• consists of values between 0–255 / 0–FFF
• values are separated by full stops/colons
• it is a unique address
• can be static or dynamic
• can be public or private
• can be IPv4 / have four groups of digits
• can be IPv6 / have eight groups of digits
• in IPv6 :: can replace groups of zeros.

1. Hardware failure
2. Corrupted software files
3. Hacking into the system
4. Power failure

Advantages

•  A touch screen is very intuitive
• Easy to use as the user simply touches what they see on the display
• Save space as no keyboard or mouse is required.
• Touch monitors can even be mounted on the wall.
• Touching a visual display of choices requires little thinking and is a form of direct manipulation that is easy to learn.
• Touch screens are the fastest pointing devices.
• Touch screens have easier hand-eye coordination than mice or keyboards.
• No extra workspace is required as with other pointing devices.
• Touch screens are durable in public access and in high volume usage

Disadvantages

• Difficult for people with accessibility issues, e.g no feedback, disability
• Can be easily damaged/scratched
• Damaged/scratched screen prevent the interface from functioning as it should
• Dirty screens difficult to read
• Users must be within arm’s reach of the display
• It is difficult to select small items
• User's hand may obscure the screen
• Screens need to be installed at a lower position and tilted to reduce arm fatigue
• Some reduction in image brightness may occur
• They cost more than alternative devices

• Extra bit on each data-byte that
•  Does not transmit data
• Makes the number of ones in a byte always even or always odd
• Error in the transmission of a bit will make the even/odd wrong
• The problem of two errors in one byte not being found
• Parity block

• Any new or changed files since the last backup

1. Speeds up coding since converting a pseudocode into a programming language is usually faster and easier
2. Acts as documentation
3. Simplifies debugging since logical errors can be identified and corrected early in design stage
4. Language independent since it is not tied to any specific language so can be translated into different languages
5. It uses simple english-like statements

• used to identify a device
• it is a unique (address)
• it is a static address // it does not change
• it is set by the manufacturer
• the first part is the manufacturer ID/number / identifies the manufacturer
• the second part is the serial number / ID.

The booting process is the sequence of events that occur when a computer is turned on or restarted. It involves a series of steps that allow the computer's operating system to initialize and become functional. Here's a simplified explanation of what happens during the booting process:

1. Power-On Self-Test (POST): When the computer is powered on, the first thing it does is perform a Power-On Self-Test. During this step, the computer's hardware components, such as the CPU, memory, and storage devices, are checked for proper functioning. The POST verifies that all essential hardware components are present and operational.

2. Bootloader: Once the POST is completed, the computer looks for the bootloader. The bootloader is a small program stored in the computer's firmware or on the bootable device (such as the hard drive or a USB drive). It is responsible for loading the operating system.

3. Loading the Operating System: The bootloader locates the operating system's files and initiates the loading process. It may display a boot menu allowing the user to choose the operating system if multiple options are available. The selected operating system's core files are loaded into the computer's memory.

4. Kernel Initialization: The operating system's kernel, which is the central component responsible for managing system resources, is initialized. The kernel sets up essential components such as device drivers, memory management, and process management.

5. System Initialization: After the kernel is initialized, the operating system proceeds with system initialization. During this stage, various system services and processes are started, and hardware devices are initialized and configured. The operating system loads essential system files and prepares the environment for user interaction.

6. Login/Graphical Interface: Once the system initialization is complete, the user is presented with a login prompt or a graphical user interface (GUI). The user can then log in with their credentials or interact with the GUI to access the computer's functionalities.

1. (a)State what is meant by the terms:

Parallel data transmission

• 8 bits/1 byte/multiple bits sent at a time  

1. using many/multiple/8 wires/lines

Serial data transmission

• one bit sent at a time  
• over a single wire

b) Give one benefit of each type of data transmission.

• Parallel - faster rate of data transmission

Serial

1. -more accurate/fewer errors over a longer distance
2. -less expensive wiring  
3. less chance of data being skewed/out of synchronization/order

Give one application of each type of data transmission. Each application must be different

Parallel

• sending data from a computer to a printer
•  internal data transfer (buses)

Serial

• connect computer to a modem

State what is meant by the term USB

• universal serial bus

Describe two benefits of using USB connections between a computer and a device.

