Know and understand components of user documentation including purpose of the system, limitations of the system, hardware and software requirements, how to load/run/install software, how to save a file, how to print data, how to add records, how to d

ICT 0417 – Complete Syllabus Notes (IGCSE / A‑Level)

These notes are written for teachers and students preparing for the Cambridge IGCSE (and A‑Level) ICT syllabus (0417). They cover every required topic (blocks 1‑21), include the full User Documentation (Block 7.5) example, and provide exam‑focused checklists, examples and command‑word guidance.

1. Computer Systems – Hardware, I/O, Storage & Networks

1.1 Core Components of a Computer

• CPU (Central Processing Unit) – Executes instructions; speed measured in GHz.
• RAM (Random‑Access Memory) – Temporary, volatile storage for data in use.
• Primary storage vs Secondary storage – RAM is primary; HDD/SSD, optical discs, USB flash are secondary.
• Motherboard – Connects all components; contains chipset, slots, BIOS/UEFI.
• Power Supply Unit (PSU) – Converts mains AC to DC, supplies appropriate voltage.

1.2 Analogue vs Digital Data

1.3 Input Devices

1.4 Output Devices

• Monitor – Visual display (LCD, LED, OLED). Resolution and colour depth matter.
• Printer – Hard copy (ink‑jet, laser, dot‑matrix). Include DPI and colour/monochrome options.
• Speakers / Headphones – Audio output; consider frequency response.
• Projector – Large‑screen display for presentations; brightness measured in lumens.
• Plotter – Large‑format printing for engineering drawings.

1.5 Storage Media – Characteristics

1.6 Basic Networking Concepts

• LAN (Local Area Network) – Connects devices within a limited area (e.g., school).
• WAN (Wide Area Network) – Covers larger geographic areas; the Internet is the largest WAN.
• Router – Directs traffic between networks; provides DHCP, NAT, and can include a firewall.
• Switch – Connects multiple devices within a LAN; operates at MAC‑address level.
• Wi‑Fi (IEEE 802.11) – Wireless LAN; concepts: SSID, encryption (WPA2/WPA3), frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz).
• IP Address – Unique identifier (IPv4 example: 192.168.1.10; IPv6 example: 2001:db8::1).
• Network security basics – Firewalls, VPNs, MAC filtering, secure Wi‑Fi passwords.

1.7 Effects of IT on Individuals & Society

• Positive: productivity, access to information, new job roles, remote working.
• Negative: digital divide, privacy invasion, health problems (RSI, eye strain, hearing loss), e‑waste.
• Environmental impact: energy consumption, electronic waste, recycling programmes.

2. ICT Applications

2.1 Communication

• Email, instant messaging, video‑conferencing, blogs, social media.
• Email etiquette (Block 5.2):

  • Clear subject line.
  • Professional greeting and sign‑off.
  • Concise body; bullet points for clarity.
  • Attachments ≤10 MB; use common formats (PDF, DOCX, JPG).
  • Check spelling and tone before sending.

2.2 Modelling & Simulation

• Scientific modelling (climate, physics), business forecasting, CAD, virtual‑reality simulations.

2.3 Control Systems

• Embedded systems, PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) in manufacturing, home automation (IoT).

2.4 Domain‑Specific Applications (Examples)

3. Systems Life‑Cycle (SLC) – Block 7

3.1 Analysis

• Gather requirements (interviews, questionnaires, observation).
• Distinguish functional (what the system does) vs non‑functional (performance, security) specifications.
• Produce a requirements document and a feasibility report (technical, economic, legal).

3.2 Design

• Data‑flow diagrams (DFD) or flowcharts to illustrate processes.
• Design data structures: tables, fields, primary/foreign keys, data types.
• Interface design – layout, navigation, colour scheme, accessibility (contrast, alt‑text).
• Develop a prototype (paper or digital) for user feedback.

3.3 Development (Implementation)

• Select development tools (e.g., Visual Studio, Eclipse, Access).
• Write code or configure off‑the‑shelf software.
• Version control basics: git commit, branch, merge.

3.4 Testing

• Unit testing – test individual modules.
• Integration testing – test combined modules.
• User Acceptance Testing (UAT) – real users validate functionality.
• Record test cases, expected results, actual results, and status (Pass/Fail).

3.5 Implementation & Evaluation

• Installation, data migration, user training, support plan.
• Evaluation criteria: speed, accuracy, user satisfaction, cost‑benefit.
• Post‑implementation review – lessons learned, recommendations for next SLC.

3.6 Documentation – Block 7.5: User Documentation Example

Purpose: Explain how to install, use, and maintain the “Student Attendance Tracker” application.

1. Purpose of the System

   • Record daily attendance for up to 1 200 students.
   • Generate class‑wise reports and export to CSV.

2. Limitations

   • Maximum 10 000 records per database file.
   • Runs on Windows 10 or later; not compatible with macOS.
   • Requires 2 GB free RAM and 500 MB free disk space.

