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Computer hardware: parts of a computer and their functions CPU, the clock, cache memory, primary memory, secondary memory, input and output devices, communication devices (the aim is not to describe/discuss an exhaustive list of devices but to understand what parts are present in a typical computer and what the function of each part is).
Data representation and internal computer structure
(i) Number systems, base of a number system - decimal, binary, octal, hexadecimal representation, conversion between various representations, character representations
(ASCII, ISCII, Unicode).
(ii) Representations for integers, real numbers, limitations of finite representations.
(iii) Internal structure of a computer, a simple decimal load and store computer and its machine language, instruction format, registers, program counter, instruction register; register addressing modes, instruction cycle, assembly language for the same computer, simple algorithms in assembly language.
Computer software
The boot process, operating system (resource management and command processor), file system.
(i) Boot process, operating systems - resource management, command processing.
(ii) Directories, files and hierarchical file system.
(iii) Programming languages (machine language, assembly language, high level language).
(iv) Compilers and interpreters.
(v) Application software.
Social context of computing and ethical issues
(i) Intellectual property and corresponding laws and rights, software as intellectual property.
(ii) Software patents, copyrights, and trademarks, software licensing and piracy.
(iii) Free software foundation and its position on software, open source software.
(iv) Privacy, email etiquette.
Algorithms
(i) Concept of an algorithm.
(ii) Properties of an algorithm (finite, definite, terminating, precise).
(iii) Basic ideas of the complexity of an algorithm - space complexity, time complexity.
Programming using a High Level Language
The programming element in the syllabus is aimed at problem solving and not on merely rote learning of the commands and syntax of particular programming languages, Students have the option to use either BASIC or C++ in order to implement the high level language concepts and algorithms and to use them for solving problems. While choosing BASIC care must be taken to choose a standard version that has “block if structures”, “functions through which parameters may be passed and values returned”. Very old versions using “goto statements” must not be used. Care must be taken that ‘standard and recent’ versions of the languages are used on the computer. It is recommended that students mention the version of the language being used while writing answers in order to avoid ambiguity. For example, software such as Microsoft Quick BASIC, Borland Turbo C++, Visual C++ or GNU C++ on Linux can be used.
(i) Primitive data types supported by the language (integers, floating point numbers, characters, booleans etc. - will depend on the language), variables (and their declaration – based on language), assignment, difference between the left-hand side and right-hand side of an assignment.
(ii) Expressions - arithmetic and logical, evaluation of expressions, type of an expression (depends on language). Operators, associativity and precedence of operators.
(iii) Statements, blocks (where relevant), scope and visibility of variables.
(iv) Conditional statements (if and if-then-else), switch, break, default.
(v) Loops (for, while-do, do-while).
(vi) Simple input/output using standard input/output.
Computers in everyday life
(i) Familiarity with software for word processing, databases, spreadsheets, making presentations.
(ii) Basic introduction to the Internet, browsing, email.
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