PHS badge

PHS CyberSchool

Computer Studies SG Grade 11

Last updated 26 May 2003

Theory examination May 2003 - 90 minutes - 100 marks

Section A - 30 marks

Question 1 - Multiple-choice questions - 1 mark each - 5 marks

Select the one answer to each question.

  1. On the motherboard (the) … is the temporary computer memory area in which data can be stored.
    1. expansion slot
    2. math co-processor
    3. RAM
    4. ROM BIOS
  2. The use of fax machines, email and bulletin boards would not have been possible without …
    1. the fact that data can be stored.
    2. the use of application packages.
    3. data communication media.
    4. databases.
  3. The communication bus which is used to fetch the address of an instruction from memory is called the …
    1. address bus.
    2. control bus.
    3. data bus.
    4. fetch bus.
  4. Which is the fastest of the memory types listed?
    1. DRAM
    2. EDO RAM
    3. ROM
    4. SRAM
  5. The device used in a data communication network to perform the conversion between analogue and digital signals, is called a …
    1. front end processor.
    2. modem.
    3. decoder.
    4. multiplexer.

/5/

Question 2 - Matching columns - 25 marks

Write down the letter and word(s) of the item in Column B which best matches each of the descriptions in Column A.

Column A

Column B
  1. Bus that connects the CPU and memory, providing a pathway to the computer's peripherals.
  2. Component of the central processing unit that decodes, synchronises and executes program instructions.
  3. CPU processing function regulator that produces a pulse at regular intervals.
  4. Data to be processed that is entered into the computer from a keyboard, disk drive, or other input device.
  5. Device with a keyboard for inputting data to a computer and a display screen for receiving data from the computer.
  6. Eight bits grouped together to represent a character (a letter, number, or symbol).
  7. Electronic circuit containing thousands of electronic components combined on one chip.
  8. Electronic switching circuit that performs a logic operation; its binary output is entirely determined by the combination of binary input.
  9. Highway of parallel wires along which signals are sent from one part of the computer to another.
  10. Linked series of programs that controls, assists, and supervises all other programs on a computer system and that allows dissimilar hardware systems to work together.
  11. Main part of a computer.  Contains internal memory, an arithmetic/logic unit, and control circuitry and performs data-processing and timing and controlling functions.
  12. Memory chip soldered into a separate integrated circuit board which is then plugged onto the motherboard, usually associated with RAM.
  13. Number of bits, such as 16 or 32, that can travel through the bus at the same time.
  14. Part of the central processing unit that determines the sequence of computer activities, interprets instructions, and controls the way in which those instructions are carried out.
  15. Permanent computer memory system containing data and instructions that can be retrieved and used but never altered.
  16. Physical components of a computer system, such as the chips, disk drives, monitor, and other devices. Distinguished from software.
  17. Section of the central processing unit that performs arithmetic and logic operations.
  18. Set of wires running from the central processing unit (CPU) to random-access memory (RAM).
  19. Single chip containing all the components found in a computer's central processing unit.
  20. Step-by-step series of instructions directing the computer to carry out a sequence of actions in order to perform an operation or to solve a problem.
  21. Storage area in which a computer saves data and from which it retrieves data.
  22. Temporary computer memory system in which data can be stored and from which data can be quickly retrieved.
  23. Thin slice of silicon containing an integrated circuit.
  24. Unit of information, composed of bits and bytes, that can be stored in one memory location name.
  25. Unit of measurement equal to1 million cycles per second, commonly used to compare the clock speeds of computers.
  1. Address bus
  2. Arithmetic/logic unit
  3. Binary code
  4. BIOS
  5. Bit
  6. Bus
  7. Bus width
  8. Byte
  9. Byte
  10. Central processing unit (CPU)
  11. Chip, or microchip
  12. Control unit
  13. Control unit
  14. Data bus
  15. Disk drive
  16. Hardware
  17. Input
  18. Integrated circuit (IC)
  19. Logic circuit
  20. Megahertz
  21. Memory
  22. Microprocessor
  23. Network
  24. Operating system
  25. Output
  26. Program
  27. Protocol
  28. Random-access memory (RAM)
  29. Read-only memory (ROM)
  30. SIMM
  31. Software
  32. System clock
  33. Terminal
  34. Word

/25/

Section B

Question 3 - Computer architecture - 28 marks

  1. The Pentium microprocessor has a 32-bit architecture. Explain how the speed of the computer is influenced by this architecture.

