1.1 Computer hardware, i.e.: • input devices • output devices • communications devices • benefits (e.g. integrated devices make portable devices simpler to use) • limitations (e.g. voice recognition performs poorly in noisy environments) • uses (e.g. membrane keyboard could be used in harsh physical environments)

1.2 Computer components, i.e.: • processors • motherboards • storage (i.e. hard drive, solid state, flash, internal, removable, SAS, SCSI, portable, Cloud) • ports (i.e. USB, Firewire, SATA, Network, Fibre Channel) • memory (i.e. RAM, ROM, cache) expansion cards (i.e. sound, network, graphics, storage controller, fibre channel) • power supplies • characteristics • purpose

1.3 Types of computer system, i.e.: • desktop/server • tablet/hybrid • smartphone • embedded system/Internet of Things (e.g. cars, home appliances, etc.) • mainframe • quantum • uses (e.g. tablet device can be used when travelling due to physical properties) • benefits (e.g. desktop computer can have a large screen which can improve productivity) • limitations (e.g. mainframe

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1.4 Connectivity methods, i.e.: • copper • fibre • wireless technologies (i.e. Bluetooth, WiFi, microwave, infrared, laser, Satellite, GSM, 3G/4G and future technologies) • characteristics • purpose

1.5 Communications hardware, i.e.: • hub • switch • router • modem • wireless access point • combined/hybrid devices • characteristics • purpose and use

1.6 Hardware troubleshooting, i.e.: • identifying hardware faults • troubleshooting tools • documentation/fault management

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1.7 Units of measurement, i.e.: • bit, nibble, byte • metric (i.e. kilo, mega, giga, tera, peta) • binary (i.e. kibi, mebi, gibi, tebi, pebi) • comparison in sizes between metric and binary measurements. e.g. 1 kilobyte = 1000 bytes vs 1024 bytes

1.8 Number systems, i.e.: • binary • decimal • hexadecimal

1.9 Number conversion, i.e.: • converting between binary, decimal and hexadecimal

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2.1 Types of software, i.e.: • open source • closed source • off the shelf • bespoke • shareware • freeware • embedded • characteristics • use

2.2 Applications software, i.e.: • productivity software (i.e. word processor, spreadsheet, database, email) • development tools (i.e. compiler, debugger, translator, integrated design environment) • business software (i.e. MIS, multimedia, collaboration, project management, manufacturing, CAD/CAM, publishing, expert systems, healthcare)

2.3 Utility software (i.e. backup, anti-virus, compression) • purpose • advantages and disadvantages

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2.4 Operating systems, i.e.: • single user/multiuser • single processor/multiprocessor • off the shelf/open source/bespoke • Functions • Benefits and limitations

2.5 Communication methods, i.e.: • SMS • email • messaging software • social networking/social media • VoIP • personal assistants (e.g. Siri, Cortana) • teleconference • video conference • cellular/satellite • instant messaging • characteristics • purpose • advantages and disadvantages

2.6 Software troubleshooting, i.e.: • common faults (i.e. unexpected software behaviour, software freeze, unexpected rebooting) • troubleshooting tools to investigate a problem (i.e. logs, installable tools, baselines) • documentation (i.e. types of documentation)

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2.7 Protocols, i.e.: • popular protocols o IP (Internet Protocol) o TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) o UDP (User Data Protocol) o SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) o FTP (File Transfer Protocol) o HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) o SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) o ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) o POP (Post Office Protocol) • features • purpose • common usage scenarios

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3.1 Types of servers, i.e.: • file/print • application • database • web • mail • hypervisor

3.2 Virtualisation, i.e.: • server • client • storage • cloud • hybrid • benefits and limitations

3.3 Networking characteristics, i.e.: • peer to peer • client server (i.e. DNS) • bus/star/ring/mesh • addressing (i.e. default gateway, IP address, subnet mask) • diagrammatical representation • linking to given context

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3.4 Connectivity methods, i.e.: • LAN (i.e. Ethernet, Token Ring) • WAN (i.e. ADSL, leased line, ISDN) • MAN • voice (i.e. PSTN, cellular) • satellite (i.e. voice, data) • characteristics • purpose

3.5 Business systems, i.e.: • MIS (Management Information System) • CRM (Customer Relationship Management) • SOP (Sales Ordering Process, Standard Operating Procedures) • helpdesk • purpose • benefits and limitations

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4.1 Communication skills, i.e.: • interpersonal skills (i.e. eye contact, body language) • questioning techniques • verbal (i.e. meetings, telephone, group discussions) • written (i.e. reports, letters, emails, social networking) • non-verbal (i.e. body language) • barriers (i.e. language, distraction, noise, lack of concentration) • appropriate use of language (i.e. formal, informal,technical, non-technical)

4.2 Communication technology, i.e.: • presentation software • word processing • email • web • blogs/vlogs • instant messaging • use

4.3 Personal attributes (i.e. self-motivation, leadership, respect, dependability, punctuality, problem solving, determination, independence, time management, team working, written numerical and verbal skills, planning and organisation skills)

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4.4 Ready for work, i.e.: • dress (i.e. appropriate clothing depending on situation) • presentation (i.e. personal grooming, appearance etc.) • attitude (i.e. can do attitude, responsive)

4.5 Job roles, i.e.: • Network manager • IT technician • Programmer • Web designer • Animator • Key skills required for each (i.e. technical and non-technical)

4.6 Professional bodies (e.g. BCS) • purpose • benefits and limitations 4.7 Industry certification • benefits to individual and employer • current vendors (e.g. CompTia ®, Cisco ®)

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5.1 Ethical issues, i.e.: • whistle blowing • disability/gender/sexuality discrimination • use of information • codes of practice • staying safe online • bias

5.2 Operational issues, i.e.: • security of information • health and safety • disaster planning and recovery • organisational policies (i.e. acceptable use policy, code of conduct, etc.) • change management • scale of change: o drivers (i.e. change in business practice, legislation, competition)o needs (i.e. improved networking, remote access for employees)

5.3 Threats, i.e.: • phishing • hacking • virus • Trojan • interception • eavesdropping • data theft • social engineering

5.4 Physical security, i.e.: • locks • biometrics • RFID • tokens • privacy screens • shredding • characteristics

5.5 Digital security, i.e.: • anti-virus • firewalls • anti-spyware • username/passwords • permissions • encryption • characteristics

5.6 Safe disposal of data and computer equipment, i.e.: • legislation • overwrite data • electromagnetic wipe • physical destruction

Anonymous Assessment - Learners assess an anonymous piece of work containing deliberate mistakes against given success criteria.

Understand ethical and operational issues and threats to computer systems