VCE Applied Computing Units 1 & 2 Comprehensive Summary

DATA AND INFORMATION FUNDAMENTALS

  • Quantitative Data: Numerical, easy to graph (e.g., $56.0\%$ obstacles).

  • Qualitative Data: Descriptive, represents attributes (e.g., role model impact descriptions).

  • Data Types:

    • String: Alphanumeric sequences.

    • Integer: Whole numbers.

    • Floating-Point: Decimal numbers, composed of a mantissa and exponent (e.g., $3.17 \times 10^{-3}$).

    • Boolean: Logical states (True/False).

  • Data Structures:

    • Array: Indexed collection of same data type.

    • Record: Collection of different data types (fields).

    • Linked List: Ordered set where nodes contain a pointer to the next element.

    • Hash Table: Uses a hash function to map keys to bucket indexes.

PROBLEM-SOLVING METHODOLOGY (PSM)

  • Analysis: Define solution requirements (functional/non-functional), constraints (economic, technical, social, legal), and scope.

  • Design: Creating visual designs (mock-ups, storyboards) and functionality rules (pseudocode, IPO charts).

  • Development: Coding, documenting (internal comments), and validation (manual or electronic).

  • Evaluation: Assessing efficiency and effectiveness against original requirements.

PROGRAMMING CONCEPTS

  • Control Structures:

    • Sequence: Line-by-line execution.

    • Conditionals: IF/ELSEIF/ELSE or Switch/Case.

    • Iterations: FOR loops (predefined count), WHILE loops (condition-based), and REPEAT/UNTIL loops.

  • Functions vs. Methods: Functions return values (pass-by-value or pass-by-reference); methods are functions specific to a class.

  • Trace Tables: Used to manually test algorithms by tracking variable changes through steps.

DATA VISUALISATION PRINCIPLES

  • Purposes: To educate, entertain, inform, and persuade.

  • Types: Geospatial (maps), networks, time-series, matrix, and flow diagrams.

  • Design Principles:

    • Usability: Flexibility and robustness.

    • Accessibility: Ease of navigation and readability.

    • Appearance: Balance, alignment, repetition, contrast, and space.

  • Conventions: Clear titles, labelled axes (xx and yy), legends, and citations of sources.

DIGITAL SYSTEMS AND NETWORK SECURITY

  • Hardware: CPU (processing), RAM (volatile primary storage), HDD/SSD (secondary storage).

  • Network Types: LAN (limited area), WAN (wide geographical area), WPAN (personal range).

  • Security Threats: Malware (viruses, worms, spyware), Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, and brute force attacks on weak passwords.

  • Protection Strategies:

    • Encryption: Symmetric (one key) and Asymmetric (public/private keys).

    • Authentication: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and digital signatures.

    • System Protection: Firewalls, IDSs (Intrusion Detection), and regular software updates/patches.

LEGAL AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • Privacy Acts: Privacy Act 1988 (Federal) and Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (State/Vic).

  • Australian Privacy Principles (APPs): Specifically Principle 2 (Anonymity), 6 (Primary Purpose Usage), and 11 (Security).

  • Health Records Act 2001: Governs personal health data usage.

  • Copyright Act 1968: Protection of original works (software, media, designs).