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Computer Studies SG Grade 12 - 2003

Last updated 13 Aug 2003

Theory examination September 2003 - 90 minutes - 100 marks

Section A - 20 marks

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

Select the one answer to each question which you think is the correct or the best answer.

  1. Which of the following items is linked to a computer by means of a COM-port?
    1. Keyboard
    2. Hard drive
    3. Printer
    4. Mouse
  2. Which of the following is a Windows utility program that automatically removes excess files from the hard drive?
    1. ScanDisk
    2. Disk defragmenter
    3. Disk cleanup
    4. Dr Watson
  3. Windows allows one to execute more than one application at a time. One can therefore say that this operating system is a … . operating system.
    1. real-time processing
    2. multi-tasking
    3. multi-access
    4. distributed processing
  4. Which of the following file structures can be saved on both magnetic disks and magnetic tape?
    1. text files
    2. sequential files
    3. random files (direct access files)
    4. indexed sequential files
      1. (i), (ii) and (iv)
      2. (i), (ii) and (iii)
      3. (ii), (iii) and (iv)
      4. (i) and (ii)
  5. When a modem is bought over the Internet it can be delivered by means of
    1. e-mail.
    2. land mail.
    3. facsimile.
    4. file transfer protocol.
  6. When a digital signature is used by the sender to secure a document, he or she uses a
    1. primary key.
    2. secondary key.
    3. private key.
    4. public key.
  7. An example of a virus hoax is to
    1. send a program containing a virus to someone whom you do not like.
    2. deliberately spread a virus via e-mail.
    3. warn people when a new virus occurs.
    4. spread false rumours that a virus is in circulation.
  8. A business has 100 personal computers linked to a server. Which one of the following people is responsible for the maintenance of the network and the daily backup of data?
    1. System analyst
    2. Computer engineer
    3. Network technician
    4. Network administrator
  9. You can use ... to design a web page.
    1. FrontPage
    2. Adobe Acrobat Reader
    3. LimeWire
    4. Photojam
  10. 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.

[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.

Column A Column B
  1. A device used to divide a single network into two or more logical networks in order to decrease network traffic
  2. A file format used to send pictures over the Internet
  3. A line hired from Telkom to link two sites permanently in order to eliminate telephone call costs
  4. A set of rules morally acceptable to society as far as the use of computers is concerned
  5. A short range communication technology that links network devices with each other and cellular devices with the Internet
  6. A small data file created on the hard drive when a web site is visited
  7. An additional set of instructions which INTEL added to their processors for the improvement of 3D video and streaming media such as sound and video
  8. An example of a relational database
  9. Non-volatile firmware
  10. The first group of XML-web services launched by Microsoft
  1. Access
  2. Bluetooth
  3. BMP
  4. Computer ethics
  5. Cookie
  6. Diginet
  7. Excel
  8. Hailstorm
  9. Hub
  10. Jini
  11. JPEG
  12. KNI (also called NMI)
  13. Netiquette
  14. RAM
  15. ROM
  16. Router
  17. Telephone
  18. XML

[10]

Section B - 60 marks

Question 3 - Architecture - 15 marks

  1. It is often necessary to transfer data from one computer to another not linked by means of a network. Name THREE different kinds of secondary storage media that can be used for this. (3)
  2. The ISA external bus has a speed of 8 Mhz and a width of 16 bits. In modern computers we also find a local bus called a PCI bus.
    1. What is a bus? (1)
    2. Where do we find the external bus in a computer? (1)
    3. Name THREE basic differences between the PCI bus and the ISA bus. (3)
    4. On the Pentium II, Ill and IV motherboards we find a single slot (bus) that was specially designed for faster video performance. What interface card is plugged into this slot? (1)
  3. When I started my computer I could hear it running, but no image appeared on the monitor.
    1. Name THREE different possible causes for this failure that any user should check before requesting the assistance of a technician. (3)
    2. After I had checked everything recommended in 3.1, the monitor still did not work. When I plug the monitor into another computer it works without a problem. What will be the next component that will most probably be checked by a technician? (1)
  4. Mom complains that Dad's printer wakes the children up at night.
    1. To which group of printers does Dad's printer belong? (1)
    2. What kind of printer can you recommend that is cheap and yet would solve the problem in the home? (1)

