Know and understand hardware as the physical components of a computer system

1. Syllabus Map – What Is Covered?

Section (Cambridge ICT 0417)	Title	Covered in These Notes?	Assessment Alignment (AO / Paper Component)
1	Hardware – physical components of a computer system	✔	AO1 – knowledge; AO2 – application (practical skill 11‑12)
2	Software – system & application software	✔	AO1, AO2
3	Operating systems (OS families)	✔	AO1, AO2
4	Networks – devices, types, topologies, protocols	✔ (new)	AO1, AO2 (practical 13‑14)
5	Effects of IT – social, economic, environmental	✔ (new)	AO1, AO3 (evaluation)
6	ICT applications – categories & examples	✔ (new)	AO1, AO2
7	Systems life‑cycle – phases & documentation	✔ (new)	AO3 (analysis & design)
8	Safety & e‑safety – health, security, data protection	✔ (new)	AO1, AO3
9	Audience & copyright – legal & ethical issues	✔ (new)	AO1, AO3
10	Communication – email, messaging, video‑conferencing, netiquette	✔ (new)	AO2, AO3
11	File‑management – folders, naming, extensions, backup, compression	✔ (new)	AO2 (practical 11‑12)
12	Images – raster vs. vector, resolution, colour depth, basic editing	✔ (new)	AO2 (practical 15‑16)
13	Layout & styles – templates, consistency, use of stylesheets	✔ (new)	AO2 (practical 15‑16)
14	Proof‑reading – spelling, grammar, readability tools	✔ (new)	AO2, AO3
15	Graphs & charts – types, when to use, creation basics	✔ (new)	AO2 (practical 15‑16)
16	Document production – word‑processing features, mail‑merge	✔ (new)	AO2 (practical 11‑12)
17	Databases – tables, fields, records, primary keys, queries, forms, reports	✔ (new)	AO2 (practical 13‑14)
18	Presentations – slide design, multimedia, transitions, presenter notes	✔ (new)	AO2 (practical 15‑16)
19	Spreadsheets – cells, formulas, functions, charts, data analysis	✔ (new)	AO2 (practical 13‑14)
20	Website authoring – HTML basics, authoring tools, publishing, hyperlinks	✔ (new)	AO2 (practical 15‑16)
21	Assessment alignment – weighting of AOs, practical‑skill sections	✔ (new)	All

2. Hardware – Physical Components of a Computer System

2.1 Definition

• Hardware: All tangible parts of a computer that you can touch – e.g., chips, circuit boards, cables, peripherals, storage media.
• Works together with software, which are the intangible instructions that tell the hardware what to do.

2.2 Core Functional Categories

Category	Key Components	Primary Function
Processing Unit	CPU (Central Processing Unit), optional GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)	Executes programme instructions, performs calculations, coordinates other components.
Memory (Internal)	RAM (Random‑Access Memory), ROM (Read‑Only Memory), Cache	RAM – temporary workspace for active programmes (volatile). ROM – permanent firmware (e.g., BIOS/UEFI). Cache – very fast memory for frequently used data.
Backing (Secondary) Storage	HDD, SSD, Optical drives (CD/DVD/Blu‑ray), USB flash drive, SD card	Retains data and programmes when power is off.
Input Devices	Keyboard, numeric keypad, mouse, touchpad, touchscreen, scanner, digital camera, webcam, microphone, joystick, gamepad, remote control, sensors (temperature, motion, light), OMR reader, RFID reader	Convert user actions or analog signals into digital data.
Output Devices	Monitor, projector, printer (laser/ink‑jet), speakers, headphones, plotter, LED/LCD display panels, haptic‑feedback devices	Present processed information to the user in visual, printed, or audio form.
Support Components	Motherboard, power‑supply unit (PSU), cooling system (fans, heat‑sinks, liquid cooling), expansion cards (sound, network, RAID), BIOS/UEFI chip	Provide connectivity, power, and thermal management for all other components.

2.3 Memory Comparison

Aspect	RAM (Volatile)	ROM (Non‑volatile)	Backing Storage (HDD/SSD)
Purpose	Temporary workspace for active programmes	Stores firmware that boots the system	Long‑term data retention
Data retained when power is off?	No	Yes	Yes
Typical speed (relative)	Fastest	Fast (read‑only)	HDD < SSD < NVMe SSD
Up‑gradability	Often upgradable (DIMM slots)	Usually fixed	Replace or add drives; external media also possible

3. Software – System & Application

3.1 System Software

• Operating System (OS) – manages hardware resources, provides a platform for applications.
• Utility programmes – disk defragmenter, backup tools, antivirus.
• Device drivers – translate OS commands into hardware‑specific actions.

3.2 Application Software

• Productivity – word processors, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software.
• Communication – email clients, web browsers, instant‑messaging apps.
• Creative – graphics editors, video editors, music‑production tools.
• Specialist – CAD, GIS, statistical packages, programming IDEs.

