GCSE Computer Science Revision Guide

GCSE Computer Science Revision Guide
All resources can be found in: P:\Computing\Key Stage 4\GCSE Computer Science\GCSE Computer
Science Books and Videos\Videos GCSE Computer Science
Main websites
Crash Course Youtube Videos Most topics
Craig n Dave Youtube Videos Make sure you refer to AQA
Resources on Pupilshare GCSE
BBC CS Text, animation and mini tests
on a number of topics.
Computer Science Tutor Make sure you refer to AQA
GCSE
Quizzes (OCR)
Unit 1.1 System Architecture - https://quizizz.com/admin/quiz/58b2cd230e72331a25658642
Unit 1.2 Memory L1 - https://quizizz.com/admin/quiz/58b2d9870e72331a256586b5
Unit 1.2 Memory L2 - https://quizizz.com/admin/quiz/58b2dbb3b629afe02454bfde
Unit 1.3 Storage - https://quizizz.com/admin/quiz/58b2e3debd1549e624d0a4ff
Unit 1.4 Networks L1 - https://quizizz.com/admin/quiz/5891bcf9d4e77d1f279e9026
Unit 1.4 Networks L2 - https://quizizz.com/admin/quiz/589499f6a10243a72fe4f349
Unit 1.5 Network Topologies L1
- https://quizizz.com/admin/quiz/58b2ec74ba7e5e34252d392d
Unit 1.5 Network Topologies L2
- https://quizizz.com/admin/quiz/58b2efddc0c8734b25d9cb24
Unit 1.7 Systems Software L1 - https://quizizz.com/admin/quiz/58ad777a2d7fbf8659dd232d
Unit 1.7 Systems Software L2 - https://quizizz.com/admin/quiz/58b03fa55d33fff54773a650
Unit 1.8 - Legal, ethical etc - https://quizizz.com/admin/quiz/58b2f23dc0c8734b25d9cb39
1. Fundamentals of algorithms
1.1 Representing algorithms
Understand and explain the term Paul Long Book: Chapter 1, Page 2
algorithm. AQA Book: Page 1
Video: 70
https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-gcse-
slr8-whats-an-algorithm
decomposition. AQA Book: Page 3
slr8-decomposition
abstraction. AQA Book: Page 5
slr8-abstraction
Use a systematic approach to problem Paul Long Book: Chapter 1, Page 15
solving and algorithm creation AQA Book: Page 7, Page 9
representing those algorithms using Video: 68 and 69
pseudo-code and flowcharts. https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-gcse-
slr8-systematic-approach-to-problem-solving
Page 1 of 20
Explain simple algorithms in terms of Paul Long Book: Chapter 1, Page 23
their inputs, processing and outputs. https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-gcse-
slr8-algorithm-inputs-processing-and-outputs
Determine the purpose of simple Paul Long Book: Chapter 1, Page 28
algorithms
1.2 Efficiency of algorithms

Understand that more than one Paul Long Book: Chapter 1, Page 39
algorithm can be used to solve the https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-gcse-
same problem. slr8-how-to-produce-algorithms
Compare the efficiency of algorithms Paul Long Book: Chapter 1, Page 40
explaining how some algorithms are https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-gcse-
more efficient than others in solving slr8-algorithm-efficiency
the same problem.
1.3 Searching algorithms

Understand and explain how the linear Paul Long Book: Chapter 1, Page 44
search algorithm works. AQA Book: Page 13
slr8-linear-search
Understand and explain how the Paul Long Book: Chapter 1, Page 49
binary search algorithm works. AQA Book: Page 13
slr8-binary-search
Compare and contrast linear and Paul Long Book: Chapter 1, Page 62
binary search algorithms AQA Book: Page 13
1.4 Sorting algorithms

merge sort algorithm works. AQA Book: Page 15
slr8-merge-sort
bubble sort algorithm works. AQA Book: Page 17
slr8-bubble-sort
Compare and contrast merge sort and Paul Long Book: Chapter 1, Page 83
bubble sort algorithms.
2. Programming
Page 2 of 20
2.1 Data types
Understand the concept of a data type.
Paul Long Book: Chapter 2, Page 1
AQA Book: Page 23
Video: 77 and 86
Understand and use the following slr9-the-use-of-data-types-and-casting
appropriately:
o integer
o real
o Boolean
o character
o string.
2.2 Programming concepts