• -devices are automatically detected and configured when initially attached
  • Impossible to connect device incorrectly/connector only fits one way
  • has become the industry standard
  • supports multiple data transmission speeds
  • lots of support base for USB software developers
  • supported by many operating systems
  • backward compatible
  • faster transmission compared to wireless

DVD - optical media which use one spiral track; red lasers are used to read and write data on the media surface; makes use of dual-layering technology to increase the storage capacity

ROM - non-volatile memory chip; contents of the chip cannot be altered; it is often used to store the start-up routines in a computer (e.g. the BIOS)

SSD/ Solid State Drive/memory (SSD): a non-volatile memory device that uses NAND flash memories (which consist of millions of transistors wired in series on single circuit boards)

Blue Ray -  optical media that uses blue laser technology to read and write data on the media surface; it uses a single 1.1 mm polycarbonate disc

Viruses, pharming and phishing are all examples of potential Internet security issues.
Explain what is meant by each of these three terms.

Virus

• - program/software that replicates/copies itself
• – can delete or alter files/data stored on a computer
•  – can make the computer “crash”/run slow

Pharming - malicious code/software installed on a user’s hard drive/actual webserver

 – this code redirects users to a fake website (without their knowledge)

 – to obtain personal/financial information/data

Phishing - legitimate-looking emails sent to a user – as soon as the recipient opens/clicks on the link in the email/attachment,  the user is directed to a fake website (without their knowledge) – To obtain personal/financial information/data

control bus- this bus carries signals used to coordinate the computer’s activities

address bus - this uni-directional bus carries signals relating to memory addresses between processor and memory

data bus - this bi-directional bus is used to exchange data between processor, memory and input/output devices

The seven stages in a von Neumann fetch-execute cycle

• the PC (program counter) contains the address of the next instruction to be fetched
• the address contained in the PC (program counter) is copied to the MAR (memory address register) via the address bus
• the instruction is then copied from the memory location contained in the MAR (memory address register) and is placed in the MDR (memory data register)
• the entire instruction is then copied from the MDR (memory data register) and placed in the CIR (current instruction register)
• the value in the PC (program counter) is then incremented so that it points to the next instruction to be fetched
• the address part of the instruction is placed in the MAR (memory address register)
• the instruction is finally decoded and is then executed

Modern LCD monitors and televisions use LED-backlit technology.
Give two advantages of using this new technology compared to the older cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) method

• no need to warm up
• – whiter tint/more vivid colours/brighter image
• – higher resolution
• – much thinner monitors possible/lighter weight
• – more reliable technology/longer lasting
• – uses much less power/more efficient

• To provide access to the Internet

• the pain felt in muscles, nerves and tendons caused by repetitive movement and overuse.
• Injury as a result of repetitive use of parts of the body while performing work
• Strains and injuries due to prolonged typing and use of the mouse

Utility Software

(a) Pointer

•  A graphical object on a computer screen that responds to move movement and allows the computer user to select and execute commands in graphical user interface operating systems

(b) Desktop

• It Is a special folder in the file system that is displayed when no other windows are open

Refers to a small piece of software designed to update, fix, or improve a specific part of the operating system or an application.

NB: Patches are typically released by the software's developer or the operating system vendor to address security vulnerabilities, software bugs, or to add new features or enhancements

• has a significantly larger address pool than previous version
• features a client-side address assignment
• has built-in encryption
• enables one device to have many network addresses

• Physical topology deals with the placement of nodes
• Logical topology deals with the data flow  in the network

• Main document
• Data source
• merged document

b) Study the following pseudocode and answer the questions that follow.

1. Start

2. Get Value1 and Value2

3. If Value1> Value2 Then

4. Maximum = Value1

5. Else If Value1< Value2 Then

6. Maximum = Value2

7. Else Go to 9

8. Display Maximum

9. Stop

i) State the purpose of the pseudocode                                                                                  [1]

To compare two values and output the greater of the two

ii) Draw a flowchart equivalent to the pseudocode.                                                                     [8]

• Processor

(a) Cookies

• Information that a website stores about a user on their hard disk; this enables
  the website to remember details about the user when they next visit the website.

(b) Spyware

• Program installed on a PC to gather information about the user. It monitors
  every key press and relays the information back to the home base

(c) Phishing

• Sending an email that claims to be from a legitimate company; the recipient is then directed to a bogus website where their personal details will be collected

(d)Spam

• Junk/ (unsolicited) electronic mail advertising products and services sent to a general mailing list.

(e) Pharming

• Malicious code installed on a PC or on a server. This code directs users to a
  a fraudulent website without their knowledge.