PHS CyberSchool

Computer Studies SG Grade 12 - 2002

Last updated 06 Sep 2002

Theory examination September 2002 - 90 minutes - 100 marks

Section A - 25 marks

Question 1 - Multiple-choice questions - 1 mark each - 10 marks

Select the one answer to each question.

1. Which of the following hardware items must be added to a personal computer to enable a user to send and receive a fax?
   1. fax machine
   2. fax modem
   3. fax paper
   4. modem

    

2. When confidential data is transmitted there is a possibility that the message may be read by unauthorised people. Which one of the following is a means of reducing this danger?
   1. backup
   2. encrypting
   3. firewall
   4. uninterrupted power supply ("UPS")

    

3. Which of the following operators cannot be used in conditional formatting in MS-Excel?
   1. equal to
   2. greater than
   3. not between
   4. similar to

    

4. A device that makes use of logical and physical adddressing to connect two logically different networks:
   1. Bridge
   2. Gateway
   3. Repeater
   4. Router

    

5. When using a word-processor, which of the following is not an option when the spell checker identifies a misspelt word?
   1. change the misspelled word to the correct spelling
   2. ignore all occurrences of the error in this document
   3. ignore this occurrence of the error
   4. let the spellchecker automatically correct all the errors it finds

    

6. Parity bits are used in data transmission ...
   1. so that each computer involved will "know" when the other computer is transmitting.
   2. to detect errors.
   3. to duplicate messages.
   4. when analogue signals are transmitted.

    

7. Which ONE of the following functions is NOT provided by an operating system?
   1. Instructions to coordinate the flow of information between the programs, files, printers, storage devices and other components of your computer system
   2. Programs for organising files
   3. Programs that allow you to specify the operation of the mouse
   4. Spell checker for your documents

    

8. Processing method that lets it appear as if the operating system carries out more than one task (program) simultaneously while only one processor is concerned.
   1. Batch processing
   2. Multiprocessing
   3. Multitasking
   4. Real-time processing

    

9. Which of the following developments in connection with CPUs led to improved performance in computer systems?
   1. Floating Point Unit built into the CPU
   2. Increase in the number of transistors on the CPU chip
   3. Pipelining
   4. All of the above.

    

10. Which of the following is NOT typically outside the system unit?
    1. Keyboard
    2. Ports
    3. Power switch
    4. RAM

/10/

Question 2 - Matching columns - 1 each - 10 marks

Write down the letter of the item in Column B which best matches the description in Column A.

/10/

Question 3 - True or False - 1 mark each - 10 marks

State whether each statement is True or False. Correct each of the false statements by rewriting the statement, changing the bold-printed portions only. No marks will be awarded for simply negating the false statement.

1. A bank credit card is used to instantly transfer money electronically from your account to the account of the firm where you are buying.
2. A block is the intersection of a row and a column in a spreadsheet.
3. A clipboard consists of professionally designed pictures provided with a presentation package.
4. Diagnostic routines form part of system software.
5. Hyperlinks are highlighted words, phrases, or graphics contained in documents on a web page that open other web pages.
6. If the hard disk of your computer is faulty, a computer technician will be able to replace it.
7. In a server based network every workstation can supply and request network services.
8. The recycle bin is a temporary storage area in your computer's RAM for deleted files.
9. A wizard is a feature that automatically moves the insertion point to the next line of a paragraph as you type.
10. Within Access the text key serves to prevent duplicate entries, blank entries, and automatically sorts or alphabetizes. 

/10/

Section B - 50 marks

Question 4 - Architecture - 20 marks

1. In a local PC magazine, you see the following adverts.

Answer the following questions on the Magnum and Nitro Computers.

