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Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Computer Science Student Book

Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Computer Science Student Book

Ann Weidmann | David Waller | Alex Hadwen-Bennett | Chris Charles | Shaun Whorton | Author

(2017)

Additional Information

Book Details

Abstract

The Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Computer Science Student Book provides detailed coverage of the 2016 specification, enabling you to approach your exams and assessment with confidence.

 

This Student Book offers:

  • a comprehensive understanding of computer science and computational thinking, helping you to access the course content and make progress with your learning.
  • an awareness of the applications of computer science for problem solving in the real world
  • definitions of key words, enabling you to recognise and use appropriate terms and vocabulary
  • regular activities to support progression and encourage further thinking and investigation
  • preparation for the exam section to support revision.

Our Student Book will also be available as a Kindle edition.

 

 


Table of Contents

Section Title Page Action Price
Front Cover Front Cover
Contents iii
Introduction iv
Chapter 1: Problem solving 1
1.1: Algorithms 2
Understanding algorithms 2
Creating algorithms 8
Working with algorithms 20
Sorting and searching algorithms 29
Searching algorithms 34
1.2: Decomposition and abstraction 40
Problem solving 40
Decomposition 40
Chapter 2: Programming 45
2.1: Develop code 46
Algorithms and programs 46
2.2: Making programs easy to read 54
Code readability 54
2.3: Strings 58
2.4: Data structures 62
Arrays 62
Records 65
2.5: Input/output 68
User input 68
Testing validation rules 71
Working with text files 72
Writing data to a text file 74
2.6: Subprograms 77
Built-in functions 80
2.7: Testing and evaluation 83
Testing 83
Runtime errors 85
Using an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) 86
The test plan 87
Evaluating programs 89
Chapter 3: Data 91
3.1: Binary 92
Why binary? 92
Number systems 93
Binary arithmetic 96
Hexadecimal numbers 103
3.2: Data representation 106
Representation of text 106
Representation of bitmap images 109
3.3: Data storage and compression 117
Data storage 117
Data compression 118
3.4: Encryption 125
3.5: Databases 130
Chapter 4: Computers 139
4.1: Machines and computational modelling 140
The input-process-output model 140
4.2: Hardware 143
Stored programs: the von Neumann model 143
Hardware components of a computer system RAM and ROM 144
Cache memory 146
Fetch-decode-execute: in detail 147
Secondary storage 149
Cloud storage 151
Embedded systems 153
4.3: Logic 155
Truth tables 155
Writing logic statements 157
4.4: Software 160
Operating systems 160
Utility software 163
Security tools 164
Simulation and modelling 165
4.5: Programming languages 167
Low-level programming language 167
High-level languages 169
Chapter 5: Communication and the internet 171
5.1: Networks 172
Computer networks and their use 172
Different types of network 173
Communication media 180
Wired or wireless connectivity? 181
Network data speed 182
Calculating the time needed to transmit a file 182
Protocols 183
Email protocols 184
Network protocols 184
Internet protocols 187
5.2: Network security 189
Network security and its importance 189
Network security importance 190
Authentication and validation 191
Other ways to secure a network 191
Cloud storage and security 193
Contemporary storage and security 194
Cyberattacks 196
5.3: The internet and the World Wide Web 202
The internet 202
The World Wide Web 203
Chapter 6: The bigger picture 206
6.1: Computing and the environment 207
Manufacture 207
Usage 209
Disposal 210
Preserving the environment 211
6.2: Privacy 213
Personal data 213
Cyber-security 216
6.3: Digital inclusion 218
Towards digital inclusion 218
6.4: Professionalism 221
6.5: The legal impact 223
Intellectual property 223
Licensing 224
Preparing for your exam 226
Paper 1 – Principles of Computer Science 226
Paper 2 – Application of Computational Thinking 229
Non-examined assessment – the project 235
How well are we doing? 235
Glossary 240
Index 247
Back Cover Back Cover