Final Revision Checklist and Exam Day Preparation

This final lesson provides a comprehensive revision checklist for both OCR J277 papers, practical advice for the days before the exam, and what to do on exam day itself.

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Paper 1 Revision Checklist

1.1 Systems Architecture

• Label a CPU diagram (ALU, CU, cache, registers)
• Explain the fetch-decode-execute (FDE) cycle
• Describe Von Neumann architecture
• State factors affecting CPU performance (clock speed, cores, cache size)
• Explain what embedded systems are and give examples

1.2 Memory and Storage

• Compare RAM and ROM (volatile/non-volatile, read-write/read-only)
• Explain virtual memory and why it is needed
• Compare secondary storage types: HDD, SSD, optical
• Describe cloud storage advantages and disadvantages
• State factors when choosing storage (capacity, speed, portability, durability, cost)

1.3 Computer Networks

• Define LAN and WAN and give examples
• Describe star and mesh network topologies with advantages/disadvantages
• Explain key protocols: TCP/IP, HTTP/HTTPS, FTP, POP/IMAP/SMTP
• Describe the 4-layer TCP/IP model
• Compare wired (Ethernet) and wireless (Wi-Fi) connections

1.4 Network Security

• Identify types of malware: virus, worm, trojan, ransomware, spyware
• Describe social engineering attacks: phishing, pharming, shoulder surfing
• Explain prevention methods: firewalls, anti-malware, encryption, access control, authentication
• Describe penetration testing

1.5 Systems Software

• State the functions of an operating system (memory management, multitasking, peripheral management, user interface, file management)
• Describe utility software: defragmentation, compression, backup, encryption, antivirus

1.6 Ethical, Legal, Cultural, Environmental Issues

• Describe the Data Protection Act 2018 / UK GDPR
• Describe the Computer Misuse Act 1990
• Explain digital divide, privacy issues, environmental impact (e-waste, energy use)
• Discuss ethical issues: surveillance, AI, automation, intellectual property

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Paper 2 Revision Checklist

2.1 Algorithms

• Describe and trace linear search and binary search
• Describe and trace bubble sort and merge sort
• Read and create flowcharts
• Write pseudocode and convert to/from Python

2.2 Programming Fundamentals

• Use variables, constants, and data types (integer, float/real, string, Boolean, char)
• Use arithmetic operators (+, -, *, /, MOD, DIV, ^)
• Use comparison operators (==, !=, <, >, <=, >=)
• Use string manipulation (length, substring, upper, lower, concatenation)
• Use arrays (declare, access by index, iterate)
• Write and call functions and procedures
• Use file reading and writing

2.3 Producing Robust Programs

• Describe defensive design: input validation, authentication, anticipating misuse
• Describe testing types: iterative, final/terminal
• Describe test data: normal, boundary, erroneous
• Explain purpose of testing: identifying bugs, verifying requirements

2.4 Boolean Logic

• Draw and identify all six logic gates (NOT, AND, OR, XOR, NAND, NOR)
• Complete truth tables for single and combined gates
• Write Boolean expressions from truth tables and circuits
• Apply De Morgan's Laws

2.5 Programming Languages and IDEs

• Compare high-level and low-level languages
• Explain compilers, interpreters, and assemblers
• Describe IDE features: syntax highlighting, auto-complete, debugging, error messages