Complete

ICT
A practical
approach for
the updated
syllabus

for Cambridge IGCSE ®

Second edition

Stephen Doyle

Oxford excellence for Cambridge IGCSE®

Contents
Introduction iv
Part 1
Curriculum content
1 Types and components of computer systems 1
2 Input and output devices 12
3 Storage devices and media 28
4 Networks and the effects of using them 34
5 The effects of using IT 48
6 ICT applications 55
7 The systems life cycle 79
8 Safety and security 89
9 Audience 99
10 Communication 103
Part 2
Practical tests
11 File management 110
12 Images 114
13 Layout 120
14 Styles 134
15 Proofing 138
16 Graphs and charts 143
17 Document production 156
18 Data manipulation 174
19 Presentations 179
20 Data analysis 216
21 Website authoring 245
Glossary 269
Index 277
 Introduction to Complete ICT
for Cambridge IGCSE®
2nd Edition
What the book covers The practical tests
For the practical tests you will also need to show knowledge and
This book supports the Cambridge IGCSE Information and
understanding of Sections 1–10, and demonstrate the practical
Communication Technology syllabus. It has been written by an
skills relevant to Sections 11–21.
experienced author to ensure the content and features make learning
as interesting and effective as possible. On the accompanying CD you Practical tests assess the practical skills developed for
will find interactive and revision tests, glossary and further past paper applications in the following list:
questions taken from the previous syllabus.
11 File management
How you will be assessed
12 Images
The assessment for the IGCSE consists of the following three papers:
13 Layout
Paper 1
This is a written paper of 2 hours’ duration which tests the content 14 Styles
of Sections 1 to 21 of the syllabus content. The questions are all
15 Proofing
compulsory and many of them consist of multiple choice or short
answer questions. There are others which require longer answers. 16 Graphs and charts
The marks for paper 1 are 40% of the total. 17 Document production
Paper 2 18 Data manipulation
This is a practical test that tests the practical skills to use the
19 Presentations
applications in Sections 17, 18 and19 of the syllabus content.
20 Data analysis
The marks for paper 2 are 30% of the total.
21 Website authoring
Paper 3
This is a practical test that tests the practical skills to use the When your work is marked you will have to meet a series of
applications in Sections 20 and 21 of the syllabus content. learning outcomes in each of the sections outlined above.
The marks for paper 2 are 30% of the total. Throughout this book, you For access to all the files used in the activities go to
will find exam-style questions. Some of these are taken from past www.oxfordsecondary.co.uk/completeict, or the Complete ICT
examination papers; these have been taken from the previous syllabus for IGCSE Teacher Kit CD-ROM.
so may be different to what you encounter in your examination.
Sections for the content of the syllabus content
The content is divided into the following interrelated sections:
1 Types and components of computer systems
2 Input and output devices
3 Storage devices and media
4 Networks and the effects of using them
5 The effects of using IT
6 ICT applications
7 The systems lifecycle
8 Safety and security
9 Audience
10 Communication
 1 Types and components of
computer systems
Computer systems consist of two parts: hardware and software, and
The key concepts covered in this chapter are:
both are essential for computers to carry out tasks. This chapter
Hardware and software
looks at different types of computer and the hardware and software
The main components of computer systems
needed for them to do a useful job. Operating systems
Types of computer
Impact of emerging technologies

Hardware and software KEY WORDS

All computer systems consist of two main parts: hardware and Hardware the physical components of a computer
software. Here are the definitions of hardware and software. system such as motherboards, memory, sound cards,
screens/monitors, keyboards, printers, etc.
Hardware are the physical components of a computer system such as
Software programs for controlling the operation of a
motherboards, memory, sound cards, screens/monitors, keyboards,
computer or for the processing of electronic data.
printers, etc.
Software are the programs for controlling the operation of a computer
or for the processing of electronic data.

