Syllabus - Syllabus Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0478
PAPER 12:
Theory common questions: IGCSE Computer Science Flashcards | Quizlet
MAR - a component in the CPU that holds the address of the data or instruction in the
RAM. You can say that it's a register, so it temporarily stores data.
System buses use parallel transmission
What is the smallest unit of memory - byte
disadvantages of storing
data in cloud storage
AI definition: it is a branch of computer science dealing with the simulation of intelligent
behaviours by computers. It is creating machines that can think and perform tasks that a
human would usually perform.
The purpose of a logic gate in a logic circuit:
Character set definition: All the characters and symbols that can be represented by a
computer system. Each character and symbol is assigned a unique value(binary).
IDE definition from the MS: Software that provides useful functions for a programmer
writing a computer program.
Robotics:
The design, construction and operation of robots(to perform
tasks/operations/functions)
Role of the CPU in a computer: It processes instructions and data that are input into the
computer so that the result can be output.
Primary storage - RAM, ROM and cache
Secondary storage – Hard disk drive (HDD) and Solid state drive (SSD), Flash memory
Not directly accessed by the CPU(Non-volatile storage). Secondary is internal to the
computer/device. Stores files and applications.
Solid State - SD card, USB flash memory drive, Random access memory // RAM
Off-line storage – CD, DVD, Blu-Ray, Flash memory (USB storage), SD card,
,Removable/External HDD and SSD. It is non-volatile storage that can be easily
disconnected from the computer and is not directly accessed by the CPU. It is portable.
Stores files/applications.
How lasers work in optical storage: Laser is shone at the disk An (arm/head) moves the
laser across the surface of the disk The laser burns pits onto the surface of the disk. The
laser is used to read the pits and lands on the surface of the disk. The reflected light
from the laser shining on the disk is captured (by a sensor).
Advantages of using SSD: It has no moving parts, so it is quiet. It is portable and
small(easy to use). It has a high capacity. Not affected by magnets. It is durable/robust
when dropped. It operates at cool temperatures. Fast access/read/write speed. It has
low power consumption.
Sample rate: The number of samples taken per unit time
Sample resolution: The number of bits per sample.
Uses of a binary number stored in a register – ASCII/Unicode value, Data, Instruction,
Sound sample, Part of an image, Number, Address in main memory
Firewall – Examines incoming and outgoing traffic from a computer or a network. It
helps prevent unauthorised access and checks if data incoming/outgoing meets a
certain criteria and decides to allow or block it. Acts as a filter.
Access rights/level - allows users access to data they have permission to view and
prevents them from accessing data they do not have permission to view. The username
is the text-based identification that is given to a user that identifies the level of access
that they have to stored data and resources.
How a sensor works:
Analogue data from the sensor is converted to digital data (with an ADC).
The sensor sends a signal to the microprocessor.
The microprocessor compares input values with stored values/pre-set values.
If the value is too high/low a signal is sent from the microprocessor to do the required
action in that scenario.
If the value matches the stored values no action is taken.
An actuator is used to perform the output action.
This process is a continuous loop until the sensor is turned off.
Uses and Advantages of hexadecimal:
Hexadecimal is easier for a programmer to read, write, understand and remember.
It is less likely to make errors. It is also easier to debug and locate errors, and as it is
shorter (fewer digits) it takes up less storage and screen space than binary numbers. It is
, used in URLs, MAC addresses, Error messages, HTML colour codes, Barcodes and IPv6
addresses, assembly language, and memory locations. (memory dump?)
Uses the data bus to send data into or out of the CPU - RAM (MAR?)
Bandwidth - The maximum amount (volume) of data transmitted over an internet
connection in a given amount of time. Compression is used when data is transmitted to
reduce the bandwidth - Lossless. The bandwidth is provided by the ISP.
Why do computer systems only process binary?
Data is processed in a computer by the use of logic gates. The logic gates use only 2
values, 0’s and 1’s.
After the execute stage:
After the calculations are performed on the data in the execute stage, ALU sends the
data to the MDR. The data is then sent from the MDR to be written to RAM.
Embedded system - It is built into a device to perform one specific function. It runs on
firmware and does not have additional peripherals.
Cloud storage - This type of storage consists of a collection of servers that are often in a
remote location, it is accessed using the internet and maintained by a third-party
organisation.
Digital currency - This is money that only exists electronically.
Cryptocurrency - A type of digital currency that uses encryption procedures.
Blockchain - Method used to keep track of all the transactions. It acts as a digital ledger
and keeps a series of time-stamped/digital signature, time and date-stamped records
that cannot be altered.
Microprocessor - A type of integrated circuit that is contained on a single chip that does
many of the functions of a CPU.
Benefits of using a USB port:
It is a universal standard. It can’t be inserted the wrong way around. It supports
different transmission speeds and also automatically detects when the cable is
connected and if the correct driver is installed. It is also backward compatible.
Functions of a browser:
Converts HTML code, displays web pages, checks if a website is secure, requests web
pages from a web server, sends URL/domain name, runs active script, stores
history/favourites/bookmarks, and creates tabs, allows navigation.
