Cambridge (CIE) A Level Your notes

Computer Science
Computers & Components
Contents
System Components
Embedded Systems
Hardware Devices
Memory Types
Monitoring & Control

© 2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. Get more and ace your exams at savemyexams.com 1
 System Components
Your notes
Input/output devices
What is an input device?
Input devices are hardware components that allow users to interact with a computer
system
They enable the user to input data or commands into the system, which the computer
then processes to produce output

Types of input devices

Name of Description
device

Keyboard The most common input device. It allows users to input text and
commands by pressing keys

Mouse Allows users to navigate the computer screen, click on items, and
perform other functions

Touchscreen Found on smartphones, tablets, and some computers, touchscreens

allow users to interact with the device by touching the screen

Microphone Captures audio input, which can be used for voice commands,
recording audio, or video conferencing

Webcam Captures video input, often used for video conferencing or recording
videos

Scanner Digitises physical documents or images, converting them into a format

that the computer can process

Game Used primarily for video games, these devices allow users to control
Controller game characters and interact with the gaming environment

Graphics Allows artists and designers to draw or sketch directly onto a computer.
Tablet It's particularly useful for graphic design, 3D modelling, and other visual
creative tasks

Biometric These devices, such as fingerprint scanners or facial recognition

Devices systems, are used for security purposes to verify a user's identity

© 2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. Get more and ace your exams at savemyexams.com 2
Barcode Scans barcodes, typically used in retail and inventory management
Reader
Your notes
Joystick Often used for computer games, especially flight simulators. It allows
the user to control movement more fluidly than with a keyboard or
mouse

What is an output device?

Output devices are hardware components that receive information from a computer
system and present it to the user in a comprehensible form
They enable the computer to communicate the results of processed data or
commands

Types of output devices

Name of device Description

Monitor This is the most common output device. It displays visual output
from the computer, including text, images, and videos

Printer Produces a hard copy of digital documents or images. There are

various types of printers, including inkjet, laser, and 3D printers

Speakers Output audio from the computer, such as music, sound effects,
or voice

Headphones Similar to speakers, headphones output audio directly to the

user, providing a more personal and potentially immersive
experience

Projector Projects the computer's display onto a large screen or wall, useful
for presentations or movie viewing

Braille Display This specialised device outputs information in Braille, allowing

visually impaired users to read text from the computer

Plotter Used for printing large, high-quality diagrams and designs, often
used in engineering or architecture

Virtual Reality (VR) Provides an immersive visual and audio output, primarily used for
Headset gaming and virtual simulations

Computer- In manufacturing or robotics, computers often output commands

Controlled Machinery directly to machinery to control their operation

© 2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. Get more and ace your exams at savemyexams.com 3
Choosing the right device
When recommending a device for a specific situation, consider the following factors: Your notes
User Needs
What tasks will the user be performing? A graphic designer might need a graphics
tablet, while a data entry clerk might need a keyboard with a number pad
User Skills
Is the user comfortable with the device? A touch screen might be more intuitive for
some users, while others might prefer a mouse and keyboard
Environment
Where will the device be used? A wireless mouse might be suitable for a clutter-free
office, while a wired mouse might be better for a public computer lab to prevent
theft
Cost
Higher-end devices often have more features but are also more expensive.
Consider the budget and whether the extra features are worth the cost

Primary memory
What is primary memory?
Primary memory is memory directly accessible by the CPU
Has much faster access times than secondary storage
This speeds up operations like the Fetch-Execute Cycle
Stores data and instructions the CPU needs while the computer is on and running
Acts as short-term, working memory
Found in components like:
RAM (Random Access Memory) – directly connected to the CPU
Cache and Registers – built into the CPU for even faster access
Because it’s fast, it’s also more expensive, so we use less of it
Example: RAM = 16–32 GB
Secondary storage (like HDDs) = 1–2 TB or more
View more detailed information on the different types of memory

Secondary storage
What is secondary storage?
Secondary storage provides permanent data storage

© 2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. Get more and ace your exams at savemyexams.com 4
 Hardware components that retain digital data within a computer system
They provide a means of storing, accessing, and retrieving data, which can include Your notes
software applications, documents, images, videos, and more
There are 3 types of storage:
Magnetic
Optical
Solid state
Type of Description Benefits Drawbacks
storage

Magnetic Store data by High storage capacity; Slower read/write

(e.g., Hard magnetising relatively low cost per speeds compared to
Disk Drives, particles on a gigabyte; suitable for other types;
Magnetic disk or tape long-term storage and susceptible to physical
Tape Drives) backup damage; moving parts
can wear out over time

