PHS CyberSchool

Computer Studies SG 

Last updated 01 Nov 2006

Theory examination November 2006 - 90 minutes - 75 marks

Question 1 - Multiple-choice questions - ½ mark each - 10 marks

Select the answer to each question which you think is the correct or the best answer. Just write down the letter.

1. Most of the Windows operating systems offer "Scan Disk" to rectify errors on magnetic disks. Scan Disk may therefore be classified as ...
   1. a(n) operating system.
   2. application package.
   3. utility package.
   4. suite.
2. Firewire is used to ...
   1. transfer data swiftly from appliances to the computer.
   2. prevent the CPU from overheating.
   3. prevent viruses being downloaded to the computer.
   4. cable fire-stations.
3. The size of the modern hard drive is expressed in:
   1. Gigahertz
   2. Megabytes
   3. Gigabytes
   4. Kilobytes
4. Three basic types of viruses: 
   1. Boot sector, executable and macro 
   2. Boot sector, executable and micro 
   3. Boot, set-up and macro 
   4. Logic, executable and macro 
5. Although a person with an MSCE, a CNE or a CCNA qualification will be able to do just about any kind of work that requires a knowledge of computers, he/she was trained specifically as a ...
   1. network administrator.
   2. programmer.
   3. database administrator.
   4. webmaster.
6. Main memory is referred to as: 
   1. Extended 
   2. Primary 
   3. Secondary 
   4. Temporary 
7. A boot virus is ...
   1. distributed ONLY by means of e-mail.
   2. activated on a certain date every year.
   3. activated when the computer is switched on.
   4. aimed at damaging computer networks.
8. The hardware which converts digital signals of a computer to analogue signals which can be carried along a telephone line:
   1. CPU 
   2. Fax 
   3. Modem 
   4. Printers 
9. Which ONE of the following could possibly represent an IP-address of a computer somewhere in the world?
   1. 23 Market Street, Boksburg
   2. 101.186. 1.33
   3. koos@yahoo.com
   4. http://www.mansion.org.za
10. A Trojan horse virus is a program ...
    1. disguised as a useful program but containing hidden instruments to perform a malicious task instead.
    2. that copies itself into memory.
    3. that executes a command after being initialised.
    4. which is only executed when it is called up.
11. Defrag should not be used without first:
    1. Running Backup 
    2. Running FAT 
    3. Running Scandisk 
    4. Running utilities 
12. Compact disks are used as/to ...
    1. backup data. 
    2. primary memory. 
    3. save data which is too much to fit onto a single hard drive. 
    4. store data magnetically. 
13. What is an operating system? 
    1. Creates a link between the user and the computer hardware by providing an interface, or environment, in which you can communicate with the computer. 
    2. Hardware 
    3. Provides a series of utilities and commands that you can use to manage your files, folders and disks. 
    4. Both (A) and (C) 
14. To send a printed copy from a personal computer, it is necessary for the transmitting computer to have the following additional equipment: 
    1. Fax modem 
    2. Modem 
    3. Printer 
    4. Scanner 
15. Which ONE of the following functions is NOT provided by an operating system? 
    1. A spell checker for your documents 
    2. Instructions to coordinate the flow of information between the programs, files, printer, storage devices and other components of your computer system 
    3. Programs for organising files
    4. Programs that allow you to specify the operation of the mouse 
16. The CPU loads programs from:
    1. Arithmetic to Logic Unit 
    2. CD Rom to secondary memory 
    3. Primary memory into secondary memory 
    4. Secondary memory into primary memory 
17. The term "Utility" refers to: 
    1. Software needed for networking 
    2. Software that detects viruses 
    3. Software that makes our lives a little easier 
    4. Software to extend memory
18. What does the Windows utility "Scandisk" do? 
    1. "Boot" your system 
    2. Finds and fixes logical errors that may occur on disk 
    3. Scan for viruses 
    4. Scan through programs on the hard drive 
19. Bits refers to:
    1. Back-up utilities program 
    2. Basic codes 
    3. Basic input system 
    4. The smallest unit of storage on a computer 
20. Clock speed is measured in: 
    1. bps 
    2. Mb 
    3. MHz 
    4. RAM 

[10]

Question 2 - Computer architecture - 15 marks

Study the Annexure and answer the questions.

1.  Primary and secondary memory are also included in the quotations.

   1. How much data can be stored on the hard disk of the computer in quotation B? (1)

   2. Which method of backup can be used in quotation A? (1)

2. One must consider the peripherals and their connections to the computer in a quotation.

   1. Is a sound card linked to the computer in a slot on the motherboard, to a port or by means of a cable? (1)

   2. How does an optical mouse differ from the normal mouse that uses a ball? (1)

   3. Which port will be used to connect the mouse in quotation B? (1)

   4. Why is it convenient to have a USB port at the front of a computer box? Refer in your answer to a specific characteristic of a USB port. (2)

   5. Name two specifications in quotation B that are related to screen display. (2)

3. General questions not based on the quotation:

   1. What does it mean when a a device is called 'hot swappable'? (1) 

   2. Bluetooth is a wireless networking system. How does it connect with devices if there are not wires? (1)

   3. What are registers used for in the CPU? (2)

   4. Name the two main components in the CPU. (2)

[15]

Question 3 - System software - 10 marks

Study the Annexure and answer the questions.

