GCSE Digital Technology Unit 1 (Compulsory Core)

Data Protection

• Data should be processed within the rights of the data subject.
• Data should be kept accurate and up to date.

Data Protection Act Responsibilities

• Information Commissioner:-responsible for one responsibility
• Data Controller: responsible for one responsibility

Impact of Digital Technology on Employment

• The increased use of digital technology has impacted on employment, specifically changing work patterns and job losses.

Online Learning

• Online learning has created many advantages for learners who cannot attend formal classes.
• Disadvantages of online training include:
  • Two disadvantages (to be specified)

Processing

• Processing is an activity carried out by the computer system.
• Batch processing: processing data all together during processor downtime.
• Real-time processing: processing data fast enough to influence the behavior of the next input.
• Multi-user processing: processing that enables several users to use the system at once.

Backup and Compression

• Backup: a copy of data saved in a separate location to prevent data loss.
• Compression techniques:
  • Lossless: a method of compression that allows the file to be fully restored to its original state.
  • Lossy: a method of compression that discards data from the file, making it unrecoverable.

Database

• Key features of a database include:
  • Records: data stored in a database will be held in one or more records.
  • Tables: each table will have a key field which is used to uniquely identify each record.
  • Query: a query can be used with criteria to locate specific data in a database.
  • Report: data can be displayed in a user-friendly format using a report.
  • Form: a form can be used to add data to a database.
  • Macro: some tasks in the database can be automated using a macro.

Validation Checks

• Validation checks in a database include:
  • Presence check: a check to ensure that a field is not left blank.
  • Check for specific format: e.g. key field must begin with C followed by 5 numeric characters.

Computer Systems

• CPU: Central Processing Unit, the brain of the computer system.
• Operating system: manages the sharing of CPU time and resources needed by many users.
• Resources managed by the operating system include:
  • CPU time
  • Memory

Software Groups

• Defragmentation belongs to the system software group.

Input and Output Devices

• Input devices:
  • Microphone
  • Example of use: recording audio
• Output devices:
  • High definition display
  • Example of use: displaying high-quality images and videos

Spreadsheets

• Formatting method used on cells A12 and B12: currency formatting.
• Formula used in cell C8: (to be specified)
• Formula used in cell D3: (to be specified)
• Absolute cell reference: a reference to a cell that does not change when the formula is copied to another cell.
• Formula used in cell E3: =IF(D3>=C12, "YES","NO")

Practice questions for the GCSE Digital Technology Unit 1 exam, covering the compulsory core syllabus. Test your knowledge and prepare for the exam. Time-limited, 1-hour quiz.