01Information Representation
Number systems and base conversions · One's and two's complement; binary arithmetic and overflow · Binary and decimal prefixes · Character sets: ASCII, extended ASCII and Unicode …
Communication
LAN/WAN characteristics; client-server, peer-to-peer, thin/thick-client models · Network topologies: bus, star, mesh, hybrid · Transmission media: copper, fibre-optic and wireless · Network hardware: switch, NIC/WNIC, WAP, bridge, repeater, router …
Hardware
Input, output, primary/secondary storage and buffers · Operation of common input, output and storage devices · Embedded systems: uses, benefits and drawbacks · Monitoring vs control systems: sensors, actuators, feedback …
Processor Fundamentals
Von Neumann model, stored program concept and system buses · Registers and CPU components · Performance factors and peripheral ports · Fetch-Execute cycle and register transfer notation …
System Software
OS purpose and management tasks · Utility software · Program libraries and DLL files · Translators; compiler vs interpreter; partial translation …
Security, Privacy and Data Integrity
Security, privacy and integrity of data: meaning and need · Network/internet threats: malware, hackers, phishing, pharming · Security measures: authentication, firewall, anti-malware, encryption, access rights · Data validation methods …
Ethics and Ownership
Professional ethics and ethical bodies (BCS, IEEE) · Copyright legislation and software licensing · AI: applications and social, economic, environmental impact
Databases
File-based limitations vs benefits of a relational database · Relational model terminology · Entity-relationship (E-R) diagrams · Normalisation to 1NF, 2NF and 3NF …