Use, understand and know how the
Variable declaration
following statement types can be
combined in programs: Paul Long Book: Chapter 2, Page 9
AQA Book: Page 21
o variable declaration Video: 75
o constant declaration
slr9-the-use-of-variables-and-constants
o assignment
Constant declaration
o iteration Paul Long Book: Chapter 2, Page 10
AQA Book: Page 21
o selection Video: 76
o subroutine https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-gcse-
slr9-the-use-of-variables-and-constants
(procedure/function).
Assignment (Assigning a value to a variable)
AQA Book: Page 21
Iteration (Loops)
AQA Book: Page 31, Page 33, Page 35
Video: 82, 83, and 84
slr9-the-use-of-the-three-basic-programming-
constructs
Selection (If statements)
AQA Book: Page 29
Video: 79
Subroutine
AQA Book: Page 23
slr9-introduction-to-subroutines
Page 3 of 20
Use definite and indefinite iteration, Paul Long Book: Chapter 2, Page 18
including indefinite iteration with the https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-gcse-
condition(s) at the start or the end of slr9-the-use-of-the-three-basic-programming-
the iterative structure. constructs
Use nested selection and nested Paul Long Book: Chapter 2, Page 26
iteration structures. https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-gcse-
slr9-the-use-of-the-three-basic-programming-
constructs
Use meaningful identifier names and Paul Long Book: Chapter 2, Page 8
know why it is important to use them. AQA Book: Page 23
Video: 77 and 86
slr9-using-meaningful-identifier-names
2.3 Arithmetic operations in a programming language

Be familiar with and be able to use: Paul Long Book: Chapter 2, Page 32
AQA Book: Page 27
o addition https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-gcse-
slr9-the-common-arithmetic-operators
o subtraction
o multiplication https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-gcse-
slr9-the-common-boolean-and-comparison-
o real division
operators
o integer division, including
remainders.
Page 4 of 20
2.4 Relational operations in a programming language
Be familiar with and be able to use:
o equal to AQA Book: Page 29
o not equal to
o less than
o greater than
o less than or equal to
o greater than or equal to.
2.5 Boolean operations in a programming language

Be familiar with and be able to use:
o NOT AQA Book: Page 29
o AND Video: 81
o OR. slr9-the-common-boolean-and-comparison-
operators
2.6 Data structures

Understand the concept of data Paul Long Book: Chapter 2, Page 40
structures. AQA Book: Page 29
slr10-the-structured-approach-to-programming
Use arrays (or equivalent) in the Paul Long Book: Chapter 2, Page 40
design of solutions to simple problems. AQA Book: Page 39, Page 41
Video: 85
slr10-data-structures-and-the-use-of-arrays
Use records (or equivalent) in the Paul Long Book: Chapter 2, Page 50
design of solutions to simple problems. AQA Book: Page 43
slr10-records
Page 5 of 20
2.7 Input/output and file handling
Be able to obtain user input from the Paul Long Book: Chapter 2, Page 56
keyboard. AQA Book: Page 25
slr10-user-input-and-display-output
Be able to output data and information Paul Long Book: Chapter 2, Page 55
from a program to the computer AQA Book: Page 25
display. https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-gcse-
slr10-user-input-and-display-output
Be able to read/write from/to a text file. Paul Long Book: Chapter 2, Page 58, Page 60
slr10-the-use-of-basic-file-handling-operations
2.8 String handling operations in a programming language

Understand and be able to use:
o length
AQA Book: Page 47
o position https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-gcse-
slr10-the-use-of-basic-string-manipulation
o substring
o concatenation
o convert character to character
code
o convert character code to
character
o string conversion operations.
2.9 Random number generation in a programming language

Be able to use random number Paul Long Book: Chapter 2, Page 69
generation. AQA Book: Page 49
slr10-random-number-generation
2.10 Subroutines (procedures and functions)

Understand the concept of Paul Long Book: Chapter 2, Page 71
subroutines. AQA Book: Page 53, Page 55, Page 57
slr10-how-to-use-subroutines
Explain the advantages of using Paul Long Book: Chapter 2, Page 78
subroutines in programs. https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-gcse-
Describe the use of parameters to Paul Long Book: Chapter 2, Page 73
pass data within programs. https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-gcse-
slr10-the-structured-approach-to-programming
Page 6 of 20
Use subroutines that return values to Paul Long Book: Chapter 2, Page 74
the calling routine. https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-gcse-
Know that subroutines may declare
their own variables, called local Paul Long Book: Chapter 2, Page 77
variables, and that local variables https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-gcse-
usually:
slr10-the-importance-of-local-variables
o only exist while the subroutine
is executing
o are only accessible within the
subroutine.
Use local variables and explain why it Paul Long Book: Chapter 2, Page 77
is good practice to do so. https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-gcse-
slr10-the-importance-of-local-variables
2.11 Structured programming

