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Q&A-Computer Systems

Q1.

What is a computer system

A computer system refers to computer components that collectively function as a single unit to achieve
the desired goal

A collection of hardware, software and liveware that work together to receive, process and manage data

Q2.

The following are softwares classified according to end user license agreement. Briefly describe each of
them:

open source software

freeware

shareware

proprietary software

Open source : refers to software provided freely with its source code. The user can modify and
redistribute the software.
Freeware: these are software that can be downloaded for free and distributed but the source code is
hidden and cannot be altered.

shareware: are software that are available for free within a given trial period after which it must be
bought.

proprietary: software made for commercial purposes. The source code is hidden and it can only be used
after paying for licence.

Q3.

Distinguish between an optical scanner and a magnetic ink scanner

Optical scanner is used read data by use a beam of light while a magnetic ink scanner is used to read
data encoded/written using magnetic ink by magnetising the ink characters and translating them

Q4.

List four input devices used to capture data by way of scanning

Optical Mark Recognition

Optical Character Recognition

Magnetic Ink Character recognition

Q5.

Explain two computer hardware features that may be considered when selecting a laptop computer to
be used in developing a KCSE computer studies project (4mks)

Multimedia capability - The project is submitted in CD-RW therefore the laptop must be a full
multimedia

Processor speed- a high processor speed allows one to open many applications and perform many tasks
at a time

Hard-disk capacity – Microsoft Office suite used in computer projects needs adequate space to install

The capacity of the main memory: While doing a project the student opens at least two programs at the
same time therefore having a small main memory size may lead to low performance of the computer.

Q6.

A typical computer’s main memory consists of both volatile and non-volatile memory.

a) i) Explain what is meant by the term volatile memory (1mark)

Memory content is lost when the power is turned off

ii) What is normally stored in the non-volatile part of a computer’s main memory (1mark)
The Computer’s BIOS

b) Explain why having cache memory can improve the performance of the CPU (2mks)

Frequently used data/instructions are store in the cache; Meaning they don’t have to be fetched from
the main memory;

Data/instructions stored in the cache memory can be accessed faster (than data/instructions stored in
the main memory) MAX 2

Q7.

State advantages and disadvantages of Solid State Drives and Hard Disk Drives

Advantages of of Hard Disk Drive

Hard disk drives are cheaper per gigabyte than solid state drives.

Hard disks have a longer lifespan than solid state drives

Disadvantages of Hard Disk Drives

Consumes more power than SDD

They are noisy.

They are slower than solid state drives.

They are susceptible to wear and tear as they have movable parts.

Advantages of Solid State Drives

Are faster than HDDs

It is more durable as it does not have moving parts

Consumes less power

Are not noisy

Disadvantages of SDD

It costs more than a conventional hard disk

Have fewer write/erase cycles compared to a hard disk drive

Lost data cannot not be recovered

Q8.

A company is developing a computer for use in schools.

(a) All computers have a CPU, memory and storage.

(i) Identify the type of physical storage that uses electronic circuits.

Solid state

Q9.
(ii) State what ROM and RAM store.

ROM stores BIOS / bootstrap / start-up

RAM stores currently executing programs and data

Q10.

(iii) John von Neumann proposed the concept of a stored program.

State the two items he proposed to store in main memory.

Data

Instructions

Q11.

(iv) Identify the part of the CPU that sends signals to the other components.
Control unit

Q12.

(a)State what is meant by the terms:

Parallel data transmission...................................................

Serial data transmission......................................................

(a)State what is meant by the terms:

Parallel data transmission

8 bits/1 byte/multiple bits sent at a time

using many/multiple/8 wires/lines

Serial data transmission

one bit sent at a time over a single wire

Q13.

b) Give one benefit of each type of data transmission

Serial

-more accurate/fewer errors over a longer distance

-less expensive wiring

less chance of data being skewed/out of synchronization/order

Q14.

