Identify and describe the hardware and communication elements of contemporary computer systems and how they are connected.
Identify and describe the main components of contemporary computer architecture, including Von Neumann architectures.
Describe different types of memory and caching.
Describe and explain parallel processing.
Fetch-execute cycle - Describe the fetch-execute cycle showing how data can be read from RAM into registers.
Describe the use of contemporary methods and their associated devices for input and output.
Explain the use of these methods and devices in contemporary computer systems and their suitability in different situations.
Compare the functional characteristics of contemporary secondary storage devices.
Data storage on disc - Explain fragmentation and its consequences and describe the need for defragmentation.
Describe networks and how they communicate.
Explain the importance of networking standards.
Describe the importance and the use of a range of contemporary protocols including HTTP, FTP, SMTP, TCP/IP, IMAP, DHCP, UDP and wireless communication protocols.
Explain the role of handshaking.
Describe the internet in terms of a world-wide communications infrastructure.