(a) \(F C_{16}\)

(b) \(8 A_{16}\)

(c) \(93_{10}\)

• Bus topology is characterised by common transmission media shared by all the connected nodes
• Star topology is characterised by a central switching node connected directly to each of the multiple nodes in the network

Advantages of Star topology over Bus topology

• Faster communication as compared to bus topology
• Independent line of connection allows freedom of removing or adding nodes

Disadvantages of Star topology over Bus topology

• Expensive as compared to the bus topology
• Long cable length

• file deletion
• file copying
• file renaming
• file retrieval
• file closing
• file reading

1. Availability in the market
2. Initial and maintenance cost
3. User friendliness
4. Compatibility
5. User needs

• They are accepted as exhibits in cases of litigation
• Can be used without a computer
• they are difficult to change without leaving any trace

a)  i)  Explain what is meant by the term volatile memory                                                            (1mark)

• Memory content is lost when the power is turned off

ii) What is normally stored in the non-volatile part of a computer’s main memory                       (1mark)

• The Computer’s BIOS

b) Explain why having cache memory can improve the performance of the CPU                         (2mks)

• Frequently used data/instructions are store in the cache; Meaning they don’t have to be fetched from the main memory;
• Data/instructions stored in the cache memory can be accessed faster (than data/instructions stored in the main memory) MAX 2

• Real-time processing is where data is processed as it is received and the output is made available immediately to influence the ongoing activity
• Interactive processing is computer processing in which the user can modify the operations appropriately while observing results at critical steps

Multimedia Capability - A laptop with strong multimedia capabilities is essential for a computer studies project submitted on CD-RW. This ensures that the laptop can efficiently handle multimedia content, providing a seamless experience in creating and presenting project materials.

Processor Speed - Opting for a laptop with a high processor speed is crucial. This feature enables the smooth execution of multiple applications simultaneously, enhancing overall project efficiency and reducing processing delays.

Hard Disk Capacity - Consider a laptop with ample hard disk capacity, as the Microsoft Office suite used in computer projects requires significant space for the installation and storage of project files. A spacious hard drive ensures that there is sufficient room for data and applications.

Main Memory Capacity - Given that students often work with multiple programs concurrently during a project, it's important to choose a laptop with an adequate main memory size. A smaller main memory may result in performance issues, hindering the seamless operation of various software applications during project development.

Define the term internet      1mk

• The global interconnection of computer networks for purpose of communication and resource sharing

Explain the term web page    1mk

• A hypertext  page prepared to display the content on the web

Explain the following internet address http://www.google.co.us in reference to the structure of a URL    3mks

• HTTP- hypertext transfer protocol or simply protocol
• WWW – subdomain
• google – the name of the computer with the web content/domain name
• .co – top level domain for commercial organization
• .us- a TLD extension for the country US

What is the world wide web                                       1mk

•  A virtual space on the internet that allows web pages and sites to be accessed

Define the term browser                                    1mk

•  A software that used viewing of web content

Explain the meaning of the word hyperlink     1mk

• A text or picture that is a link to another webpage on the internet

What is a search engine?     1mk

• Is a special program that collects and stores links to information websites allowing users to search its database for them
• A specialized web-based application that help the user to search for specific information on the internet.

Explain the meaning of the term internet service provider            1mk

• A company that offers internet services to end-users

Identify three elements apart from a computer that is required for one to be connected to the internet    3mk

• Modem
• Internet software
• Internet service provider
• Telecommunication lines
• TCP/IP protocols

Define the term modem 1mk

• Stands for modulator-demodulator
• A device that enables telecommunication to use telephone lines

What is a protocol? Write the following in full: TCP/IP, HTML, HTTP and FTP           5mks

• Protocols – are special communication rules that govern sending and receiving of messages by computers on a network
• Html – hypertext markup language
• Hypertext transfer protocol
• Transmission Control Protocol
• Internet Protocol
• File Transfer Protocol

What would you do if a website refused to load on the browser within the first attempt?   1mk

• Click the refresh button on the toolbar

 State three internet services                         3mks

• Instant messaging
• E-mails
• E-commerce
• Social media and networks
• E-learning

Define the term internet telephony      1mk

• Transmission of voice data over the internet

State three benefits of the internet in our society

• Provides a platform for conducting business and marketing
• Provides many platforms such as social media through which people can contact each other
• Cost saving
• Efficient communication

Solid state
 

• It ensures that each row has a unique and non-null primary key

Syntax errors-Incorrect use of programming language

Logical errors- The program do not give the expected output

Runtime errors- Premature end of a program

• Phased means that only one part of the system is implemented at a time

• devices are automatically detected and configured when initially attached
• Impossible to connect device incorrectly/connector only fits one way
• has become the industry standard
• supports multiple data transmission speeds
• lots of support base for USB software developers
• supported by many operating systems
• backward compatible
• faster transmission compared to wireless

• Websites – any inappropriate websites ie pornography, drugs, guns,
• terrorism etc. e.g. is it acceptable for the organisation to allow access to this
• sort of material when you can’t control who is accessing the service?
• Time – limit amount of time, they may not want to provide indefinite access
• or may want to charge for access after the time limit has expired.
• Preventing file sharing and illegal sharing\use of copyrighted materials.
• Accountability – identification of users and actions on a network by
• preventing anonymous access.
• Prevention of illegal activities such as terrorism and fraud.
• The responsibility to keep children safe and protected.
• Responsibility to keep users (customers) data safe and secure.
• Spoofing of websites, phishing. Responsibility of organisation to put some kind of protection in place, eg filtering of known fraudulent sites.
• Recording of private messages or details if not encrypted.
• Recording of usernames and passwords that the user may also use to access other systems.
• Responsibility of organisation to secure their systems from possible attack.
• Sales and marketing – providing sales leads to market products.

• Because it will be subject to movement  and it does not use mechanical/moving parts

          OR

• Solid state storage is smaller/more compact so better suited for a wearable device

          OR

• Doesn’t have moving parts  because they could be disrupted during use

• It prevents unauthorised access into the network (by checking IP/MAC address/packet content);
•  It prevents unauthorised transmissions from inside the network to external locations;
•  It monitors network traffic;
• It makes sure that only the right/authorised traffic is allowed;
• It opens/closes ports as necessary;

• Easy to add nodes
• Managed centrally
• Fewer data collisions
• A single node failure does not affect the rest of the network

Manages memory (RAM) 

• Allocates memory to programs currently executing •

Ensures programs/data do not corrupt each other: Ensures all programs and data including itself is stored in correct memory locations

Manages processes: Ensures different processes can utilise the CPU and do not interfere with each other or crash •

Allows a user to run programs : On a multi-tasking O/S ensure that all tasks appear to run simultaneously

• Allocates time slices 
• Scheduling of programs
• Handles interrupt
• Allows a user to configure hardware

Enrolment:
- Data input on line
- Individual records validated
- Speed mismatch implications
- Indexes updated immediately
Exam grades:
- Data input twice
- Off line
- Run as a batch
- At otherwise downtime