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Chapter 1
Identify the hardware from the descriptions given.
(a) A volatile internal memory that stores the current instruction.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
(b) A printed circuit board containing the CPU and other components of a computer.
Motherboard
(c) A printed circuit board that controls the output to a monitor.
Graphics card
(d) A printed circuit board that is installed in a computer so that the computer can be connected to a network.
Network Interface Card
Some people use dialogue-based user interfaces to operate their car audio system.
(a) Describe what is meant by a dialogue-based user interface.
Software that interacts through speech recognition
Uses the spoken word/voice to carry out actions/control devices
(b) Describe the benefits and drawbacks of using a dialogue-based user interface in this way
Benefits
Allows for hands free control
Safer than using a standard interface
More useful for physically disabled users
Drawbacks
Limited access due to the number of commands stored
More expensive to develop
May not operate reliably due to background noise/speech impediment/accents
Need to be ātrainedā by the user
Can be distracting if the commands are not understood
2 Identify the most appropriate hardware from the descriptions given:
(a) non-volatile internal memory used to store the start-up instructions
Read Only Memory (ROM)
(b) an internal component that provides the input and output of audio signals
Sound Card
(c) an internal component that is composed of the main memory, the control unit and the arithmetic logic unit.
CPU
Some gaming systems use gesture based user interfaces to operate a game. (a) Describe what is meant by a gesture based user interface.
Where the human body interacts with the device
Where a human gives a command without using a keyboard/mouse/pointing device
(b) Describe the drawbacks of using gesture based user interfaces in this way.
Fatigue/gorilla arm
User can unintentionally activate the device by moving their arms/fingers
Not as accurate as other interfaces
Issues with stopping the gesture like if user touches a button, interface knows the command is completed
Have to learn what the gestures do//Having to remember the gestures
Could cause damage if in restricted space
May have a limited number of gestures that can be used
Users with physical disabilities may not be able to make the gestures
Have to use/learn the gestures accurately otherwise they may not be identified
Identify the most appropriate hardware from the descriptions given.
(a) An internal hardware component that connects a computer to a Local Area Network.
Network Interface Card / NIC
(b) An external device that retains a computerās data even after the computer is turned off.
Backing storage
(c) An input device that is attached to a monitor.
Touch screen
A group of students are producing a class newsletter which they will email to parents of students in the class. They are deciding whether to use a laptop computer or a smartphone to type the newsletter. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using a laptop computer rather than a smartphone for this purpose.
Advantages
Larger screen to read the typed data
Laptop uses a physical keyboard therefore easier to type
Larger keyboard to type in the data
Fewer data entry errors due to larger screen / keyboard
More suited for entering mass amounts of data
Laptop version of software will have more features than smartphone version of software
More computer storage for typed text
Easier to add other devices to store the data
Disadvantages
Less portable / heavier than a smartphone as the smartphone can be slipped into a pocket
Smartphones are smaller therefore easier to carry
More likely to have a smartphone with them
Identify the hardware and software required to join the audio-conference.
Hardware:
Microphone
Speaker
Telephone
handset
Software:
Audio-conferencing software / app
Internet / broadband connection
(a) Explain what is meant by the term software
Software are programs/apps used by a computer
Software is used to control the operation of a computer
Software are programs/apps for processing of electronic data
(b) State the two types of software used by computers.
System software
Application software
Compare RAM and ROM. Your answer must include similarities and differences.
Similarities
Both are internal memory
Both are primary storage
The data on both can be read
Both are directly accessed by the CPU
Differences
RAM is volatile//ROM is non-volatile
RAM data can be read from and written to//ROM is read only
RAM is temporary memory//ROM is permanent memory
ROM stores the start up instructions whereas RAM is used to store the current program/instruction
Choose two items from the list which are internal hardware components.
Actuator Keyboard Linker Monitor Mouse Printer Processor Sound card
Processor
Sound card
One component of the internal memory of a computer is Random Access Memory (RAM). State two characteristics of RAM.
RAM can be read from and written to
RAM is volatile memory
RAM is temporary storage
A smartphone has many uses, for example making and receiving telephone calls. Give four other uses of a smartphone
Global Positioning System//satellite navigation
Calendar
Video calling
Social networking
ā>Online banking, Emails, Playing and streaming videos/music, Text messaging, Searching the internet, Taking photos, Gaming Control of home devices, Language translation
Smartphones and smartwatches can be used in everyday life. A smartwatch is a wearable computer in the form of a wrist-watch.