Give one application of each type of data transmission. Each application must be different

Parallel

sending data from a computer to a printer

internal data transfer (buses)

Serial

connect a computer to a modem

Q15.
Describe two benefits of using USB connections between a computer and a device.

devices are automatically detected and configured when initially attached

Impossible to connect device incorrectly/connector only fits one way

has become the industry standard

supports multiple data transmission speeds

lots of support base for USB software developers

supported by many operating systems

backward compatible

faster transmission compared to wireless

Q16.

Describe each of the following storage devices

DVD - optical media which use one spiral track; red lasers are used to read and write data on the media
surface; makes use of dual-layering technology to increase the storage capacity

ROM - non-volatile memory chip; contents of the chip cannot be altered; it is often used to store the
start-up routines in a computer (e.g. the BIOS)

SSD/ Solid State Drive/memory (SSD)

non-volatile memory device that uses NAND flash memories (which consist of millions of transistors
wired in series on single circuit boards)
Blue Ray - optical media that uses blue laser technology to read and write data on the media surface; it
uses a single 1.1 mm polycarbonate disc

Q17.

Computer System Questions

(a)State what is meant by the terms:

Parallel data transmission

8 bits/1 byte/multiple bits sent at a time

using many/multiple/8 wires/lines

Serial data transmission

one bit sent at a time

over a single wire

b) Give one benefit of each type of data transmission.

Parallel - faster rate of data transmission

Serial

-more accurate/fewer errors over a longer distance

-less expensive wiring

less chance of data being skewed/out of synchronization/order

Give one application of each type of data transmission. Each application must be different

Parallel

sending data from a computer to a printer

internal data transfer (buses)

Serial

connect computer to a modem

State what is meant by the term USB

universal serial bus

Describe two benefits of using USB connections between a computer and a device.

-devices are automatically detected and configured when initially attached

Impossible to connect device incorrectly/connector only fits one way

has become the industry standard

supports multiple data transmission speeds

lots of support base for USB software developers

supported by many operating systems

backward compatible

faster transmission compared to wireless

DVD - optical media which use one spiral track; red lasers are used to read and write data on the media
surface; makes use of dual-layering technology to increase the storage capacity

ROM - non-volatile memory chip; contents of the chip cannot be altered; it is often used to store the
start-up routines in a computer (e.g. the BIOS)

SSD/ Solid State Drive/memory (SSD): a non-volatile memory device that uses NAND flash memories
(which consist of millions of transistors wired in series on single circuit boards)

Blue Ray - optical media that uses blue laser technology to read and write data on the media surface; it
uses a single 1.1 mm polycarbonate disc

Viruses, pharming and phishing are all examples of potential Internet security issues.

Explain what is meant by each of these three terms.

Virus

- program/software that replicates/copies itself

– can delete or alter files/data stored on a computer

– can make the computer “crash”/run slow

Pharming - malicious code/software installed on a user’s hard drive/actual webserver

– this code redirects users to a fake website (without their knowledge)

– to obtain personal/financial information/data

Phishing - legitimate-looking emails sent to a user – as soon as the recipient opens/clicks on the link in
the email/attachment, the user is directed to a fake website (without their knowledge) – To obtain
personal/financial information/data

control bus- this bus carries signals used to coordinate the computer’s activities

address bus - this uni-directional bus carries signals relating to memory addresses between processor
and memory

data bus - this bi-directional bus is used to exchange data between processor, memory and input/output
devices
The seven stages in a von Neumann fetch-execute cycle

the PC (program counter) contains the address of the next instruction to be fetched

the address contained in the PC (program counter) is copied to the MAR (memory address register) via
the address bus

the instruction is then copied from the memory location contained in the MAR (memory address
register) and is placed in the MDR (memory data register)

the entire instruction is then copied from the MDR (memory data register) and placed in the CIR (current
instruction register)

the value in the PC (program counter) is then incremented so that it points to the next instruction to be
fetched

the address part of the instruction is placed in the MAR (memory address register)

the instruction is finally decoded and is then executed

Modern LCD monitors and televisions use LED-backlit technology.

