INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Fundamentals of Hardware and Software 1.1 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1.2 1. 2. 3. 4. 1.3 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1.4 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 1.5 1. 2. 3. 4. Basic Computer Components Explain the difference between hardware and software. List FIVE general categories of hardware that makes up a computer system. List TWO types of software. What is a peripheral device? Explain what an arithmetic operation does and what a logical operation does. Input Devices What is an Input Device? (1 mark) State TWO benefits of using direct data entry devices. (1 mark) What sort of information could be held on a smart card? (2 marks) Explain what the following means: Electronic Funds Transfer at a POS, MICR, MIDI?(3 marks) Output Devices Give ONE example each to illustrate soft copy and hard copy. (2 marks) Explain the difference between impact and non-impact printers. (2 marks) Give an example of why a Dot Matrix Printer would be useful today. (2 marks) What out devices would you use if you were to design a car or a house? Give reasons for your answer. (2 marks) What is a modem? Why is a modem both an input and an output device? (2 marks) Memory What is the difference between a bit, a byte, a word, and wordsize? Give ONE similarity and ONE difference between RAM and ROM. What is the difference between PROM and EPROM? State TWO advantages of Flash Memory. Explain why a Kilobyte is 1034 bytes instead of 1000 bytes. What is the role of Cache Memory and how may it be used by computers? Secondary Storage I Give THREE examples of magnetic media. (3 marks) What do the following terms stand for: a. CD-ROM b. CD-R c. CD-RW d. DVD (2 marks) CD-ROMs are read only media. What does this mean? (2 marks) Determine what storage device you would use in the following situations: i. ii. iii. iv. 1.6 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Transfer a word-processed document from one computer to another. Regular back up on computer network. Distribute a full-length feature film with accompanying data. Distribute 500 MB of application software. (1 mark) (1 mark) (1 mark) (1 mark) (2 marks) (2 marks) (2 marks) (2 marks) (2 marks) (2 marks) (2 marks) (5 marks) (2 marks) (1 mark) (2 marks)

Secondary Storage II A __________ is a circular ring on one side of the disk. Each track is subdivided into _________ slices called sections. A _____________ is a set of tracks sectors. A ______________ is a set of track sectors. A ______________ is a set of matched tracked. Describe the three stages in formatting a diskette. Explain what happens when a head crash occurs. (1 mark) (1 mark) (1 mark) (1 mark) (1 mark) (3 marks) (2 marks)

IT Revision Questions

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1.7 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 1.8 1. 2. 3. 1.9 1. 2. 3. 4. 1.10 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 1.11 1. 2. 3. 4. 1.12 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1.13 1.

Data Representation and Manipulation Convert the following to binary: a. 63 b. 25 c. 81 d. 12 (4 marks) Convert the following to decimal: a. 10110111 b. 10101010 c. 10001111 (3 marks) Add the following numbers: a. 0101 and 0011 b. 0111 and 0010 c. 0100 and 0011 (6 marks) Name the three methods by which positive and negative numbers may be represented. (3 marks) Convert the following numbers: a. -456 b. 512 c. 987 d. 600 (3 marks) Convert the following to 8 bit sign and magnitude: a. -21 b. -55 c. 81 d. 32 (8 marks) Represent in 8 bit twos complement the following: a. -21 b. 55 c. 81 d. 32 (8 marks) If the ASCII code for d is 10000100, find the ASCII code for a. (2 marks) Software I Explain what is meant by: a. Booting b. Operating System (2 marks) Give FOUR ways each in which and Operating System controls hardware and software of a computer. (4 marks) List THREE different Operating System used on computers. (3 marks) Software II What is an application program? Give THREE examples of application programs? (4 marks) What is the difference between general purposes and custom-written software? (2 marks) Give ONE advantage and ONE disadvantage of Integrated Software. (2marks) What application software would you use for: a. lots of calculation b. searching and sorting data c. creating an invitation (3 marks) User Interface List THREE types of User Interface. (3 marks) Explain what is meant by a GUI and WIMP. Why do you think GUIs are the most popular user interface? (4 marks) Give TWO important factors that should be taken into account when designing a user interface? (2 marks) What is the difference between pop-up and pull down menu? (2 marks) How and where might Touch Screen be most suitable for use? Name TWO applications that will make effective use of Touch Screen? (3 marks) How important are Pivot Monitors and Antiglare Screen? (2 marks) File Management Techniques List THREE ways in which a computer transfer information. (3 marks) Explain what is meant by the terms File Conversion and File Compression. (3 marks) Give ONE reason why many users need to convert files. (2 marks) Give TWO reasons why you might want to use compressed files if you have a modem and access to the Internet. (2 marks) Data Communications List THREE things that can be shared using a computer. Explain what is meant by a LAN and a WAN. What is the difference between upload and download? What is the difference between e-mail and bulletin boards? What is the difference between full-duplex and half-duplex communication? Common computer hardware problems You are reading a report to be sent to the computer technician. It reads other times you get no warning everything just freezes. a. What do you understand by the word Freezes? (2 marks) b. Name TWO pieces of computer hardware that will indicate that the computer has frozen. (2 marks) What computer problems will cause you to examine the cables, connectors and power cords to make sure they are connected properly? (2 marks)
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(3 marks) (2 marks) (2 marks) (2 marks) (2 marks)

