chapter 1.1
Q: What is a module in IT systems?
A: A single part of a system (hardware or software) that can be changed or upgraded easily.
Q: Give an example of a module.
A: Adding a new printer or installing an app without changing the full system.
Q: What is an interface?
A: The point of connection between modules that allows them to communicate.
Q: What are the two types of interfaces?
A: Physical (e.g. USB cable) and Software (e.g. OS to app communication).
Q: What is compatibility in IT?
A: The ability of modules to work together without problems.
Q: Give one hardware and one software example of compatibility.
A: Hardware – CPU fits motherboard; Software – copy/paste from Word to PowerPoint.
Q: What happens without compatibility?
A: Errors, crashes, or failure to function smoothly.
Q: What is a standard?
A: A common rule or format that helps compatibility between systems or modules.
Q: What’s the difference between an official and quasi-standard?
A: Official: internationally agreed (e.g. USB, PDF); Quasi: widely used but not formal (e.g. MS Office).
Q: What happens when there are no standards?
A: Chaos, high costs, and complex systems.
Q: What is Moore’s Law?
A: Processor performance doubles every ~18 months.
Q: What is Kryder’s Law?
A: Storage capacity doubles every ~18 months (e.g. USB from 2GB to 2TB in 10 years).
Q: What is the Rebound Effect?
A: Efficiency leads to higher use (e.g. LED lights left on longer because they use less power).
Q: Give two examples of the rebound effect.
A: Faster search engines = more research; Blockchain = more users = more energy use.
Q: What is a peripheral device?
A: A device that connects to a system to input or output data but is not part of the core.
Q: Give examples of input and output peripheral devices.
A: Input – keyboard, mouse, scanner; Output – screen, printer, projector.
Q: What is a sensor?
A: An input device that collects physical data and turns it into digital data.
Q: Give 3 examples of sensor usage.
A: Temperature (vaccine cooling), Speed (cars/logistics), Smoke (fire safety).
Q: Why is using one sensor risky?
A: It can send wrong data.
Q: What’s the solution to risky sensors?
A: Use more than one sensor – they’re cheap and increase accuracy.
Q: What is 3D printing?
A: A method that creates physical objects layer-by-layer from a digital model.
Q: Why is 3D printing disruptive?
A: It breaks traditional manufacturing rules and allows fast, local, customized production.
Q: Give two uses of 3D printing.
A: Medical implants, on-site machine parts.
Q: Name two limitations of 3D printing.
A: Slower for mass production, material limitations, high cost.
Q: What is Augmented Reality (AR)?
A: Technology that adds digital elements (images/data) to the real world.
Q: How is AR different from VR?
A: AR enhances reality; VR replaces it.
Q: Name 2 business uses of AR.
A: Repair instructions via glasses; warehouse item picking assistance.
Q: Give 2 benefits of AR.
A: Faster training, fewer mistakes, hands-free real-time help.
Q: Give 2 problems of AR.
A: Expensive tech, discomfort, distraction, overreliance.
Q: What is a walled garden?
A: A closed digital environment controlled by the provider (e.g. Apple App Store).
Q: Give 1 advantage and 1 disadvantage of a walled garden.
A: Advantage – better quality/security; Disadvantage – limits freedom, hard to switch.
Q: What is TCO (Total Cost of Ownership)?
A: All costs of owning and operating an IT system over time.
Q: What’s included in TCO?
A: Purchase, setup, training, maintenance, energy, lost productivity, user confusion.
Q: What is the “Hey Joe effect”?
A: Time wasted asking others how to use or fix systems.
Q: Why is TCO important?
A: It helps with long-term planning and budgeting.