• Virtual Memory
• Flash Memory

EXT:

Within the same document you have created, explain the following:

1. Describe the difference between RAM and ROM
2. How does installing more RAM affect the use of virtual memory and how does this affect the performance of the computer?
3. Investigate the sizes of flash memory drives available and their cost per GB of capacity
4. Investigate new developments in memory technology and describe their benefits over existing RAM technologies
5. Find out how much memory a typical computer had between 1970 and now and plot this on a graph. Write some comments on the results. Define 'Moore's Law'.

2.1.2 Computing Hardware - Test your knowledge

BA2 appreciate the importance of Hardware by assessing your base understanding

You have 1 hour to complete this task.

Consider this as an 'open book' test, meaning you can research answers from the Internet if needs be.

Use this document for your answers: 2.1.2 Computing Hardware - Test your knowledge found in O:\ICT\GCSE Computing

COPY + PASTE is pointess - I would rather you got a low mark at this stage with your own knowledge than copy and pasting answers you don't understand!

1. Describe the purpose of the CPU [3 marks]
2. What is meant by 2.2 GHz? [2 marks]
3. What is a Dual-Core processor? [2 marks]
4. Describe how cache memory is used by the CPU [3 marks]
5. What are the key factors that govern the performance of the CPU in a computer? [3 marks]
6. Annotate and explain the functions of all aspects of the below photo of a motherboard

Motherboard

Print this test when complete

2.1.1 Fundamentals of Computer Systems - Test your knowledge

BA2 appreciate the importance of Computer Systems by assessing your base understanding

You have 1 hour to complete this task.

Consider this as an 'open book' test, meaning you can research answers from the Internet if needs be.

Use this document for your answers: 2.1.1 Fundamentals of Computer Systems - Test your knowledge found in O:\ICT\GCSE Computing

COPY + PASTE is pointess - I would rather you got a low mark at this stage with your own knowledge than copy and pasting answers you don't understand!

 

1. Define a System [3 marks]
2. Explain the diffference between proprietary standards and open standards [2 marks]
3. Explain how de facto standards have helped the development of easy to use computer systems [3 marks]
4. Define the term 'embedded system' [2 marks]
5. Explain what the kernel of an operating system is [3 marks]
6. State two reasons why new IT systems can fail to deliver what was intended [2 marks]

Print this test when completed

2.1.2 Computing Hardware

BA2 distinguish between different Computer Hardware by defining a range of examples

STARTER:

Create a new folder inside your GCSE COMPUTING folder called 2.1.2 Computing Hardware - this is the start of a new topic...

TASK:

Create a guide to the following components of a computer. You should choose YOU as your own Target Audience. These can be made in any way that you like!

• The Central Processing Unit
• Binary Logic
• Memory
• Input/Output devices
• Secondary Storage

 

It is your job to make sure that you can remember these terms and their association with Computing Hardware, so illustrate these terms in any way you deem necessary...

---

 

BA2 outline the basics of a CPU and it's purpose using the LittleMan Computer Simulator

STARTER:

 

Fetch/Decode/Execute

TASK:

Use the Fetch Decode Execute model found here: O:\ICT\GCSE Computing to build your individual understanding of the CPU's function

The aim is to visually show the interaction between the different parts of the CPU and the movement along buses.

 

KEYWORDS: Fetch, Decode, Execute, CPU, Buses (Teach ICT)

The Little Man Computer (LMC) was created by Dr. Stuart Madnick. The LMC models a simple von Neumann architecture computer, so it has all of the basic features of a modern computer. The LMC can be programmed in machine or assembly code, and the following simulator will allow you to run your programs.

DEFINITIONS:

Machine code or machine language is a set of instructions executed directly by a computer's central processing unit (CPU). Each instruction performs a very specific task, such as a load, a jump, or an ALU operation on a unit of data in a CPU register or memory. Every program directly executed by a CPU is made up of a series of such instructions.

 

An assembly language is a low-level programming language for a computer, or other programmable device, in which there is a very strong (generally one-to-one) correspondence between the language and the architecture's machine code instructions.

Use the Little Man Computer Simulator and work through the set tasks 1-6.

EXT:

In pairs or small groups, work as part of a team to produce your own useful program in this simulator. Use the resources above. You may want to sketch out before you begin!!

EVIDENCE:

Once you have devised your simple program, evidence it approporately, explaining:

• What it should do
• What it does do
• How you could go about fixing it

Include screenshots and a definition of what the CPU does

2.1.1 Fundamentals of Computer Systems

BA2 appreciate the importance of Computer Systems by developing your base understanding

1. Create a brand new folder called: OCR GCSE Computing in your My Documents folder
2. Inside that, create another new folder called 2.1.1 Fundamentals of a Computing System

RESEARCH: What is a System? What is a Computer System?

A system is a collection of parts that work together for a common purpose. For a system to be useful it must produce something - an output.

Outline of a System

Think about the input, process, output for the following systems:

• Underground railway system
• Respiratory System
• Holiday Booking System

Discuss whether the following qualify as being Computer Systems and how they do it:

• Answer Machine
• Washing Machine
• Car
• MP3 Player
• Television

TASK 1:

Construct a product of your choice that shows the definition of a system - INPUT, PROCESS, OUTPUT. Include the examples listed above. You may include non-computer based systems but remember we are particularly interested in Computer Systems.

Define and give examples of the following Computer Systems:

• Dedicated
• General Purpose (embedded systems)

What addition to the image above is included for a Computer System?

Save this as Computer Systems in your new 2.1.1 Fundamentals of a Computer System folder

TASK 2:

Research and discuss the following points of a Computer System in groups of three. Between you create a Presentation to you will be prepared to show the group. Make sure everyone in your group has a copy of your Presentation.

• Reliability
• Testing
• Standards
• Proprietry Standards
• Industry Standards
• De facto Standards
• Open Standards
• Ethical Considerations
• Environmental Considerations
• Legal Considerations

Save this as Importance Presentation in your  2.1.1 Fundamentals of a Computer System folder

SUMMARY:

Computer Systems - Input, Process, Output 

Computer Systems have developed extremely quickly in terms of human history. They have proven to be so useful that life without them would be unacceptable for most of us. Like any advance, they have generated their own special problems and we are gradually coming to terms with understanding and dealing with them. 

HWK: ShowMyHomework.com - date due 24th Sept

Getting to Know You...

BA2 Illustrate your holiday activities using Computing software to help you

Welcome back!!

I hope you all had a relaxing break.......

As you are the Computing experts of the school, I would like you to use your skills...

Using a Program of you schoice, I would like you to tell me what you did during your summer holiday!

I am looking for you to use your skills in Programming and/or design... try to stay away from Office programs

To get you started, check out the following link: http://www.w3schools.com/html/default.asp