Edexcel curriculum (2015)

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Python

Binary/Hex

Data representation

Compression

Encryption

What is a computer?

Working computer

Hardware

Operating system

Computer processes

The CPU

Memory

Input devices

Output devices

Data storage

Inside the CPU

Stored program

F-D-E cycle

CPU components

Networks

LAN, WAN and PAN

Network topologies

Network addressing

Protocols

Error detection

The internet

The world wide web

HTML and CSS

Client-server model

VPNs

SQL

Impact

Ethical issues

Microcontrollers

Comp models

Emerging trends

Virtual machines

Models and sims

Algorithms

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What is a computer?

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What is a digital computer?

An electronic device which is capable of receiving information (data) in a particular form and of performing a sequence of operations in accordance with a predetermined but variable set of procedural instructions (program) to produce a result in the form of information or signals.
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What is an embedded system
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An embedded system is some combination of computer hardware and software, either fixed in capability or programmable, that is specifically designed for a particular function.

Embedded systems are used in cars, planes, trains, space vehicles, machine tools etc

In embedded systems, the software typically resides in firmware, such as a flash memory or read-only memory (ROM) chip
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​adidas_1, the shoe provides "intelligent cushioning" by automatically and continuously adjusting itself.

How? It has sensors that detect the and tell the computer to change the cushioning for the user.

In this case it is not called a computer but an:
embedded system

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A digital computer is:

Automatic
Automatic means that it operates without human intervention, except where human intervention is planned.

Programmable
Programmable means that the computer follows instructions that are stored as a program.

Data processor
Data processor means that the computer does things with data.