Give two advantages of using this new technology compared to the older cold cathode fluorescent lamp
(CCFL) method

no need to warm up

– whiter tint/more vivid colours/brighter image

– higher resolution

– much thinner monitors possible/lighter weight

– more reliable technology/longer lasting

– uses much less power/more efficient

Q18.

What is a utility software?

It is system software designed to help the users to analyse, configure, optimize or maintain a computer

System software that helps maintain proper and smooth functioning of a computer system

Examples include antivirus software, Disk cleanup tools, disk defragmenters, backup software etc

Q19.

State advantages of hardcopy output

They are accepted as exhibits in cases of litigation

Can be used without a computer

they are difficult to change without leaving any trace

Q20.

Differentiate between active matrix and passive matrix LCDs

Passive matrix create images by scanning the entire screen whereas active matrix displays are made
using thin-film transistors technology(TFT)

active matrix display has a higher resolution compared to passive matrix

Active matrix consume more energy than passive matrix

Q21.

Explain how a magnetic hard disk drive (HDD) operates

A HDD can contain multiple platters (disks);

A disk/disks that move/spin

Each platter is divided into sectors;

The disks are spun at a very high speed (approximately 7,200 rpm to 10,000 + rpm);

Read\write heads (move across the disk to) read and write data;

There is one read\write head for each side of a platter ie two heads per platter;

Data is written to\read from the disk by magnetising\polarising\sensing microscopic regions on the disk;

Data is organised in concentric rings called tracks;

There is a small circuit board on the drive that controls the reading and writing of data;

Data is transferred from and to the disk via a cable/electrical current being passed;

The intersection of sectors and tracks are called blocks;

Data is read 1 block at a time

Q22.

Describe one difference between system software and application software

System software manages the computer hardware/application software

application software is for end-user tasks

Q23.

Identify the type of software used to compress files.

Utility Software

Q24.

Explain why solid state storage is the best choice for a fitness tracker.

Because it will be subject to movement and it does not use mechanical/moving parts

OR

Solid state storage is smaller/more compact so better suited for a wearable device
 OR

Doesn’t have moving parts because they could be disrupted during use

Q25.

Identify one component common to all computers.

Processor

Q26.

State two components of the CPU

Any two from:

Registers

Clock

CU

ALU

Q27.
Describe how the CPU and main memory work together.

Data and instructions are fetched from main memory, from addresses requested by the CPU on the
address bus. (Data and instructions are sent) using the data bus. (Data and instructions are then)
decoded and executed in the CPU.

Results of operations are sent back to the memory on the data bus

Q28.

State two functions of utility software

Repairing files

Compression

Defragmentation

Back up

Anti-virus / anti-spyware / anti-malware

Firewall

Managing application updates

Format disks/drives

System analysis tools

Q29.
Describe the function of the Cache memory

(Cache) Stores regularly accessed instructions/data

Reduces the need to access instructions/data from the main memory

Makes up for the difference in speed of the CPU and main memory

Q30.

Describe the principles of operation of laser printers and describe how they are applied in real-life
scenarios

A laser printer makes use of powdered ink and static electricity to print

Unlike inkjet printers which print line-by-line, laser printers print the whole page in one go

Steps

The data from the file to be printed is sent to a printer driver

The printer driver checks that the data is in an understandable format

The printer driver checks if the printer is able to carry out the print job

The data is sent to the printer and is stored in a printer buffer

A printing drum in the printer is given a positve charge. A laser beam removes the positive charge in
some areas. This leaves negatively charged areas which matches the characters/images to be printed
Q31.

Explain the difference between the sequential and parallel computational models.

Any four of:

Sequential:

• Individual instructions are executed one after another

• Flow control is accomplished by jump/branch/goto instructions

• Results are usually achieved less quickly than parallel processing (do

not award twice)

Parallel:

• Individual instructions can be routed to different processors for

simultaneous execution

• Results are usually achieved quicker than sequential instruction (do not

award twice)

• Requires multi-core processors or multiple microprocessors

• Tasks may be split into different parts with each part executed on a

different processor

• Results need to be merged back together after completion

Q32.

