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The two main types of memory are RAM and ROM. RAM is a temporary store
for information and anything in it is lost when the computer is switched off.
ROM is a permanent store for information that can only be read by the CPU. It
cannot be manipulated or changed and is not lost when the computer is switched
off.
02. What factors can affect a computer’s performance?
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CPU speed, RAM capacity, hard disk speed and capacity and the number of
applications running can all affect a computer’s performance.
03. Why might a floppy disk need to be formatted?
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A floppy disk may need to be formatted when it becomes full of files
that are no longer needed, when it has a virus or corrupted files or bad sectors
(not physically damaged.
04. What does OS mean?
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To printed scan images to the computer or A scanner converts printed
text or pictures into a format recognised by the computer.
05. What happens when a computer boots up?
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When a computer boots up it searches drives for the operating system and
launches it. Then checks its main peripherals like memory, keyboard etc.
06. What is the role of CMOS?
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CMOS stores information such as the system time and date and the system
hardware settings for your computer. CMOS stands for Complementary Metal-Oxide
Semiconductor. It is powered by a CMOS battery inside the computer.
07. What do you understand by the term compatibility in the context of software applications?
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Software applications must be compatible with the operating system in
use in order to run. Files must be compatible with the application software
before they are opened.
08. What is the job of the systems analyst?
A systems analyst analyses and defines what is needed from a computer system, e.g. programs, hardware, number of computers etc.
09. What does the programmer do?
10. What is a bug in a program?
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An operating system is a specialized computer program that allows all
other programs to run, e.g. Windows, Linux. Applications are computer programs
such as database, word processor or spreadsheet.
12. What are the main functions of an operating system?
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The main functions of an operating system are to carry out a self test,
boot up the computer and provide a running platform for software applications.
13. Why are there different versions of software?
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Different software versions exist to identify the age of the
application, so that the user can make sure it is compatible with the files they
want to use. A new version is usually an improvement on a previous version.
14. List some common software applications and explain their uses.
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Word processing applications are used to produce documents. Spreadsheet
applications allow calculations to be performed on numbers. Database
applications store lots of data and allow the user to interrogate this data to
find specific information. DTP applications are used to produce and manipulate
documents containing drawings, graphics and text. Presentation applications
allow presentations to be created for an audience, either on screen or via
overhead projectors or slides. Web browsers allow you to search the Internet and
download text and images.
15. Describe some of the processes involved in the development of computer-based systems.
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As a computer system is developed, it goes through the following stages:
systems analysis to identify what is needed, design of the system, programming
to produce programs for the specified system, testing of the system and then the
writing of documentation, both technical and for instruction purposes.
16. What does a Network do?
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A network allows many users to share files, printers, scanners,
applications and to communicate via e-mail.
17. What is a LAN?
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A LAN is made up of computers connected by cables over a relatively
short distance, while a WAN is linked via a telecommunications network.
18. Explain the term transfer rate?
Transfer rate refers to the speed of a modem or a Network, measured in Kilo bytes or megabytes per second.
19. What benefits does ADSL provide?
ADSL ( Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) is up to 40 times faster than a telephone connection. It does not require a separate line for telephone calls and can be always connected. ADSL can be used on a phone line even during a phone call.
20. Explain the difference between analogue and digital transmission.
Analogue transmits data as electronic waves, which are susceptible to corruption. Digital transmissions are much faster and use a series of digits (1 and 0) to transmit data.
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A search engine is a special web page linked to a database that allows you to
search for any web pages containing a particular word or phrase.
22. What is the difference between an intranet and an extranet?
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An Intranet is only accessible from within an organization. An Extranet
is part of an Intranet, but can be accessed by some external users via the
Internet.
23. What is an e-mail address?
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An e-mail address is a computer’s mailbox address, to which messages are
sent.
24. What does the Internet Service Provider (ISP) offer in relation to e-mail?
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The ISP provides the Internet connection, sends and delivers e-mail.
25. What is the importance of the telephone network to computing?
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The telephone network provides a world wide connection between
computers.
26. Explain the terms: www and modem.?
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www is the world wide web: the collection of information stored on
computers that can be accessed via the Internet. A modem converts a digital
computer signal into an analogue signal that can travel along a telephone line.
27. To what does the term e-mail refer?
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E-mail refers to electronic messages sent between computers.
28. What are the benefits of e-mail?
E-mail allows you to communicate with people all over the world, immediately and at the cost of a local telephone call. Files can also be sent with messages.
29. What is an e-mail attachment?
30. What equipment and software is needed to use e-mail?
To use e-mail a computer must be connected to a telephone network, usually via a modem. You must subscribe to an Internet Service Provider and have messaging software installed.
31. What is the Internet and how does it differ from the World-Wide-Web?
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The Internet is a network of linked computers. The World Wide Web is a
collection of information held in web pages to which anyone connected to the
Internet can gain access.
32. Describe how the Internet and the www can be used?
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The Internet/www can be used to gather information about almost any
subject by using a search engine. Information, pictures, sounds, games, can be
downloaded.
33. What is an Intranet?
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An Intranet is like an internal Internet, accessible only from within an
organisation.
34. What is an Extranet?
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An Extranet is part of an Intranet that can be accessed by external
users via the Internet.
35. Explain the term teleworking?
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Teleworking is a concept that allows previously office based workers to
work at home.
36. How computers might be put to use in educational establishments?
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To teach pupils how to use commercial software, as a teaching aid, to
use the Internet for research and homework, for storage of student records and
registration details, to help work out timetables.
37. Explain the term e-commerce.
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E-commerce is the buying and selling of goods over the Internet.
38. List some advantages and disadvantages of CBT.
Advantages of CBT: can learn at your own pace, at convenient times, no travelling, more control over learning. Disadvantages of CBT: distractions, need for self discipline, lack of interaction with others can lead to feelings of isolation.
39. Explain the term e Learning.
40. List some advantages and disadvantages of on-line purchasing.
Advantages of on-line purchasing: a huge range of products and services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from all over the world.
Disadvantages of on-line purchasing: not able to examine the goods or ask for advice and a small risk of insecure payment methods.
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