Internal hardware devices

These are situated inside the computer casing and include:
Motherboard – the main printed circuit board found in computers
and contains electrical components such as the central processing
unit and memory and also connectors for connecting external
hardware devices such as keyboards, mice, speakers, etc.
Random access memory (RAM) – these are the memory chips
which lose their contents when the power is removed. ROM
Read-only memory (ROM) – memory chips where the contents
can be read but not written to and where the contents are
retained when the power is removed.
Video card – an expansion card that generates the signals so
that a video output device can display computer data such as
text and graphics.
Sound card – an expansion card that allows a computer to
send audio signals to audio devices such as speakers and
headphones. Most computers now have the sound card Sound card
integrated into the motherboard.
Internal hard disk drive – a rigid magnetic material coated External hardware devices
disk onto which programs and data can be stored and These are outside the computer casing and include:
situated inside the casing of the computer.
Monitors/screens
Keyboards and mice
External storage devices (e.g. external hard disk drive,
memory sticks/pen drives)
Printers
Scanners
Speakers and microphones

Motherboard
1
 Software the computer hardware what to do. System software therefore
operates and controls the computer hardware.
Software are programs for controlling the operation of a computer
or for processing electronic data. System software includes:
Software consists of sets of instructions that tell the computer Operating systems
hardware what to do. Software is written in a computer language Device drivers
and there are quite a few different ones. Computer hardware Compilers
is useless without software. Software is of two main types: Linkers
applications software and system software. Utilities

Applications software Operating systems

Applications software are programs that are designed to carry out An operating system is a program or a suite of programs that
certain operations for a particular application. The formatting of text controls the system resources and the processes using these
and the organisation of page layout can be performed using word- resources on a computer. You will learn about the different tasks
processing software, which is an example of applications software. performed by an operating system later in this chapter.
Applications software cannot run on its own as it is dependent on Compilers
system software, which is the other type of software. Compilers are programs that change the instructions written in
programming languages, such as BASIC, into binary numbers (0’s
Applications software includes:
and 1’s). A compiler converts the whole of a program written in
Word processing – software that allows the composition, the programming language into binary in one go. The program
editing, re-formatting, storing and printing of documents. is then stored in binary and when it is run it runs much faster
Spreadsheets – software that stores data in cells formed by because it is now in binary so no time is wasted translating it.
the intersection of rows and columns that can be used to help
sort data, arrange data and calculate numerical values. It can Device drivers
calculate values using mathematical formulae and the data Device drivers are software used to supply instructions to the
contained in the cells. hardware on how to operate equipment that may be connected
Database management system – software that provides to the computer such as printers, scanners, keyboards, mice,
facilities for the organisation and management of a body of external hard disk drives, etc.
information required for a particular application. Most operating systems are able to recognise when hardware such as
Control software – software used to supply instructions in a pen drive/memory stick, camera, external hard disk drive, printer,
order to tell devices such as washing machines, automatic scanner, etc., has been attached to the computer and automatically
cookers how to operate. load the driver software needed to control it. Sometimes, when a
Measuring software – software used to issue instructions to new device is attached to a computer, you need to install device
sensors to take measurements of physical quantities such driver software included with the device on the computer so that the
as temperature, pressure etc. and input the readings into the computer is able to recognise and operate the device.
computer for processing.
Applets and apps – are little programs (i.e. applications) Linkers
which range from games to social applications and are usually Linkers are programs that are usually part of the compiler. Linkers
run using smartphones or tablets. take care of the linking between the code that the programmer
Photo-editing software – used to improve/enhance writes and other resources and libraries that make up the whole
photographs using a computer. This would include re-sizing, program file that can be executed (run).
cropping (i.e. using only part of the photo) and colour/ Utilities
brightness/contrast adjustment. Utility programs are provided as part of the system software and
Video-editing software – allows a user to take sections of they help the user with everyday tasks such as:
video recordings called clips and trim, splice, cut or arrange
them across a timeline. Special visual effects can be File maintenance tasks such as creating new folders, copying
included. files, renaming files, deleting files
Graphics manipulation software – used to alter the Compressing files so that they take up less storage space or
appearance of images. This typically involves altering size, can be transferred quickly over the internet
altering orientation, cropping, adjusting colours etc. Installing and uninstalling software
Compacting files on the hard drive so they can be found faster
System software Checking for and removing viruses
System software are programs that control the computer Formatting a disk ready for use
hardware directly by giving the step-by-step instructions that tell Burning CDs and DVDs (saving data onto them)

