• File handling - Copy/move/delete
• Anti-virus software - To protect files from attack by a virus
• Defragmentation - To keep files sensibly arranged on the hard drive
• Format - To divide the surface of a drive into smaller areas to aid storage

• when designing a database a data dictionary provides the description and purpose of the fields/attributes of the database table(s). For example the field name (i.e. “phone number”), the data type (text); the size of the field (10) etc.

• Share peripherals/devices (e.g. printers, scanners)
• Communicate (e.g. email, instant messaging, play games)
• Share data (e.g. files/music/videos/backups on servers)
• Deploy/update applications
   
   

• A physical file contains the original data whereas a logical file does not contain any data
• A physical file contains one record format while a logical file can contain up to 32 record formats
• A physical file can exist without a logical file while a logical file cannot exist without a physical file

Parallel

• sending data from a computer to a printer
•  internal data transfer (buses)

Serial

• connect a computer to a modem

• Optical scanner is used read data by use a beam of light while a magnetic ink scanner is used to read data encoded/written using magnetic ink by magnetising the ink characters and translating them

• Repairing files
• Compression
• Defragmentation
• Back up
• Anti-virus / anti-spyware / anti-malware
• Firewall
• Managing application updates
• Format disks/drives
• System analysis tools

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

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

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

1. (a)State what is meant by the terms:

Parallel data transmission

• 8 bits/1 byte/multiple bits sent at a time  

1. using many/multiple/8 wires/lines

Serial data transmission

• one bit sent at a time  
• over a single wire

b) Give one benefit of each type of data transmission.

• Parallel - faster rate of data transmission

Serial

1. -more accurate/fewer errors over a longer distance
2. -less expensive wiring  
3. less chance of data being skewed/out of synchronization/order

Give one application of each type of data transmission. Each application must be different

Parallel

• sending data from a computer to a printer
•  internal data transfer (buses)

Serial

• connect computer to a modem

State what is meant by the term USB

• universal serial bus

Describe two benefits of using USB connections between a computer and a device.

• -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

DVD - optical media which use one spiral track; red lasers are used to read and write data on the media surface; makes use of dual-layering technology to increase the storage capacity

ROM - non-volatile memory chip; contents of the chip cannot be altered; it is often used to store the start-up routines in a computer (e.g. the BIOS)

SSD/ Solid State Drive/memory (SSD): a non-volatile memory device that uses NAND flash memories (which consist of millions of transistors wired in series on single circuit boards)

Blue Ray -  optical media that uses blue laser technology to read and write data on the media surface; it uses a single 1.1 mm polycarbonate disc

Viruses, pharming and phishing are all examples of potential Internet security issues.
Explain what is meant by each of these three terms.

Virus

• - program/software that replicates/copies itself
• – can delete or alter files/data stored on a computer
•  – can make the computer “crash”/run slow

Pharming - malicious code/software installed on a user’s hard drive/actual webserver

 – this code redirects users to a fake website (without their knowledge)

 – to obtain personal/financial information/data

Phishing - legitimate-looking emails sent to a user – as soon as the recipient opens/clicks on the link in the email/attachment,  the user is directed to a fake website (without their knowledge) – To obtain personal/financial information/data

control bus- this bus carries signals used to coordinate the computer’s activities

address bus - this uni-directional bus carries signals relating to memory addresses between processor and memory

data bus - this bi-directional bus is used to exchange data between processor, memory and input/output devices

The seven stages in a von Neumann fetch-execute cycle

• the PC (program counter) contains the address of the next instruction to be fetched
• the address contained in the PC (program counter) is copied to the MAR (memory address register) via the address bus
• the instruction is then copied from the memory location contained in the MAR (memory address register) and is placed in the MDR (memory data register)
• the entire instruction is then copied from the MDR (memory data register) and placed in the CIR (current instruction register)
• the value in the PC (program counter) is then incremented so that it points to the next instruction to be fetched
• the address part of the instruction is placed in the MAR (memory address register)
• the instruction is finally decoded and is then executed

Modern LCD monitors and televisions use LED-backlit technology.
Give two advantages of using this new technology compared to the older cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) method

• no need to warm up
• – whiter tint/more vivid colours/brighter image
• – higher resolution
• – much thinner monitors possible/lighter weight
• – more reliable technology/longer lasting
• – uses much less power/more efficient

• To detect and remove errors
• To confirm if the program produces the expected output

Benefits

• The user is not restricted to the predetermined options//the GUI uses icons and set menus
• The user has more control over the computer settings//in GUI computer settings are protected from the user
• Uses less memory than GUI
• Requires less processing power for the interface
• More processing power is made available for the task

Drawbacks

• The commands used have to be learnt
• The commands used have to be remembered
• The commands used have to be typed in/entered exactly
• Have to remember the exact path/correct name of application
• More prone to errors on data entry Commands have to be typed in//in a GUI can use touchscreens/mice
• Tends to be used by specialist people//GUI is more user-friendly and can be used by non-experts

A manager wishes to replace the current manual system with a computerized one. Describe three areas that must be evaluated to justify the replacement  (6 marks)

• Technical feasibility

• Does the current technology suffice

• Economic feasibility

• Benefits outweigh costs/ whether the project is cost effective

• Schedule feasibility

• Can it be done within the schedule

Headache, back and neck pain may result from the use of computers. State how each of them can be minimized (2mks)

• Proper lighting
• Regular breaks
• Use of antiglare
• Correct position of the screen
• Ergonomic furniture

Students of a school intended to elect their school Captain by secret ballot.  State three ways in which computers can be used to improve the election process                           (3mks)

• Registrations of voters
• Voter identification
• Actual voting
• Tallying