1.2.3 – Units
A large amount of the content for this section has been covered in 1.2.2 – Secondary storage. This is because it is essential you understand what data actually is before you learn about how it can be stored in large…
1.2.2 – Secondary Storage
It is possible to have a computer which does not have secondary storage. This comes with one huge disadvantage: when you turn the power off you lose everything and have to start from scratch. This may sound like complete madness,…
1.2.1 – Primary storage (Memory)
A computer will store lots of information, this includes your photographs, messages, contacts or even the programs and apps we use on a daily basis. All of this data is in the form of binary bits – ones and zeroes.…
1.1.3 – Embedded systems
An embedded system is simply “something with a computer inside it” but is not a general purpose computer such as a desktop PC. The OCR definition of an embedded system is “a computer system which is built in to another…
1.1.2 – CPU Performance
A quick browse of any retailer that sells computer components will illustrate that there are hundreds of different CPU’s available. A CPU is not just a standard component with a fixed set of features – each will be tailored to…
1.1.1 – Architecture of the CPU
In this section we cover the very low level fundamentals of a computer. By the end you should understand what a computer is, what it is and is not capable of doing and why the CPU is central to all…