Higher Computer Systems

Describe and exemplify the use of binary to represent positive and negative integers using two’s complement, including the range of numbers that can be represented using a fixed number of bits

Conversion of two’s complement numbers from binary to denary and vice versa

Describe and exemplify floating-point representation of positive and negative real numbers, using the terms mantissa and exponent

Describe the relationship between the number of bits assigned to the mantissa/exponent, and the range and precision of floating-point numbers

Describe Unicode used to represent characters and its advantage over extended ASCII code (8-bit) in terms of numbers of characters

Describe the relative advantages and disadvantages of bit-mapped graphics versus vector graphics

Describe the concept of the fetch-execute cycle

Describe the factors affecting computer system performance: number of processors (cores); width of data bus; cache memory; clock speed

Describe the environmental impact of intelligent systems: heating systems

Describe the environmental impact of intelligent systems: traffic control

Describe the environmental impact of intelligent systems: car management systems

Describe and identify the implications for individuals and businesses of the Computer Misuse Act 1990: unauthorised access to computer material; unauthorised access with intent to commit a further offence; unauthorised modification of programs or data on a computer

Describe and identify the security risks of: tracking cookies

Describe and identify the security risks of: DOS (Denial of Service) attacks: symptoms; effects; costs; type of fault; reasons

Describe how encryption is used to secure transmission of data: use of public and private keys; digital certificates; digital signatures