State the name of the storage space used by the operating system when there is insufficient RAM
virtual memory

Q33.

Journalists are issued with laptops when they start working at a magazine publishing company. The
company only uses free open-source software (FOSS).

2.1.1 Explain the concept of open source in the context of FOSS. (2)

2.1.2 Give ONE example of a free operating system the company could install on a laptop. (1)

2.1.3 State TWO disadvantages of using free open-source software.

The laptops are equipped with either an HDD or an SSD.

2.2.1 Users of laptops equipped with HDDs are advised to defragment the HDD regularly.

Briefly explain what defragmentation is. (2)

2.2.2 Write out the abbreviation SSD in full. (1)

2.2.3 Explain why an SSD accesses the data faster than an HDD.

The journalists can access their data remotely using virtualisation or Software

as a Service (SaaS).

2.3.1 Define the term virtualisation. (1)

2.3.2 Office365 is an example of SaaS.

(a) Except for remote data access, state TWO benefits of using

SaaS. (2)

(b) Describe how the license model of SaaS works. (2)

2.4 The company takes precautionary measures to protect the magazine's data.

2.4.1 An incremental backup strategy has been implemented to safeguard data. Explain how an
incremental backup strategy works. (2)

2.4.2 The company considers installing biometric readers on all the laptops. How would a biometric
reader help safeguard the data on a laptop?

2.1.1 Explain the concept of open source in the context of FOSS. (2)

Is a software whose source available and user can modify and redistribute

Give ONE example of a free operating system the company could install on a laptop. (1)

Linux

FreeBSD

ReactOS

Android

ChromeOS

OpenSolaris

2.1.3 State TWO disadvantages of using free open-source software.

Lack of support

Security risks

Compatibility issues

Hidden costs
Q34.

Identify four events that take place during the fetch-execute cycle

An instruction is retrieved from the memory

The instruction is decoded

The instruction is executed

the program counter is incremented

Q35.

What is secondary storage?

A non-volatile store of data

Q36.

Describe the difference between a barcode and A quick Response code (QR code)

A barcode is one-dimensional while a QR code is two dimensional

Barcodes are a set of vertical lines and QR code contains squares

QR codes can be read from any angle . Barcode is only above or below and lined up horizontally
Q37.

Explain how an SSD stores data

Uses transistors( resistors and capacitors) . It can be implemented by the use of NAND or NOR gates.
Data is stored on the chip as a charge

Q38.

State the uses of 3D printers

Making prosthetic limbs for patients

Making items which allow precise reconstructive surgery

Making light-weight plane wings

Making sculptures

Q39.

Describe the role of the registers and system clock within the fetch-execute cycle.

Registers are small amounts of memory available that hold data fetched from memory or data waiting
to be stored in memory. A temporary holding place for the instruction that has been fetched.
The system clock purpose is to determine the pace of the cycle, each tick of the clock a part of the fetch-
execute cycle occurs. Regulates the timing and speed of a computers systems functions.

Q40.

Identify which processor in the PC systems below is likely to process instructions more efficiently. Justify
your answer.

Processor X: Intel® Core™ i7 processor (3.8 - 5.0 GHz, quad core)

Processor Y: Intel® Core™ i5 (2.9 - 4.7GHz, dual core)

Processor X is likely to process instructions more efficiently as firstly it has the i7 CPU which is a faster
processor as well as the quad core which processes quicker and the higher GHz versus Processor Y

Q41.

What is a backup?

A backup is a copy of data that can be used if the original data is lost.

Q42.

(i) Give three advantages and disadvantages of using a touch-sensitive interface.

Advantages

A touch screen is very intuitive

Easy to use as the user simply touches what they see on the display

Save space as no keyboard or mouse is required.

Touch monitors can even be mounted on the wall.

