Computing Revision

Computing Revision

1. Cloud computing

   • Advantages
     • Backing uP
       • Data backed up in the cloud with a reliable provider can be more reliable than storing your information on a hard drive or USB flash memory stick.
     • Cost
       • The user doesn’t need to buy the latest software as it might be freely accessible through web apps.
   • Disadvantages.
     • Security
       • Data stored online is vulnerable to security attacks.
     • Connection
       • The user can only access their information if they have a network connection.

2. Passwords

   • Security.
     • For a password to be safe it must have an alphanumeric pattern and symbols.
   • Alphanumeric
     • It is when you have a mixture of numbers and letters
   • Passwords
     • A string of characters made to identify a user.

3. Files

   • File management
     • The organisation of files and folders using suitable names
   • Folder
     • A place to store files that are related.
   • Sub-folders
     • A sub-folder is a folder inside another folder.

4. Computer Hardware.

   • Input
     • An input device is any piece of computer hardware used to provide data to a computer system.
   • Output
     • An output device is any piece of computer hardware used to communicate the results of data that has been processed.
   • Storage
     • A storage device is a piece of computer equipment which can be used to store data.
   • CPU
     • The purpose of the CPU is to process data. The CPU is where processes such as calculating, sorting and searching take place.
   • Ram
     • Random Access Memory (RAM) is a fast temporary type of memory in which programs, applications and data are stored.
   • Magnetic storage.
     • Disadvantages.
       • Can be easily damaged, will slow down and eventually break over time. Slower access than Solid State Drives.
     • Advantages
       • Relatively cheap per unit of storage. Fast access and retrieval times compared to other storage devices.
   • Solid state storage
     • Disadvantages
       • Considerably more expensive per unit than magnetic storage. More vulnerable to abrupt power loss.
     • Advantages
       • Very compact in size and therefore very portable. High speed of data transfer and low power consumption.
   • Optical storage.
     • Disadvantages
       • More expensive than DVDs. Requires a Blu-ray player. Can lose data when scratched.
     • Disadvantages
       • Can hold a lot more data than a standard DVD, meaning it can store movies with better picture and sound quality. Portable.

5. Computational thinking.

   • Terminator
     • Shows the start and stop points of the algorithm
   • Decisions
     • A decision, either yes or no. Deciding which instruction to carry out next in the algorithm.
   • Procces
     • An instruction or command.
   • Input/output
     • An input is data received by a computer. An output is a data sent from a computer.
   • Connector
     • Connects the flowchart shapes. The arrow shows the direction or flow of instructions.
   • Abstraction
     • Focusing on the important information only. Ignoring the details that are not needed.
   • Focusing on the important information only. Ignoring the details that are not needed.
   • Decomposition
     • Breaking down a complex problem or system into smaller, more manageable parts.