Reasons why a programmer would write in high-level language rather than in low-
level language:
Easier to understand (don’t know assembly code), easier to debug, easier to maintain,
PAPER 12:
Theory common questions: IGCSE Computer Science Flashcards | Quizlet
MAR - a component in the CPU that holds the address of the data or instruction in the
RAM. You can say that it's a register, so it temporarily stores data.
System buses use parallel transmission
What is the smallest unit of memory - byte
disadvantages of storing
data in cloud storage
AI definition: it is a branch of computer science dealing with the simulation of intelligent
behaviours by computers. It is creating machines that can think and perform tasks that a
human would usually perform.
The purpose of a logic gate in a logic circuit:
Character set definition: All the characters and symbols that can be represented by a
computer system. Each character and symbol is assigned a unique value(binary).
IDE definition from the MS: Software that provides useful functions for a programmer
writing a computer program.
Robotics:
The design, construction and operation of robots(to perform
tasks/operations/functions)
Role of the CPU in a computer: It processes instructions and data that are input into the
computer so that the result can be output.
Primary storage - RAM, ROM and cache
Secondary storage – Hard disk drive (HDD) and Solid state drive (SSD), Flash memory
Not directly accessed by the CPU(Non-volatile storage). Secondary is internal to the
computer/device. Stores files and applications.
Solid State - SD card, USB flash memory drive, Random access memory // RAM
Off-line storage – CD, DVD, Blu-Ray, Flash memory (USB storage), SD card,
,Removable/External HDD and SSD. It is non-volatile storage that can be easily
disconnected from the computer and is not directly accessed by the CPU. It is portable.
Stores files/applications.
How lasers work in optical storage: Laser is shone at the disk An (arm/head) moves the
laser across the surface of the disk The laser burns pits onto the surface of the disk. The
laser is used to read the pits and lands on the surface of the disk. The reflected light
from the laser shining on the disk is captured (by a sensor).
Advantages of using SSD: It has no moving parts, so it is quiet. It is portable and
small(easy to use). It has a high capacity. Not affected by magnets. It is durable/robust
when dropped. It operates at cool temperatures. Fast access/read/write speed. It has
low power consumption.
Sample rate: The number of samples taken per unit time
Sample resolution: The number of bits per sample.
Uses of a binary number stored in a register – ASCII/Unicode value, Data, Instruction,
Sound sample, Part of an image, Number, Address in main memory
Firewall – Examines incoming and outgoing traffic from a computer or a network. It
helps prevent unauthorised access and checks if data incoming/outgoing meets a
certain criteria and decides to allow or block it. Acts as a filter.
Access rights/level - allows users access to data they have permission to view and
prevents them from accessing data they do not have permission to view. The username
is the text-based identification that is given to a user that identifies the level of access
that they have to stored data and resources.
How a sensor works:
Analogue data from the sensor is converted to digital data (with an ADC).
The sensor sends a signal to the microprocessor.
The microprocessor compares input values with stored values/pre-set values.
If the value is too high/low a signal is sent from the microprocessor to do the required
action in that scenario.
If the value matches the stored values no action is taken.
An actuator is used to perform the output action.
This process is a continuous loop until the sensor is turned off.
Uses and Advantages of hexadecimal:
Hexadecimal is easier for a programmer to read, write, understand and remember.
It is less likely to make errors. It is also easier to debug and locate errors, and as it is
shorter (fewer digits) it takes up less storage and screen space than binary numbers. It is
, used in URLs, MAC addresses, Error messages, HTML colour codes, Barcodes and IPv6
addresses, assembly language, and memory locations. (memory dump?)
Uses the data bus to send data into or out of the CPU - RAM (MAR?)
Bandwidth - The maximum amount (volume) of data transmitted over an internet
connection in a given amount of time. Compression is used when data is transmitted to
reduce the bandwidth - Lossless. The bandwidth is provided by the ISP.
Why do computer systems only process binary?
Data is processed in a computer by the use of logic gates. The logic gates use only 2
values, 0’s and 1’s.
After the execute stage:
After the calculations are performed on the data in the execute stage, ALU sends the
data to the MDR. The data is then sent from the MDR to be written to RAM.
Embedded system - It is built into a device to perform one specific function. It runs on
firmware and does not have additional peripherals.
Cloud storage - This type of storage consists of a collection of servers that are often in a
remote location, it is accessed using the internet and maintained by a third-party
organisation.
Digital currency - This is money that only exists electronically.
Cryptocurrency - A type of digital currency that uses encryption procedures.
Blockchain - Method used to keep track of all the transactions. It acts as a digital ledger
and keeps a series of time-stamped/digital signature, time and date-stamped records
that cannot be altered.
Microprocessor - A type of integrated circuit that is contained on a single chip that does
many of the functions of a CPU.
Benefits of using a USB port:
It is a universal standard. It can’t be inserted the wrong way around. It supports
different transmission speeds and also automatically detects when the cable is
connected and if the correct driver is installed. It is also backward compatible.
Functions of a browser:
Converts HTML code, displays web pages, checks if a website is secure, requests web
pages from a web server, sends URL/domain name, runs active script, stores
history/favourites/bookmarks, and creates tabs, allows navigation.
Reasons why a programmer would write in high-level language rather than in low-
level language:
Easier to understand (don’t know assembly code), easier to debug, easier to maintain,
