← Computer Science syllabus

ScotlandComputer Science

Computer systems

3 dot points across 3 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What are the main parts of a computer's architecture, and what is the environmental impact of using computers?

Computer architecture: the role of the processor, memory and the buses that connect them; and the environmental impact of the manufacture, use and disposal of computer systems.
An SQA National 5 Computing Science answer on computer architecture and environmental impact, covering the role of the processor (with its registers and arithmetic logic unit and control unit), main memory, and the address and data buses, and the environmental impact of manufacturing, running and disposing of computer systems.
10 min answer →

How is data stored and measured in a computer system?

Data representation in a computer system: storing positive integers, real numbers and characters in binary, and the units used to measure storage from the bit upwards.
An SQA National 5 Computing Science answer on data representation in computer systems, covering how positive integers, real numbers (floating point) and characters are stored in binary, the meaning of bit and byte, and the units of storage scaling up through kilobyte, megabyte, gigabyte and terabyte.
10 min answer →

What are the main security risks to a computer system, how do we guard against them, and what does the law say?

Security risks and precautions: common threats to a computer system, the precautions of encryption, passwords and biometrics, and the legal protection of the Computer Misuse Act.
An SQA National 5 Computing Science answer on security risks and precautions, covering common threats to a computer system such as viruses and hacking, the precautions of encryption, strong passwords and biometrics, and how the Computer Misuse Act makes unauthorised access to computer systems illegal.
10 min answer →