Unit 8.
5 : Computer Systems
8.01 Describe the purpose of operating systems
An operating system (OS) is the most important software on a device. It allows the user
to communicate with the computer and controls how the device works.
Without an operating system:
• there would be no screen, icons, or menus
• users would not be able to open apps, watch videos, or listen to music
• the device would be useless
The operating system:
• manages memory
• controls hardware such as the keyboard, screen, and printer
• runs programs when the user gives commands
• provides security such as logins and passwords
• handles errors when something goes wrong
Examples of operating systems include:
• Windows on laptops and desktops
• macOS or iOS on Apple devices
• Android on smartphones and tablets
Example
A smartphone uses an operating system to show icons, open apps, control touch
input, and manage battery usage.
Example Questions and Answers
Q: What is an operating system?
A: Software that controls a computer and allows the user to interact with it.
Q: Why is an operating system needed?
A: Without it, the device cannot be used.
Q: Name one task performed by an operating system.
A: Managing memory or running programs.
Sample Questions
1. State two functions of an operating system.
2. What would happen if a computer had no operating system?
3. Identify the operating system used on your device.
8.5.2 Describe the purpose of utility programs
Utility programs are special programs that help maintain and manage a computer
system.
They are not used for tasks like browsing or editing videos.
Their main purpose is maintenance and housekeeping.
Examples of utility programs:
• deleting unused files to free storage space - disk cleanup tools
• checking the system for faults or errors
• virus scanners that protect against harmful software
Utility programs help keep a computer running smoothly and efficiently.
Example
A disk cleanup tool removes temporary files to free storage space.
Example Questions and Answers
Q: What is a utility program?
A: A program that helps maintain and manage a computer.
Q: Is a web browser a utility program?
A: No.
Q: Give one example of a utility program.
A: Antivirus software.
Sample Questions
1. State the main purpose of utility programs.
2. Give two examples of tasks done by utility programs.
3. Explain why utility programs are important.
8.5.5 Convert binary to denary and denary to binary
Computers store data using binary, which uses only 1s and 0s.
Each binary digit is called a bit.
Number of possible values:
• 2 bits = 4 values
• 3 bits = 8 values
• 4 bits = 16 values
• 5 bits = 32 values
Binary numbers are read from right to left using values that double each time:
1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32
To convert binary to denary:
• add the values above the 1s
Example:
1010 = 8 + 2 = 10
To convert denary to binary:
• choose numbers that add up to the denary value
• write 1 under those numbers and 0 under the rest
Example
Binary number: 1101
Denary value: 8 + 4 + 1 = 13
Example Questions and Answers
Q: How many values can 4 bits represent?
A: 16
Q: Convert 1011 to denary.
A: 11
Q: Convert 9 to binary (4 bits).
A: 1001
Sample Questions
1. Write all possible combinations of 3 bits.
2. Convert 0110 to denary.
3. Convert 14 to binary using 4 bits.
8CS.03 Describe how ASCII is used to represent characters
Computers cannot store letters directly.
They store characters as numbers, which are then stored in binary.
ASCII is a character set that:
• gives each character a unique number
• represents letters, numbers, and symbols
Examples:
• A has a different ASCII code from a
• punctuation marks also have codes
Key points:
• standard ASCII uses 7 bits
• extended ASCII uses 8 bits
• more bits allow more characters
When a key is pressed, the computer stores the binary version of the ASCII code, not
the character itself.
Example
The character ‘A’ has a different ASCII code from ‘a’.
Example Questions and Answers
Q: What is ASCII?
A: A set of codes used to represent characters in a computer.
Q: How does a computer store characters?
A: As binary numbers.
Q: How many bits are used in standard ASCII?
A: 7 bits.
Sample Questions
1. Explain why ASCII is needed.
2. State one difference between uppercase and lowercase ASCII codes.
3. How many characters can be represented using 8 bits?
8CS.04 Describe compression and why it is needed
Compression means reducing the size of a file.
Compression is needed:
• to save storage space
• to transfer files faster over the internet
Examples where compression is useful:
• sending homework by email
• uploading images or videos
• storing music and photos
• saving cloud storage space
Compression often reduces quality slightly.
There is always a balance between file size and quality.
A simple compression method is run-length encoding, where repeated data is stored
once along with how many times it appears.
Example
An image is compressed before being uploaded to social media so it uploads faster.
