cat theory

What is the difference between a LAN and a WLAN?

A LAN covers a limited area and is usually cabled, while a WLAN uses wireless connections.

What is an intranet and what is it used for?

An intranet is a private network for an organization, used to share internal information and documents.

What are the 3 basic components of a network?

Hardware, communication medium, network software.

What is the difference between a client and a server?

A server provides resources/services on the network; a client uses those resources/services.

What are two advantages of a proxy server?

Shares one internet connection and caches recent pages for faster access.

Name two other types of servers.

File server and print server.

What are three differences between UTP and fibre optic cable?

Fibre is faster, spans longer distances with less signal loss, and cannot be eavesdropped on.

What is one advantage and one disadvantage of fibre optic cable?

Advantage: high speed; Disadvantage: costly and fragile.

What are the functions of a NIC, a switch, and an access point?

NIC connects a computer to a network; switch connects networked computers; access point allows wireless devices to join the network.

What are two disadvantages of a wireless network?

Security problems if set up badly and performance drops as more devices connect.

What communication method links two desktops?

UTP cable.

What does '802.11g' in an advert mean?

It indicates the computer has a wireless adapter (Wi-Fi).

What are three advantages of a LAN?

Share hardware, share software and files, central control of security.

What are three disadvantages of a LAN?

Expensive to install and maintain, security must be maintained, and needs a network administrator.

What is network security?

Policies/rules that stop unauthorized access to information and misuse of the network.

What is an AUP?

Acceptable Use Policy, outlining the rights and responsibilities of users on a network.

What is bandwidth?

The maximum amount of data that can be transferred over a connection in a set time.

What are two limitations of fixed internet?

Not portable and can be expensive.

What factors decide the cost of an internet package?

Bandwidth (speed) and the size of the data cap.

What is a hotspot?

An area with Wi-Fi access linked to the internet by a fixed line.

What is one advantage and one disadvantage of an online survey?

Advantage: data captured digitally; Disadvantage: needs internet access.

What is the role of the CPU in processing?

The CPU works with memory to handle input data.

What is the difference between input and output devices?

Input devices enter data; output devices present processed data.

What is one advantage and one disadvantage of biometrics?

Advantage: cannot be lost or forgotten; Disadvantage: expensive to implement / cannot be changed.

What is OCR?

Optical character recognition converts scanned hardcopy text into editable digital text.

How does OCR help a blind learner?

A scanner with OCR digitizes printed documents and text-to-speech software reads them aloud through speakers.

Define resolution.

Number of pixels (e.g. 1366 × 768); for printers/scanners, dots per inch (dpi).

Define colour depth.

Number of bits used to indicate the colour of a pixel.

Define aspect ratio.

Ratio of screen width to height.

Define focal length.

Camera lens zoom/field of view.

What specs matter when buying a printer?

DPI, colour depth, and multiple cartridges.

What is ergonomics?

The fit between people and their equipment, aiming for comfort and less strain.

Give two reasons to buy a UPS.

Load shedding makes you lose unsaved work; protects equipment from power spikes.

List ways to protect a laptop while travelling.

Screen protector; padded laptop bag; hard cover; padlock/Kensington lock.

What is green computing?

Systems designed to minimise harm to the environment.

What are two reasons for choosing an SSD over an HDD?

Quieter, no moving parts, faster, uses less electricity.

What does defragmentation do?

Gathers scattered file pieces.

What does a disk scan do?

Checks for errors, e.g. when a drive is detected but cannot be read.

What is a bug in software?

An error in a program caused by how it was written.

What does 'incompatible' mean?

Refers to software or hardware that cannot work together.

How does importing differ from opening a file?

Importing brings data from another source into the current program, while opening accesses a file directly.

How can the sender fix the problem with file compatibility?

Files from one program cannot be opened by another; the sender can export/Save As in the version the teacher uses.

Why save a file as a different type?

To ensure compatibility with different versions, operating systems, or programs.

What happens if a PC does not meet minimum requirements?

The program may not work or may run very slowly.

What are two extra hardware needs for a gamer?

Graphics card and joystick/game controller.

Name types of malware.

Virus, worm, trojan, spyware, keylogger, adware, rootkit, ransomware.

What does spyware do?

Monitors computer usage and sends data to third parties without consent.

What does a keylogger do?

Records keystrokes to steal passwords.

How does malware hurt productivity?

Costs of protection software, time wasted removing infections, and potential data loss.

What is social engineering?

Using deception to con people into giving confidential information.

What is phishing?

A fake email to steal sensitive data.

What is spoofing?

A look-alike website to defraud users.

What is a firewall?

Software/hardware that controls internet access and blocks unauthorized access.

What does GIGO stand for?

Garbage in, garbage out.

What are two consequences of incorrect output?

Loss of user trust and poor product quality.

What are two advantages of social networking?

Cheap way to stay in touch and marketing tool.

What are two disadvantages of social networking?

Identity theft and lost productivity.

What is NFC?

Devices connect by touching or coming very close.

What does GPS stand for?

Global Positioning System.

What is piracy?

Illegally downloading/distributing media or software.

What is netiquette?

Respecting others' privacy and not annoying people online.

What is RSS?

A feed that shares headlines/updates with subscribers.