2
 1 TY PES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS

KEY WORDS
Q U E S TIONS A
Device driver a short, specially written program that
1 a Explain the main difference between computer understands the operation of the device it controls/
hardware and software. (2 marks) operates. For example, driver software can operate/control
b Give two examples of computer hardware and two a printer or scanner. Driver software is needed to allow
examples of computer software. (4 marks) the systems or applications software to control the device
properly.
2 System software includes the following: Operating system software that controls the hardware of
Operating system a computer and is used to run the applications software.
Device drivers Operating systems control the handling of input, output,
Utilities interrupts, etc.
Write down the piece of software from the list above that System software any computer software that manages
performs each of the following tasks. and controls the hardware thus allowing the applications
a Switches the printer on/off and sends data software to do a useful job. System software consists of a
to the printer for printing. (1 mark) group of programs.
b Compresses files so that they can be sent in Utility software part of the system software that
less time over the internet. (1 mark) performs a specific task such as creating a new folder,
c Provides a user interface so that users can easily copying files, etc.
create folders, copy files, move files, etc. (1 mark)
d Keeps track of where to store data on the
hard disk drive. (1 mark) The main components of computer
e Detects and removes viruses. (1 mark) systems
f Used to supply instructions as to how to operate
hardware attached to the computer such as
printers and scanners. (1 mark) Input devices Processor and internal memory Output devices

3 a Hardware devices can be either internal hardware

devices or external hardware devices. Explain
the difference between the two. (2 marks) Backing / secondary
storage devices
b From the following list, identify which are internal
hardware devices and which are external hardware
devices. The main components of a computer are:
Mouse Video card
Motherboard Internal hard disk drive Input devices (keyboard, mouse, etc.)
Processor RAM Processor and internal memory
ROM Printer Output devices (printer, monitor, speakers, etc.)
Keyboard Sound card (10 marks) Backing / secondary storage devices (DVD-R/W drive, internal
hard disk drive, etc.)
4 System software is a suite of programs that includes the
operating system, device drivers and utilities. The processor and internal memory include the central processing
a Explain why all computers need an operating unit (CPU), read only memory (ROM), random access memory
system. (2 marks) (RAM) and the internal hard disk drive.
b i Is a device driver hardware or software? (1 mark) The central processing unit and its role
ii When a printer is attached or linked to a computer The central processing unit (CPU), often called the processor, is
system, a device driver is loaded. Explain what the the brain of the computer and it consists of millions of tiny circuits
purpose of a device driver is. (1 mark) on a silicon chip. The central processing unit does a number of
c Give two tasks that are performed by utility tasks: it controls the step-by-step running of the computer system,
software. (2 marks) it performs all the calculations and the logical operations, and
deals with the storage of data and programs in memory.

