CAIE IGCSE ICT

UPDATED TO 2023-2025 SYLLABUS

CAIE IGCSE
ICT
SUMMARIZED NOTES ON THE THEORY SYLLABUS
Prepared for Foad Ajjawi for personal use only.

Chapter 1 :
Types and components of computer systems

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4. Utilities: A system software that provides the
necessary facilities (Antivirus, Scan Disk, Disk
1. Types and Components of Defragmentation, etc.)
5. Operating systems: To enable computer
Computer Systems systems to function and allow users to
communicate with computer systems, special
software, known as operating systems (OS),
1.1. Hardware & Software have been developed.

Hardware Analogue and Digital Data

the electronic, physical components that make up a Computers can only understand data in the form of binary
typical computer system. These may include input and digits (0,1); this is commonly known as digital data. However,
output devices as well. data in the real world is analogue, not limited to two specific
values.
Central processing unit
Processor
Motherboard
Internal memory consisting of RAM & ROM
Graphics & Sound Cards
Internal Storage devices like Hard disk drives (HDD)
and solid-state drives (SSD)
Network interface card (NIC)

Monitor
Keyboard
Mouse
Printer
External Storage Devices

Software

The techniques, methods, commands, and instructions tell

the device what to do and how to do it.
They are the programs which control the computer
system and process data.
The figures show how data changes in analogue and
Relates to ideas & instructions for using physical objects.
digital forms; analogue data forms smooth curves,
whereas digital data changes in discrete steps.
So, for a computer to process real-world data, it first
needs to convert the received data into digital form. This
Provides services that allow the user to do specific is done by hardware known as ADC (analogue to digital
tasks. converter), and its output is given back in analogue form
It can be general-purpose software or custom-made using DAC (digital to analogue converter).
software. (Specialist software)
E.g., Spreadsheets, databases, and word processors. 1.2. The Main Components of Computer
The software is designed to provide a platform all Systems
other software can run. For example:
1. Compilers: The software translates the High- Central Processing Unit (CPU)
level language into Machine code (Language
Processor). The component of the computer that understands and
2. Linkers: A Software that creates the links executes hardware and software operations. Nowadays,
between Language processors into workable it’s also known as a microprocessor. It is a single
solutions (Data definition language). integrated circuit at the core of most PCs and is also
3. Device drivers: A software that enables the present in many household gadgets and equipment
device to work with another, externally where some control or monitoring is required.
connected device.

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It consists of a control unit (CU) that manages the input

Backing and Secondary Storage
and output devices, an arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) that
Required to store significant amounts of data
performs computations and makes logical judgments, and
permanently.
tiny memory regions known as registers.
Most commonly in the form of Hard disk drives and Solid-
It processes the input and produces the outcome of the
state drives.
processing in the form of output.

Internal Memory

1. Random access memory (RAM): temporary memory 1. RAM contents are lost when power is lost, ROM is
storage, lost after power is shut down, performs read read-only, and backing storage is permanent even
and write functions, is used to store data that are without power.
currently in use, and can be increased in size to 2. RAM and ROM are much smaller than backing
improve operational speed. storage.
2. Read-only memory (ROM): permanent memory 3. RAM and ROM are significantly faster in accessing
storage, non-volatile, can only be read from, used to data than backing storage.
store computer’s configuration data, such as BIOS. 4. Backing storage is much cheaper than internal
memory.
N.B: The BIOS (basic input/output
5. Internal memories are fixed, and backing storage can
system) stores the date, time and
be fixed or portable.
system configuration on a non-volatile
6. Internal memories can be directly read by the CPU,
chip called a CMOS (complementary
while backing storage needs to be moved into the
metal oxide semiconductor) – this is
RAM before being read by the CPU.
usually battery powered.

