Cs ep-sample jan2012-final
- 1. COMPUTER SYSTEMS SAMPLE Examination Paper Answer ALL questions. Clearly cross out surplus answers. Time: 2 hours Any reference material brought into the examination room must be handed to the invigilator before the start of the examination.
- 2. ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS Marks QUESTION 1 a) Identify FOUR (4) different types of computer system. 4 b) For each of these four types of computer system, name ONE (1) example machine. 4 c) Explain why a modern mobile telephone can be classed as a computer. 2 Total 10 Marks QUESTION 2 a) Identify and briefly outline the function of the three key components of the processor. 3 b) Briefly outline the steps involved in the standard fetch execute cycle. 4 c) Distinguish between machine code and assembly language. 2 d) Briefly explain what is meant by a “dual core” processor. 1 Total 10 Marks QUESTION 3 a) Identify two features that distinguish between Read Only Memory (ROM) and Random Access 2 Memory (RAM). b) Indentify FOUR (4) features that distinguish between primary storage and secondary storage. 4 c) Explain what is meant by a “bus” in computer technology. 2 d) Explain the differences between the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus and the 2 Universal Serial Bus (USB). Total 10 Marks QUESTION 4 a) Identify ONE (1) input device, other than keyboard or mouse, and briefly outline for what it is 3 used. b) Identify ONE (1) output device, other than screen or printer, and briefly outline for what it is 3 used. c) Outline TWO (2) reasons why it is inadvisable to use a USB memory stick for permanent 2 storage of important data. d) Outline the main purpose of the Bluetooth wireless communications technology. 2 Total 10 Marks QUESTIONS CONTINUE ON NEXT PAGE Page 2 of 4 Computer Systems Sample Formatted/HW © NCC Education Ltd 2012
- 3. Marks QUESTION 5 a) Distinguish between hardware and software. 2 b) Distinguish between systems software and applications software. 2 c) Identify THREE (3) key functions of an Operating System. 3 d) Outline THREE (3) differences between the operation of a compiler and an interpreter. 3 Total 10 Marks J QUESTION 6 a) Distinguish between acceptance testing and service (or repair) testing. 2 b) Outline why a formal test plan is necessary to ensure valid testing. 2 c) Outline why it is important to back-up data before performing any testing. 2 d) Identify TWO (2) common causes of PC faults and briefly explain how to repair them. 4 Total 10 Marks QUESTION 7 a) In the context of PC technical support, outline what is meant by “software maintenance”? 2 b) Distinguish between an update (or patch) and an upgrade. 2 c) Briefly outline the advantages and disadvantages of using an automatic update facility, such as 4 Windows Update. d) Identify two routine disk maintenance operations that should be performed regularly on every 2 PC. Total 10 Marks QUESTION 8 a) Explain what is meant by “preventative maintenance”. 2 b) Outline the problems that regular cleaning of a computer system can prevent. 2 c) Identify THREE (3) environmental issues that can adversely affect the long-term performance of 3 a computer system. d) Outline THREE (3) user actions that can help the long-term reliability of a computer system. 3 Total 10 Marks QUESTIONS CONTINUE ON NEXT PAGE Page 3 of 4 Computer Systems Sample Formatted/HW © NCC Education Ltd 2012
- 4. Marks QUESTION 9 a) Outline the key functions of a file management system. 3 b) List THREE (3) pieces of information that are stored in the directory entry for each file. 3 c) Outline how the file type (i.e. the type of data that is stored in a particular file) is determined 3 under each of Windows, Apple Mac OS X and Linux. d) Outline why it is important to have a logical folder structure on a modern PC. 1 Total 10 Marks QUESTION 10 a) Outline the purpose of requirements (or needs) analysis. 2 b) Identify THREE (3) possible groups of stakeholders for a computer system. 3 c) Identify TWO (2) areas with which a new system may have to integrate. 2 d) Outline the advantages and disadvantages of building a PC yourself from components, rather 3 than buying an off the shelf, ready built system. Total 10 Marks END OF EXAM Page 4 of 4 Computer Systems Sample Formatted/HW © NCC Education Ltd 2012