Optical (e.g., Store data using Durable and relatively Lower storage
CDs, DVDs, a laser to burn immune to environmental capacity compared to
Blu-ray Discs) pits into the conditions; easy to other types; slower
surface of the transport; suitable for read/write speeds; can
disc distributing software, be easily scratched or
music, or movies damaged

Solid state Store data in flash Fast read/write speeds; Higher cost per
(e.g., Solid- memory cells no moving parts, so less gigabyte; flash
State Drives, likely to fail due to physical memory cells can wear
USB Flash shock; silent operation out after a certain
Drives) number of write cycles

Here are some of the devices commonly used for storage:

Name of Type of Typical Affordability Portability Durability

device device storage
capacity

Hard Disk Magnetic 500GB - Low cost per Low Moderate

Drive (HDD) 2TB GB (especially (susceptible
(consumer- for internal to damage
grade) HDDs) from shocks
or falls due to
moving parts)

© 2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. Get more and ace your exams at savemyexams.com 5
 Solid-State Flash 120GB - 4TB High cost per High High (no
Drive (SSD) (consumer- GB (especially moving parts,
Your notes
grade) for external less
SSDs) susceptible to
physical
shock)

USB Flash Flash 8GB - Moderate Very High Moderate

Drive 256GB cost per GB (small and (can
(common lightweight) withstand
sizes) casual
handling, but
can be lost or
damaged if
not cared for)

CD/DVD/Blu- Optical CD: 700MB, Low cost per High (thin Low (can be
ray Disc DVD: 4.7GB disc and scratched or
- 9GB, Blu- lightweight) damaged
ray: 25GB - easily)
50GB

Choosing the right storage device

When recommending a storage device for a specific situation, consider the following
factors:
Storage needs
How much data does the user need to store? A user with large amounts of data
might need a high-capacity HDD, while a user who only needs to store a few
documents might be fine with a USB flash drive
Performance needs
Does the user need fast access to their data? An SSD might be best for tasks that
require high-speed data access, like video editing or gaming
Portability
Does the user need to transport the data? USB flash drives and external HDDs or
SSDs are portable and can be used to transfer data between different computers
Cost
Higher-capacity and faster storage devices are generally more expensive
Consider the user's budget and whether their storage and performance needs
justify the extra cost

© 2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. Get more and ace your exams at savemyexams.com 6
 Embedded Systems
Your notes
Embedded systems
What is an embedded system?
An embedded system is a computer system which is used to perform a dedicated
function, inside a larger mechanical unit
Examples of embedded systems include
Heating thermostats
Hospital equipment
Washing machines
Dishwashers
Coffee machines
Satellite navigation systems
Factory equipment
Security systems
Traffic lights

Benefits and drawbacks of embedded systems

Benefits Drawbacks

© 2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. Get more and ace your exams at savemyexams.com 7
Small and compact – easy to fit into Limited functionality – only performs
dedicated devices specific tasks
Your notes
Low power consumption – efficient and Hard to upgrade or repair – often built into
cost-effective the device

Fast and reliable – designed for quick, Limited memory and processing power
repetitive tasks

Cheaper to produce – uses minimal Not flexible – can’t easily be reprogrammed

hardware for other tasks

Works in real-time – ideal for time- May be less secure – limited protection if
sensitive operations (e.g. alarms) connected to other systems

Worked Example
A car has several features. One feature is a lane detection system. This system
monitors the lines on either side of the lane. If the car gets too close to one line, the
system automatically moves the car away from the line.
Explain why the lane detection system is an example of an embedded system. [2]
Answer
The lane detection system is built into / integrated into the car [1 mark]
The lane detection system only performs one task [1 mark]
The lane detection system is not easily changed/updated by the car owner [1
mark]

© 2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. Get more and ace your exams at savemyexams.com 8
 Hardware Devices
Your notes
Device operations
Magnetic hard disk
A magnetic hard disk is made up of several metal discs coated with a magnetic material
These are called platters
Iron particles on each platter are magnetised to represent a 0 or 1

Each platter is divided by concentric circles creating several tracks and wedge shaped
sectors
Where they intersect is a track sector

© 2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. Get more and ace your exams at savemyexams.com 9
 Your notes

The hard drive spins the metal disk(s) at a high speed (typically around 5400-7200 RPM)
using a motor
A read/write arm, controlled by an actuator, moves the head over the surface of the
disc to the location of the data
The data is read/written using electromagnets

