The functions of input, the CPU, primary memory (RAM and ROM), secondary storage and output; units of storage from bits to terabytes; and how the components work together in the input–process–output–storage cycle.
5 narrated scenes. Press play, listen and read along — the points appear as they are explained. Use ‹ Prev / Next › or the scene bar to jump to any scene.
When you type a letter and press save, at least five components work together in less than a second. Knowing what each one does is the key to understanding every computer.
Narration uses your device’s built-in voice. No sound? Switch to “Captions only” — the captions advance on their own.
Explode the computer to see its parts, and store a number in a byte.
Copy these into your notebook in your own words — that is how they stick.
Input sends data in; output presents information out.
Control unit + ALU (arithmetic and logic unit); processes data.
Volatile, read/write, holds programs and data in use.
Non-volatile, read-only, holds boot instructions.
Permanent: hard disk, tape, flash drive, memory card, CD/DVD/Blu-ray.
bit < byte (8 bits) < KB < MB < GB < TB (each ≈ 1 000×).
Input → Processing → Output → Storage.
Primary (RAM/ROM) is directly accessed by the CPU; secondary is slower and permanent.
3 quick games on this lesson. Earn XP and badges as you play — your best score for each game is saved. Games are for practice and do not change your exam readiness. More games in the Information Technology Arcade.
8 items modelled on real CSEC Paper 1 questions. Choose one answer for each, then check. Aim for 80% or better. Work each item on paper first.
Write full answers, then reveal the mark scheme and tick the points you earned (14 marks in total). Show all your working — method marks count. Your answers are saved on this device.
Question 1 [14 marks]
A student types a report, prints it, and saves it on a flash drive.
(a) (a) Name the component that processes the data and state its two main parts. [3]
(b) (b) Distinguish between RAM and ROM. [4]
(c) (c) State the purpose of secondary storage and give two examples. [3]
(d) (d) The report file is 3 MB. How many kilobytes is this? Show your working. [2]
(e) (e) Identify the IPOS stage represented by (i) typing the report, (ii) printing it. [2]
Find these in your own past-paper booklets for extra timed practice. Items above are written in the style of these papers; any adapted from a specific question say so.