Touching a visual display of choices requires little thinking and is a form of direct manipulation that is
easy to learn.

Touch screens are the fastest pointing devices.

Touch screens have easier hand-eye coordination than mice or keyboards.

No extra workspace is required as with other pointing devices.

Touch screens are durable in public access and in high volume usage

Disadvantages

Difficult for people with accessibility issues, e.g no feedback, disability

Can be easily damaged/scratched

Damaged/scratched screen prevent the interface from functioning as it should

Dirty screens difficult to read

Users must be within arm’s reach of the display

It is difficult to select small items

User's hand may obscure the screen

Screens need to be installed at a lower position and tilted to reduce arm fatigue

Some reduction in image brightness may occur

They cost more than alternative devices

Q43.

Explain the Fetch – Execute cycle and provide an example of a Central Processing Unit (CPU) component
for each stage of the cycle

The Fetch – Execute cycle is a sequence of actions, performed by the processor as it fetches

a program instruction from its memory, determines what the instruction wants to do and

carries out those actions. The stages of the cycle are provided below.

Fetch the instruction – the processor fetches the instruction from a memory address stored in a
program counter and transfers the instruction, via a data bus, to an instruction register. At the end of
the fetch operation, the counter points to the next instruction that will be read in the next cycle.

Decode the instruction – the processor decodes the instruction stored in the instruction register,
including getting any operands required to complete the instruction.

Execute the instruction – the decoded instruction is executed.

Store the result – the result generated by the execute phase is stored in the main memory, and/or sent
to an output device. The program counter is updated with feedback from the arithmetic logic unit (ALU),
to a different address from which the next instruction will be fetched.

Q44.

Define an end user license agreement (EULA).

An end user license agreement (EULA) describes a contract (agreement) between a software developer
and a user of that software.
Q45.

List three other types of software license.

Network

Commercial

Enterprise

Proprietary

Q46.

State one ethical responsibility of software users

Users need to ensure that their software is licensed

Q47.

State advantages of solid state storage media

Portable

Light
Faster access speed

No moving parts

Efficient power consumption

Durable

Small physical size

Large storage capacity

Q48.

Distinguish between Incremental and Full backup

Incremental:

Only the changes need to be backed up

The software/OS/settings are unlikely to have changed between backups

Small number of files likely to be used/edited between backups

Take less time to backup

Each backup will take less memory space to store

Full:

Backup all the data/files and software

It might not take a significant time to back up entire system

He might only have a small number of files to be backed up each time

Safer as have more past versions to revert to

User may have changed settings on computer

Faster to restore the backup

Needs to do a full before he can do an incremental

Q49.

Describe the purpose of two registers that are used by Von Neumann architecture.

MAR( memory address register)

Stores the address/location where data will be read/written/accessed/fetched

stores address/location of data/instruction being processed

stores address/location of data/instruction next to be processed

MDR or memory data register

Stores the data/instruction that is fetched/read from memory

stores the data that is to be written to memory

stores the data/instruction from the address in the MAR

stores data/instruction next to be processed

Program counter

Stores the address/location of the next instruction to be run

stores the address/location of the current instruction being run

Accumulator

Stores the result of manipulation/process/calculation

Q50.

Explain why it is not always true that a computer which has a quad-core processor runs twice as fast as
a computer with a dual-core processor

Software may be designed to run on 1 core and not multiple cores

depends on the task(s) i.e some tasks cannot be split across cores

Clock speed also affects speed i.e dual core may have a faster clock speed and quad-core may have
slower clock speed so one task may be run faster/slower

RAM size also affects speed i.e Quad-core may have less RAM amount of VM being used

Cache size also affects speed i.e Quad-core may have less cache

Q51.

Describe what is meant by a clock speed of 3.8 GHz.

The number of FDE cycles run per given time/second

the frequency that the clock ‘ticks’

3.8 billion cycles/instructions per second

Q52.

Explain how virtual memory can compensate for the limited RAM capacity in a computer.