3
 Internal memory: read only memory (ROM) and
Q UESTI O N S B
random access memory (RAM)
There are two types of memory called ROM and RAM. Both of
1 The diagram represents a computer’s main components:
these two types of memory are stored on chips and are available
immediately to the central processing unit.
A B C
Computers also have a hard disk drive as internal memory and it
is here that the application software is stored along with the user’s files.
D
ROM (read only memory) RAM (random access memory)
For each of these components, match it with a letter in
Data and program instructions are Data and program instructions are
stored permanently. stored temporarily. the diagram above.
Processor and internal Secondary storage
The computer can only read the Can read contents as well as write
contents. new contents. memory devices devices
Output devices Input devices
Non-volatile, meaning the Volatile, meaning the contents are
contents of memory are retained lost when there is no power. (4 marks)
when there is no power. 2 ROM and RAM are both types of internal computer
Used to store the BIOS program memory.
used to boot the computer up a i What do the letters ROM stand for? (1 mark)
when the power is turned on. ii What do the letters RAM stand for? (1 mark)
b Tick one box next to each item below to show
KEY WORDS
which statements apply to ROM and which to RAM.
BIOS (basic input/output system) stored in ROM and (4 marks)
holds instructions used to ‘boot’ (start) the computer up
ROM RAM
when first switched on.
RAM random access memory – fast temporary memory Contents are lost when the
which loses its contents when the power is turned off. computer is turned off
ROM read only memory – memory stored on a chip which Contents are not lost when
does not lose data when the power is turned off. the computer is turned off
Stores the programs needed
Input devices to start up the computer
These are used to get raw data into the computer ready for Stores application programs
processing by the CPU. Some input devices, such as a mouse, and data currently being used
keyboard, touch screen, microphone, etc., are manual and need to
be operated by a human. Others are automatic and once they are 3 a Explain why it is important that a computer
set up they can be left to input the data on their own. These include has a large amount of RAM and ROM. (2 marks)
optical mark readers, optical character readers, etc. b Computers contain RAM and ROM.
Explain what ROM would be used for in a computer.
Explain what RAM would be used for in a computer.
Output devices
(4 marks)
Once the raw data has been processed it becomes information
and this information needs to be output from the computer using
an output device. Output devices include monitors/screens,
printers, speakers, plotters, etc. Operating systems
Operating systems are programs that control the hardware directly by
Secondary/backing storage giving the step-by-step instructions that tell the computer hardware
Secondary/backing storage is used for the storage of programs what to do. An operating system performs the following tasks:
and data that are not needed instantly by the computer. It is also
used for long-term storage of programs and data as well as for Handles inputs and outputs – selects and controls the
copies in case the original data is lost. operation of hardware devices such as keyboards, mice,
scanners, printers, etc.
Secondary/backing storage media includes internal hard disks, Recognises hardware – the operating system will recognise
memory sticks, flash memory cards, optical disks (such as CDs that a hardware device such as a pen drive, camera, portable
and DVDs) and magnetic tape. hard drive, etc., has been attached to the computer. The
See Chapter 2 for more information on input, output and storage operating system loads the software it needs to control the
devices. device automatically.
4
 1 TY PES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Supervises the running of other programs – it provides a way Graphical user interface
for applications software (i.e. the software that is used to Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) are very popular because they
complete a task such as word-processing, spreadsheet, stock are easy to use. Instead of typing in commands, you enter them
control, etc.) to work with the hardware. by pointing at and clicking objects on the screen. Microsoft
Handles the storage of data – it keeps track of all the files Windows and Macintosh operating systems use graphical user
and directories/folders on the disk. interfaces. The main features of a GUI include:
Maximises the use of computer memory – the operating
Windows – the screen is divided into areas called windows.
system decides where in the memory the program instructions
Windows are useful if you need to work on several tasks.
are placed. For example, some instructions are needed
over and over again, whereas others are needed only now Icons – these are small pictures used to represent commands,
and again. It ensures that the parts of the program needed files or windows. By moving the pointer and clicking, you can
frequently are put in the fastest part of the memory. carry out a command or open a window. You can also position
Handles interrupts and decides what action to take – when any icon anywhere on your desktop.
something happens such as the printer cannot print because
Menus – these allow a user to make selections from a list. Menus
the paper is jammed or it has run out of paper, it will stop the
can be pop-up or drop-down and this means they do not clutter
printer and alert the user.
the desktop while not in use.
The types of interface used with operating systems Pointer – this is the little arrow that appears when using Windows.
An operating system needs a way of interacting with the user. The pointer changes shape in different applications – it changes
The way the operating system communicates with a user is to an ‘I’ shape when using word-processing software. A mouse can
called the interface and there are two common interfaces in use be used to move the pointer around the screen.
and these are:
Notice that the first letter of each feature in the above list spells
Graphical user interface (GUI) – these are very easy to use and out the term WIMP (i.e. Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointers).
have features such as windows, icons, menus, pointers, etc.
Examples of operating systems which make use of a GUI are: The benefits and drawbacks between an operating
Windows system which uses a GUI and those which use a CLI
Mac OS
Ubuntu Benefits and drawbacks of a GUI

Command line/driven interface (CLI) – here you have to type Benefits

in a series of commands which must be precisely worded, A GUI is considered by most people to be more user friendly.
and it can be hard to remember how to do this, so this type of It is more obvious to new users how to do simple tasks such
interface is harder to use. An example of an operating system as printing by clicking on a printer icon.
making use of a command line/driven interface is MSDOS There are no commands to remember. You simply click
(Microsoft Disk Operating System). on icons or drop-down menus using the mouse to make
selections.
It is much easier to find programs that are running using a
GUI. For example, you can have one window open displaying
a spreadsheet while using word-processing software in a
different window.
They enable data to be passed easily from one software
package to another using drag and drop or cut and paste.

Drawbacks
A GUI takes up more hard disk space when being stored.
A GUI requires more memory (ROM and RAM) when
being used.
A more experienced user might find that typing in commands
is quicker than moving the mouse or clicking.
Example of a command line interface where the commands are entered
A powerful processor is needed to run the latest version of
at the prompt.
a GUI.

