Computer science revision

1.1.1 Identify the context for which a new system is planned.

Extent of functions the system needs to cover. Limitations


1.1.2 Describe the need for change management
How to ease in new system
Make sure existing system compatible with current
What happens when change occurs?
1.1.3 Outline compatibility issues between legacy and business mergers
Language differences.
Data in old system incompatible. Conversion may not be possible
May utilise different technologies
1.1.4 Compare the implementation of systems using a clients hardware with hosting systems
remotely
Benefits of SAAS: cost savings, easy implementation of updates, scalability,
Drawbacks: Security, needs internet, performance
1.1.5 alternative installation processes
Types of implementation
Parallel running:
You have a new system but you also run the old system while updating the features eventually
getting rid of the old system.
Pilot running:
Taking a small group of people and testing the system with them before implementing it for the
whole community.
Direct changeover:
Replace system without testing.
Phased conversion:
Implementing changes over time.

1.1.6

1.1.7 Types of testing
User acceptance- testing if users requirements are met. Beta testing is a form
Debugging- finding bugs.
Destructive testing- straining the program as much as possible to deliberately cause errors
White box testing- testing the internal code
Black box- testing the function
1.1.11 causes of data loss
Natural disasters
Malicious activities
Random error
1.1.13 preventing data loss
Removable media
Offsite storage
Failover system- automatically switches to backup when failure happens
Redundancy- repeating data. I.e RAID storage, storing in two disks simultaneously.
1.2.9 importance of iteration
1. Analyze user requirements
2. Design the program
3. Code the program
4. Document and test
5. Implement and maintain system


2.1.1 https://isscs.wikispaces.com/3.2+-+Computer+Architecture

2.1.3 explain the function of the cache
small amount of memory used by CPU for fast memory processing
Even with faster microprocessors and main memory (RAM) with greater capacities, bottlenecks still
occur when information moves between the CPU and RAM. Cache memory is a type of supplemental
memory built for faster conveyance of information between these two components of the computer.
The computer builds a library of frequently used information into the cache memory. The role of
"caching" is to accelerate the speed of your system. Caching not only helps reduce logjams at the
CPU and RAM, but enables users to perform tasks faster because data transmits more rapidly from
cache memory to CPU.



2.1.4 Machine instruction cycle
1. Fetch the instruction
o The position in the program counter stored address is the address which contains next instruction
that is to be executed.
o Via data bus the content of address contained in the program counter is fetched from the main
memory & stored in the CIR (Current Instruction Register)
o Program counter = incremented by 1
2. Decode the instruction
o The instruction decoder interprets the instruction
o All required data = fetched from main memory & put in data registers
3. Execute the instruction
o CU passes decoded instruction to different parts of CPU to perform the actions that are required.
4. Store results
o Results of calculations in CPU = stored in main memory or sent to output devices
o Program Counter could be updated to a new address
REPEAT

2.1.6 Functions of an OS
Booting the computer
Managing peripherals
Provides a user interface

2.1.11 Logic gates

Not gate (inverter): inverts any binary numbers input
AND gate: Only true (1) if both are true (1)
NAND gate: AND gate results inverted
OR gate: only one has to be true for result to be true
NOR gate: OR gate results inverted

4.2.1 Describe standard algorithms on linear arrays
Sequential search- brute force. Searching one by one until desired one is found
Binary search- Arranged in ascending or descending order. Compares value to middle value of array.
If larger or smaller, then smaller or bigger half removed.
Bubble sort passing through list and swapping numbers not in right order
Selection sort- moving smallest number to left

4.3.3 essential features of a computer language
Fixed vocabulary
Correct syntax. i.e correct use of colons, correct order
unambiguous

4.3.5 Outline the need for a translation process from a HL language to machine executable code
High level language- closer to actual English.
Low level language- machine code (Assembly)
Compiler: Translates higher language into machine code
Interpreter: Directly executes programmed language without translating into machine code.