Describe the structured approach to Paul Long Book: Chapter 2, Page 81
programming. AQA Book: Page 53
slr10-simple-authentication-routines
Explain the advantages of the Paul Long Book: Chapter 2, Page 84

structured approach. AQA Book: Page 53
slr8-systematic-approach-to-problem-solving
2.12 Robust and secure programming

Be able to write simple data validation Paul Long Book: Chapter 2, Page 88
routines. AQA Book: Page 59
Video: 47
slr10-data-validation
Be able to write simple authentication Paul Long Book: Chapter 2, Page 98

routines. AQA Book: Page 59
slr10-simple-authentication-routines
Be able to select suitable test data that

covers normal (typical), boundary AQA Book: Page 63
(extreme) and erroneous data. Be able https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-
to justify the choice of test data. gcse-slr10-suitable-test-data
Page 7 of 20
2.13 Classification of programming languages
Know that there are different levels of Paul Long Book: Chapter 2, Page 107
AQA Book: Page 65
programming language: Video: 47
o low-level language https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-gcse-
o high-level language. slr12-characteristics-and-purpose-of-different-
Explain the main differences between levels-of-programming-language
low-level and high-level languages.
Know that machine code and
assembly language are considered to
be low-level languages and explain the
differences between them.
Understand that ultimately all

programming code written in high-level AQA Book: Page 65
or assembly languages must be Video: 47
translated into machine code. https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-

gcse-slr12-characteristics-and-purpose-of-
Understand that machine code is different-levels-of-programming-language
expressed in binary and is specific to a
processor or family of processors.
Understand the advantages and

disadvantages of low-level language
programming compared with high-level
language programming.
Understand that there are three

https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-
common types of program translator:
gcse-slr12-assemblers-compilers-and-
o interpreter
interpreters
o compiler
o assembler.
Explain the main differences between
these three types of translator.
Understand when it would be https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-gcse-
appropriate to use each type of slr12-the-purpose-of-translators
translator.
Page 8 of 20
3. Fundamentals of data representation
3.1 Number bases
Understand the following number
bases: AQA Book: Page 71, page 73, page 75, page
81, page 85
o decimal (base 10) Video: 33, 35, and 36
o binary (base 2) gcse-slr13-number-bases
o hexadecimal (base 16).
Understand that computers use binary

to represent all data and instructions.
Explain why hexadecimal is often used
in computer science.
3.2 Converting between number bases

Understand how binary can be used to Paul Long Book: Chapter 3, Page 7
represent whole numbers. AQA Book: Page 71, page 73, page 75, page
81, page 85
Understand how hexadecimal can be Paul Long Book: Chapter 3, Page 9

used to represent whole numbers. AQA Book: Page 71, page 73, page 75, page
81, page 85
Be able to convert in both directions Paul Long Book: Chapter 3, Page 9

AQA Book: Page 71, page 73, page 75, page
between: 81, page 85
Video: 33, 35, and 36
o binary and decimal
gcse-slr13-converting-between-decimal-and-8-
o binary and hexadecimal bit-binary
o decimal and hexadecimal.
gcse-slr13-converting-between-decimal-and-2-
digit-hex
3.3 Units of information

Know that:
AQA Book: Page 89
o a bit is the fundamental unit of https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-
information gcse-slr13-bit-patterns
o a byte is a group of 8 bits.
Page 9 of 20
Know that quantities of bytes can be
described using prefixes. AQA Book: Page 89
Know the names, symbols and
corresponding values for the decimal gcse-slr13-units
prefixes:
o kilo, 1 kB is 1,000 bytes

o mega, 1 MB is 1,000 kilobytes
o giga, 1 GB is 1,000 Megabytes
o tera, 1 TB is 1,000 Gigabytes.
3.4 Binary arithmetic