Differentiating between Internal memories: 1.3. Operating Systems

1. RAM is a temporary memory device, whereas ROM is Controls operation of input, output & backing storage
a permanent one. Supervises loading, running & storage of application
2. RAM is volatile, ROM is non-volatile. programs.
3. RAM can be written to and from, but ROM can only be Deals with errors in application programs.
read from. Maintains security of the whole computer system
4. RAM is used to store data, files, programs, and parts Maintains a computer log.
of OS that are currently in use. However, ROM is used
in storing start-up data, Operating systems offer various types of user interfaces, for
example:
Input & Output Devices
1. : user needs to type in
Input devices are pieces of hardware that allow users to commands to communicate with the computer. The
enter data into computers. user is in direct communication with the computer.
An output device displays the computer's output in a Not restricted to pre-defined options. Possible to alter
human-readable format. For example, words on a printer computer configuration settings. Needs to learn many
or moving graphics on a monitor. commands for basic operations. All commands need
to be typed in, which is time-consuming. Very error
prone, as commands must have correct format,
An input device is any An output shows the result or spelling etc.
hardware that enables data solution of the input after it N.B: Mainly used by programmers who need to have
entry. has been processed. direct communication with the computer.
2. : Uses WIMP (windows icons
An input device can only send An output device can only
menu and pointing device). The user does not need to
data. receive data.
learn any commands. It is more user-friendly; icons
Input devices are necessary Output devices are needed in are used to represent applications. A pointing device
for a computer to receive order to display the outcome is used to click on an icon to launch the application,
commands from the user for of the processing that took this is simpler than typing in commands. This type of
processing to be permitted. place to the user. interface uses up considerably more computer
Input devices are complex as memory than a CLI interface. The user is limited to the
Output devices are simpler as
they must ensure proper icons provided on the screen. Needs a more complex
they only need to display the
communication between the operating system.
finale.
computer and the user.

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up the desk space.

N.B: Mainly used by end-users who don’t have great
3. Because they aren’t portable, files must be copied
knowledge of how the computer works.
to another portable storage device to take work
3. : use the human voice
elsewhere.
to give commands to a computer system. no need for
a driver to take their hands off the steering wheel. In a
Mobile Computers
home, it is especially useful for people with disabilities
because many tasks can be carried out by the spoken
1. Laptop computer:
word only. Possible to use it as a security feature
because voice recognition could be used to identify a
(Or notebook) refers to a type of computer where the
person. Still unreliable, with many commands not
monitor, keyboard, pointing device and processor are all
being recognized or needing to be repeated several
together in one unit. This makes them extremely portable.
times (especially if there is background noise). Can be
lightweight (to aid portability). Low power consumption
quite complex to setup. User needs to know which
(and also long battery life). Low heat output (cooling is
commands can be used.
very important).
4. : relies on human
:
interaction by the moving of hands, head or even feet.
1. office and business work
Replaces mechanical input devices. No physical
2. educational use
contact is required. Very natural interface for a human
3. used as a gaming device.
operator. No training is needed to interface with the
4. general entertainment
computer. It is possible for unintentional movement to
be picked up. Only works near the camera or sensor
1. Portability: all components are in a single unit, so
(maximum of 1.5 meters). May only accept a limited
they can be taken anywhere.
number of movements (for example, it may take
2. Because of one single unit, there are no trailing
several attempts to determine exactly what finger
wires and desk clutter.
movements are recognized).
3. take up much less room on a desk, so they can be
easily used in public spaces.
1.4. Types of Computers 4. portability allows them to take full advantage of
Wi-Fi features.
Desktop Computers :
1. portability makes it easier for them to be stolen.
Desktop usually refers to a general-purpose computer 2. limited battery life means the user needs to carry
that is made up of a separate monitor, keyboard, mouse, a charger at all times.
and processor unit. It is distinguished from, for example, a 3. keyboards and pointing devices may be awkward
laptop computer by the fact that it is made up of several to use.
separate components, which makes it not very portable. 4. not easy to upgrade, like adding more RAM.
:
1. office and business work 2. Smartphones:
2. educational use
3. general entertainment Allow normal phone calls to be made, but also have an
4. gaming device operating system (such as iOS, Android, or Windows),
: allowing them to run a number of computer applications
1. They are easier and less costly to upgrade and (known as apps or applets). Smartphones communicate
expand. with the internet either by using Wi-Fi hot spots or by
2. Spare parts are standardized, which makes them using 3G/4G/5G mobile phone networks.
cheaper. :
3. They tend to have better specifications for a given 1. They allow users to send/receive emails.
price. 2. They allow users to use a number of apps.
4. No critical power consumption because they plug 3. They allow users to use a camera feature (to take
into a wall socket. photos or videos).
5. Due to fixed positions, they are less likely to be 4. They allow users to use an MP3/4 player (for music
damaged or stolen. and videos).
6. As they usually have wired connections, they have :
more stable internet access. 1. very small in size and lightweight, makes them
: portable.
1. They are not particularly portable because they 2. connecting to the internet while on the move.
are made up of separate components. 3. because they use Wi-Fi and mobile phone
2. More complicated because all the components networks, they can be used almost anywhere.
need to be hooked up by wiring, which also clutters