1. What is the processing speed of the Magnum computer? (1)
2. What kind of video card is used in the Magnum computer? (1)
3. If you bought the Magnum, what would you still need to access the internet? (1)
4. How big is the CPU of the Nitro computer? (1)
5. What does it mean to have a sound card on board (Magnum)? (1)
6. What is meant by 101 keyboard? (1)
7. What will the Magnum computer use the Iomega Zip / 250Mb for? (1)
8. Explain the specifications of the CD drive in the Nitro Computer. (1)
9. What is "PS2" as used in the Magnum mouse? (1)
10. What is a UPS (Nitro)? (1)
11. Which TWO companies provided the hard drives? (2)
12. Compare the size of the primary memory with that of the secondary memory in the Nitro computer. (2)
13. Explain THREE differences in the type of memory these two computers use. (6)

[20]

Question 5 - Operating systems and system software - 17 marks

1. Which characteristic of an operating system causes it to be considered user friendly? (1)
2. What is the difference between application and system software? Give an example of each. (2)
3. List TWO methods that will help one create a good structure for file handling. (2)
4. If you have Windows 95, why would you upgrade to Windows 2000. Motivate your answer. (3)
5. List FOUR functions of an operating system. (4)
6. When a computer is switched on, control is automatically given to the … 6.1 … The computer then does a self-test and compares all components against the record in the … 6.2 … If any components are faulty a(n) … 6.3 … message will be displayed on the screen. The … 6.4 … program then decides if the … 6.5 … from the A drive or the C drive must be loaded. (5)

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Question 6 - Data communication and networks - 13 marks

1. COMPUSCARE is a company which is gradually increasing the usage of computers in their business. Every employee who submits a sound motivation is issued with a personal computer, peripherals and software of his or her choice for the executing of his or her duties. To date the company has installed 20 computers. Four are used for bookkeeping and six manage databases that do not differ much from one another. An integrated office suite has been installed on all the computers.

   1. Write down FOUR advantages that the installation of a local area network would offer this company. (4)
   2. Name THREE possible network topologies that the company could choose. (3)
   3. Name TWO advantages that a server-based network would offer in comparison to a peer-to-peer network. (2)
   4. What must be installed in each existing personal computer to enable the computer to be connected to the network? (1)
   5. Name THREE functions of a network administrator. (3)

   [13]

Section C - 20 marks

Question 7 - 20 marks

1. The table below shows an extract from as spreadsheet.

In each of the following cases write down the formula which will

1. calculate 111 + 222 + 333 + 444 by using only two cell references. (1)
2. give the answer to 111 + 555 in cell A3 and which, if copied to the right, will give the answer to 222 + 555 in cell B3, the answer to 333 + 555 in cell C3, etc. (1)
3. count how many entries are made in cells A1, B1, C1, D1, E1, A2, B2, C2, D2, E2, A3, B3, C3, D3 and E3 and place the answer in E4. (1)
4. increase the value of cell E1 by 20%. (1)

[4]

2. Spreadsheets are widely used for a number of functions in a business.
   

   1. A spreadsheet can be used to draw up financial statements. Name TWO other applications of a spreadsheet in the office of a company. (2)
   2. Why is it possible that 26/02/2001 will not be accepted as a date by a spreadsheet? (1)
   3. What are the requirements for the titles of a spreadsheet when it is merged with a document in a word-processor? (1)
      

   [4]

3. Word-processors have replaced typewriters in modern business practice.

   1. Explain briefly how you would go about saving a document after editing it without erasing the original document from the hard drive. (1)
   2. Where would you find an electronic copy of a document after it has been opened in a word processor -- in secondary memory, primary memory or both primary and secondary memory? (1)
   3. Most organisations use a letterhead on which to type official letters. How will they go about typing letters using a word processor
      1. on pre-printed letterheads? (1)
      2. when the letterhead is added electronically and must always be displayed in exactly the same way? (1)

      [4]

4. It is possible to record database information on a spreadsheet. While this electronic format is more productive than writing information on index cards, a spreadsheet lacks many of the advantages of a database.
   1. Name TWO advantages that database software has over a spreadsheet when it comes to recording information. (2)
   2. One of the fields in a database of items found in a music shop that sells compact disks and tapes will be formatted as TEXT, e.g. the TITLE of the music recording. Name THREE other formats (with the exception of text) and for each give an example of such a field in the relevant database. (3)
   3. Complete the following with regard to a database:
      1. A ... is a collection of information associated with a topic, e.g. sales of products or customers. (1)
      2. A(n) ... is a field that contains unique information for each record. (1)
      3. A group of related fields, such as all the information for one customer, is called a ... (1)

      [8]

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This work may be freely copied for non-commercial use only. Copyright © Pam Miller.