Recommended prior knowledge
None, although students will be able to draw on any previous experience of computer hardware.
Context
Students need to study this unit before or alongside Unit 12. For this unit, as well as Units 10 and 11, 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
The main hardware components of a computer. Different types of computer and classes of processor power. The characteristics and uses of different types of input and output device. Different types of internal memory and backing storage and their uses. The capabilities of modern mobile phones.
Syllabus ref
Learning objectives
Suggested teaching activities Learning resources
5.1.1 Introduction microcomputer, microprocessor
Introduce the basic parts and functions of a computer system.
What makes up a typical system:
• Input devices (keyboard, mouse, touch screens, scanners, etc.).
• Processing devices (from large and power-hungry in supercomputers to small, low power consumption in smart phones and microcontrollers).
• Storage devices (internal memory (RAM), backing storage such as
HDD and DVD, etc).
• Output devices (printers, screens, plotters, etc.). system.
Students could research:
• examples of devices that use embedded microprocessors or microcontrollers (e.g. still and video cameras (including CCTV), digital watches, domestic appliances)
• how laptop, notebook and tablet computers differ from desktop PCs www.kids-online.net/learn/c_n_l.html
Practice in identifying parts of a computer www.teachict.com/as_a2/topics/input%20processing%20output/input
_process_output/
Introduction to Input, Process, Storage and Output
(Feedback loop applies where user responds to output and in automated and control systems)
LWS coursebook pp. 45–9 www.teachict.com/gcse_computing/ocr/211_hardware_software/inwo rld/miniweb/pg2.htm
Examples of embedded systems www.teachv1 2Y05 Cambridge O Level Computer Studies (7010) 1

Syllabus ref
Learning objectives
Suggested teaching activities
• the required specification for a laptop (should consume little power to maximise battery duration and run cool, etc.).
Learning resources ict.com/gcse_new/computer%20systems/types_computer/ home_types_computer.htm
Theory notes, activities and quizzes on types of computer
LWS coursebook pp. 46 and 49
5.1.2
Broad classes of processor power
Standard and output devices
General introduction to classes of processor only – no detail required
Students could research how to describe/select:
• suitable input and output devices in relation to the requirements of the
• application
the use of specialist input and output devices (e.g. to help people with disabilities communicate with a computer system, devices to communicate with virtual reality systems – note that a VR headset consists of one or more output devices and head position-tracking sensor input devices).
The functions and characteristics of storage media
Students could list all the storage devices they know about, then try to categorise them and research the operation and areas of application for:
• internal memory (aka main memory) devices: RAM, ROM
• backing storage devices: hard disk drive (HDD), CD and DVD (ROM,
R and RW), USB flash memories, Digital Storage Cards (DSC) such as SD, SDHC or SDXC, non-removable flash memory in MP3/4 media players, magnetic tape cartridges.
LWS coursebook pp. 49–79 www.teachict.com/gcse_computing/ocr/212_computing_hardware/inp ut_devices/home_input_devices.htm
Theory notes, activities and quizzes on input devices www.teachict.com/gcse_computing/ocr/212_computing_hardware/ou tput_devices/home_output_devices.htm
Theory notes, activities and quizzes on output devices www.teachict.com/gcse_computing/ocr/212_computing_hardware/dis abled_ipop/home_disabled_ipop.htm
Theory notes, activities and quizzes on input and output devices for disabled users www.teachict.com/technology_explained/virtual_reality/virtual_reality.
html
Notes on input and output devices for VR www.igcseict.info/theory/2/actu/
Illustrated notes on actuators
LWS coursebook pp. 79–88 www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/ict/hardware/1datast oragerev1.shtml
First of 8 pages on storage www.teachict.com/gcse_computing/ocr/212_computing_hardware/sto v1 2Y05 Cambridge O Level Computer Studies (7010) 2

Syllabus ref
Learning objectives
5.1.3 The characteristics and performance of a range of peripherals
(including control and communication devices)
Suggested teaching activities Learning resources
Students could research how the HDD (or possibly DVD-RAM) in a digital video recorder (DVR) allows recording to take place simultaneously with playback of a previous recording).
Explain the difference between the backing storage device and the storage medium (plural: media), which is sometimes removable.
Students need to be able perform calculations on transferring a given number of files of a given size at a given data transfer rate.
Review the need to communicate with a computer and the range of peripheral (input and output) devices available for this.
Students need to be able to justify their choices of suitable peripherals for various applications, including for people with disabilities and devices for interfacing with virtual reality systems.
The reasons for choosing certain devices in a number of applications needs to be carefully considered (e.g. barcode readers in supermarkets, pen plotters in design offices).
Students could research the different types of sensor used in a wide range of monitoring and control applications, such as:
• temperature (e.g. heating systems)
• moisture (e.g. greenhouse applications)
• gas (e.g. environmental monitoring)
• light (e.g. operating automatic lights)
• infra-red (e.g. detecting intruders).
Students could research of the role of mobile phones in communication systems. This can cover a wide range of topic areas such as:
• the most widely available form of computer in the world
• use as camera, QR code reader, MP3/4 media player
• access to internet or to SMS or voice information services where
Internet is unavailable or unaffordable. rage_devices/home_storage_devices.htm
Theory notes, activities and quizzes on storage devices and media www.teachict.com/gcse_computing/ocr/214_representing_data/units/ home_units.htm
Theory notes, activities and quizzes on units of storage
Extension material:
• www.howstuffworks.com/ram1.htm
More details on RAM
• www.howstuffworks.com/rom.htm
More details on ROM
LWS coursebook pp. 49–79 http://gcsecomputing.org.uk/theory/1_2/1_2_input_output.
html
Comprehensive notes on applications of input and output devices
LWS coursebook 66–71 www.igcseict.info/theory/2/sensor/
Illustrated notes on sensors www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/ict/measurecontrol/0 computercontrolrev2.shtml
Notes on sensors
LWS coursebook p. 88 www.teachict.com/gcse_new/communication/mobile_phones/home_ mobile_phones.htm
Theory notes, activities and quizzes on mobile phones v1 2Y05 Cambridge O Level Computer Studies (7010) 3