GCSE Computer Science Eduqas

This subject is broken down into 52 topics in 10 modules:

  1. Hardware 6 topics
  2. Logical Operations 4 topics
  3. Communication 8 topics
  4. Organisation and Structure of Data 11 topics
  5. System Software 2 topics
  6. Principles of Programming 1 topics
  7. Software Engineering 1 topics
  8. Program Construction 5 topics
  9. Security and Data Management 8 topics
  10. Ethical, Legal and Environmental Impacts 6 topics
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This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Computer Science

Hardware

The Von Neumann Model

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The Von Neumann Model

Introduction to the Von Neumann Model

  • John Von Neumann proposed the Von Neumann Model, a fundamental and vital concept for understanding how most modern computers operate.
  • It serves as a blueprint for the design of a computer, guiding the organisation of hardware components.

Main Components of the Von Neumann Model

  • The model is made up of four main components: the Control Unit (CU), Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Memory, and the Input and Output devices.

Control Unit (CU)

  • The CU coordinates the activities of all the hardware components in the computer system.
  • Its role is to fetch instructions from memory, decode them, and then execute them by sending signals to other components in the system.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

  • The ALU performs all the arithmetic and logical operations within the computer.
  • These operations include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, comparison of numbers, and logical conditions like NOT, AND and OR.

Memory

  • The memory in the Von Neumann Model is used for temporary storage during the execution of a program.
  • This memory is used to store both the data and instructions needed for tasks.

Input and Output Devices

  • These are the interfaces through which the computer communicates with the outside world.
  • Input devices are used for entering data into the computer, and output devices are used for displaying results.

Von Neumann Architecture

  • Von Neumann Model involves a single bus that is used for input/output, fetching data and instructions, and implementing instructions.
  • This means data and instructions need to be fetched and sent back to memory in turns, which may lead to a limitation known as the Von Neumann Bottleneck.

Von Neumann Bottleneck

  • This is a limitation of the Von Neumann Model, where the speed of the cpu is significantly higher than the time taken to fetch and store data or instructions.
  • This can be mitigated with the use of cache memory which is faster than main memory.

Shared Memory

  • A key feature of the Von Neumann Model is that it uses shared memory for storing instructions and data.
  • This is beneficial as it simplifies the design and improves efficiency, but it could also be a source of security issues as programs can overwrite data.

Course material for Computer Science, module Hardware, topic The Von Neumann Model

Computer Science

Organisation and Structure of Data

Data Structures

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Data Structures

Types of Data Structures

  • A data structure is a way of organising and storing data in a computer so that it can be used efficiently.
  • Basic types of data structures include arrays, record, file, and list.
  • An array is a collection of elements, where each element can be identified by at least one index or key.
  • A record (also known as a structure) is a basic data structure and can be defined as a collection of fields, each of which contains only one piece of data.
  • A file is a collection of records treated as a unit. Files are used for long-term storage of large amounts of data.
  • A list or linked list is a data structure in which the objects are arranged in a linear order.

Notation of Data Structures

  • Data structures can be represented using pseudocode or flowcharts.
  • Pseudocode is a method of writing up a set of instructions for a computer program using plain English.
  • A flowchart is a type of diagram that represents an algorithm or process. The diagram represents different steps in a process using different kinds of boxed shapes connected by arrows.
  • Get comfortable with both representations as they provide different ways of visualising and understanding how a data structure works.

Data Structure Applications

  • Data structures also include stacks, queues and trees which are used in computing to carry out tasks such as running a program, storing data, routing algorithms, etc.
  • A stack is a basic data structure that can be logically thought of as a linear structure represented by a real physical stack or pile, a structure where insertion and deletion of items take place at one end called the top.
  • A queue is another basic data structure that follows the First-In-First-Out methodology (FIFO), to manage and organise its data.
  • A tree data structure has roots, branches, and leaves, but it is upside down compared to an actual tree in nature. The place where you start is called the root. When you first start, trees seem pretty complex.

Importance of Data Structures

  • Choosing the right data structure can significantly improve the efficiency of an algorithm or a program.
  • Understanding data structures enhances problem-solving ability and has implications in many areas of computer science including operating systems, database systems, and software engineering.

Course material for Computer Science, module Organisation and Structure of Data, topic Data Structures

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