5
 Benefits and drawbacks of a CLI Personal computers (PCs) or desktop computers
A personal computer is the type of computer that you are most
Benefits
likely to encounter at home or at school.
If the user is experienced in using the CLI it can be faster to
type commands rather than move the mouse and click on Computers can be classed as stand alone or networked:
drop-down menus and icons to issue the same commands.
Stand alone computers are not connected to a network so
A CLI does not use as much hard disk space when being
they do not share resources or files with other computers.
stored.
They are used when all the programs data/files needed for
A CLI does not need as much memory (ROM and RAM) when
the application, are stored locally (i.e. on one of the drives or
being run.
memory in the computer itself).
You do not need a powerful processor to run a CLI.
Networked computers are linked to a network so they are
Drawbacks able to share files, an internet connection and devices such
You need to learn and remember lots of commands. as printers and scanners with other computers connected to
Commands must be issued in a specific order otherwise the the network. Many programs are stored on the internet (i.e.
commands will be rejected. cloud storage) rather than locally on the computer and can
therefore only be accessed using networked computers.
Important note
Windows is an interface which allows easy user interaction with Laptops
a multitasking graphical user interface (GUI) operating system Laptop computers are designed to be portable and used while
as well as other software. MS Windows is a branded operating on the move. A touch pad is typically used instead of a mouse
system owned by the company Microsoft. to move the cursor and make selections. Laptops are often
used in public places so there is a greater likelihood of them
being stolen.
Q U E S TIONS C
Laptops make use of LCD (liquid crystal displays) which use
1 Graphical user interfaces are very popular interfaces less power and are light in weight. This is important because
that are used with computers, mobile phones, and other laptops use rechargeable batteries when used away from a
portable devices. power supply. If a laptop is not connected to a network then it is
a Give three features of a graphical user interface. a stand alone laptop and all the programs and files needed for
(3 marks) the application used are stored on the computer itself. Once the
b Other than a graphical user interface (GUI) give the computer is connected to a network then it is able to share files
name of one other type of user interface. (1 mark) and resources and it becomes a networked laptop.
2 All computers need an operating system.
a Explain what an operating system is. (2 marks) Tablet computers
b List three different functions of an operating Tablet computers, called tablets for short, are mobile computers
system. (3 marks) with a display, electronic circuitry and battery in a single thin
unit. They are designed to be portable yet have a screen size that
3 Users need a way of interacting with an operating system. makes them easy to use for accessing content on the internet,
a Give the names of the two different types of user playing games, listening to music, as well as using all the other
interface used with computers. applications for which you would use a computer. Tablets usually
(Note that the use of brand names will gain you feature an on-screen keyboard which pops up on the screen to
no marks in an examination.) (2 marks) enable text to be input.
b Give a benefit and a drawback for each type
of interface. (2 marks) Tablet computers are usually equipped with some or all of the
following:
A camera which enables still or video images to be recorded
Types of computer and saved as well as photo-editing software.
The type of computer you choose to use depends on the tasks Speakers to output music, sound from video recordings,
you intend to do with the computer and where you intend using instructions from GPS (global positioning systems), etc.
the computer. If a computer is to be used away from a desk then A microphone to record voice for the phone facility, the web
it needs to be small and light but there are some tasks such as cam, and for voice recognition to enable commands to be
desktop publishing where it becomes difficult to perform using a issued verbally and to enable speech to be converted to text
small screen. for documents and emails.

6
 1 TY PES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Handwriting recognition enables a user to write on the Desktop Laptop Tablet Smartphone
touchscreen using a stylus and then convert it to text which
Separate All in one so easy Light and Very light and
can be used in email, documents, etc. components to move. compact so easily pocket sized.
Bluetooth which allows communication between the means hard to transported.
tablet and peripherals such as external speakers and dismantle/move.
other devices. Used on a desk so Often used Uses an on-screen On-screen
Ability to use Wi-Fi which allows access to the internet less likelihood of awkwardly so chance keyboard which can keyboard is small
wherever there is a wireless access point (e.g. in homes, RSI or backache. of backache or RSI. be awkward to use. and hard to use.
coffee shops, libraries etc.). Needs a mains Can be used away Can be used away Can be used away
The ability to use 3G/4G telephony to access the power supply. from the mains from the mains from the mains
internet when Wi-Fi is not available, provided you have power. power supply. power.
a mobile signal. Easy to upgrade Harder to upgrade Harder to upgrade Harder to upgrade
and repair. and repair. and repair. and repair.
Full size keyboard Touch pad is more Uses a touch screen Small screen
and mouse are cumbersome to which makes it easy makes it more
easy to use. use. to surf the net. difficult to use.
Flat surface No flat surface is Can be used in most Easiest type to use
needed to move needed. positions including when on the move.
mouse on. standing up.