Solid state (flash) memory

Examples of solid state storage devices include:
Solid state drives (SSD) - replacing magnetic hard drives as a computers primary
secondary storage device as capacity increases and cost decreases
USB flash memory - most common form of portable storage device
It uses NAND and NOR gates in electrical circuits to persistently control the flow of
electrons

© 2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. Get more and ace your exams at savemyexams.com 10
 Solid-state (flash memory) is memory made up of tiny cells that can contain one bit of
data (1 or 0)
Your notes
Each cell contains a transistor that acts as a switch that can be turned on or off
The transistor contains two main parts:
Control gate - top layer of transistor, connects to circuit and controls if current can
flow through the transistor
Floating gate - can hold a charge (like a tiny rechargeable battery) and is
sandwiched between two layers of insulating material (Oxide)
To store data a charge is placed on the floating gate
A high voltage is applied to the control gate, which allows electrons to be pushed
through the oxide layer and onto the floating gate
To remove data, a high voltage charge is applied in the opposite direction, pulling the
electrons off the floating gate

Optical disk reader/writer

Examples of optical storage include:
Blu-rays have the largest capacity
CDs have the lowest capacity
CD-R are read-only (you cannot save data on to them)
CD-RW can be written to and read from
DVD-RW can be written to and read from

All optical devices work by shining a laser at the disk and processing the reflection
An arm moves the laser across the surface of the disk
In CD-Rs a laser burns the data, permanently on to the disk, by creating pits and lands
The laser is also used to read the data from the pits and lands
When the laser light hits the point where the pit changes into a land or vice versa the
light scatters and is not reflected back as well.
This is captured by a sensor and can be interpreted as a change in the binary value

© 2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. Get more and ace your exams at savemyexams.com 11
Laser printer
Laser draws the image Your notes
A laser beam draws the page onto a photosensitive drum
Wherever the laser hits, it changes the electric charge on the drum
Toner sticks to the drum
Toner powder is attracted to the charged areas
These areas match the shape of your text or image
Toner is transferred to paper
The drum rolls the toner onto the paper
This creates a perfect copy of your page
Fusing
The paper goes through hot rollers
This melts the toner onto the paper so it doesn’t smudge

3D printers
Builds objects layer by layer from the bottom up
Great for complex shapes that traditional methods can’t make easily
Uses different materials like:
Thermoplastics
Resins
Metals
Common types of 3D printing include:
FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) – melts plastic and builds in layers
SLA (Stereolithography) – uses light to harden liquid resin
Used in healthcare for custom prosthetics
Used in automotive and aerospace for bespoke parts
Allows for high customisation and rapid prototyping
Can be slow to print large or detailed objects
Some methods need special materials that can be expensive

Microphone and speakers

Microphones – input device

© 2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. Get more and ace your exams at savemyexams.com 12
 Convert sound waves into electrical signals
Let users record voice or send audio into a computer Your notes
Types of microphones:
Dynamic microphones – good for loud environments (e.g. concerts)
Condenser microphones – more sensitive and accurate, used in studios

Speakers – output device

Turn electrical signals back into sound waves we can hear
Range from:
Basic single speakers (e.g. built into laptops)
To multi-driver systems (e.g. home theatres) that handle different sound
frequencies
Found in phones, laptops, studios, smart devices, home theatres and more
Have improved with digital sound processing and smaller components
Support interactive communication like voice commands, calls, and multimedia
playback

Touchscreens
Detect a user’s touch and turn it into an input command
Two common types:
Capacitive – reacts to the electrical charge in your finger (used in phones/tablets)
Resistive – responds to pressure (used in ATMs, tills)
First used in ATMs and information kiosks
Now used everywhere – smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart displays
Popular because they allow direct, easy interaction
Help make technology more accessible and intuitive to all users

Virtual reality headsets

VR headsets create a fully immersive 360° digital environment
Users can look around and interact with the virtual world
Uses:
Head tracking
Motion sensors
Stereoscopic displays (3D vision)

© 2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. Get more and ace your exams at savemyexams.com 13
VR can be used in:
Gaming – realistic, interactive experiences Your notes
Education & training – safe environments for learning (e.g. surgery, pilot training)
Architecture & design – explore buildings before they’re built
Medical & therapy – pain distraction, exposure therapy, rehab
VR can be challenging due to:
Expensive – headsets and powerful hardware can be costly
Comfort issues – long use may cause eye strain or motion sickness
Content creation – building realistic VR worlds takes time and skill

