9618- Computer Science: Unit 3.1 Computers and their components

This resource about AS - Level Computer Science - 9618.
Chapter 3.1 Computers and their components
*Syllabus contents
Candidates should be able to:
Show understanding of the need for input, output,
primary memory and secondary (including removable)
storage
Notes and guidance
Show understanding of embedded systems Including: benefits and drawbacks of embedded
systems
Describe the principal operations of hardware devices Including: Laser printer, 3D printer, microphone,
speakers, magnetic hard disk, solid state (flash)
memory, optical disc reader/writer, touchscreen,
virtual headset
Show understanding of the use of buffers
Explain the differences between Random Access
Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM)
Including their use in a range of devices and systems
Explain the differences between Static RAM (SRAM)
and Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
Include their use in a range of devices and systems
and the reasons for using one instead of the other
depending on the device and its use
Explain the difference between Programmable ROM
(PROM), Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM) and
Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM)
Show an understanding of monitoring and control
systems
Including:
•• difference between monitoring and control
•• use of sensors (including temperature, pressure,
infra-red, sound) and actuators
•• importance of feedback