Example Questions and Answers
Q: What is compression?
A: Reducing the file size of a file.
Q: Give one reason for compressing a file.
A: To save storage space.
Q: What is run-length encoding?
A: A method of compression that stores repeated data once with a count.
Sample Questions
1. State two reasons why files are compressed.
2. Name one file type that is commonly compressed.
3. Explain the trade-off between quality and file size.
8CS.06 Complete truth tables for AND, OR, NOT gates
Logic gates are the building blocks of digital systems.
They use inputs and produce an output.
AND gate:
• output is 1 only if both inputs are 1
OR gate:
• output is 1 if at least one input is 1
NOT gate:
• reverses the input
• 1 becomes 0 and 0 becomes 1
Truth tables are used to show all possible input combinations and their outputs.
Example
If both conditions are true, an AND gate outputs 1.
Example Questions and Answers
Q: What is the output of 1 AND 1?
A: 1
Q: What is the output of 1 OR 0?
A: 1
Q: What does a NOT gate do?
A: Reverses the input.
Sample Questions
1. Complete the truth table for an AND gate.
2. State the output of NOT 0.
3. Name the three basic logic gates.
8CS.07 Understand primary memory, RAM and ROM
Primary memory is directly accessed by the processor.
RAM:
• temporary memory
• stores running programs and data
• data is lost when power is turned off
ROM:
• permanent memory
• stores start-up instructions
• data does not change
Examples:
• mobile phone ROM stores start-up software
• RAM stores apps currently in use
Example
When a game is running, its data is stored in RAM.
Example Questions and Answers
Q: What does RAM store?
A: Programs and data currently in use.
Q: What is stored in ROM?
A: Start-up instructions.
Q: What happens to RAM when power is lost?
A: Data is deleted.
Sample Questions
1. State one difference between RAM and ROM.
2. Give one example of data stored in ROM.
3. Identify which memory is temporary.
8CS.08 Describe machine learning
Machine learning is when a computer program improves its performance by learning
from data.
A machine learns by:
• recognising patterns
• using past experiences
• adjusting its decisions automatically
Examples:
• voice recognition
• predictive text
• image recognition
• game AI that improves over time
Machines learn to perform tasks better without being reprogrammed each time.
Example
Predictive text learns which words are commonly used together.
Example Questions and Answers
Q: What is machine learning?
A: When a computer program learns from data to improve performance.
Q: Why do machines need to learn?
A: To make better decisions over time.
Q: Give one example of machine learning.
A: Image recognition.
Sample Questions
1. Explain how machine learning is different from normal programming.
2. Give one real-life example of machine learning.
3. State one benefit of machine learning.
8CS.09 Identify uses of augmented reality
Augmented reality (AR) adds computer-generated images to the real world.
Examples:
• games that show characters in real surroundings
• educational apps showing 3D models
• shopping apps showing furniture in a room
AR is used in: [Link]
[Link]/personal/seema_sharma_oakridge_in/Documents/CSP/IBDP27%2
0term%202%20Calendar_Nov2025_May2026.pdf
• education to explore objects and places
• entertainment to make games more realistic
• marketing to help customers visualise products
Example
An app shows a 3D dinosaur in a classroom using a tablet camera.
Example Questions and Answers
Q: What is augmented reality?
A: Computer-generated images added to the real world.
Q: Name one use of AR in education.
A: Viewing 3D models.
Q: Is AR fully virtual?
A: No.
Sample Questions
1. Give two uses of augmented reality.
2. Explain how AR is used in entertainment.
3. Identify one advantage of using AR in learning.
8CS.10 Describe autonomous programming and AI in robotics
A robot is a machine that can perform actions automatically.
Autonomous programming allows a robot to:
• use sensors
• make decisions without human control
• respond to its environment
Artificial intelligence (AI) helps robots:
• decide where to move
• avoid obstacles
• identify problems or faults
Examples:
• robots in factories assembling products
• space robots collecting samples
• self-driving vehicles detecting obstacles
Robots use both autonomous programming and AI to work independently and safely.
Q: What is autonomous programming?
A: When a machine works without human control.
Q: How is AI used in robots?
A: To make decisions based on data.
Q: Give one example of a robot using AI.
A: A self-driving car.
Sample Questions
1. Explain how sensors help autonomous robots.
2. Identify one industry where robots are used.
3. Describe one way AI improves robot performance.