A Level Information Technology CAIE

This subject is broken down into 69 topics in 20 modules:

  1. Data Processing and Information 5 topics
  2. Hardware and Software 5 topics
  3. Monitoring and Control 2 topics
  4. Algorithms and Flowcharts 1 topics
  5. eSecurity 2 topics
  6. The Digital Divide 1 topics
  7. Expert Systems 1 topics
  8. Spreadsheets 5 topics
  9. Modelling 1 topics
  10. Database and File Concepts 5 topics
  11. Sound and Video Editing 1 topics
  12. IT in Society 5 topics
  13. New and Emerging Technologies 1 topics
  14. Communications Technology 13 topics
  15. Project Management 3 topics
  16. System Life Cycle 10 topics
  17. Mail Merge 1 topics
  18. Graphics Creation 5 topics
  19. Animation 1 topics
  20. Programming for the Web 1 topics
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  • 20
    modules
  • 69
    topics
  • 27,193
    words of revision content
  • 3+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Information Technology

Data Processing and Information

Data and information

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Data and information

Concepts of Data and Information

  • Data refers to raw, unprocessed facts and statistics collected to be analysed or used.
  • Information is data that has been processed, organised, structured, or presented in a given context to make it meaningful and useful.
  • Knowledge is information that is understood and applied by individuals.

Attributes of Information

  • Timeliness: Accurate information must be available when required. Delays in obtaining information could lead to missed opportunities.
  • Relevance: The information must be relevant to what is being done or the decision that needs to be made.
  • Accuracy: Inaccurate information can lead to wrong decisions. Therefore, it's critical to ensure the data input is correct.
  • Completeness: Information should provide a complete picture. If any details are missing, then decisions may be made on the basis of incomplete information.
  • Reliability: Information should be reliable, meaning that it consistently provides the same results under the same conditions.

Representing Data

  • Binary is a base-2 number system that is made up of two numerals: 0 and 1.
  • Binary number system is widely used in computing because it's straightforward to implement with digital electronic circuitry.
  • ASCII and Unicode are two of the standards used to represent text in computers. ASCII uses seven bits to represent each character, while Unicode uses 16 bits.
  • Graphical data can be bitmapped (raster) or vector. Bitmap graphics are made up of pixels, while vector graphics are made up of paths.

Data Processing

  • Data processing generally refers to the process of transforming raw data into meaningful information.
  • Key steps in data processing include data input, data processing, and information output.
  • Real-time processing processes data as soon as it is input into the system. It is often used in systems that require immediate action based on input data.
  • Batch processing processes large volumes of data all at once at a later time. It's more efficient at processing large volumes of data and doesn't require human interaction during processing.

Course material for Information Technology, module Data Processing and Information, topic Data and information

Information Technology

Communications Technology

Networks

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Networks

Understanding Networks

  • Networks are interconnected systems providing a means for sharing resources such as files, internet connection, printers, and software.
  • There are two types of networks: Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN). LANs connect devices within a single location, while WANs connect devices over a large geographical area.
  • Networks can be wired or wireless. Wired networks use cables while wireless networks use radio signals or infrared light.

Network Components

  • Servers are powerful computers that provide services like email, web hosting, file storage, and print services to other computers in the network.
  • Clients are devices that request services from the server.
  • Hub, switch, and router are networking devices. A hub broadcasts all data to every device, a switch sends data only to the intended device, and a router moves data across networks.
  • Transmission media includes twisted pair, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable for wired networks, and airwaves for wireless networks.

Network Technologies and Protocols

  • Ethernet is the most common type of network technology used in LANs.
  • The Internet Protocol (IP) is responsible for routing data across networks. It works alongside the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) which ensures data is reliably delivered.
  • Wireless technologies include Wi-Fi for short-range wireless connections and LTE/4G/5G for long-range wireless connections.
  • Internet Service Providers (ISPs) provide homes and businesses with access to the internet via various technologies (DSL, Fibre, 4G/5G, Satellite).

Network Security and Challenges

  • Firewalls are used to control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
  • Encryption is the process of encoding data to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Network attacks could be passive (eavesdropping, traffic analysis) or active (man-in-the-middle, denial of service).
  • Malware (virus, worm, trojan) are malicious software designed to harm or exploit any computing device or network.
  • Challenges in networking include securing data, managing traffic, and configuring network for optimum performance.

Network Management

  • Network management involves overseeing, controlling, and troubleshooting network's operation and performance.
  • Network administrators use monitoring tools to check for issues like slowing or failing components.
  • They use various models and protocols such as SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) for managing and monitoring the network.
  • Backup and recovery are key aspects of network management. This ensures data is safe and can be retrieved in case of a loss.

Course material for Information Technology, module Communications Technology, topic Networks

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