Be able to add together up to three Paul Long Book: Chapter 3, Page 22
binary numbers. AQA Book: Page 77, Page 79
Video: 34
gcse-slr13-adding-three-8-bit-binary-integers
Be able to apply a binary shift to a Paul Long Book: Chapter 3, Page 25

binary number. AQA Book: Page 77
gcse-slr13-binary-shifts
Describe situations where binary shifts Paul Long Book: Chapter 3, Page 25
can be used. AQA Book: Page 87
gcse-slr13-binary-shifts
3.5 Character encoding

Understand what a character set is and
be able to describe the following AQA Book: Page 91, Page 93
character encoding methods:
gcse-slr13-characters
o 7-bit ASCII
o Unicode.
Understand that character codes are

commonly grouped and run in sequence
within encoding tables.
Describe the purpose of Unicode and
the advantages of Unicode over ASCII.
Page 10 of 20
Know that Unicode uses the same
codes as ASCII up to 127.
3.6 Representing images

Understand what a pixel is and be able
to describe how pixels relate to an Paul Long Book: Chapter 3, Page 31
image and the way images are AQA Book: Page 93, Page 95
displayed. Video: 38 and 39
Describe the following for bitmaps: https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-
gcse-slr13-images
o size in pixels
o colour depth.
Know that the size of a bitmap image in
pixels (width x height) is known as the
image resolution.
Describe how a bitmap represents an

image using pixels and colour depth.
Describe using examples how the
number of pixels and colour depth can
affect the file size of a bitmap image.
Calculate bitmap image file sizes based
on the number of pixels and colour
depth.
Convert binary data into a black and
white image.
Convert a black and white image into
binary data.
3.7 Representing sound

Understand that sound is analogue and
that it must be converted to a digital Paul Long Book: Chapter 3, Page 43
form for storage and processing in a AQA Book: Page 97
computer. Video: 40
Understand that sound waves are
sampled to create the digital version of https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-
sound. gcse-slr13-sound
Describe the digital representation of
sound in terms of:
o sampling rate
o sample resolution.
Page 11 of 20
Calculate sound file sizes based on the
sampling rate and the sample
resolution.
3.8 Data compression

Explain what data compression is.
AQA Book: Page 101
Understand why data may be Video: 66
compressed and that there are different https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-
gcse-slr13-compression-introduction
ways to compress data.
Explain how data can be compressed

using Huffman coding. AQA Book: Page 105
Be able to interpret/create Huffman gcse-slr13-compression-huffman-coding
trees.
Be able to calculate the number of bits
required to store a piece of data
compressed using Huffman coding.
Be able to calculate the number of bits

required to store a piece of
uncompressed data in ASCII
Explain how data can be compressed

using run length encoding (RLE). Paul Long Book: Chapter 3, Page 50
Represent data in RLE frequency/data AQA Book: Page 103
pairs. https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-
gcse-slr13-compression-run-length-encoding
Page 12 of 20
4. Computer systems
4.1 Hardware and software
Define the terms hardware and software
and understand the relationship Paul Long Book: Chapter 4, Page 2
between them. https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-
gcse-slr6-hardware-and-software-an-
introduction
4.2 Boolean logic

Construct truth tables for the following
logic gates: AQA Book: Page 105
Video: 12
o NOT
o AND gcse-slr11-simple-logic-diagrams
o OR.
Construct truth tables for simple logic

circuits. https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-
gcse-srl11-truth-tables
Interpret the results of simple truth
tables.
Create, modify and interpret simple Paul Long Book: Chapter 4, Page 15
logic circuit diagrams. AQA Book: Page 105
Video: 13
4.3 Software classification

Explain what is meant by: Paul Long Book: Chapter 4, Page 27
AQA Book: Page 111
o system software https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-
gcse-slr6-the-purpose-and-functionality-of-
o application software.
system-software
Give examples of both types of
software.
Understand the need for, and functions

of, operating systems (OS) and utility https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-
programs.
gcse-slr6-utility-system-software
Understand that the OS handles https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-

management of the: gcse-slr6-operating-systems-part-1
o processor(s)
Page 13 of 20
o memory
o I/O devices gcse-slr6-operating-systems-part-2
o applications
o security.
4.4 Systems architecture

Explain the Von Neumann architecture. Paul Long Book: Chapter 4, Page 33
AQA Book: Page 105
Video: 9
gcse-slr1-the-von-neumann-architecture
Explain the role and operation of main
memory and the following major AQA Book: Page 105
Video: 9
components of a central processing unit
(CPU): https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-
gcse-slr1-the-common-characteristics-of-cpus
o arithmetic logic unit
o control unit
o clock
o bus.
Explain the effect of the following on the

performance of the CPU: AQA Book: Page 105
Video: 9
o clock speed
o number of processor cores
o cache size
o cache type.
Understand and explain the Fetch-