VM is used when RAM is full i.e part of the secondary storage used as (temporary) RAM/VM

Data from RAM is moved to the secondary storage/VM (to make space in RAM)

RAM can then be filled with new data

When data in VM is needed it is moved back to RAM

Q53.

Explain why it is beneficial to get more RAM instead of relying on virtual memory.

More RAM will improve the performance of the computer

More RAM will speed up the access to data

Excessive use of VM can cause disk thrashing which decreases performance

VM is slower to access than RAM direct (because it has to go back to RAM first)

Moving data between RAM and VM takes processor time

Q54.
Describe the purpose of the control unit (CU) within this computer.

It sends control signals that manage the transfer of data and instructions within the CPU

It decodes an instruction using an instruction set

Q55.

A computer is upgraded to a dual-core CPU.

Explain how the upgrade can affect the performance of the computer.

It can now process two instructions simultaneously (where suitable) increasing the performance.

Q56.

Explain the following terms

(a) Disk mirroring

(b) Encryption
(c) Backup

(a) Disk mirroring- Data is written on two or more disks simultaneously.

(b) Encryption - Contents are scrambled so they cannot be understood without a decryption key

(c) Backup - A copy of the data is taken and stored in another location

Q57.

State the functions of the following registers

Program counter // PC

• Stores the address of the next instruction to be fetched

Memory address register // MAR

• Stores the address where data/instruction is to be read from or saved to

Memory data register // MDR

• Stores data that is about to be written to memory // Stores data that has just been read from memory

Current instruction register // CIR

• Stores the instruction that is currently being decoded/executed

Q58.

State the functions of the following utility programs

(a) Defragmentation software

(b) Disk contents analysis/repair software

(c) Disk formatter

(a) Defragmentation software - Reorganises files on a disk to improve efficiency

(b) Disk contents analysis/repair software - Scans a hard disk to identify bad sectors

(c) Disk formatter - Prepares a hard disk for first use

Q59.

Distinguish between firmware and device drivers as used in computers. (2mrks)

Firmware is a software program permanently etched into a hardware device such as a keyboards, hard
drive, BIOS, or video cards.

Device drivers are operating system-specific and hardware-dependent. A device driver acts as a
translator between the hardware device and the programs or operating systems that use it.
Firmware is a software that controls a system, and firmware's functionality ranges from performing
basic tasks like minimal I/O controls to full-fledged software system running with simple or no OS, with
scheduler, memory management, etc.

A driver, on the other hand, is usually part of the operating system that performs the specific task of
controlling a hardware component like a display or USB controller, etc., and gives an interface to use the
hardware by Operating system and applications.

Q60.

Mention at least two trends in the technological revolution of computers.

Continual decrease in computer size

Improved speed and power of processing

Decrease in computer physical size and its related facilities cost

Q61.

Explain one benefit to a user if the program is distributed as free software

The user can access the source code so, they can tailor the software to their needs and they can fix any
bugs in it

the source code could be studied for educational purposes

The user can redistribute the software/program but this must be done under the same terms as the
original software
Q62.

Describe what is meant by shareware.

the trial version of software for a limited time/number of uses with limited features free of charge

If a full version is required need to pay a fee/sign up

When the trial is over user is asked to pay/sign up

Protected by copyright

Type of software licence

Q63.

Distinguish between operating system software and an application software

OS controls operation of system/hardware

Applications software allows the system to do something useful

Q64.

State three utility programs associated with the use of a hard drive. Explain the purpose of each the
program

File handling - Copy/move/delete

Anti-virus software - To protect files from attack by a virus

Defragmentation - To keep files sensibly arranged on the hard drive

Format - To divide the surface of a drive into smaller areas to aid storage

Q65.

A computer game involves driving a racing car around a track. State which two modes of data processing
would be appropriate, justifying your answers

Real time E.g. turning the wheel must turn the car immediately

On line - Otherwise system cannot be real time

Q66.

Describe two methods used to assist in finding program errors.

