Cambridge IGCSE 0478 · Paper 1 & 2

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Structured, exam-focused notes for Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science. Every topic, every chapter — all in one place.

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Paper 1 — Theory

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CH 1 Data Representation

Number Systems

Binary, denary, hexadecimal, overflow errors and logical shifts.

Text, Sound & Images

ASCII, Unicode, image resolution, colour depth, sampling rates.

Data Storage & Compression

File sizes, lossy vs lossless compression, run-length encoding.

CH 2 Connectivity

Data Transmission

Serial vs parallel, simplex/duplex, packet switching, protocols.

Error Checking Methods

Parity bits, checksums, ARQ — detecting and correcting errors.

Encryption

Symmetric & asymmetric encryption, public/private keys, SSL/TLS.

CH 3 Hardware

Computer Architecture

CPU structure, fetch-decode-execute cycle, registers, buses, ALU.

Input & Output Devices

Sensors, actuators, touch screens, printers — with exam examples.

Data Storage

RAM, ROM, flash memory, optical drives — types and comparisons.

Network Hardware

Routers, switches, hubs, WAPs, NIC — roles and differences.

CH 4 Software

Types of Software & Interrupts

System vs application software, OS roles, interrupt handling.

Programming Languages & IDE

High/low level languages, translators, assembler, IDE features.

CH 5 The Internet

Internet & World Wide Web

HTTP, DNS, URLs, IP addresses, cloud computing basics.

Digital Currency

Cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, benefits and risks.

Cyber Security

Threats, attacks, malware types, firewalls, user authentication.

CH 6 Emerging Technologies

Automated Systems

Sensors, feedback loops, automated vs manual systems.

Robotics

Actuators, robot sensors, applications and limitations.

Artificial Intelligence

Machine learning, expert systems, AI applications in CS.

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