Execute cycle. Paul Long Book: Chapter 4, Page 33
AQA Book: Page 105
Video: 9
Understand the differences between
main memory and secondary storage. AQA Book: Page 119
Video: 16
Understand the differences between
gcse-slr2-ram-rom
RAM and ROM.
Page 14 of 20
Understand why secondary storage is Paul Long Book: Chapter 4, Page 53
required. AQA Book: Page 1123
Video: 23
gcse-slr2-the-need-for-secondary-storage
Be aware of different types of
secondary storage (solid state, optical https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-
and magnetic). gcse-slr2-common-types-of-seconday-storage-
and-their-operation
Explain the operation of solid state,
optical and magnetic storage.
Discuss the advantages and

disadvantages of solid state, optical and
gcse-slr2-adv-and-dis-of-secondary-storage-for-
magnetic storage. a-given-application
Explain the term 'cloud storage'.

Explain the advantages and Paul Long Book: Chapter 4, Page 55
disadvantages of cloud storage when https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-
compared to local storage gcse-slr2-cloud-storage
Understand the term 'embedded
system' and explain how an embedded Paul Long Book: Chapter 4, Page 57
system differs from a non-embedded https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-
system. gcse-slr1-embedded-systems
Page 15 of 20
5. Fundamentals of computer networks
Define what a computer network is. Paul Long Book: Chapter 5, Page 2
AQA Book: Page 115
Discuss the benefits and risks of https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-
computer networks
gcse-slr4-star-and-bus-network-topologies
Describe the main types of computer

network including: AQA Book: Page 127
Video: 53
o Personal Area Network (PAN)

o Local Area Network (LAN) gcse-slr3-types-of-networks
o Wide Area Network (WAN).
Understand that networks can be wired

or wireless.
Discuss the benefits and risks of gcse-slr3-benefits-and-risks-of-wireless-
wireless networks as opposed to wired networks
networks.
Explain the following common network Paul Long Book: Chapter 5, Page 12
topologies: AQA Book: Page 129
Video: 56
o star
gcse-slr4-star-and-bus-network-topologies
o bus.
Define the term ‘network protocol’. Paul Long Book: Chapter 5, Page 13
AQA Book: Page 133
Video: 58
gcse-slr4-common-network-protocols
Explain the purpose and use of
AQA Book: Page 133
common network protocols including: Video: 58
o Ethernet
gcse-slr4-the-4-layer-tcp-ip-protocol-model
o Wi-Fi
o TCP (Transmission Control
Protocol)
o UDP (User Datagram Protocol)
o IP (Internet Protocol)
Page 16 of 20
o HTTP (Hypertext Transfer
Protocol)
o HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer
Protocol Secure)
o FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
o email protocols:
 SMTP (Simple Mail
Transfer Protocol)
 IMAP (Internet
Message Access
Protocol).
Understand the need for, and Paul Long Book: Chapter 5, Page 29
importance of, network security. AQA Book: Page 135
Video: 59
Explain the following methods of Paul Long Book: Chapter 5, Page 29

network security: AQA Book: Page 135
Video: 59
o authentication
o encryption
o firewall
o MAC address filtering.
Describe the 4 layer TCP/IP model: Paul Long Book: Chapter 5, Page 25
AQA Book: Page 137
o application layer Video: 58
o transport layer
o internet layer
o link layer.
Understand that the HTTP, HTTPS,
SMTP, IMAP and FTP protocols
operate at the application layer.
Understand that the TCP and UDP
protocols operate at the transport layer.
Understand that the IP protocol
operates at the internet layer.
Page 17 of 20
6. Fundamentals of cyber security
Be able to define the term cyber
security and be able to describe the Paul Long Book: Chapter 6, Page 29
main purposes of cyber security. AQA Book: Page 139
6.1 Cyber security threats

