Standards in Computing (OCR GCSE Computer Science)

Standards in Computing

What is a standard?

• A computing standard is a set of guidelines that when used with different hardware and software allows them to work with each other (compatibility) and allow data exchange (interoperability)

• Standards give manufacturers and software developers the ability to create hardware and software that will function together

• Countries that use different plug sockets and devices that use different charger cables are examples of where standards are not used

• Examples of computer standards are:

  • HTML - A standard for creating websites that allows them to be viewed on the World Wide Web (WWW) using web browser software

  • Ethernet - A standard for wired network cables that allows the network to function

  • USB - A standard that defines the physical connector used for connecting peripheral devices to computers

  • Wi-Fi  - A standard that allows wireless devices to communicate on a local area network (LAN)