Introduction
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Chapter-1. Data Representation
• recognize the use of binary numbers in computer systems
• convert positive denary integers into binary and positive binary integers into denary (a maximum of 16 bits
will be used)
• show understanding of the concept of a byte and how the byte is used to measure memory size
• use binary in computer registers for a given application (such as in robotics, digital instruments, and counting
systems)
• represent positive numbers in hexadecimal notation
• show understanding of the reasons for choosing hexadecimal notation to represent numbers
• convert positive hexadecimal integers to and from denary (a maximum of four hexadecimal digits will be
required)
• convert positive hexadecimal integers to and from binary (a maximum of 16-bit binary numbers will be
required)
• represent numbers stored in registers and main memory as hexadecimal
• identify current uses of hexadecimal numbers in computing, such as defining colors in Hypertext Markup
Language (HTML), Media Access Control (MAC) addresses, assembly languages and machine code,
debugging
• show understanding that sound (music), pictures, video, text, and numbers are stored in different formats
• identify and describe methods of error detection and correction, such as parity checks, check digits,
checksums and Automatic Repeat reQuests (ARQ)
• show understanding of the concept of Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) files, JPEG files, MP3 and
MP4 files
• show understanding of the principles of data compression (lossless and lossy) applied to music/video, photos
and text files
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Chapter-2. Data Transmission
• show understanding of what is meant by transmission of data
• distinguish between serial and parallel data transmission
• distinguish between simplex, duplex and half-duplex data transmission
• show understanding of the reasons for choosing serial or parallel data transmission
• show understanding of the need to check for errors
• explain how parity bits are used for error detection
• show understanding of the use of serial and parallel data transmission, in Universal Serial Bus (USB) and
Integrated Circuit (IC)
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Chapter-3. Security and Ethics
• show understanding of the need to keep data safe from accidental damage, including corruption and human
errors
• show understanding of the need to keep data safe from malicious actions, including unauthorized viewing,
deleting, copying and corruption
• show understanding of how data are kept safe when stored and transmitted, including:
– use of passwords, both entered at a keyboard and biometric
– use of firewalls, both software and hardware, including proxy servers
– use of security protocols such as Secure Socket Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS)
– use of symmetric encryption (plain text, ciphertext, and use of a key) showing understanding that
increasing the length of a key increases the strength of the encryption
• show understanding of the need to keep online systems safe from attacks including denial of service attacks,
phishing, pharming
• describe how the knowledge from 1.4.1, 1.4.2, and 1.4.3 can be applied to real-life scenarios including, for
example, online banking, shopping
• show understanding of computer ethics, including copyright issues and plagiarism
• distinguish between free software, freeware and shareware
• show understanding of the ethical issues raised by the spread of electronic communication and computer
systems, including hacking, cracking, and production of malware
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Chapter-4. Programming
• show understanding of the need for both high-level and low-level languages
• show understanding of the need for compilers when translating programs written in a high-level language
• show understanding of the use of interpreters with high-level language programs
• show understanding of the need for assemblers when translating programs written in assembly language
• declare and use variables and constants
• understand and use basic data types: Integer, Real, Char, String, and Boolean
• understand and use the concepts of sequence, selection, repetition, totaling, and counting
• use predefined procedures/functions
• declare and use one-dimensional arrays, for example, A[1:n]
• show understanding of the use of one-dimensional arrays, including the use of a variable as an index in an
array
• read or write values in an array using a FOR … TO … NEXT loop
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Chapter-5. Database
• define a single-table database from given data storage requirements
• choose and specify suitable data types
• choose a suitable primary key for a database table
• perform a query-by-example from given search criteria
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