computer science

computer science

1. memory

   • the difference between RAM and ROM
   • the purpose of ROM in a computer system
   • the purpose of RAM in a computer system
   • the need for virtual memory
   • flash memory.

2. system architecture

   • the purpose of the CPU
   • MAR (Memory Address Register)
   • MDR (Memory Data Register
   • Program Counter
   • Accumulator
   • ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
   • CU (Control Unit)
   • Cache
   • clock speed
   • cache size
   • number of cores
   • purpose of embedded systems
   • examples of embedded sytems

3. storage

   • the need for secondary storage
   • data capacity and calculation of data capacity requirements
   • common types of storage:
     • optical
     • magnetic
     • solid state
   • suitable storage devices and storage media for a given application, and the advantages and disadvantages of these, using characteristics:
     • capacity
     • speed
     • portability
     • durability
     • reliability
     • cost.

4. wired and wireless networks

   • types of networks:
     • LAN (Local Area Network)
     • WAN (Wide Area Network)
   • factors that affect the performance of networks
   • the different roles of computers in a client-server and a peer-to-peer network
   • the hardware needed to connect stand-alone computers into a Local Area Network
     • wireless access points
     • routers/switches
     • NIC (Network Interface Controller/Card)
     • transmission media
   • the internet as a worldwide collection of computer networks
     • DNS (Domain Name Server)
     • hosting
     • the cloud
   • the concept of virtual networks

5. network topologies, protocols and layers

6. ethical, legal, cultural and environment concerns

   • star and mesh network topologies
   • Wifi:
     • frequency and channels
     • encryption
   • ethernet
   • the uses of IP addressing, MAC addressing, and protocols including
     • TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)
     • HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol)
     • HTTPS (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure)
     • FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
     • POP (Post Office Protocol)
     • IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol)
     • SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
   • the concept of layers
   • packet switching.

7. system software

8. system security