[15]

Question 4 - Data communication - 14 marks

  1. Briefly distinguish between parallel communication and serial communication and give ONE example of where each one is used in practice.(4)
  2. Name THREE distinct advantages of computers linked in a network when compared to standalone personal computers. (3)
  3. When twisted pair cabling is used in local area networks, the computers are usually linked by means of hubs. A passive hub serves only as a point of connection between the different sections of the network and no signal amplification or regeneration takes place. Name TWO other kinds of hubs and briefly explain the function of each. (4)
  4. Clearly draw/sketch networks with the following topology:
    1. star
    2. ring
    3. bus

[14]

Question 5 - Software - 16 marks

  1. What is the difference between application and system software? Give an example of each. (2)
  2. List FOUR functions of an operating system. (4)
  3. John decided to protect his computer against viruses. He bought anti-virus software and installed it. According to the manual supplied with the program, the program will be resident and it will be updated free of charge for a period of two years. A web address of the distributors is also provided.
    1. In this context, what does resident mean? (1)
    2. Why must the program be updated regularly? (1)
    3. Where will John probably search for an update?  (1)
  4. Give two examples of utility packages.  (2)
  5. To optimise the performance of a hard drive, it is necessary to organise and maintain the hard drive properly. Name THREE tasks which can be scheduled automatically by the Windows Maintenance Assistant and briefly explain the function of each task. (3)
  6. Are each of the following network operating systems used in server based or peer-to-peer LANs?
    1. Novell Netware (1)
    2. Windows 2000 (1)

    7. [16]

Question 6 - Social implicatons and careers - 15 marks

  1. With the development of voice activated computers or VlVOs (Voice in/voice out) it is possible that the written language will be phased out in future. Do you agree with this statement? Give THREE reasons for your answer. (3)
  2. Give TWO examples of where virtual reality is applied in today's information and communication technology. (2)
  3. Name TWO kinds of crime that are only connected to information and communications technology. (Theft of computers will, for example, not earn any marks.) (2)
  4. Computers form an essential part of today's banking. Give TWO examples where computers can help the man in the street with his transactions. (2)
  5. A computer school offers the following courses. In each case briefly explain what the course is about or why one would take the course.
    1. Pastel (1)
    2. Dreamweaver (1)
    3. A+ (1)
  6. What type of software was used by the hacker who hacked into a number of ABSA customer accounts in July 2003? (1)
  7. Name two companies that supply digital certificates. (2)

[15]

Section C - 20 marks

Question 7 - Application packages - 20 marks

  1. Name THREE uses of the shift key on the keyboard in word processing.  (3)
  2. You have been appointed as editor of the newspaper at the local sports club.
    1. Why would you request the purchase of a desktop publishing program if their computer is already equipped with a modern word processing program?  (1)
    2. Which package would you recommend?  (1)
  3. In each of the following cases indicate what the problem is if a spreadsheet displays the following in a cell:
    1. #DIV/O!  (1)
    2. #VALUE!  (1)
    3. ######  (1)
  4. When data is copied in a spreadsheet, the following "paste special" options are available. Briefly explain the use of each of these options.
    1. Formulas  (1)
    2. Values  (1)
    3. Formats  (1)
    4. Transpose (1)
  5. MM Medi-Clinic wants to setup a database with the details of all their patients in order to be able to answer the queries indicated below. In each case write down the name of the field which will be used in the query and say if it is a text, number, date, boolean (Yes/No) or currency field.

      NB: Patient's name, surname and ID will not be accepted as answers. You are not allowed to use a field from the above list more than once.

    1. What is the average age of the patients in the clinic? (2)
    2. What is the most common disease among patients? (2)
    3. How many days did each patient spend in the clinic? (2)
    4. What amount was paid as deposit by each patient on admission? (2)

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