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IT Revision Questions

EXAM STYLE QUESTIONS

1. a. b. 2. a. b. Giving an example of each, explain the difference between hardware and software. (3 marks) Explain the functions of the TWO units that make up the Central Processing Unit (CPU)? (2 marks) Name and explain the TWO general categories of input devices. (4 marks) Identify the following input: (1 mark) Fig. 1 Input Device c. d. 3. 4. a. b. a. b. c. Explain how information is gathered from this device. Describe the use of a turnaround document. (3 marks) (4 marks)

Explain the types of hardware associate with hard copy and soft copy output. (4 marks) Explain the following terms: i. Resolution ii. Refresh Rate (4 marks) Explain the TWO states that a binary digit represents in a computer system. (1 mark) Explain why computer memory and storage size is given in multiples of bytes such as KB, MB, and GB. (2 marks) Several types of memory combine the features of ROM and RAM. i. Give an example of such a device. (1 mark) ii. What would be the main purpose of such a device? (1 mark) Explain the difference between secondary storage devices and primary storage devices. (2 marks) Explain why you should keep diskettes away from magnetic media and optical media. (2 marks) Name TWO of these magnetic sources. (2 marks) State TWO advantages each of magnetic media and optical media. (2 marks) What do the following terms stand for: CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW and DVD? (4 marks) Explain why you should keep diskettes away from magnetic sources. (2 marks) CD-ROMs are read-only media. What does this mean? (2 marks) Why are DVDs becoming increasingly popular? (2 marks) Explain the importance of formatting a diskette or hard drive. Illustrate the difference between a track and a sector. Covert 27: i. Binary Coded Decimal (BCD) iii. twos complement ii. (2 marks) (2 marks)

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a. b. c. d. d. e. f. g.

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a. b. a.

Sign and Magnitude (3 marks) (3 marks) (2 marks) (2 marks)

Explain the usefulness of utility software. Explain the types of application that are included integrated software. Explain with reasons, which type of interface would be more useful for: a. Novice b. an Expert a. b.

Explain the difference between File Management and Disk Management. (4 marks) What do you understand by Multi-tasking and Multi-users? (2 marks) Floppy Drive (4 marks)

What drive letter(s) would typically be given to the following device: a. Network b. Hard Drive c. CD Drive d. a. b.

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Illustrate the network representation of a ring and a bus. (4 marks) Explain the difference between the following protocols: i. TCP/IP and ii. FTP (4 marks) c. Discuss the concept of teleconferencing and telecommuting. (2 marks) d. What are some of the negative impacts of sharing information such as in a network? (2 marks) You notice that the text on your print out is faint. Explain TWO possible causes. (2 marks)
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CXC PAST PAPER QUESTIONS

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When a program makes a read request to the hard disk, the device which reads data from the disk is moved along a radius to the particular concentric circle on which data is stored. When the relevant part of the concentric circle of the disk arrives under the device, which reads the data, the data is read and stored in a special area of memory from which data can be accessed. State the proper technical terms for EACH of the FOUR underline phrases in the passage above. (4 marks) 1998 CXC Question 2 Match the application with the most appropriate input device:

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APPLICATION
Point of Sale Games Architectural Design Multiple Choice Examination Publishing Cheque Processing Language Processing Preparing Letters 3.