(a) Apart from accessing the internet, give three other uses of a smartphone.
SMS
Making/receiving a phone call
Checking the time
ā>Use appointments/calendar, Taking pictures, Record sound, Bluetooth to share files
(b) Give two advantages of using a smartwatch rather than a smartphone.
More accessible/portable as it is on the wrist
Less chance of being lost/stolen/forgotten
ā>Less chance of it being dropped as it is fastened to the wrist, Can access simple apps easier for example heart rate/timer
(c) Give two disadvantages of using a smartwatch rather than a smartphone.
Smaller screen size therefore difficult to see
More difficult to enter the data
ā>More difficult to access detailed apps for example, email
Use of smartphones to access the internet has increased by over 200% in the past five years.
Compare the use of smartphones to access the internet with the use of desktop computers to access the internet. Your answer must include similarities and differences.
Similarities
Both can use Wi-Fi to access the internet
Both can access the internet use hotspots
Both can use Bluetooth Tethering to allow access to the internet
Differences
Desktops
More websites will work with the desktop
Larger keyboards to type in a web address
Larger screens to see the whole webpage
More stable and reliable connections
Tends to be a clearer layout to make it easier to access the internet
More accessible information
A desktop can connect to the internet via an ethernet cable
Smartphones
Access the internet from more locations
Easier to look things up on the go
Screen/keyboard built into the device therefore easier to access websites
A smartphone can use mobile data/4G/3G to access the internet
A smartphone is more portable therefore you can access the internet while
travelling
Database, presentation, spreadsheet and word processing software are used by a medical centre. State the most appropriate piece of software to carry out the tasks shown.
Producing a letter to send out to patients word processing
Creating graphs to show numbers of people attending the medical centre spreadsheet
Creating queries from patientsā details database
Creating an interactive display of services offered presentation
Smartphones use a Graphical User Interface (GUI).
(a) Give the benefits of using a GUI.
Quick to enter commands
Easy to enter commands
Do not have to learn commands
Less errors as commands not typed
Works with a touch screen
Intuitive
Easy to select options/tasks
(b) Give the characteristics of a smartphone.
Connectivity ā can connect using Wi-Fi/3G/4G/5G/Bluetooth/NFC
Touch screen technology
Camera Technology
Responds to physical world using sensors
GPS/Sat nav
Audio technology
Messaging technology
A computer system uses a Graphical User Interface (GUI). Write down the features of a GUI and for each give a reason why they are needed
Feature: Windows
Reasons:
See more than one task at a time
Each task can be in a separate window
To display the task
Feature: Pointers
Reasons: To select tasks/icons
Feature: Icons
Reasons:
Tasks can be recognised
Click on an icon and it opens (a task/app)
Easy/faster to open an app by clicking on it
Feature: Menus
Reasons: To choose all the available options
A restaurant uses a number of different types of software. These include control, measurement, spreadsheet and word processing software.
(a) Choose the most appropriate piece of software to carry out the tasks shown.
Producing menus for the restaurant word processing
Calculating the cost of each of the meals spreadsheet
Automatically turning on the fans when the room gets too hot control
Monitoring the temperature in the restaurant measurement
Define the term hardware.
Physical components of a computer system
The internal memory of a computer consists of both ROM and RAM. Describe the terms ROM and RAM.
ROM
Read Only Memory
Non-volatile//Data is not lost when the computer is switched off
Used to store the startup instructions/BIOS
RAM
Random Access Memory
Volatile/Data is lost when the computer is turned off
Stores the current running program/instruction
RAM can be written to and read from
Describe the advantages and disadvantages of using a smartphone rather than a laptop computer to access the internet.
Advantages
Smartphone can access the internet in more places
Smartphone is more likely to retain the connection whilst on the move
They can access the internet quickly as they are more likely to have the smartphone with them
Disadvantages
Websites displayed on the smartphone are not full versions of the website
Browsing/reading the website is more difficult due to smaller screen size
More difficult to type in/navigate the websites/emails due to smaller onscreen keyboard
As children can access the internet from anywhere it leaves them more vulnerable to exploitation
A computer system consists of a number of different items of hardware. Write down the most appropriate item of hardware that fits the following descriptions.
(a) A non-volatile device that stores the start-up commands.
ROM
(b) A printer that produces physical objects.
3D printer
(c) A hardware device that reads analogue data from the environment.
Sensor
Describe the differences between using a Graphical User Interface (GUI) and a Command Line Interface (CLI).
