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
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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
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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
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Computer Systems Sample Formatted/HW © NCC Education Ltd 2012