Use of debugging utilities

Use of test data

Dry run / Desk checking

Q67.

Explain the difference between main memory and secondary storage.

Main memory is transitory/temporary/volatile, secondary storage is (semi-)permanent

The processor can only use data/instructions that are in the main memory

Main memory is directly accessible to the processor, secondary storage is not directly accessible to the
processor

Q68.

Name one item used in the home, other than a computer, that contains a microprocessor.

camera

microwave

washing machine

video recorder

fridge

sewing machine

air conditioning

games console

electronic game electronic toys

rice cooker

dish washer

TV

alarm clock

radio

Q69.

For your item named in (a) describe two different tasks that the microprocessor performs.

camera film speed, position (end of film), distance, light

washing machine amount of water, speed of wash/temperature/time

fridge temperature, display panel

air conditioning temperature, timing, display pane

Q70.

A family has purchased a computer system with the following specification:

Processor speed 2200 MHz

RAM 512 Megabyte

Hard disk drive 120 Gigabytes

CD ROM
DVD writer

Modem 56k

Monitor 17"

(a) The computer has been purchased for buying goods and services over the Internet. Explain how each
of these items of hardware would be used for this purpose.

Hard disk drive

RAM

DVD writer

Modem

Hard disk drive

to hold the operating system/communication and applications software/ISP software

for storing files/information/cookies on backing store

RAM

for data, computer programs and operating instructions which are moved into it/downloaded for data
currently in use

DVD writer

Films/videos/pictures/music/multimedia data downloaded/purchased

Modem
link/dial up/establish communication with the Internet

Convert digital signals to analogue/audio tones (and vice versa) Which can travel across the telephone
system

Q71.

Describe two desirable features to look for in a laptop rather than a desktop computer.

– lightweight

– long battery life

– cool running processor

– touch pad

– internal webcam

Q72.

She lost all her photographs when her computer crashed.

(i) What is meant by the term crashed?

(ii) How could she have avoided losing all her photographs?

the computer appears to “freeze”/”hang”

computer won’t respond

failure of hardware (stops computer normal functioning)

failure of software (stops computer normal functioning)

Q73.

State the advantages and Disadvantages of GUI

Advantages

It is intuitive

Easy to navigate

Uses menus, pointers and icons thus easy to learn and use

It lets the user exchange data between different software applications

The user does not have to learn complicated commands

Disadvantages

Takes a lot of memory

A lot of processor power is needed

Takes up a larger amount of hard disk space than other interfaces

They need significantly more memory (RAM) to run than other interface types
Q74.

State the advantages and disadvantages of the command-line interface

Advantages

It is quicker to type commands

Little memory needed

Little processing power needed

Disadvantages

Commands have to be typed precisely

There is a large number of commands to be learnt

It is not user friendly

The user has to remember commands

Users cannot transfer data between applications

Q75.

Explain the functions of the following parts of the CPU

Control Unit; Decodes instruction; Controls the fetching and writing of data;

Arithmetic Logic Unit/ ALU; Executes mathematical instructions; Executes logical instructions; Compares
values held in registers;
Clock; Controls the number of instructions carried out each second; allows the CPU to synchronize
operations;

Q76.

List four ways of acquiring software in an organization

Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software: Organizations can purchase pre-developed software solutions
from commercial vendors. These software products are typically ready-made and designed to fulfill
common business needs. Examples include productivity software, customer relationship management
(CRM) systems, and accounting software. COTS software can be licensed based on a one-time purchase
or a subscription model.

Custom software development: Organizations may choose to develop custom software tailored to their
specific requirements. This involves hiring software developers or outsourcing the development work to
a third-party vendor. Custom software offers flexibility and can be designed to align with unique
business processes and workflows. It allows organizations to have full control over the software's
features and functionality.

Open-source software: Open-source software is developed collaboratively and made freely available to
the public. Organizations can acquire open-source software without incurring licensing costs. They have
the right to use, modify, and distribute the software as per the terms of the open-source license. Open-
source software can be an economical option, and it allows organizations to benefit from community-
driven development and ongoing improvements.

