Subject name : ICT
Subject code: 0417
Component code: Paper 1(01), Paper 2 (02)& Paper 3(03)
Chapters (Theory)
1. Types & Components of computer system
2. Input & Output devices
3. Storage devices and media
4. Networks and the effects of using them
5. The effects of using ICT
6. ICT applications
7. The systems life cycle
8. Safety and security
9. Audiences
10. Communication
Chapters (Practical)
11. File management
12. Images
13. Layout
14. Styles
15. Proofing
16. Graphs & charts
17. Document production
18. Databases
19. Presentations
20. Spreadsheets
21. Website authoring
1.1 Hardware and software
1.1.1 Types of hardware
1.1.2 Types of software
1.1.2 Types of software
Computers only understand digital data (0s and 1s).
Digital data is discrete and has fixed values.
Analogue data is continuous and comes from the real world.
Analogue data can have many possible values.
Digital data accuracy depends on the number of bits used.
ADC (Analogue-to-Digital Converter) changes analogue data into digital.
DAC (Digital-to-Analogue Converter) changes digital data into analogue.
Analogue data must be converted before a computer can use it.
1.2 Main components of computer systems
1.2.1 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The CPU is the “brain” of the computer.
It processes data and executes instructions.
It is usually found on the motherboard.
Also called a microprocessor.
Main parts of the CPU:
o Control Unit (CU) – controls and directs operations.
o Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) – performs calculations and logic operations.
1.2.2 Internal Memory and Backing Storage
RAM (Random Access Memory)
Temporary internal memory.
Stores data and programs currently in use.
Data is lost when power is turned off.
ROM (Read-Only Memory)
Permanent internal memory.
Data is not lost when power is off.
Contains the boot file (start-up instructions).
BIOS & CMOS
BIOS helps start the computer.
CMOS stores system settings used during start-up.
Summary of RAM and ROM
1.2.3 Input and Output Devices
Input Devices
Used to enter data into a computer.
Can be manual (e.g. keyboard, mouse).
Can be automatic (e.g. QR code reader, barcode scanner).
Output Devices
Used to show results from the computer.
Output is human-readable.
Examples: monitor, printer, speakers.
Input/Output Devices
Some devices do both input and output.
Example: touchscreen.
1.2.4 Backing Storage
Used to store data permanently.
Data can be changed or deleted.
Main types:
o Hard Disk Drive (HDD) – magnetic storage.
o Solid State Drive (SSD) – solid-state storage.
Can be internal or external.
Other types include Blu-ray discs (optical).
Slower than RAM, but much larger storage capacity.
Common sizes: 2 TB or 4 TB.
Cheaper per byte compared to RAM and ROM.
1.3 Operating systems
1.4 Types of computer
1.5 Emerging technologies
Exam style questions and correct way of answering
Desktop computers are not portable and are usually kept in one place,
Clear comparison
whereas mobile computers such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones are
portable and can be used anywhere. Desktops are generally more powerful
Advantages and and cheaper than mobile computers for the same price. They usually have a
disadvantages more stable wired internet connection. Mobile computers use battery
power, consume less energy, and connect using WiFi or cellular networks.
Advantages and However, mobile computers often have smaller screens, keyboards, and
disadvantages storage compared to desktops.
Question (Example – 6 marks)
Compare desktop computers and mobile computers.
✅ Full Marks Answer (6/6)
Desktop computers are not portable and are usually kept in one place, whereas mobile
computers such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones are portable and can be used anywhere.
Desktops are generally more powerful and cheaper than mobile computers for the same
price. They usually have a more stable wired internet connection. Mobile computers use
battery power, consume less energy, and connect using WiFi or cellular networks.
However, mobile computers often have smaller screens, keyboards, and storage compared
to desktops.
Examiner Comment
✔ Clear comparison
✔ Advantages and disadvantages mentioned
✔ Good technical detail
✔ Well-structured answer
⚠️Not Full Marks Answer (3/6)
Desktop computers are bigger and stay in one place. Mobile computers can be carried around
and are easy to use anywhere. Mobile computers use batteries.
Examiner Comment
✘ Limited comparison
✘ Lacks detail (no cost, power, performance, or connectivity)
✘ No clear advantages/disadvantages
✔ Some correct basic points
❌ Very Weak Answer (1/6)
Desktop computers are computers. Mobile computers are small.
Examiner Comment
✘ Too vague
✘ No comparison
✘ No technical knowledge shown