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Some of the latest smartphones have been designed as a

4. they have apps which can tell instant location,
hybrid between a tablet and a smartphone, referred to as
which is a feature that isn’t available in either
a phablet. They have much larger screens than a
desktops or laptops.
smartphone but are smaller than a tablet.
5. they have reasonable battery life.
:
1. small screens and keyboards make pages difficult
to read.
2. more difficult and slower when typing things in.
3. Web browsing and photography can quickly drain
the battery.
4. Memory size in most phones is not very large
when compared to laptops and desktops.
5. Not all website features are compatible with
smartphone operating systems.
6. Because of their small size, it is much easier to
lose a smartphone or for it to be stolen compared
to laptops or desktops.
:
7. The data transfer rate using mobile phone
networks can be slower than with Wi-Fi. Entertainment (streaming of music, videos, and
television programs).
3. Tablets: Gaming (including group games).
As a camera or video camera.
They work similarly to a smartphone. The only main Internet use (online sales, social networks, using QR
difference is that they are somewhat bigger in size as codes, and so on).
compared to a smartphone. Sending/receiving emails.
Global positioning system (use of maps to navigate to
:
a location).
1. They allow users to send/receive emails.
Calendar functions.
2. They allow users to use a number of apps.
Telephone banking (sending and receiving money
3. They allow users to use a camera feature (to take
using banking apps).
photos or videos).
Voice over Internet Protocol: telephone network using
4. They allow users to use an MP3/4 player (for music
the internet, which also allows video calling.
and videos).
Instant access to social networks (social contact with
friends no matter where you are in the world).
1. very fast to switch on (no time delay waiting for the
Instant messaging.
operating system to load up).
Office and business management (allows rapid voice
2. fully portable – they are so lightweight that they
and video communication).
can be carried anywhere.
Education use (using interactive software to teach or
3. touch screen technology means they are simple to
learn from).
use and don’t need any other input devices.
Remotely control devices.
4. not much heat, they use solid-state technology.
5. The battery life of a tablet is a lot longer.
6. when the power button is pressed, it goes into
standby but remains connected to the internet so
the user still hears alerts when emails or other
‘events’ are received.

1. tend to be rather expensive when compared to

laptops.
1.5. Impact of Emerging Technologies
2. they often have limited memory/storage when
compared to a laptop. There are many definitions of
3. typing on a touch screen can be slow and error- artificial intelligence (AI). Essentially, AI is a machine or
prone compared to a standard keyboard. application which carries out a task that requires some
4. laptops tend to support more file formats than degree of intelligence.
tablets. The use of language
recognizing a person’s face, the ability to operate
4. Phablets: machinery, such as a car, aeroplane, train, and so on,
and analyzing data to predict the outcome of a future
event, such as weather forecasting. Impact:

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De-skilling: Tasks that used to be considered a talent are

Whenever AI is mentioned, people usually think of
now part of general, tedious processes that are done on a
science fiction fantasies and think of robots. The
regular basis by machines.
science fiction writer Isaac Asimov even went as far as
refers to combined real and virtual
producing his three laws of robotics: » Robots may not
environments. The two most common examples at the
injure a human through action or inaction. » Robots
moment are:
must obey orders given by humans without question. »
is a merger between the
A robot must protect itself unless it conflicts with the
two laws above. Everyday uses: virtual and physical (real) world; it lays objects onto
pre-existing objects. e.g., Pokémon GO! Impact: safety
An autonomous (driverless) vehicle – we already have
and rescue operations’ training, shopping and retail
driverless trains and autopilots on aeroplanes, but
(getting a better look at a car before the purchase),
future developments include driverless cars.
healthcare (better understanding of a patient’s body)
Robotic research is leading to improvements in
technology to help amputees and people with enables an entirely new world to be
disabilities. created, unlike AR, which has no link to the actual
Robots are used to help people carry out dangerous or surroundings of the user. It requires the user to be
unpleasant tasks – for example, bomb disposal. specially equipped with a VR headset, joystick, and
headphones.
: Military applications, educational purposes
(looking at ancient buildings), healthcare, media
Unemployment, robots are capable of doing tedious (interactive special effects in a movie), scientific
human tasks with much more efficiency and excellence visualization (part of molecular structures/cells
than humans.
Dependency on technology could lead to problems in the
future.

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