Computing

Computing Revision Links

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Higher Computing Units

Scholar http://www.computerstudies.info/

Standard Grade Computing

http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/revision/

Higher,Standard Grade, Intermediate 1 & 2, Access 3

Revision and Tests

http://www.kelso.scotborders.sch.uk/departments/computing/

Computing Department Web Page (Stonelaw High)

Revision Exercises and Summaries

http://www.reviseict.co.uk/

ICT Quizzes

Information Technology Quiz

Databases

BBC Bite Size

Data Communications

BBC Bite Size

Hardware

BBC Bite Size

Implications of using ICT

BBC Bite Size

Legal Framework

BBC Bite Size

Measurement and Control

BBC Bite Size

Modelling

BBC Bite Size

Software

BBC Bite Size

Systems Lifecycle

BBC Bite Size

On Line Computer Dictionary/Encyclopaedia

http://www.webopaedia.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Computing

http://www.computeruser.com/resources/dictionary/noframes/index.html

Hardware and Software - Technical Info

How Stuff Works

Current Standards

PC World

Robots

How Stuff Works

Channel 4

Robot Technology

Robot Exhibits

Networks

Network Technology

Networking

Handheld Computers

Palmtop

Data and Information

Schoolsnet

Data Capture

Commercial Data Processing

Computer Systems

Inside the Computer 1

Inside the Computer 2

History of Computers

Design

Guide to Computers

Guide 1

Guide 2

Guide 3

Guide 4

Links to Various ICT/Computing Sites

SchoolsNet

The KJS

School Resources

NCTE

KS 3

Computer Specifications

Apple

Search Mobile

Max PC

PC PLUS

PC PRO

PC STATS

PC TECH GUIDE

TECH TARGET

WHAT LAPTOP

Multimedia

SVTC

DVD demystified

Disctronics

Future Net

Animation On Line

Software Development / Programming

VB Tutor

Crosswords

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Select the following topics in the normal way:
1. Word Processing 2. Databases / Spreadsheets 3. Computer Systems
4. Commercial Data Processing 5. Communications 6. Multimedia

Standard Grade Computing Revision Exercises:

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Select the following topics in the normal way:
Revision Notes General Purpose Packages Spreadsheets Databases Database/Spreadsheet
CDP 1 CDP 2 Hardware Computer Systems
Database quiz1 Database quiz2 Word processing quiz
Industrial Applications 1 Industrial Applications 2

Standard Grade Computing Topics:

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GPPs1 GPPs2 GPPs3 Communications & Networks
Computer Systems Commercial Applications Industrial Applications

STANDARD GRADE COMPUTING STUDIES

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Your computing course consists of three main areas of study:

Computer Applications

Computer Systems

Computer Programming

You are assessed on:

Knowledge and understanding(KU) of computer facts - assessed by external exam.

Problem solving(PS) using computers - assessed by external exam.

Practical assessment - assessed by tasks in school. Marks are then sent to SQA.

Computer Applications is broken down into the following units:

General Purpose Packages (GPPs)

Word Processing
Spreadsheet
Database
Graphics
Desktop Publishing
Web Page Creation
Expert Systems

Communications and Networks

Electronic Communication
Local areaNetworks and Wide Area Networks
Internet

Industrial and Commercial Applications

Automated Systems
Commercial Data Processing

BEGINNERS GUIDE TO PROGRAMMING

Okay

This is the part of the Standard Grade course that most students don’t like. Generally this is due to the fact that it is the hardest part.
Think about it. It’s a new language. New keywords, commands, syntax errors. Solving problems using your own program. It takes time and concentration. You need to take the time to learn the language. You don’t learn French or Italian in 1 or 2 periods so why expect to learn a Programming language in that time.

We like instant results, we click and it happens. Were used to instant. Flick the switch its there. Programming is not like that. Programming can be very frustrating but at the same time rewarding. When you create your own code and solve the problem given you will feel heavy good.

So don’t give up. Help is at hand and remember, you will get there.

When given your problem or specification you have to develop your solution. You will be tempted to dive at the computer and try to write your program code. BUT there is more to it than that.

So without any more waffle lets get to it:

Software Development is the name given to:

· Analysing a problem

· Designing a solution using a computer

· Implementing the solution

· Testing the solution

· Documenting the solution

· Evaluating the solution

· Maintaining the solution

Programming is a problem solving activity. To be good at solving problems you have to be organised and METHODICAL. That is you must go about it in a set way, taking your time over planning and thinking. The more planning you do, the more time you’ll save yourself in the long run. Rushing headlong into
a problem and trying to just code into the computer without properly preparing everything usually means you take twice as long to solve a problem.

There ARE Seven stages in Software Development (see above), but we shall be mainly concerned here with four of them.

You are given a Specification, the problem you have to solve.

Then the steps you take involve:

ANALYSIS

A clear and brief explanation by the programmer (you) saying what the program will do and how it will do it. It’s a good idea to identify the inputs and outputs.

DESIGN

Breaking the problem down into steps, these steps can usually be broken down into smaller steps. This is called TOP DOWN DESIGN.

IMPLEMENTATION

You produce the program.

TESTING

Making sure it works correctly. Testing has to be planned and thorough. You don’t just run the program a few times to see if it works, you plan a table of inputs with expected outputs. You should use normal inputs, extreme inputs to test your program fully.

Hints and Tips for examinations and tests

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Take your time and read the question carefully. Make sure you understand what it is you are being asked about.
Dont panic if you dont know the answer straight away.
Look at the number of marks available. For instance, if three marks are available, then you should make three different points in your answer, one for each mark.
Answers such as "easier" or "faster" will not be awarded any marks unless you give a reason to justify them, for instance "It is faster to load a program from disk than from tape because...."
As a rough guide, you should write at least one sentence for each mark.
Give as full an explanation as you can within the time available.
It doesnt harm your marks to include extra information in your answer if you have the time.
Never leave questions unanswered unless you run out of time. Blank spaces always get no marks.
Draw a diagram if it will help to clarify your answer.

Resist the temptation to leave the examination early just because you see others going out. Try to relax and look over your answers again, to make sure that you have attempted all of the questions.