4. Operating Systems (OS Families)

OS Family	Examples	Typical Interface	Advantages	Disadvantages
Command‑Line Interface (CLI)	MS‑DOS, Linux (terminal only)	Text‑based commands	Very low resource use; powerful scripting	Steep learning curve; not intuitive for beginners
Graphical User Interface (GUI)	Windows, macOS, mainstream Linux (Ubuntu, Mint)	Windows, icons, menus, pointer	Intuitive, wide software support	Higher hardware requirements; occasional security issues
Touch / Gesture‑Based OS	iOS, Android, Windows 10/11 Tablet mode	Touch gestures, voice assistants	Optimised for mobile devices; easy on small screens	Limited multitasking compared with desktop GUIs; app ecosystem fragmentation

5. Networks – Connecting Devices

5.1 Types of Networks

• LAN (Local Area Network) – covers a single building or campus; high speed (typically 100 Mbps – 10 Gbps).
• WLAN (Wireless LAN) – Wi‑Fi version of a LAN; uses radio waves.
• WAN (Wide Area Network) – connects geographically distant sites (e.g., the Internet).
• PAN (Personal Area Network) – short‑range (Bluetooth, infrared) linking personal devices.

5.2 Common Network Devices

Device	Function	Typical Use in a School/Office
Router	Routes data between different networks; often provides NAT and DHCP.	Connects the school’s LAN to the Internet.
Switch	Creates multiple Ethernet connections within a LAN.	Expands wired connections for computers and printers.
Hub	Simple device that repeats incoming signals to all ports (no intelligence).	Legacy labs; mostly replaced by switches.
Bridge	Connects two LAN segments, filtering traffic.	Separates student and staff networks.
Network Interface Card (NIC)	Provides a computer with a physical (Ethernet) or wireless (Wi‑Fi) connection.	Built‑in or add‑on card for PCs.
Access Point (AP)	Extends a wired network to wireless devices.	Provides Wi‑Fi coverage in classrooms.

5.3 Basic Network Protocols

• TCP/IP – core suite that enables Internet communication.
• HTTP/HTTPS – web page transfer.
• FTP – file transfer.
• SMTP/POP3/IMAP – email sending and retrieval.

6. Effects of IT

• Positive effects – increased productivity, access to information, new learning methods, economic growth, improved communication.
• Negative effects – digital divide, cyber‑bullying, loss of privacy, health issues (eye strain, posture), environmental impact of e‑waste.
• Students should be able to evaluate both sides when answering exam questions (AO3).

7. ICT Applications – Categories & Examples

Category	Typical Applications	Example Software
Communication	Email, instant messaging, video‑conferencing, social media	Outlook, Teams, Zoom, WhatsApp
Information & Research	Web browsing, online encyclopedias, databases	Chrome, Wikipedia, JSTOR
Creation	Word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, video	Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Photoshop, iMovie
Storage & Retrieval	File servers, cloud storage, backup solutions	Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox
Presentation & Publication	Slide shows, printed reports, websites	PowerPoint, InDesign, WordPress

8. Systems Life‑Cycle (SLC)

1. Analysis – Identify user needs, define requirements.
2. Design – Plan hardware, software, data structures, UI layout.
3. Development / Testing – Build the system (coding, configuration) and test for errors.
4. Implementation & Evaluation – Deploy the system, train users, collect feedback, and assess whether objectives are met.

Documentation (specifications, flowcharts, ER diagrams, user manuals) is produced at each stage and is part of the assessment (AO3).

9. Safety & e‑Safety

9.1 Physical Safety & Health

• Ergonomic workstation – chair height, monitor eye level, keyboard/mouse position.
• Take regular breaks (20‑20‑20 rule: every 20 min look at something 20 ft away for 20 seconds).
• Keep cables tidy to avoid trips; use surge protectors.

9.2 e‑Safety (Information Security)

Aspect	Key Points for Students
Passwords	Use at least 8 characters, mix of letters, numbers, symbols; never share.
Malware protection	Install reputable antivirus, keep it updated, avoid suspicious downloads.
Phishing	Check sender address, avoid clicking unknown links, verify requests for personal data.
Encryption	Use HTTPS, encrypted email, or file‑encryption tools for sensitive data.
Firewalls	Hardware or software barrier that blocks unauthorised network access.
Two‑Factor Authentication (2FA)	Adds a second verification step (e.g., code sent to phone).
Backup	Regularly copy important files to external media or cloud (3‑2‑1 rule).

10. Audience & Copyright

• Audience analysis – Identify who will read or use the product (age, knowledge level, purpose) and adapt language, layout, and media accordingly.
• Copyright law – Protects original works; you must obtain permission or use licensed material (e.g., Creative Commons). Plagiarism is a breach of academic integrity.
• When creating presentations, documents, or websites, always cite sources and give credit.