Impact of emerging technologies

Emerging technologies are those that are likely to make a great
impact on our everyday lives in the future and these are outlined here.

Artificial intelligence
Because they are light in weight and have a touch-screen, tablet Artificial intelligence is the science of getting computers to learn
computers can be used while standing up.
in a similar way to the way the human brain learns new things.
The aim of this is to make computers more intelligent and make
Smartphones them able to work things out for themselves.
Smartphones have most of the features of a tablet computer
Artificial intelligence is a reasoning process performed by
but their small size limits their use for certain applications.
computers that allow the computer to:
The following diagram shows some of the features of a smartphone.
Draw deductions
Clock, alarm,
Produce new information
calendar & Modify rules or write new rules.
Communicating with nearby calculator 3G/4G
devices using Bluetooth telephony
KEY WORD
Ability to run small WiFi access to
Artificial intelligence (AI) creating computer programs
programs called apps the internet
or computer systems that behave in a similar way to
Features the human brain by learning from experience, etc. The
Video of a Phone calls
computer, just like a human, is able to learn as it stores
smartphone
more and more data.
Camera & SMS messaging
photo-editing
Voice messages
Biometrics
MP3
player
GPS Biometrics uses a property of the human body to identify people.
The three main properties used to identify a person using ICT are:
Fingerprints
The pattern on their retina (the pattern of blood vessels at the
back of the eye).
The pattern on their iris (the coloured, circular area around
the pupil in the eye).

7
 These have the following uses. Uses for computer-assisted translation
Changing the language on websites – many websites are used
Fingerprint scanning:
internationally and it is possible for you change the language
Used for recording attendance in school/college used by the website to the language you use.
Used for access to buildings and rooms Translation of documents – documents such as contracts, letters,
Used to restrict access to computers/smartphones brochures, notes etc may need to be translated into different
Used to restrict access to countries at border control at languages. There is no need for translators to perform the translation
airports, ports, etc. as computer software can do it saving both time and money.
Retinal scanning: Quantum cryptography
Quantum cryptography uses a special branch of physics called
Used for passport control.
quantum mechanics to produce a very secure method of encryption. It
Used for access to buildings and rooms.
allows a sender and receiver to communicate in private using a special
key. If someone is trying to eavesdrop on the communication, the
system is able to detect this and the system stops the communication.
This method is used by the military to send orders to troops and also
for sending financial and banking details over networks.

Uses for quantum cryptography

Used for the sending of credit/debit card or banking details –
these are sent over the Internet without hackers being able to
view and understand the data.
Provides a completely secure method of sending secret
information – (e.g. details of informants and spies) which
improves the security of a country.
Used for securely performing elections using the Internet – in the
past, paper votes or even electronic votes could be tampered with.
Retinal scanning makes use of the unique pattern of blood vessels in the
retina to identify people. Vision enhancement
Vision enhancement uses special sensors (which are usually
There are some new developments in biometrics: special cameras) that detect information from images outside the
visible spectrum. This information is then put together with the
Face recognition systems – where a person can be identified
ordinary image to make it clearer.
by their face. Faces are stored on a database and the image
from a CCTV camera is used to find a match. Face recognition Vision enhancement is used in some luxury cars to provide a screen
systems are used at passport/border control where a face is at which a driver can glance when driving in poor visibility (e.g. fog,
identified using a camera and a check is made to confirm it spray, lights from oncoming cars, rain, and at night). It can also be
matches the photograph in the passport. used by the military to enable troops to see when it is almost dark.
Walk recognition systems – people have a unique way of
People who have low vision (i.e. they are almost blind) can use
walking and this can be used to identity people from behind.
vision enhancement to enable them to see using their remaining
This is used by the security and police forces.
sight. The system takes their remaining sight and magnifies objects
Computer-assisted translation up to 50 times allowing them to change the brightness and
Computer-assisted translation is a type of translation from one contrast of the image to enable them to see much more clearly.
language into another where the person doing the translation
Uses for vision enhancement
uses computer software to aid them with the translation.
Improving vision – pilots/drivers in poor light conditions can
All you need to do is enter text into a window in one language have their vision improved making it safer.
and then select the language you want it translating into and Improves the vision of partially sighted people – thus
then all the text will appear in another window translated in the improving their quality of life.
new language. There is even the option of hearing the spoken
words in each language. In some cases it is not necessary to tell
3D and holographic imaging
3D imaging is a technique that gives the illusion of depth in an image.
the computer the language being translated as it can recognise it
It works by using two slightly offset images with one image sent to the
automatically. One popular computer-assisted translation service
right eye and the other image sent to the left eye. The brain then uses
is provided by Google Translate.
the 2D images on the screen to give the impression of depth.