With a CLI Instructions must be typed to get a computer to carry out an action
The user needs to remember/learn/understand the commands in a CLI
The instructions need to be entered correctly in CLI
With a CLI you have to remember the exact path and name of application
With a CLI it is more important that users understand how a computer works
With a GUI you just click on an icon
In the GUI the instructions are pre-determined
GUI is more user-friendly
GUI uses more processing power
GUI uses more memory
2 State the most appropriate word or phrase to complete each sentence.
(a) The type of data output from a sensor is .
analogue
(b) The type of data read by a microprocessor is
digital
(c) The item of hardware that converts data from a sensor so a microprocessor can read it is
analogue to digital converter (ADC)
(d) The type of sensor that is used in a refrigerator is
temperature sensor
A group of students are carrying out a study of the quality of river water for a project. They can either use a tablet computer or a smartphone to monitor and record their findings.
(a) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using a tablet computer rather than a smartphone for this project.
Advantages
Easier to connect devices onto a tablet
Larger screen to see the findings
Larger onscreen keyboard to enter the data
Better software suited to the task
Disadvantages
Smartphones are more portable and can be carried in a pocket
Students are more likely to have smartphones with them
If cameras are to be used then it is easier to use a camera with a smartphone
(b) Identify two devices that could be used by the students to enter data
Sensor
Keyboard
Camera
Touch screen
Microphone
The laptop computer also contains internal memory.
Give two examples of internal memory
RAM
ROM
Tick (ā) one external device.
A sound card
B pen drive
C motherboard
D ROM
A computer system uses both analogue and digital data. (a) Explain what is meant by these types of data.
(i) analogue data
Continuous data
Any values in a range
(ii) digital data
Discrete data
Binary
Digital data is processed in a computer system. Sometimes digital data needs to be converted to analogue data. Explain why digital data may need to be converted to analogue data.
To control an external device
To be sent to an actuator
(c) Use the most appropriate phrase from the list to complete the sentences. Your answer must be different in each case.
analogue data
digital data
display a graph on a monitor
input the maximum
safe water level for a river
measure acidity levels in a river
control humidity levels
open the windows in a greenhouse
(i) A motor is used to
Open the windows in a greenhouse
(ii) A DAC outputs
Analogue data
(iii) A sensor is used to
Measure acidity levels in a river
A group of pupils is planning to create a newsletter for a history project. The group can either use a smartphone or a phablet computer.
(a) Explain what is meant by a phablet computer.
Smartphone and tablet hybrid
A tablet that functions as a smartphone
It is a device that has the features/properties of a smartphone/tablet computer
The device size is in between a smartphone and a tablet
(b) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using a phablet computer rather than a smartphone for this project
Advantages
A phablet has a larger screen size so it is easier to read the text/navigate/click on icons/type/edit text
Better control over the layout of the screen/newsletter
Due to the screen size more people can view at the same time
The onscreen keyboard is larger making it easier to enter the data
Easier to connect devices onto a phablet
Disadvantages
Less portable than a smartphone
More difficult to record audio messages due to its size
If cameras are to be used then it is easier to use a camera with a smartphone
Pupils are more likely to have smartphones with them
Many teachers use multimedia projectors in their lessons.
(a) State two health issues associated with the use of multimedia projectors.
Eye problems
Headaches
Burns
(b) State two safety issues associated with the use of multimedia projectors
Projector falling on the presenter
Electrical fire due to overheating of the projector
Electrocution caused by liquid spilling on the projector
Tripping over trailing cables
A student needs to purchase a new computer for use on his university course. The laptop computers available to him are one that contains a solid-state drive (SSD) or one that only stores data on the internet, using the cloud. Evaluate these two types of laptop computer
Laptop with SSD
Data can only be accessed on the laptop if laptop breaks there is no access
The user retains control over the data stored
Greater security as data is always with you
After the initial cost of the laptop there is nothing else to pay for storage
Cloud storage laptop
Requires an internet connection to store/read/access data the internet connection should be stable
More storage available
Can be more expensive as storage needs to be bought
The data is available on other devices if the laptop breaks
Automatic backup of data so less chance of losing data
Can be issues if the internet drops during storing of data
To gain full marks the evaluation must have both Laptop with SSD and Cloud storage laptop
A computer model can be used to design and test a bridge before it is built. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using a computer model before building a bridge
Benefits
Cheaper than building a physical bridge
Safer as the bridge could collapse if not tested properly
Safer to check environmental factors
Tests can be carried out with extreme weather conditions
Drawbacks
Too many variables to cover them all
Requires programmers/hardware/software to create the model can increase costs
Requires extra skilled staff to maintain the model
Errors in the software can cause catastrophic effects
To gain full marks the discussion must have both benefits and drawbacks
Rockit Aircraft manufactures and flies aeroplanes. The pilots at Rockit Aircraft are trained using extended reality. Describe what is meant by extended reality
Mixture of Virtual reality and Augmented reality
Combines real/physical world with digital world and interacts with each
Allows seamless interaction between the real and virtual worlds
Describe characteristics of a tablet computer.