DEVICES
Optical Mark Reader Keyboard Magnetic Ink Character Recognition Microphone Pads and Tablet Bar Code Reader Joystick Scanner

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(8 marks) 1998 CXC Question 3 a. Define the term resolution as it applies to graphics display. (2 marks) b. Give THREE examples of input devices that can read data directly from source documents. (3 marks) 1998 CXC Question 4 a. What is a computer virus? State TWO outcomes caused by a computer virus. (3 marks) b. State TWO measures, which that could be implemented in, order to prevent a computer virus from infecting a computer. (3 marks) 1998 CXC Question 5 a. Convert 8910 to its binary equivalent. b. Add the two binary numbers 110101 and 11101, giving your answer in binary form. c. Give the BCD representation of 5910 and 5910. (8 marks) 1998 CXC Question 6 CD-ROMs are used extensively in the field of education. State THREE features of educational software on CD-ROMs that make them useful for educational purposes. (3 marks) 1998 CXC Question 7 a. Give THREE examples of input devices that can read data directly from source documents. b. Give TWO advantages of using devices that can read data directly from the source documents. (5 marks) 1999 CXC Question 4 a. State THREE functions of an Operating System. (3 marks) b. Identify the type of processing mode that would be suited for the following application: i. Monthly payroll ii. Transaction at an ATM iii. Processing electricity bills (3 marks) 1999 CXC Question 3 a. List THREE ways in which a teacher can use computers in the classroom. (3 marks) b. Suggest TWO reasons why computers may NOT be used in the classroom.(2 marks) c. State TWO advantages of using computers in the classroom. (2 marks) 1999 CXC Question 4 a. Convert the decimal number 9910 to a binary number. b. Convert the binary number 110112 to a decimal number. c. Add the two binary numbers 11012 and 101012, giving your answer as a binary number. d. Determine the BCD representation for 8710. (8 marks) 1999 CXC Question 5 a. For EACH of the following devices, state ONE application in which the use of the device is essential. i. Scanner ii. Plotter iii. Modem iv. Magnetic Ink Character Reader (4 marks) 1999 CXC Question 7b

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In order to secure data, a company uses the following method for encrypting text: A letter is replaced by the letter five letters later in alphabetical order. For example, F replaces the letter A, B is replaced by G, and so on. Note that the letter A is considered to following the letter Z. a. b. i. ii. i. ii. iii. What would the word ESSAY be stored as? What is the meaning of the following text? N LTY NY (4 marks)

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What is the purpose of a password? (2 marks) What is meant by the term archiving? (2 marks) Within many organizations, data on personnel are stored in a central local from which various departments can access relevant information. State THREE problems that may arise because of the sharing of this type of data. (2 marks) 1999 CXC Question 7 Give ONE similarity and ONE difference between EACH of the following: a. c. e. ROM and ROM b. ROM and EPROM Hard disk and Floppy Disk d. Primary Storage and Secondary Storage System Software and Application Software (10 marks) 2000 CXC Question 1 Give BRIEF explanations for EACH of the following terms: a. Wordsize b. Buffer c. Bandwidth Wide Area Network (5 marks) 2000 CXC Question 2a (2 marks) 2000 CXC Question 7c

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15. 16.

Explain how an integer can be represented using BCD.

What does EACH of the following abbreviations stand for, and what is the purpose of EACH of the components listed: a. PROM b. CPU c. ALU d. RAM (8 marks)

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a. b. c.

Explain the difference between data and information. (2 marks) Explain the following terms: i. Upload ii. Download (2 marks) Which of the following are serial access type: i. Microfilm ii. Microfiche iii. Reel-to-reel tape iv. Cartridge Tape (4 marks) 2000 CXC Question 2 3 How does a pull-down menu help you in completing your task more easily? (2 marks) Give the MOST important advantage of Primary Storage over Tape Storage. (2 marks) In using a diskette, one precaution is: Keep diskettes away from magnetic fields. Give THREE further precautions in the use of diskettes to store files. (3 marks) Which print output device is best suited for producing an architectural drawing of the front view of a building and why? (3 marks) A dot matrix printer is producing very faded output. Give ONE likely reason for this problem, and explain what must be done to remedy it. (2 marks) Explain the operation of the light pen. How is it different from that of a mouse? (3 marks) Give ONE similarity and ONE difference between OCR and MICR operation. (2 marks)

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a. b. c. a. b. d. e.

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A certain computer uses an unsigned number of binary floating point representation for positive read numbers. The mantissa is an 8-bit normalized fraction and the exponent is an 8-bit, twos complement integer. In a particular case, the mantissa is 100100011 and the exponent is 00110011 2001 CXC Question 4 6

IT Revision Questions

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