8
 1 TY PES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Holographic imaging uses laser light to form an image of an Can easily change the way the device works by re-programming it.
object that is almost indistinguishable from the object itself. More accurate than humans.
Research is currently taking place to use computer-generated Can react quickly to changes in conditions.
holograms with special holographic displays to produce
Disadvantages:
holographic television. The main problem at the moment is
that producing a holographic image requires huge numbers of Initial cost of equipment is high.
calculations to be performed very quickly and current processors Equipment can go wrong.
are not fast enough. There is also the problem of transmitting Fewer people needed so leads to unemployment.
holographic images, because the bandwidth needed is much Need specialist to program, which is expensive.
higher than that currently available. As soon as these technical
problems are solved, we will have true 3D images.

Virtual reality
Virtual reality is a simulation of the real world, or an imaginary
world that is created using computers. Sometimes the image is
displayed on a computer screen and sometimes it is displayed on
a specially designed headset that you wear. In some cases users
are able to interact with the virtual environment using a keyboard
and mouse or by using a specially wired glove.

Robotics
Robots have been widely used in manufacturing for years, especially
for painting and welding in car factories. Robots are also used for
picking and packing goods in large warehouses. Robots have been
developed that will do some of the tasks humans hate to do, such as
mowing the lawn or vacuuming floors. This robot is used by the army to make bombs safe.

There are robots available for the home that will wash floors, clean
gutters, and clean swimming pools. The robots that are available
at the moment in the home are usually capable of performing one
task. In the future you will probably buy a single multifunctional robot
capable of carrying out a range of different tasks.

Computer control is used in manufacturing.

Mowing the lawn is a chore for many people, so this robot lawnmower is a
useful device.

Advantages and disadvantages of robots

Compared to manual control, computer-based control systems or
robots have the following advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
Can operate continuously, 24 hours per day and 7 days
per week.
Less expensive to run as you don’t have to pay wages. Robots will eventually be seen in all homes. This vacuuming robot is
Can work in dangerous places (e.g. a robot to remove a bomb). already in the shops.