Worked Example
A magnetic hard disk is used to store data on the computer. Describe the principal
operations of a magnetic hard disk [5]
Answer
The hard disk has (one or more) platter/plate/disk [1 mark]
Each surface of the platter/disk is capable of being magnetised [1 mark]
The surface of the platter/disk is divided into concentric tracks / circles [1 mark]
The disks are rotated (at high-speed) [1 mark]
(Each surface of the disk) has a read/write head mounted on an arm (positioned
just above the surface) [1 mark]

© 2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. Get more and ace your exams at savemyexams.com 14
 Memory Types
Your notes
RAM vs ROM
What is RAM?
RAM (Random Access Memory) is primary storage that is directly connected to the CPU
and holds the data and instructions that are currently in use
RAM is volatile which means the contents of RAM are lost when the power is turned off
For the CPU to access the data and instructions they must be copied from secondary
storage
RAM is very fast working memory, much faster than secondary storage
RAM is read/write which means data can be read from and written to
In comparison to ROM, it has a much larger capacity

What is ROM?
ROM (Read Only Memory) is primary storage that holds the first instructions a computer
needs to start up (Bootstrap)
ROM contains the BIOS (Basic Input Output System)
ROM is a small memory chip located on the computers motherboard
ROM is fast memory, much faster than secondary storage but slower than RAM
ROM is non-volatile which means the contents of ROM are not lost when the power is
turned off
ROM is read only which means data can only be read from
In comparison to RAM, it has a much smaller capacity

Differences between RAM & ROM

Feature RAM ROM

Speed Very fast Fast (slower than RAM)

Capacity Gigabytes (GB) Megabytes (MB)

Stores Programs and data in use Bootstrap (start-up instructions)

Read/Write Read & write Read only

Volatile/Non-volatile Volatile Non-volatile

© 2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. Get more and ace your exams at savemyexams.com 15
SRAM vs DRAM
Your notes
What is SRAM?
SRAM (Static RAM) is a form of RAM that keeps data as long as power is on
SRAM is made from flip-flops so there is no need for constant refreshing
SRAM is used in places where speed is more important than storage size
An example of where SRAM is used is:
Cache memory, where quick access to data is most important
Very fast – faster than DRAM
Uses less power, good for low-power devices
Expensive to make
Takes up more space – lower storage capacity compared to DRAM

What is DRAM?
DRAM (Dynamic RAM) is a form of RAM that stores each bit in a tiny capacitor
DRAM needs constant refreshing to keep the data
DRAM is commonly used as:
Main memory (RAM), where larger amounts of cheaper storage is required
Cheaper to produce than SRAM
Higher capacity – can fit more memory in less space
Slower than SRAM, needs time to refresh data
Uses more power, especially during refreshing cycles

PROM vs EPROM vs EEPROM

What is PROM, EPROM & EEPROM?
PROM, EPROM and EEPROM are all types of ROM that are programmed and
reprogrammed in different ways
Each type has a specific application in difference devices

Feature PROM EPROM EEPROM

Can be No – programmed Yes – can be erased Yes – can be erased

reprogrammed? once only and rewritten and rewritten

Erased using Cannot be erased UV light Electric voltage

© 2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. Get more and ace your exams at savemyexams.com 16
Must be removed No Yes – must be No – can be erased in
from device? removed from the place
Your notes
device

Erased all at Not applicable Yes – entire chip is No – specific parts

once? erased can be erased

Common use Permanent firmware Reprogrammable Flash memory, BIOS

chip development chips

Examples Remote controls, Arcade machines BIOS chips in

basic calculators, (older models) computers, Smart
early model washing cards, remote key
machines Early games fobs, flash memory
consoles like USB sticks and
SSDs

Worked Example
A computer has hardware and software.
The hardware includes different types of memory.
Complete the description of computer memory. [5]
Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM) are both examples of
......................................................................... memory.
One item that is stored in RAM is ......................................................................... . One
item that is stored in ROM is ......................................................................... . RAM can be
either Static RAM (SRAM) or Dynamic RAM (DRAM).
SRAM uses transistors arranged as ......................................................................... .
DRAM uses transistors and .....................
Answer
Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM) are both examples of
primary memory.
One item that is stored in RAM is currently running software/data/part of the OS.
One item that is stored in ROM is the start-up/boot-up instructions/BIOS.
RAM can be either Static RAM (SRAM) or Dynamic RAM (DRAM).
SRAM uses transistors arranged as flip-flops.
DRAM uses transistors and capacitors.