Software as a Service (SaaS): SaaS refers to software applications that are accessed and used over the
internet. Organizations can acquire software on a subscription basis, where the software is hosted and
maintained by the vendor. Users access the software through web browsers or dedicated client
applications. SaaS eliminates the need for local software installation and offers scalability and
accessibility from any location with an internet connection.

Q77.

What are the functions of the system clock in the CPU?

It dictates the speed at which data is transferred between these components and enables the sequential
execution of instructions in the correct order.

generates a timing signal that is used to synchronize communication between CPU components and the
rest of the computer system

Q78.

State the factors that affect the performance of the CPU

Number of cores

The number of cores a processor has directly affects the performance of the processor. Each core can
perform its own fetch-execute cycle independently of others, so different applications can be allocated
to different cores. Quad-core (four-core) and even octa-core (eight-core) processors are becoming
common

Cache memory

A processor’s cache is a small portion of incredibly fast memory. It has read and write speeds far higher
than hard disk drives and even SSDs. The cache is used to store frequently used information and reduces
time wasted in fetching the same information from main memory time and time again
Clock speed

A processor’s clock speed relates to the frequency of the pulses generated by the system clock. The
higher the frequency, the more cycles of the fetch-execute cycle can be completed in the same period of
time.

Word length

A word is a group of bits that is treated as a single unit by a processor. Words can be used for
representing both instructions and data. The length of a word is the number of bits that are assigned to
it, with higher word lengths allowing for more bits to be transferred and manipulated as a single unit.

Address bus width

The width of a bus relates to the number wires that make up the bus. Increasing the width of the
address bus increases the range of addresses that it can specify, hence increasing the computer’s
amount of addressable memory. Adding a single wire doubles the number of addressable memory
locations

Data bus width

Increasing the width of the data bus increases the volume of data that can be transferred over the bus
at any one time. A wider data bus allows the processor to fetch more data from the main memory in one
cycle of the fetch-execute cycle, reducing the number of cycles required to fetch large volumes of data.

Q79.

Why are CD-Rs and CD_ROMs referred to as WORM?

Because data is recorded to the disks once but can be accessed many times without changing the
content

once data is written to the disk, it becomes read-only and cannot be altered or erased.

Q80.

Define the term multimedia

Is an integration of sound, text, graphics, and video to convey information

Q81.

State the types of storage devices used in a computer

Primary Storage (Memory):

Random Access Memory (RAM): This is a volatile memory used to store data and instructions that the
CPU (Central Processing Unit) can access quickly. RAM is essential for running applications and the
operating system. However, its contents are lost when the computer is powered off.

Read-Only Memory (ROM): ROM is a non-volatile memory that stores essential firmware and
instructions necessary for the computer's boot-up process. It retains its contents even when the power
is turned off.

Cache Memory: Cache is a small and fast memory located closer to the CPU. It stores frequently
accessed data to speed up the processing.

Secondary Storage (Mass Storage):

Hard Disk Drive (HDD): HDDs use magnetic storage to store data on rotating platters. They provide
relatively large storage capacities and are commonly used in computers and laptops for long-term data
storage.

Solid-State Drive (SSD): SSDs use NAND flash memory to store data, offering faster read and write
speeds than HDDs. They are more durable and consume less power, making them increasingly popular
in modern computers.

Optical Discs: CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs are examples of optical storage media. They are mainly used
for distribution of software, music, movies, and archival purposes.

USB Flash Drives: Also known as thumb drives or pen drives, these portable storage devices use flash
memory to store data and can be easily connected to a computer's USB port.

Memory Cards: Memory cards, such as SD cards and microSD cards, are used in various devices like
cameras, smartphones, and tablets to store data, photos, videos, etc.

External Hard Drives: These are HDDs or SSDs contained within an external enclosure, allowing users to
expand their computer's storage capacity or create backups.