1. When you compare the prices of the two quotations, there is not much difference. What is the most expensive item, included in quotation B, that is lacking in A and that can convince John to choose quotation B? (1)
2. Both quotations offer software.
   1. Which quotation includes the latest version of the operating system? (1)
   2. Name any other system software that is mentioned in one of the two quotations. (1)
3. General questions not based on the quotation:
   1. In each case write down ONE short sentence to explain the following terms:
      1. Shareware (1)
      2. Open Source software (1)
   2. What does BIOS stand for? (1)
   3. Name the three components of the BIOS and briefly describe the function of each. (3)
   4. What is a driver? (1) 
    

[10]

Question 4 - Data communication - 15 marks

1. Quotation A includes an internal modem.
   1. Briefly describe the physical appearance of an internal modem. In other words, what does this modem look like? (1)
   2. What is the function of a modem? (1)
   3. Give one advantage of an external modem when compared to an internal modem. (1)
2. Topologies:
   1. What does the term topology refer to or mean? (1)
   2. Of the three major topologies, ring, bus and star, which fits each of the following descriptions? (4)
      1. The computers are connected to the network in a line, all attached to the same cable 
      2. Each computer is connected to the next computer, with the first one being connected to the last one 
      3. In what topology are the workstations not affected if one machine is broken? 
      4. In what topology or topologies is it easy to add workstations? 
3. Networks
   1. What hardware must a computer have in order to link to a network? (1) 
   2. Give two advantages of a network. (2)
   3. Give two functions the network administrator must perform, before the centre can be used.(2) 
   4. Give two advantages of fibre optic cables when compared to other types of cables. (2)

[15]

Question 5 - Social implications and ethical issues - 10 marks

1. 'The use of computers in society is one of the causes of increasing unemployment.'
   1. Give one example that shows that the use of computers increases unemployment. (1)
   2. Give one example that shows that the use of computers limits unemployment. (1)
2. Security on the Internet is very important, especially for the protection of clients of a bank when they are using a browser.
   1. What character in the web address https://wwb.absadirect.co.za indicates that it is a safe URL? (1)
   2. What icon on the computer screen indicates that communication over the Internet between two computers is safe? (1)
   3. What do we call the certificate issued by a certification authority to verify, amongst other things, that a web site is what it claims to be? (1)
   4. Give two examples where computers can help the man in the street with his financial transactions. (2)
   5. Why do relatively so few South Africans use Internet banking? (1)
3. List two possible advantages and/or disadvantages of using email. (Be careful, meaningful and logical.) (2)

[10]

Question 6 - Data communication and Social implications - 15 marks

1. Your mother opens an Edgars account in Johannesburg while visiting the town during the summer holidays. She purchased a few things with the card she received and monitors her account to make sure that she doesn’t go over her limit. Back at home in Cape Town she just carries on with the same card and received a bill at the end of the month, including the purchases of Johannesburg and Cape Town. Your mother wants to know why she didn’t receive separate billing from the two different branches.

   1. Explain to your mom what a network is. (1)
   2. After explaining networks she will be able to understand the different types of networks. Explain to your mom how a LAN can develop into a WAN. (1)
   3. She wants to know where Edgars gets so much wire to connect the Johannesburg branch with the Cape Town branch. Briefly explain to her how communication channels between branches are being established. (1)
   4. If she pays her account at the Cape Town branch the data on the mainframe will be updated. What is a mainframe and how come that all the branches will know about her payment. (1)
   5. Her friend told her that she paid her Edgars account without going to a branch. She pays her account from home using the computer. Now your mom is really excited because driving was never her best pastime.
      1. Briefly explain to your mom how her friend manages to do her payment with her computer at home. (1)
      2. She must choose between a modem dial-up connection, ADSL or ISDN dial-up. What is the difference between the three connections? (3)
      3. Motivate which connection of [ii] is the best for your mom. (2)
      4. Briefly explain what she can do to get a modem dial-up Internet connection on her home computer by explaining the following terminology: Internet browser, modem and ISP. (3)
      5. Driving through town you and your mom see a number of billboards advertising VoIP. Your mom wants to know if VoIP has anything to do with Internet. Realising that your sister is on her way au-pairing in Germany, explain to your mom what the acronym VoIP stands for and the benefits of VoIP for her and your sister in the near future. (2)

      [15]

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ANNEXURE

John received R6000 from his father to buy himself a computer.  He received quotations from two vendors.

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