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Scheme of work – Cambridge IGCSE® Computer Studies (0420)
Unit 11: Types of system
Recommended prior knowledge
Students should study Units 1 and 10 before starting this unit.
Context
For this unit, as well as Units 9 and 10, Computer Studies Support Booklet – Part 5 (http://teachers.cie.org.uk/docs/dynamic/31800.pdf) provides notes on section 5
of the syllabus and practice problems (with answers in Computer Studies Support Booklet – Answers (http://teachers.cie.org.uk/docs/dynamic/31801.pdf).
Outline
Different types of system: batch processing, interactive, network, control, automated and multimedia.
Requirements to support various types of computer system. The most suitable type of computer system for a given application. Problems in the management of the
various types of computer system, such as conflicting access to common data or critical timing considerations.
Syllabus
ref
Learning
objectives
5.3
Introduction
Suggested teaching activities
Learning resources
Review the basic principles of the different types of operating system
(OS).
www.igcseict.info/theory/7_2/modes/
Introduction to batch processing and real-time systems
Introduce the idea that the different types of OS are designed to support
different types of processing system.
5.3.2
Interactive
systems
Help students to decide which types of operating system would be
appropriate for each type of processing system encountered when
studying computer applications in Unit 1.
Explain that almost all students’ experience of computer systems has
been of interactive systems that provide for interaction between the job
and the user that may influence the future course of processing.
LWS coursebook pp. 108–9
Such systems may be single-user (for example, a personal computer) or
multi-user.
Typical applications are word processing and online information retrieval.
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Cambridge IGCSE Computer Studies (0420)
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Syllabus
ref
Learning
objectives
5.3.1
Batch processing
systems
5.3.3
Network systems
Suggested teaching activities
Learning resources
Explain that, In contrast to an interactive system, a batch processing
system processes a job without any direct interaction between the job and
the user.
LWS coursebook pp. 107–8
Typical applications are payroll and billing systems.
Explain that a network system is one in which processing occurs
independently in more than one location, but with shared and controlled
access to some common resources.
Students could perform research to:
• describe and compare the ring, bus and star network topologies
• understand the need for:
• shared resources, such as:
• file storage
• local information resources such as an intranet server
• remote information resources such as internet servers
• gateways for accessing wide area networks (WANs) such as the
internet.
5.3.4
Control systems
Explain that:
• in a control system, one or more computers control the operation of
some non-computer equipment, usually involving some monitoring and
logging of physical quantities, providing some analysis of performance
and allowing some user interaction
• feedback is an essential element in most control systems
• timing considerations are often critical and the term real-time control
system is sometimes used to indicate this.
www.igcseict.info/theory/7_2/payroll/
Introduction to payroll processing as an example of batch
processing
LWS coursebook pp. 109–12
www.howstuffworks.com/lan-switch1.htm
Introduction to networks
www.howstuffworks.com/lan-switch2.htm
Introduction to network topologies
www.igcseict.info/theory/4/intra/
www.howstuffworks.com/how-intranets-work.htm
Introductions to intranets
www.teach-ict.com/gcse_new/internet/intranet_extranet/
home_intranet_extranet.htm
Theory notes and activities on intranets (and extranets)
www.igcseict.info/theory/4/inter/
www.howstuffworks.com/internet/basics/internet.htm
Introductions to the internet
LWS coursebook pp. 112–3
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/ict/measurecontrol/
0computercontrolrev1.shtml
First of four pages on control systems
Students could research applications of control systems such as process
control in oil refineries, chemical plants and for integrated traffic control
systems.
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Syllabus
ref
Learning
objectives
5.3.5
Automated
systems
Suggested teaching activities
Learning resources
Explain that automated systems are broadly similar to control systems,
but:
• are dedicated to a particular task
• lack the ability to collect and analyse data and the flexibility to allow for
and act on user interaction beyond a very simple level.
LWS coursebook pp. 113–4
Students could research applications of automated systems such the
systems found in equipment such as washing machines and digital
cameras.
5.3.6
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Multimedia
Students could research:
• minimum hardware and software requirements for multimedia
applications
• typical features and uses of multimedia systems.
Cambridge IGCSE Computer Studies (0420)
www.teachict.com/gcse_computing/ocr/211_hardware_software/
inworld/miniweb/pg2.htm
First of two pages on automated systems in the home
www.teach-ict.com/gcse_new/entertainment/camera/
home_camera.htm
Theory notes and activities on digital cameras
LWS coursebook pp. 114–5
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