Screens tend to be anti-glare
Uses touch screen
Front and back facing cameras are included
Has a built in battery
Lightweight
Uses Bluetooth/WiFi/3G/4G/5G
Uses solid state memory
Uses an onscreen keyboard
Portable
Small footprint
Complete each sentence using the most appropriate item from the list. Your answers must be different in each case.
ADC an applet hardware HDD a router a sensor software SSD
(a) The physical components of a computer are called
hardware
(b) Programs and data are examples of
software
(c) A small application performing one or two simple functions is called
an applet
(d) An input device used in measurement applications is called
a sensor
Identify two devices which are used in control systems
Computer
Analogue to digital convertor/ADC
Digital to Analogue convertor/DAC
Actuator
A computer consists of both hardware and software.
(a) Define the term hardware
The physical components of the computer
(b) Give examples of internal hardware devices.
Processor
Motherboard
Video/graphic card
Sound card
(c) Define the term software.
Programs for controlling the operation of a computer
Programs for processing of electronic data
Program/data/applications
(d) There are two types of software: system and applications. Give examples of applications software.
Word processing
Spreadsheet
Database
Presentation
Describe two advantages of using a tablet computer rather than a laptop computer.
Tends to be a faster to load up the operating system
They are more lightweight so can be carried anywhere//More portable
Donāt generate as much heat
Lower power consumption therefore batteries last longer
There are two types of software: system and applications. Give examples of system software
Compilers
Linkers
Device drivers
Operating systems
Utilities
Describe disadvantages of using a tablet computer rather than a laptop computer
Can be more expensive to run if the internet is accessed by mobile data networks
Touch screen can be more error prone when typing the data
Laptop computers support more file formats
Does not have a physical keyboard therefore more difficult to type
Has a smaller screen therefore can be more difficult to read
Modern computers often do not have an optical drive. State two ways music can be transferred onto a computer that does not contain an optical drive.
Streaming music from the internet
Sent by Bluetooth from another device
Plugging in an optical device/flash drive/HDD/SSD
Downloading music from the cloud
Direct input using a microphone
Sent by email attachment
One of the uses of a smartphone is the sending and receiving of emails. Describe other uses of a smartphone
Order goods from the internet
Use it to surf/search the internet
GPS
Telephone/internet banking
Make/receive phone calls
Instant message
Streaming of music
Streaming videos
Text messaging
Taking photos
The Central Processing Unit consists of three components. Tick whether the following statements refer to the ALU, the Control unit or the Main memory.
A teacher is teaching students about history using a virtual reality (VR) system.
(a) Identify three devices that could be used with a VR system.
Controller wand/joystick/control buttons/microphone
Tracking/force balls//trackpads//trackers
Treadmill/motion platforms
Pressure mats
Data gloves/bodysuits
Head mounted display/head mounted device/projector
Headset/head mounted device/ear mounted device
Goggles/VR eyeglasses
Steering/gaming wheels/consoles
Pedals/Paddles
Cameras
Motion sensors
(b) The teacher carefully monitors the studentsā use of the VR system. She only allows them 20 minutes on the device before taking a break. This is to ensure that they remain healthy whilst using it. Identify three health problems associated with the prolonged use of VR systems.
Eye problems/strain
Neck pain/back pain
Headaches
Balance problems/motion sickness
Tiredness
Injuries caused by being too involved in the VR system
A computer consists of both hardware and software.
(a) Define the term software.
Software is programs and data
Programs for controlling the operation of a computer
Programs for processing of electronic data
(b) There are two types of software. Identify the types
System software
Applications software
Tick (ā) whether the following statements refer to a Command Line Interface (CLI) or a Graphical User Interface (GUI).
Every computer contains input and output devices and a central processing unit (CPU). (a) Describe the CPU including its role.
It carries out the instructions of a computer program
It performs basic arithmetic calculations
It performs logical operations
It performs input/output operations of the computer
It contains the internal storage/control unit
