computing paper 1

The Program counter is incremented by an amount governed by the Control Unit..True or False?

False - the PC always increments by one

A file can be changed on the hard drive..True or False?

No - a file must be pulled from secondary storage into memory, changed by the CPU and then is saved on top of the original file

What is meant by network topology?

How computers are connected to the network, the shape of the network

What is the difference between a star and mesh network?

In a star each computer has a direct connection with the server, in a mesh computers may be connected to each other

What is an advantage of using a mesh network?

By far the most robust network

What is the disadvantage of using a mesh network

{Possible bottlenecks, expensive

What are the advantages of using a star network?

Easy to setup, easy to expand and fairly robust (if one station crashed the network remains stable)

What is meant by encryption?

Disguising data so that it cannot be read without the key

What is meant by coding?

Means shortening, reducing data so that is not as big - NOT disguised

What are the common frequencies for Wi-Fi?

2.4GHz & 5GHz

How many channels are available for 2.4 GHz in the UK?

13

What are tha advantages of using Wi-Fi?

Less expensive & can connect with portable devices

What are the disadvantages of using Wi-Fi?

Limited range and more vulnerable to attack

What are the common encryptions for Wi-Fi?

WEP, WPA & WPA2

What is the hardware within a computer system or smartphone which carries out the instructions of a computer program ?

The CPU

What does CPU stand for?

Central processing unit

When talking about a CPU what does ALU stand for?

Arithmetic logic unit

What are the 3 main components of a CPU

Control unit, Memory unit (registers) and ALU

When talking about a CPU what is the function of the ALU?

performs arithmetic and logical operations

When talking about a CPU what is the function of the control unit?

coordinates the activities of the CPU, directing data flow between the CPU and other devices

Complete the cycle of the CPU - Fetch.....

Fetch, decode, execute

Where does the CPU fetch instructions from

Main memory (RAM) - (Cache)

When talking about a computer system what is memory?

A temporary storage, volatile

What 3 things might you find stored in Memory?

Currently running programs, frequently used data and the operating system

What does RAM stand for?

Random Access Memory

What does ROM stand for?

Read Only Memory

What is stored in ROM?

The boot files for the computer & BIOS

Name 2 differences between RAM and ROM

Ram is Volatile, ROM is non Volatile

contents of RAM change frequently, contents of ROM never change

When referring to computer memory what is meant by Random Access?

You can write anywhere in that memory space at any time

When discussing memory what is meant by volatile?

It requires power and loses its content if there is no power

Is RAM volatile or non-volatile?

Volatile

Where is the basic start up routine, known as the boot sequence, of a computer stored?

In the ROM

What is virtual memory?

A part of the hard drive used as memory when memory(RAM) has become full

When would you need to use virtual memory?

If memory is full. When you want to open a program that doesn't fit in remaining memory space

What does 3MHz mean?

It is the clockspeed of the computer, it can complete 3 million cycles per second

How does cache size affect the performance of a computer?

The larger the size of the cache, the more instructions can fit in it, the quicker the CPU can process the instructions

A computer has a quad core processor, what does this mean?

The computer has 4 separate cores, each capable of running cycles, so more cycles can be run simultaneously

Is ROM volatile or non-volatile?

Non-volatile

How does having more RAM improve the performance of a computer?

It can load more programs and data at the same time

What is stored in the computer's ROM

The boot sequence (BIOS settings)

Name the type of secondary storage that is built into a computer system (usually)

Hard disk drive, magnetic hard disk

Is a hard disk drive volatile or non volatile?

Non-volatile

Name some examples of optical storage?

CDs, DVDs

What does CD-ROM stand for?

Compact disk read only memory

What is a CD ROM used for and why?

Music cds, software disks - permanent, can't be tampered with

What does DVD stand for?

Digital video (versatile) disc

Who might use Flash Memory and why?

Anyone who needs to transfer data from one place to another

What type of memory does a USB stick use?

Flash memory or Solid State memory

Flash memory is also known as what?

Solid state memory

What does the SD stand for in SD card

Secure digital

What type of memory is used in smartphones and tablets?

Flash memory

What does the RW stand for in DVD-RW?

Re-writable

What is the difference between a DVD-R and a DVD-RW

DVD-R can only be written to once

What is a solid state drive?

A form of flash memory, (portable storage )that does not use magnetic tape like a HDD

What is cloud storage?

Online storage

How many times bigger is a terabyte to a gigabyte?

1024 or 1000

What type of memory is cheaper per GB? Hard disk drive, optical storage or flash memory

Hard drive

What is 1 advantage and 1 disadvantage of cloud storage

Cheap; automatically backed up; secure, extendable, Relies on internet access, requires password access; speed depends upon the internet connection speed

Name 2 features of a hard drive

Large capacity, fairly cheap, magnetic storage, not portable

Name 2 features of a CD-ROM

Small and portable, can be used on most devices, Read only so cannot be copied over, small capacity

Name 2 features of a solid state drive

Very fast access, robust

Give an example of magnetic storage

Hard drive, magnetic tape

Give an example of optical storage

CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, CD-RW etc

State 2 functions of an operating system

Provide a user interface. Provide a platform for applications to run. Perform memory management, perform file or disk management

Name 2 different operating systems

Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Ubuntu

Explain multi-tasking

Allows more than 1 process to run, apparantly, at the same time in oprder to maximise computer resources.

Name 2 utility programs and their uses

"System cleanup, Searches for and deletes files or programs which are no longer used

Automatic update - Checks on theInternet for newer versions of programs which are installed

Disk defrg, cleanup the hard drive"

Why would a company need custom written software?

IF software does not exist to do the job the company wants. If the software that does exist doesn't do exactly what they need

What do we mean by Off the Shelf software?

Software that is available in shops or to download

Give an example of off the shelf software

Excel, Access, Word etc

State two features of open source software

Is free to use, lots of people contribute to it, doesn't need a license

What does HTTP stand for?

Hypertext transfer protocol

What does HTTPS stand for

Secure HTTP

What does LAN stand for?

Local area network

What is a WAN?

Wide area network

State 2 differences between a LAN and a WAN

LAN is over a small geographical area, whereas a WAN is over a large geographical area. LAN uses cables/wireless to transfer data, whereas a WAN uses telephone system etc.

What is the following type of network: One or more servers providing services to many clients

Client-Server network

Define a peer-to-peer network

All computers are equal, they serve the needs of the user as well as carrying out network functions

This device directs traffic though large networks, such as the internet

Router

This device forwards packets only to the intended recipient

Switch

What does NIC stand for?

Network Interface Card

A computer must have this device to connect to a network

NIC

This device sends packets to every machine connected to it

Hub

What does PDF stand for?

Portable document format

What is software?

Programs that run on the computer

What is meant by an ISP?

Internet Srvice Provider - the company that allows you to connect to the Internet

What is a MAC address?

A unique identifier for every piece of hardware that can connect to a network

What is the purpose of a MAC address?

To identify the next router in the list

What are protocols?

Rules agreed by computers in order to communicate

What is TCP?

Transmission Control Protocol

What does TCP do?

Breaks data into packets, reassembles the packets, detects errors & resends

What is HTTP?

Hyper Text Protocol

What is HTTPS?

HTTP Secure - encrypts data

What is circuit switching?

Locking down one pathway for data to travel

What is packet switching?

Packets of data take any available pathway to their destination

What is an IP address?

A unique number identifying devices on the Internet (We are currntly on IP 4)

What is a DNS?

Domain Name System

What is the purpose of a DNS?

To associate IP addresses with web addresses e.g. www.bbc.co.uk - 192.68.01.01