Systems Software & Low Level Programming languages

Rooming & Equipment
Homebrew 8-bit computers are provided for students to program in Machine code using toggle switches or in HEX:
– Zillion
– RC2014
Classic computers are provided by Computerteacher:
– Apple 1 Replica
– Commodore PET
– BBC Micro Model B
– Apple Macintosh
– Apple iMac

Systems Software & Low Level Programming

This workshop looks at some major milestones in the history of personal computing to learn about some tricky GCSE topics.

  • Machine Code
  • Assembly Language
  • Interpreted Languages
  • Compiled Code
  • Command Line Interface
  • Graphical User Interface
  • Proprietary vs Open Source Software

What better way is there to learn about machine code than through inputting binary instructions using toggle switches?

From Low level languages to the introduction of BASIC.

  • PET

  • BBC
  • Electron
  • C64

From the worlds first microcomputers to the development of a graphical user interface.

  • Macintosh
  • imac

Characteristics and purpose of different levels of programming language including:


• low level languages
• the purpose of translators
• the characteristics of an assembler
• how to convert from binary to hexadecimal equivalents and vice versa

Explore

• a compiler and an interpreter
• the purpose and functionality of systems software
• operating systems:
• user interface