    [2]

  2. Motherboard - printed circuit board that contains the main components of a microcomputer.
    1. If you had an internal modem, into which part of the motherboard would you slot the card in? (1)
    2. Name the common type of switch found on a motherboard. (1)
    3. On the motherboard you maybe able to see thin traces or wires. What are these thin lines called? (1)

    [3]

  3. Memory - the part of the system used to store data and programs either permanently or temporarily.
    1. What important program is stored in ROM? (1)
    2. What is Dynamic RAM used for? (1)
    3. What is normally stored in the cache memory? (1)
    4. What is Static RAM used for? (1)
    5. What is stored in RAM when the computer is switched off? (1)
    6. What is stored in ROM when the computer is switched off? (1)
    7. What is the advantage of using the EDO DRAM chip? (1)
    8. What is the main reason for the utilization of cache memory? (1)
    9. Which, Dynamic RAM or Static RAM, must be refreshed by the processor in order to retain the content? (1)

    [9]

  4. Study the following advertisement and answer the questions that following advertisement from Incredible Connections valid for 5 May to 11 May 2003. The computer costs R10 999.
    • Intel Pentium 4 Processor 2.40 GHz
    • 60GB HDD
    • ... MB 333 MHz DDR RAM
    • 16  x DVD ROM drive
    • 48 x CDRW drive
    • 56K fax modem
    • 180 Watt speakers
    • 17" SVGA colour monitor
    • Integrated Intel Xtreme Graphics, 4 x AGP video slot
    • MS Windows XP Home
    • Norton Internet Security
    • Prometheus Family Healthcare software
    • MS Works suite
    • 2 Year warranty
    1. Why would it be possible or impossible to use this computer to save work on a CD-ROM? (1)
    2. This computer costs R10 999. If you had to do homework on a computer, would it be more economical to buy a 80386 processor computer for R3000? Give a detailed reason for your answer. (1)
    3. If you wanted to scan pictures what additional hardware would you require?  (1)
    4. How much storage space does the computer have? (1)
    5. Is a web authoring application such as FrontPage already loaded on this computer? Explain.(1)
    6. Is a word processing program already loaded on this computer? Explain. (1)
    7. How much RAM would you expect with this computer? (1)
    8. What holds the programs that you run in memory, as you use them? (1)
    9. What size floppy / stiffie disks will this computer use? (1)
    10. What of the above will be read by a laser? (1)
    11. What operating system is already loaded on this computer? (1)
    12. What are the details of the hardware that will allow one to connect to the Internet? (1)
    13. What type of processor is found on this computer? (1)
    14. What technology is found on this computer and not on a computer in the laboratory at school?

    [14]

/28 /

Question 4 - Data communication - 17 marks

  1. Name four well known South African ISP's.

    [4]

  2. Explain in detail three factors that influence the speed of access to the Internet.

    [3]

  3. Out of the blue I (P Miller) received a letter from a welder called Ralph Roberto at XXX@bellatlantic.net asking for help doing some work in Excel. I had never heard of him before and was most surprised when I received the letter. As a good South African in the spirit of the Internet I helped him to the best of my ability.  After giving him advice on an Excel function I received the letter, copied below, with his grammar and his spelling.
    1. How did he find me and why did he ask me for help in Excel.  Base your answer on your knowledge of the Internet and not on P.Miller's character.  (2)
    2. What could he use Excel for?  Motivate with clear examples. (1)
    3. What do we call the funny marks after the word 'Pam'. (1) What do they mean? (1)
    4. He says he loves the Internet.  What is so special about the Internet?   Motivate with clear examples.  (3)
    5. What software would he have used to find help with Excel?  Give the name and two examples of such software. (3)
    6. What well known web site could he have gone to buy a book about Excel?  (1)

    4. Thank You Pam :) :) :) I haven't tried it yet (I am right now after this E-mail) I live in New York, I don't know what grade you teach, But please tell the kids to study, I wish I payed more attention in school, there are soooo many things I wish I could do (and now I have to learn them now)  

    I love the internet it is the BEST. ( I say it's like going to the library with your pajamas on! )

    [12]

  4. On Monday 5 May 2003 Absa released information about their past marketing strategy in which they spent 57 million rand.   The result is that they are now now South African e-leaders and not e-laggards in electronic banking.
    1. Give one economic reason why Absa is encouraging electronic banking? Explain in a full sentence. (1)
    2. Give one advantage for the client of electronic banking? Explain in a full sentence. (1)
    3. From a socio-political point of view name two drawbacks of electronic banking in South Africa. (2)
    4. What is the Absa web address? (1)
    5. What do the clients use to make sure the 'wrong' people do not access their Internet or electronic banking account? Explain in a full sentence.  (1)
    6. What software would you need to access the Absa web site?  Give the type of software and the name of a application, e.g. a word processor and MSWord. (2)
    7. Name three banking services offered by Absa, Standard or Nedbank to their clients who bank via the Internet. Explain in full sentences. (3)
    8. Discuss/explain clearly one feature found in ATM banking and not in Internet banking. (1)
    9. Explain/discuss two other forms of electronic payments which are not ATM or Internet banking. (2)

[14]

/17/

Question 5 - Application skills - 9 marks 

  1. 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 four other formats (with the exception of text) and for each give an example of such a field in the relevant database.

    [4]

  2. A tennis club's secretary treasurer wishes to create a database of the members of the club including their personal details and membership fees. Each member has a unique membership number. There are 50 members of the club.


    Note these facts and answer the following questions:

    1. Name two types of data, which can be used in the design of fields. Next to each type of data give an example that could be found in this database. (2)
    2. How many records will be in this database? (1)
    3. Give a suitable file name with an extension for the file in which this database is stored. (1)
    4. Name a primary key field found in this database. (1)

[5]

/9/

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