3. Hardware & Software Requirements

   Component	Minimum	Recommended
   CPU	Intel i3 (2.5 GHz)	Intel i5 (3.0 GHz) or better
   RAM	2 GB	4 GB
   Storage	500 MB free	1 GB free
   OS	Windows 10 (64‑bit)	Windows 11 (64‑bit)
   Software	.NET Framework 4.7	.NET 6.0

4. Installation / Loading the Software

   1. Insert the installation DVD or download the installer from the school portal.
   2. Double‑click AttendanceTrackerSetup.exe.
   3. Follow the wizard: accept EULA, choose install folder (default C:\Program Files\AttendanceTracker), click Install.
   4. When finished, click Finish. A shortcut is placed on the Desktop.

5. Running the Application

   1. Double‑click the Desktop shortcut or start from Start → All Programs → AttendanceTracker.
   2. Log in with your staff ID and password (see “Password Policy” in the security section).

6. How to Add Records (Mark Attendance)

   1. Select the class from the drop‑down list.
   2. Click Load Students; the grid populates with the class list.
   3. For each student, tick Present or Absent. Use Mark All Present for quick entry.
   4. Click Save. A confirmation dialog appears.

7. Saving a File

   • Data is automatically saved to AttendanceDB.accdb in the Data folder.
   • To create a backup, choose File → Export → Backup and select a destination (e.g., USB drive).

8. Printing Data

   1. Open the required report (e.g., Daily Attendance).
   2. Click Print Preview to check layout.
   3. Choose Print, select printer, set orientation (Portrait), and click OK.

9. How to Export Data

   • Report → Export → CSV. Choose folder, name file (e.g., Attendance_20240115.csv), click Save.

10. Error Handling & Troubleshooting

    • Common error: “Cannot connect to database.” – Check that the .accdb file exists and is not opened by another program.
    • Solution: Close other instances, restart the application.
    • For all other errors, see the FAQ section.

11. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

    Q: I forgot my password.

    A: Click Forgot Password on the login screen; answer the security question or contact IT support.

    Q: How do I change the school logo on reports?

    A: Place the new .png file in the Resources folder and restart the application.

12. Glossary

    Database

    Structured collection of data stored electronically.

    Record

    A single row in a database table.

    Field

    A column in a database table.

4. Safety & Security – Block 8

4.1 Physical Safety & Ergonomics

• Monitor top at eye level; distance 50‑70 cm.
• Keyboard and mouse at elbow height; use wrist rests.
• Chair with adjustable height, lumbar support.
• Cable management – avoid tripping hazards.
• Fire safety – know location of extinguishers, avoid over‑loading sockets.

4.2 Health Problems & E‑Safety Guidelines (Block 5.1)

• RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) – take a 5‑minute break every hour, stretch hands.
• Eye strain – follow the 20‑20‑20 rule (every 20 min look at something 20 ft away for 20 seconds).
• Hearing loss – keep headphone volume ≤60 %.
• General e‑safety:

  • Use strong, unique passwords; change every 3‑6 months.
  • Enable two‑factor authentication where available.
  • Beware of phishing – verify sender, avoid unknown links.
  • Install OS and software updates promptly.
  • Run reputable antivirus/anti‑malware and keep definitions up‑to‑date.

4.3 Data Protection, Copyright & Legal Issues

4.4 Network Security Measures

• Firewalls – filter inbound/outbound traffic.
• VPN (Virtual Private Network) – encrypts remote connections.
• Secure Wi‑Fi – WPA3 encryption, strong passphrase, hidden SSID.
• Regular patch management for routers and servers.
• Access control – least‑privilege principle, role‑based permissions.

5. Communication & Audience – Block 9

5.1 Audience Analysis Techniques

• Identify user skill level (novice, intermediate, expert).
• Determine age, language proficiency, cultural considerations.
• Assess accessibility needs (visual impairments – require alt‑text, high contrast).
• Use questionnaires or stakeholder interviews to gather data.
• Tailor tone: formal for business, informal for peer‑to‑peer.

5.2 Email & Internet Use (Expanded)

• Subject line – concise, reflects content.
• Greeting – appropriate to audience.
• Body – short paragraphs, bullet points, clear call‑to‑action.
• Signature – name, role, contact details.
• Attachments – keep under 10 MB, use universally readable formats, label clearly.
• Internet searching – use Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT), evaluate credibility (author, date, domain).
• Netiquette – no ALL CAPS, respect privacy, avoid forwarding chain letters.

6. File Management – Block 10

6.1 Organising Files & Folders

• Hierarchical structure: Root → Year → Subject → Topic.
• Consistent naming convention: YYYYMMDDProjectNameVersion.ext (e.g., 20240115AttendanceReportv02.xlsx).
• Use shortcuts/aliases for frequently accessed folders.
• Apply colour‑coded folders for quick visual identification.