© 2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. Get more and ace your exams at savemyexams.com 17
 Monitoring & Control
Your notes
Monitoring vs control
Monitoring systems
A monitoring system is used to collect data continuously through observation
It works by passively gathering data
It does not interact with or change the environment
The system does not take action based on the data collected
Designed for high accuracy using precise sensors and measurements
Examples of monitoring systems include:
Weather stations
Patient monitoring in hospitals

Weather stations
Collect data like temperature, wind speed, humidity, and rainfall
Used by meteorologists to observe and predict weather patterns
Data is collected 24/7 but the system does not react or change anything

Patient monitoring
Tracks heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood pressure in real-time
Alerts medical staff if readings go outside safe ranges
The system itself just records and displays data, it doesn’t directly treat the patient

Control systems
A control system is used to automatically manage or adjust a process based on data
collected from sensors
It works by monitoring input, then taking action if certain conditions are met
Unlike monitoring systems, control systems do interact with the environment
They are designed to keep systems stable, safe, or working efficiently without human
input
Examples of control systems include:
Central heating system
Automatic irrigation system

Central heating system

© 2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. Get more and ace your exams at savemyexams.com 18
 Monitors room temperature using a thermostat
If the temperature drops below the set level, the boiler is switched on Your notes
Once the target temperature is reached, the system turns the heating off automatically
The system constantly checks and adjusts to maintain the desired temperature

Automatic irrigation system

Monitors soil moisture levels in farmland or gardens
If moisture drops too low, it activates sprinklers to water the plants
Once the soil reaches the correct level, the system turns off the water supply
Ensures plants are watered efficiently without wasting resources

Use of sensors
What are sensors?
Sensors are input devices
They measure a physical property of their environment such as light levels,
temperature or movement
Sensors can be used for both monitoring and control systems
A process where outputs are recycled and used as inputs, creating a continuous cycle
is called a feedback loop

Sensor type What it measures Typical use

Acoustic Sound levels To detect changes in sound levels of

industrial machinery
To monitor noise pollution
In security system to detect suspicious
sounds

Accelerometer Acceleration rate, tilt, Detecting sudden changes in vehicle

vibration movement and deploy safety features if
needed
In mobile phones to detect orientation of
the device

Flow Rate of gas, liquid or Detect changes in the flow through pipes in
powder flow water system

© 2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. Get more and ace your exams at savemyexams.com 19
Gas Presence of a gas e.g. Detect levels of gas in confined spaces
carbon monoxide
Detect gas levels when fixing gas leaks Your notes

Humidity Levels of water vapour Monitor humidity in greenhouses

Infra-red Detecting motion or a Security systems detecting intruders who

heat source break the beam
Measures heat radiation of objects - used
by emergency services to detect people

Level Liquid levels Detects levels of petrol in a car tank

Detect levels of water in a water tank
Detect a drop in water levels due to a leak

Light Light levels Automatically switching on lights when it

gets dark (street lights, headlights)

Magnetic field Presence and strength Anti-lock braking system

Monitoring rotating machinery such as
turbines

Moisture Presence and levels of Monitoring moisture in the soil

moisture
Monitoring dampness in buildings

pH Acidity or alkaline Monitoring soil to ensure optimum growing

conditions
Monitor ph levels in chemical processes

Pressure Gas, liquid or physical Monitoring tyre pressure

pressure
Monitoring pressure in pipes during the
manufacturing process

Proximity Distance Monitoring the position of objects in

robotics
Used in safety systems to prevent objects
from colliding

Temperature Temperature in Celsius, Used to maintain temperature in swimming

Fahrenheit or Kelvin pools

© 2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. Get more and ace your exams at savemyexams.com 20
 Used to control temperature in chemical
processes
Your notes

Feedback loops
What is a feedback loop?
A feedback loop is when a control system uses its output to influence its next input
Allows the system to automatically adjust and stay within set conditions
Feedback allows the system to check if it’s working as expected
The output affects the next input, helping the system make adjustments
This means the system can automatically respond to changes in its environment
Helps the system stay within set limits or target values (e.g. temperature, moisture)
Makes the system more accurate and efficient without needing human control

Example: Central heating system

The system uses a thermostat to monitor the room temperature
If the room gets too cold, the system turns the heating on
Once the room reaches the set temperature, the system turns the heating off
This process uses feedback:
The output (room temperature) affects the input (whether heating is needed)
Feedback ensures the system automatically adjusts to keep the room at the right
temperature
No need for manual control as the system self-corrects using feedback

© 2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. Get more and ace your exams at savemyexams.com 21