IGCSE Computer Studies-Syllabus 09.pdf - Ourpgs.com

COMPUTER STUDIES 0420 IGCSE 2009Automation and robotics;Expert systemsMiscellaneous areas such aseducation and training,entertainment.Use of the InternetExamples could be selected from domestic equipment (e.g.intelligent cookers which read bar codes on food packaging andautomatically set cooking time and temperature); automaticnavigation systems (e.g. satellite navigation); embeddedinterconnected processors in cars and industrial robots; use ofcomputer controlled TV (CCTV) cameras in surveillance.Examples could be selected from mineral prospecting, medicaldiagnosis and car engine diagnostics.Examples could be selected from computer-based learning,computer aided instruction, applications in music (e.g.production and generation of music), computer graphics andanimation for television and film, arcade and adventure games,use of virtual reality in training (e.g. dentistry, operation chemicalplants, etc.).Design of Internet sites, website features for on-line ordering andother applications (such as banking and e-commerce), use ofInternet search engines, protection built into secure Internet sites(e.g. when paying by credit card), people’s fear of using theInternet.1.2 The social and economic implications of the use of computersIn addition to knowledge about applications, candidates should be able to demonstrate a broadknowledge of the economic reasons for using computers and the effects of their use across arange of application areas. They should be able to formulate a reasoned view of the potentialeffects of any suggested application or development and to show their critical abilities in balancingthe advantages and disadvantages of a computerised system.Social and economic effects onpeople and organisationsassociated directly with theapplication, on other individualsand organisations, and on societyin general;Economic reasons for the use ofcomputers;Changes to existing methods,products and services;Development of new productsand services;Changes in the workingenvironment;Changes in employment,retraining;Privacy and integrity of data;The social and economic effects of the use of computers shouldbe discussed in the context of particular computer applications,with any general principles being based upon real examples.For example, the de-skilling brought about through thereplacement of skilled and semi-skilled labour by microprocessor-controlledsystems in manufacturing; the ability to siteoperations anywhere in the world, e.g. call centres, on-lineretailing; the benefits to unions and to management of “newtechnology” agreements leading to greater productivity andbetter working conditions.Candidates may see the need for constant retraining of staff asexisting packages are upgraded and new ones published.Candidates may appreciate the use of individual trainingpackages that use CD-ROM, DVD and multimedia.Data protection legislation;Security and reliability;Consequences of system failure;The requirements for security and reliability vary considerablydepending on the nature of the application. For example, afailure during a batch update of a sequential master file is7www.ourpgs.com