9
 REVISION QUESTIONS

1 Explain the difference between hardware and software. [2]

The following notes summarise this chapter, but they have
2 Desktop computers consist of a number of components.
missing words. Using the words below, copy out and complete
Explain the purpose of each of the following components. sentences A to M. Each word may be used more than once.
a Central processing unit (CPU) [1] software ROM information hardware desktop
b Main memory [1]
output CPU input RAM backing applications
c Backing storage [1]
A Computer systems consist of two main parts, hardware and
3 Give the names of:
_____.
a two input devices [2]
b two output devices [2] B The physical components of a computer system are called
c two backing storage devices [2] _____.
C The _____ is a piece of hardware that is the brains of the
4 Computers come in all sizes and can be used in different
computer and it turns data into _____.
situations.
a Describe what is meant by a desktop computer and D Computer hardware is useless without the _____ which is
explain how it differs from a laptop computer. [3] used to give it instructions as to what to do.
b Tablet computers are very popular. Give two ways E There are two types of software called system software and
in which a tablet computer differs from a laptop _____ software.
computer. [1] F A computer which has a full-sized keyboard and full-sized
5 A salesperson travels to newsagents taking orders for screen and is normally used in one place is called a
sweets using a tablet. _____ computer.
Give one advantage of using a tablet rather than a G _____ devices such as the keyboard and mouse are used
laptop computer. [1] to input data into the computer for processing.
6 Computers need memory and backing storage. H After data has been processed, the results of processing
a Give one difference between memory and are passed to a(n) _____ device.
backing storage. [1] I Storage which is not memory is called _____ storage.
b Give one example of what would be stored in memory. [1] J _____ is fast temporary memory where programs and data
c Give one example of what would be stored in are stored only when the power is supplied.
backing storage. [1]
K _____ is fast permanent memory used for holding
7 a Explain how you could distinguish between an instructions needed to start up the computer.
internal and an external hardware device. [1] L _____ is held on a computer chip and is called non-
b Give two examples of internal hardware devices volatile memory because it does not lose its contents when
and two examples of external hardware devices. [4] the power is turned off.
8 a Give the meanings of the abbreviations RAM and ROM. [2] M _____ is held on a computer chip and is called volatile
b Describe the differences between RAM and ROM. [4] memory because the contents disappear when the power
is turned off.
9 There are many emerging technologies that are set to
change peoples’ lives.
Give the name of one emerging technology and explain
what the technology is and how it is likely to change
peoples’ lives. [5]
10 Many computer systems make use of biometrics.
a Explain the meaning of the term biometrics. [1]
b Give the names of two biometric measurements
that are likely to be used by a computer system. [2]
c For one of the measurements in your answer
to part b explain an application for the
measurement. [2]

10
 1 TY PES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS

EX AM-ST YLE QU ES T IO NS 6 Give three functions of an operating system. [3]

1 Choose three tasks from the list below that are carried out 7 There are two types of internal memory called
by system software: ROM and RAM. Describe the differences between
Renaming a file ROM and RAM. [4]
Deciding where to store data on a hard disk drive 8 Complete each sentence using one item from the list:
Underlining text in a word-processing package
Cropping a picture Router Output Communication Software
Loading a file from the disk drive [3] Processor Microphone ROM RAM Input
2 a Give three tasks (other than those in Q1) a ……………… means the programs that supply the
performed by system software. [3] instructions to the hardware to tell it what to do.
b Some printers come with device driver software. b …………… devices such as keyboards, mice, and
Give one purpose of device driver software. [1] scanners are used to supply data to the computer.
3 Write down the name of the piece of system software that c …………….. devices are hardware such as printers,
carries out each of the following by matching the name to speakers, and screens.
the correct description. d …………….. is memory which is used to hold the boot
Utility program needed to start the computer up when first
Device driver switched on.
Operating system e ……………. is memory held on a chip that can
have its contents changed by the user. [5]
Description Name
9 Graphical user interfaces are very popular particularly
(A) Deals with errors that occur when the
with tablets and smartphones.
computer is working on tasks
a Give two advantages of a tablet compared to a
(B) Software needed when a new piece of
laptop computer. [2]
hardware is attached to the computer
b Give two disadvantages of a tablet compared to
(C) Scans the hard disk drive to detect a laptop computer. [2]
and remove viruses
c Give three features of a graphical user interface. [3]
[3] 10 Give two examples of tasks that are completed
4 Tick True or False next to each of these statements. by robots. [2]

True False 11 Washing machines are assembled by robots in a factory.

Computer programs are examples of Tick three advantages in using robots rather than humans
software. to assemble washing machines.
Creating a new folder would be
performed by a device driver. Robots are more intelligent than humans.
A compiler is an example of an Robots are cheap to buy and maintain.
operating system. Robots can work 24 hours a day.
Word-processing software is an Robots always assemble the parts correctly.
example of applications software.
Robots need to be programmed to perform a
[4] task.
It is cheaper as robots are not paid wages.
5 Which three of the following tasks are carried out by all
operating systems? [3]
a Transferring data to a printer
12 Describe the differences between a CLI (Command Line
b Allocating storage space on a disk
Interface) and a GUI (Graphical User Interface). [4]
c Positioning text in a word-processing document
d Finding a database record (Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology
e Accepting keyboard input 0417/11 q13 Oct/Nov 2013)
f Adding colour to a drawing on screen [3] 13 Describe the differences between a stand-alone computer
and a networked computer. [4]

11