Understand and be able to explain the
AQA Book: Page 139 to 145
following cyber security threats:
o social engineering techniques social engineering techniques

o malicious code Paul Long Book: Chapter 6, Page 2
o weak and default passwords malicious code

o misconfigured access rights
weak and default passwords
o removable media Paul Long Book: Chapter 6, Page 12
o unpatched and/or outdated misconfigured access rights
software.
removable media
unpatched and/or outdated software.
Explain what penetration testing is and

what it is used for. Paul Long Book: Chapter 6, Page 26
6.1.1 Social engineering

Define the term social engineering.
Describe what social engineering is and AQA Book: Page 139
how it can be protected against.
Explain the following forms of social
engineering:
o blagging (pretexting)
o phishing Blagging (pretexting)
o pharming Paul Long Book: Chapter 6, Page 2
o shouldering (or shoulder Phishing

surfing).
Pharming
shouldering (or shoulder surfing).
Page 18 of 20
6.1.2 Malicious code
Define the term 'malware'.
Describe what malware is and how it
can be protected against.
Describe the following forms of
malware:
computer virus
o computer virus Paul Long Book: Chapter 6, Page 7
o trojan Trojan
o spyware
Spyware
o adware. Paul Long Book: Chapter 6, Page 7
adware.
6.2 Methods to detect and prevent cyber security threats

Understand and be able to explain the
following security measures: biometric measures (particularly for mobile
devices)
o biometric measures (particularly Paul Long Book: Chapter 6, Page 16
for mobile devices) password systems

o password systems
CAPTCHA (or similar)
o CAPTCHA (or similar) Paul Long Book: Chapter 6, Page 18
o using email confirmations to using email confirmations to confirm a user’s
confirm a user’s identity identity
o automatic software updates
automatic software updates
Page 19 of 20
7. Ethical, legal and environmental impacts of digital technology on wider society,
including issues of privacy
Explain the current ethical, legal and
environmental impacts and risks of Paul Long Book: Chapter 7
digital technology on society. Where AQA Book: Page 147 Page 149
data privacy issues arise these should Video: 7
be considered.
Exam questions will be taken from the
following areas:
cyber security
mobile technologies
wireless networking
cloud storage
theft of computer code
issues around copyright of algorithms
cracking
hacking
wearable technologies
computer based implants.
Students will be expected to
understand and explain the general
principles behind the issues rather than
have detailed knowledge on specific
issues.
Students should be aware that ordinary citizens

normally value their privacy and may not like it
when governments or security services have
too much access.
Students should be aware that governments

and security services often argue that they
cannot keep their citizens safe from terrorism
and other attacks unless they have access to
private data.
Page 20 of 20

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GCSE Computer Science Revision Guide

1.2 Efficiency of algorithms

1.3 Searching algorithms

1.4 Sorting algorithms

2.2 Programming concepts

2.3 Arithmetic operations in a programming language

2.5 Boolean operations in a programming language

2.6 Data structures

2.8 String handling operations in a programming language

2.9 Random number generation in a programming language

2.10 Subroutines (procedures and functions)

2.11 Structured programming

Explain the advantages of the Paul Long Book: Chapter 2, Page 84

2.12 Robust and secure programming

Be able to write simple authentication Paul Long Book: Chapter 2, Page 98

Be able to select suitable test data that

Understand that ultimately all

translated into machine code. https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-

Understand the advantages and

Understand that there are three

Understand that computers use binary

3.2 Converting between number bases

Understand how hexadecimal can be Paul Long Book: Chapter 3, Page 9

Be able to convert in both directions Paul Long Book: Chapter 3, Page 9

3.3 Units of information

o kilo, 1 kB is 1,000 bytes

3.4 Binary arithmetic

Be able to apply a binary shift to a Paul Long Book: Chapter 3, Page 25

3.5 Character encoding

Understand that character codes are

3.6 Representing images

Describe how a bitmap represents an

3.7 Representing sound

3.8 Data compression

Explain how data can be compressed

Be able to calculate the number of bits

Explain how data can be compressed

4.2 Boolean logic

Construct truth tables for simple logic

4.3 Software classification

Understand the need for, and functions

Understand that the OS handles https://student.craigndave.org/videos/aqa-

4.4 Systems architecture

Explain the effect of the following on the

Understand and explain the Fetch-

Discuss the advantages and

Explain the term 'cloud storage'.

Describe the main types of computer

o Personal Area Network (PAN)

Understand that networks can be wired

Explain the following methods of Paul Long Book: Chapter 5, Page 29

6.1 Cyber security threats

o social engineering techniques social engineering techniques

o weak and default passwords malicious code

Explain what penetration testing is and

6.1.1 Social engineering

o shouldering (or shoulder Phishing

6.2 Methods to detect and prevent cyber security threats

for mobile devices) password systems