6.2 File Types, Compression & Archiving

6.3 Back‑up Strategies

• 3‑2‑1 rule: 3 copies, on 2 different media, 1 off‑site (cloud).
• Automated cloud backup (OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox) for critical files.
• Scheduled manual backup to external HDD or USB drive.
• Test restoration regularly to ensure backup integrity.

7. Working with Images – Block 11

7.1 Image Formats & When to Use Them

7.2 Basic Editing Operations

• Resize – maintain aspect ratio (hold Shift).
• Crop – remove unwanted edges.
• Rotate/Flip – correct orientation.
• Adjust brightness/contrast – improve readability.
• Apply filters – e.g., grayscale for print‑only documents.
• Add alt‑text – describe image for accessibility.

7.3 Inserting Images into Documents

1. Place cursor where the image should appear.
2. Use Insert → Picture (or drag‑and‑drop).
3. Select wrapping style (inline, square, tight, behind text).
4. Resize using corner handles; hold Shift to avoid distortion.
5. Right‑click → Format Picture to add border, shadow, or alt‑text.

8. Document Production (Word‑Processing) – Block 12

8.1 Layout, Styles & House‑Style

• Set page size (A4), margins (2.5 cm all sides) and gutter margin (0.5 cm) for bound documents.
• Use built‑in heading styles (Heading 1, Heading 2…) – enables automatic Table of Contents.
• Define a Normal paragraph style (font, size, line spacing, justification).
• Headers/Footers – include document title, author, page number (centre or right‑aligned).
• Corporate house‑style: specific font (e.g., Arial 11), colour palette, logo placement.

8.2 Page & Section Management

• Page breaks – Insert → Break → Page.
• Section breaks – allow different headers/footers or column layouts.
• Columns – Layout → Columns (e.g., two‑column newsletter).
• Pagination – Use automatic page numbers; restart numbering for appendices if required.

8.3 Proof‑reading & Validation Checklist

1. Run spell‑check and grammar tools.
2. Check consistency of headings, numbering, and styles.
3. Verify that all tables have titles and column headings.
4. Confirm that all images have alt‑text and are correctly referenced.
5. Ensure citations follow the required referencing style (Harvard, APA, etc.).
6. Validate page layout: margins, gutters, headers/footers, page numbers.
7. Print preview – check that no text is cut off and that tables fit within page width.

8.4 Tables, Charts & Graphs

• Insert → Table – choose rows/columns; use “Table Design” for banded rows and heading row repeat.
• Insert → Chart – select chart type:

  • Column (vertical bars) – compare categories.
  • Bar (horizontal) – long category names.
  • Line – show trends over time.
  • Pie – show parts of a whole (total = 100 %).
  • Scatter – relationship between two variables.

• Formatting tips:

  • Use a clear legend; place it to the right or bottom.
  • Label axes with units (e.g., “Revenue (£)”).
  • Use secondary axis when two data series have different scales.
  • Display data labels for key points.
  • Apply consistent colours that meet accessibility contrast ratios.

9. Spreadsheets – Block 13

9.1 Basic Concepts

• Cell reference – A1 (relative) or \$A\$1 (absolute).
• Formulas start with “=”. Basic operators: +, –, *, /, ^ (exponent).
• Functions – SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, IF, VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, MATCH, INDEX.

9.2 Advanced Features

• Conditional Formatting – Highlight cells that meet criteria (e.g., sales < £500 in red).
• Data Validation – Restrict entry (list, whole number, date range).
• Named Ranges – Assign a name to a cell range for easier formulas.
• Cell Protection – Lock cells, protect worksheet with a password.
• Charts – Create as described in 8.4; set print area, gridlines, and axis titles.
• Printing Setup – Page Layout tab: set orientation, scaling (Fit Sheet on One Page), print titles (repeat row 1), and include gridlines if required.

9.3 Common Spreadsheet Tasks (Examples)

1. Budget tracker – use SUM for totals, IF to flag overspend.
2. Attendance register – use COUNTIF to count “Absent” entries.
3. Sales analysis – VLOOKUP to retrieve product price, then calculate revenue.

10. Databases – Block 14

10.1 Data Types & Field Design

10.2 Relational vs Flat‑File Databases

• Flat‑file – Single table, data redundancy, limited query capability.
• Relational – Multiple related tables (primary/foreign keys), reduces redundancy, supports complex queries (JOIN).

10.3 Form Design & Data Entry

• Use tab order that follows logical data flow.
• Include labels, tooltips, and validation rules (e.g., required fields, numeric only).
• Provide navigation buttons (Next, Previous, Save, Cancel).

10.4 Import / Export

• Import CSV/Excel – External Data → Import; map fields correctly.
• Export – External Data → Export to CSV, Excel, or XML for sharing.

10.5 Query Operators & Calculated Fields

• Operators: =, <>, >, <, >=, <=, AND, OR, NOT, LIKE (wildcards % or *).
• Calculated field example: TotalPrice: [Quantity]*[UnitPrice].
• Aggregate functions: SUM, AVG, COUNT,