UPMSP Intermediate Computer study plan

Write pseudocode for 6 small problems (sum of series, largest of three numbers, prime check, reverse a number, factorial, simple menu) before touching any language syntax.

Convert 10 values between binary, octal, decimal, and hexadecimal without a calculator, then verify each answer.

Explain the IPO (input-process-output) cycle and trace variables by hand for 3 of your pseudocode solutions.

Draw flowcharts for 4 of the problems using standard symbols and label every decision branch.

Code the week-1 algorithms in a real language and get all 6 programs running without syntax errors.

Apply the three basic control structures (sequence, selection, iteration) in at least 2 programs each.

Dry-run 5 loops and record variable values at every iteration in a trace table.

Label the main parts of a computer system (CPU, ALU, control unit, registers, memory hierarchy, input/output units) and state the function of each in one line.

Solve 8 array and string problems (search, find maximum, count occurrences, reverse, sum of elements) in pseudocode or code.

Write 4 sorting/searching walkthroughs (bubble sort, selection sort, linear search, binary search) showing each pass.

Compare time complexity of linear vs binary search and state when each is appropriate.

Perform file and folder operations (create, rename, move, copy, delete, search by extension) and describe absolute vs relative paths.

Explain the functions of an operating system: process management, memory management, file system, device management, and user interface.

Define 15 database terms (table, record, field, primary key, foreign key, candidate key, entity, attribute, relationship, DBMS, redundancy, consistency, constraint, view, index) in your own words.

Draw an entity-relationship diagram for a school library or student-result system with at least 4 entities and correct cardinality.

Normalize one messy table to 1NF, 2NF, and 3NF, writing the reason for each step.

Write 12 SQL statements covering SELECT, WHERE, ORDER BY, DISTINCT, aggregate functions, GROUP BY, and simple joins.

Map computer-fundamentals vocabulary (bit, byte, word, cache, RAM vs ROM, primary vs secondary storage) to units and typical sizes.

Describe the OSI and TCP/IP layer models and match at least 3 protocols (HTTP, FTP, SMTP, DNS, TCP, UDP, IP) to their layer and purpose.

Distinguish LAN, MAN, WAN, topology types (star, bus, ring, mesh), and transmission media (twisted pair, coaxial, fibre, wireless) with one advantage and one limitation each.

Explain IP addressing basics: IPv4 structure, public vs private ranges, subnet mask purpose, and the role of DNS and DHCP.

Write correct HTML for a page containing headings, paragraphs, lists, a table, an image tag with alt text, and a hyperlink.

Distinguish the roles of HTML (structure), CSS (presentation), and JavaScript (behaviour) with a small example of each.

Build a 3-page linked website (home, about, contact) with an external style sheet controlling fonts, colours, spacing, and layout.

Add a form with text input, radio buttons, checkboxes, a dropdown, and a submit button, and explain how form data reaches a server.

Explain multimedia fundamentals: raster vs vector graphics, common file formats (JPEG, PNG, GIF, MP3, MP4), resolution, and compression trade-offs.

Connect the website concept to a database: describe how a login or contact form would store rows in a table, naming the fields and key.

List 5 cyber-safety practices (strong passwords, two-factor authentication, phishing recognition, safe browsing, data backup) and explain the risk each reduces.

Convert between number systems and perform binary addition, subtraction, and simple multiplication, checking 10 problems by converting to decimal.

Explain character encoding (ASCII, Unicode), signed number representation (sign-magnitude, 1's complement, 2's complement), and logic gates (AND, OR, NOT, NAND, XOR) with truth tables.

Describe cybercrime categories (phishing, identity theft, cyberstalking, ransomware, software piracy) and the appropriate response for each.

Explain the legal and ethical framework: IT Act provisions in outline, intellectual property, software licensing types, and digital footprints.

State 5 responsible digital-citizenship behaviours and the consequence of violating each.

Take two full-length timed mock tests under exam conditions and score each honestly against a marking scheme.

List every wrong or guessed answer, tag it to a domain, and re-study the two weakest domains first.

Re-derive from memory the key facts most likely to be asked: OS functions, network layers and protocols, normalization rules, number conversions, and safety practices.

Redo 10 previously missed questions until each is answered correctly with a stated reason.

Build a final one-page revision sheet you can review in 15 minutes on exam day.