11. Communication in ICT

• Email etiquette – clear subject line, proper greeting, concise body, signature.
• Instant messaging – use appropriate tone, avoid over‑use of abbreviations in formal contexts.
• Video‑conferencing – test equipment, mute when not speaking, use visual aids.
• Netiquette – respect others, avoid flaming, protect personal data.

12. File‑Management

• Use a hierarchical folder structure (e.g., Year > Subject > Topic).
• Adopt consistent naming conventions – no spaces, use underscores or camelCase, include version numbers (e.g., Report_V2.docx).
• Know common file extensions (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx, .pdf, .jpg, .mp4).
• Compress large groups of files using ZIP or RAR for easier transfer.
• Regularly back up important files to external drives or cloud services.

13. Images – Raster & Vector

• Raster images – made of pixels; resolution measured in DPI/PPI; suitable for photographs. Example formats: JPEG, PNG, GIF.
• Vector images – defined by mathematical paths; scalable without loss of quality. Example formats: SVG, EPS, AI.
• When editing, keep original files; use lossless formats (PNG, TIFF) for intermediate work.
• Basic editing tasks: cropping, resizing, adjusting brightness/contrast, adding text.

14. Layout & Styles

• Use templates to maintain consistent headings, fonts, colours, and spacing.
• Apply paragraph and character styles rather than manual formatting – makes global changes easy.
• Align text and images using grids or guides for a tidy appearance.
• Consider accessibility – high contrast, readable fonts, alternative text for images.

15. Proof‑reading

• Check spelling with built‑in dictionaries; add custom words for subject‑specific terms.
• Read aloud to spot missing words or awkward phrasing.
• Use grammar‑checking tools (e.g., Grammarly, built‑in MS Word checker) but verify suggestions.
• Confirm consistency of terminology, numbering, and citation style.

16. Graphs & Charts

• Bar chart – compares discrete categories.
• Line graph – shows trends over time.
• Pie chart – illustrates parts of a whole (use only for ≤ 5‑6 slices).
• Always label axes, include units, and provide a clear title.
• Use software such as Excel, Google Sheets, or dedicated chart tools.

17. Document Production (Word Processing)

• Use built‑in templates for letters, reports, and newsletters.
• Insert headers/footers for page numbers, dates, and document titles.
• Employ mail‑merge for personalised letters or certificates.
• Utilise spell‑check, auto‑correct, and track‑changes for collaborative editing.

18. Databases – Fundamentals

• Table – collection of related data; consists of fields (columns) and records (rows).
• Primary key – unique identifier for each record.
• Queries – retrieve specific data using criteria (e.g., SELECT statements).
• Forms – user‑friendly interface for data entry.
• Reports – formatted output for printing or sharing.
• Common tools: Microsoft Access, LibreOffice Base, Google Sheets (as simple DB), MySQL (advanced).

19. Presentations

• Keep slides uncluttered – one main idea per slide.
• Use high‑contrast colour schemes and large, readable fonts.
• Incorporate multimedia (images, short video clips, audio) to reinforce points.
• Apply consistent transitions; avoid excessive animations.
• Use presenter notes for speaking cues.

20. Spreadsheets

• Cell referencing – relative (A1) vs. absolute ($A$1) references.
• Common functions – SUM, AVERAGE, IF, VLOOKUP/HLOOKUP, COUNTIF.
• Data validation – restrict input types to reduce errors.
• Conditional formatting – highlight trends or outliers.
• Create charts directly from data ranges.

21. Website Authoring

• HTML basics – tags for headings (<h1>), paragraphs (<p>), links (<a href="...">), images (<img src="...">).
• Use CSS for styling (fonts, colours, layout) and keep design responsive.
• Web authoring tools – WYSIWYG editors (Google Sites, WordPress, Adobe Dreamweaver) simplify creation.
• Publish via a web host or school server; test on multiple browsers.
• Include accessibility features – alt text for images, logical heading order.

22. Assessment Alignment – How the Content Maps to the Exam

• AO1 (Knowledge) – Sections 1‑9, 12‑13, 15‑21 provide factual information.
• AO2 (Application) – Practical‑skill sections 11‑12 (File‑management, Document production), 13‑14 (Databases, Spreadsheets), 15‑16 (Presentations, Website authoring) directly support AO2 tasks.
• AO3 (Evaluation) – Sections 5 (Effects of IT), 7 (Systems life‑cycle), 9 (Audience & copyright), 8 (Safety & e‑safety) give material for evaluating solutions, considering ethical/legal issues, and reflecting on impact.
• Exam weighting (approx.): AO1 ≈ 30 %, AO2 ≈ 40 %, AO3 ≈ 30 % (varies by year). Use the above mapping to focus revision accordingly.