Scenario: A video production company needs to store 10TB of raw footage. They should use HDDs for cost-effectiveness. But they also want the editing software on fast storage for quick response times, so they add an SSD for the operating system and applications.
USB Flash Drive
Portable: Pocket-sized
Universal: Works on any computer
Capacity: 32GB–1TB typical
Speed: USB 2.0 vs USB 3.0
Loss risk: Easy to misplace
Optical Media (CD/DVD/Blu-ray)
CD: 700MB capacity
DVD: 4.7GB capacity
Blu-ray: 25GB+ capacity
Uses: Archival, distribution
Downside: Can degrade over time
Temporary Storage (Memory)
RAM (Random Access Memory)
Purpose:
Temporary data storage
Currently running programs
Working data during processing
Key Facts:
Fast: Much faster than HDD
Volatile: Data lost when powered off
More RAM: Better multitasking
Typical: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB
Cache Memory
Purpose:
Extremely fast temporary storage
Between CPU and RAM
Stores frequently used data
Key Facts:
Fastest: Nanosecond access
Small: Usually 8MB–20MB
Expensive: High cost per MB
L1, L2, L3: Different levels
RAM vs Cache Comparison
Aspect
RAM
Cache
Speed
Nanoseconds
Sub-nanoseconds
Size
GigaBytes (8-32GB)
MegaBytes (8-20MB)
Cost
Moderate
Very expensive per byte
Volatile
Yes
Yes
Location
Separate chip
On CPU chip
Scenario: A graphics designer opens Photoshop with a 500MB image. The OS loads in RAM (2GB used). The CPU uses cache to temporarily store pixel data it's processing. With more RAM, the system won't need to swap to disk, keeping everything fast.
Processing Power
CPU speed (GHz)
Number of cores
Cache memory
Task execution speed
Memory & Storage
RAM capacity
Storage capacity
Speed of access
Data retention
A1.3 Drawing Skills: Flowcharts & System Diagrams
How to Draw a Flowchart (Exam Method)
Read the scenario and identify the exact process sequence first.
Use a Start and End terminal.
Use input/output for data entry or display steps.
Use process for actions (calculate, store, update).
Use decision diamonds for yes/no checks and label branches.
Keep arrows flowing top-to-bottom where possible to stay clear and readable.
Flowchart Symbols (Drawn)
Terminal: Start or finish point.
Process: An action or operation.
Input/Output: Data entered or shown.
Decision: A yes/no branch point.
Connector: Continue flow in another location.
Worked Flowchart Example (Login Check)
Exam tip: Include branch labels (Yes/No) next to decision arrows.
Exam tip: Keep each step short and action-focused, not long sentences.
How to Draw a System Diagram (Exam Method)
List all components first: input devices, processing unit, storage, output devices, and network/cloud if used.
Draw each component as a clear labeled box.
Add arrows to show data flow direction between components.
Label important links (for example: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, HTTPS, VPN).
Match your diagram directly to the scenario, not a generic setup.
Diagram Example: School office workstation — keyboard and scanner send data to CPU/RAM; files save to SSD; reports print to laser printer; encrypted backup syncs to cloud storage.
A1.3 Exam Checklist
Key definitions you must know
Flowchart: A diagram that shows the steps in a process using standard symbols and arrows.
System diagram: A diagram that shows how devices and components are connected and how data moves between them.
Terminal: The start or end of a flowchart, drawn as an oval.
Process: An action or calculation, drawn as a rectangle.
Decision: A yes/no or true/false check, drawn as a diamond.
Input/output: Data entering or leaving the system, often drawn as a parallelogram.
Topology: The layout of devices in a network.
Node: Any device connected to a network, such as a PC, router or printer.
How to get full marks on a flowchart
Use the correct symbols throughout.
Include a clear start and end.
Show every important stage in the process.
Use labelled Yes/No branches at decision points.
Keep the logic in the right order.
Make arrows clear and unambiguous.
How to get full marks on a network diagram
Use standard symbols, not freehand sketches.
Show all key devices in the scenario.
Connect devices in the correct topology, usually star.
Show the router/switch link clearly.
Label devices so the examiner can identify them.
Use clear layout and avoid crossing lines where possible.
Typical exam question patterns
Flowchart: “Draw a flowchart to show the process for secure handling of data” or a self-service login/check-in system.
Network diagram: “Draw a network diagram for an office network” and show the switch, router and connected devices.
Marking focus: The examiner rewards the right symbols, the right sequence and a diagram that matches the scenario.
Common mistakes: Using the wrong shapes, missing the decision diamond, forgetting Yes/No labels, drawing freehand boxes instead of a network layout, or connecting devices in a confusing way.
Software & System Choice
Operating Systems
Windows: Widely used, compatible with many applications
macOS: Apple ecosystem, integrated hardware/software
Linux: Open-source, customizable, free
Android: Mobile OS, flexible, customizable
iOS: Apple mobile OS, integrated, secure
Software Applications
Productivity: Word processors, spreadsheets, presentations