LEARNING AREA 2 : COMPUTER SYSTEM

2.1  System Concept

Overview of Computer Systems

• Define computer systems.
• State the meaning of input, process, output and storage.
• Describe the information processing cycle which includes input, process, output and storage

Data Representation

• State the relationship of data representation: bit, byte and character

Introduction to Binary Coding

• Explain the function of ASCII code.

Data Measurement

• State the units of data measurement:

• Bit
• Byte
• Kilobyte (KB)
• Megabyte (MB)
• Gigabyte (GB) 
• Terabyte (TB)

Clock Speed Measurement

• State the units of clock speed measurement:

• Megahertz (MHz)
• Gigahertz (GHz)

 2.2  Hardware

Input Devices

• Identify the input devices used for text, graphic, audio and video

Output Devices

• Identify the output devices used for text, graphic, audio and video

Motherboard

• Identify the location of the central processing unit (CPU), expansion slots, expansion cards, RAM slots, ports and connectors on the motherboard

Storage

• Explain types and functions of :
• Primary storage (RAM, ROM)
• Secondary storage (magnetic medium optical medium,   flash memory)

2.3  Software

Operating System (OS)

• State the various types of OS used on different platforms.
• State the functions of OS.
• State the different interfaces of OS.

Application Software

• State the types of application software (word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, graphic).
• Describe the uses of application software (word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, graphic).

Utility Program

• Differentiate between the types and usage of utility programmes (file management, diagnostic and file compression).

Proprietary and Open Source Software

• Assemble the components of a PC.
• Display cooperation in assembling the components of a PC.

2.4  Installation

Personal Computer (PC) Assembling

• Assemble the components of a PC.
• Display cooperation in assembling the components of a PC

Hard Disk Partitioning and Formatting

• Format and partition the hard disk.

Software Installation

• Install operating system, application software and utility programs.

2.5  Current And Future Developments

Latest Open Source Software Available

• Explain the latest open source OS and application software available in the market.

Latest Development In ICT

• Explain the latest ICT hardware and software
• Explain pervasive computing.