Name two other input/output devices used at the POS terminal apart from keyboard and barcode reader and give a use for each device.
device: beeper/loud speaker
use: to indicate barcode correctly read/error in reading barcode
device: (LCD) screen/monitor
use: to show prices and other information about goods
device: touch screen
use: to show prices and other information about goods/to select items that need to be
weighed/identified
device: weighing machine
use: to find weight of loose items (e.g. fruit) to enable pricing
device: (magnetic) card reader/CHIP and PIN reader
use: to read customer’s debit/credit card/enable customer to pay for goods using a
credit or debit card
device: printer
use: to print receipts
State the functions of the following:
Bridge: Joins together two networks that use the same base protocols.
Hub: Copies all packets of data to all devices on the network.
Router: Stores the addresses of computers on the network and transfers data between devices.
Switch : Analyses each data packet and sends it to the computer it was intended for.
What is a computer virus?
A computer virus is a program designed to damage other programs or causes irregular behaviour in a computer system.
Differentiate between active matrix and passive matrix LCDs
Describe the function of the Cache memory
What precaution would you take in a computer lab if humidity falls below normal for prolonged periods due to weather changes?
Use a humidifier: Using a humidifier can help maintain a consistent level of humidity in the computer lab, which can prevent the negative effects of low humidity.
Avoid dry air: Avoid creating a dry environment in the computer lab by opening windows or using fans to increase air circulation.
Regular maintenance: Ensure that all computer components are properly maintained and cleaned to prevent damage due to static electricity.
Backup data: Regularly backup all important data to avoid data loss in case of hardware failure caused by low humidity.
Monitor humidity levels: Use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels in the computer lab and take corrective measures if the levels fall below a safe range.
Use anti-static materials: Use anti-static mats or wristbands when handling computer components to prevent static electricity buildup.
Explain why it is not always true that a computer which has a quad-core processor runs twice as fast as a computer with a dual-core processor
Describe the following features of a graphical user interface:
(a) Pointer
(b) Desktop
(a) Pointer
(b) Desktop
Explain why smoke and dust particles are harmful to a computer
Overheating: Smoke and dust particles can accumulate inside the computer's casing, blocking airflow and hindering the cooling mechanisms of the computer. This can lead to overheating of the internal components, such as the CPU and graphics card. Overheating can cause system instability, performance degradation, and even permanent damage to the hardware.
Component Malfunction: Smoke and dust particles can settle on electronic components, such as the motherboard, memory modules, and connectors. Over time, this accumulation can create a layer of debris, leading to poor electrical contact and interference with signal transmission. This can result in component malfunctions, intermittent failures, or even complete hardware failure.
Short Circuits: If smoke or dust particles contain conductive materials, such as metal flakes or moisture, they can create a risk of short circuits. When conductive particles come into contact with exposed circuits or connectors, they can cause a direct electrical connection between two points that are not intended to be connected. Short circuits can damage components, disrupt data transmission, and even pose a fire hazard.
Increased Maintenance Requirements: Smoke and dust particles can increase the frequency and complexity of computer maintenance. Accumulated dust can clog cooling fans, causing them to work less effectively or even fail. Additionally, smoke particles can leave behind sticky residues that further attract dust, making the cleaning process more challenging.
Reduced Performance and Reliability: As smoke and dust particles accumulate within the computer, they can restrict the movement of mechanical components, such as fans or disk drives, affecting their performance and reliability. Dust particles can also hinder the reading and writing capabilities of optical drives or cause errors in data transmission.
List any two components of an expert system (2marks)
Describe and give an example of one syntax and one logical programming error.
Syntax
• An error that occurs when a command does not follow the expected syntax of the language, e.g. when a keyword is incorrectly spelt
• Incorrect: IF A ADN B Then
• Correct: IF A AND B Then
Logical
• An error that causes a program to output an incorrect answer (that does not necessarily crash the program)
• An algorithm that calculates a person’s age from their date of birth, but ends up giving negative numbers
Give two benefits for the supermarket manager of using point of sale (POS) terminals.
Give two advantages of using broadband rather than dial-up
Joe plays online games using the world wide web. A sequence of processes is required to open a web page. Describe this sequence of processes
A computer game involves driving a racing car around a track. State which two modes of data processing would be appropriate, justifying your answers
Computer programs require translation to execute. (a) Compilers and interpreters translate high-level programming languages into machine code. Describe the main differences between a compiler and an interpreter.
List four ways of acquiring software in an organization
Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software: Organizations can purchase pre-developed software solutions from commercial vendors. These software products are typically ready-made and designed to fulfill common business needs. Examples include productivity software, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and accounting software. COTS software can be licensed based on a one-time purchase or a subscription model.
Custom software development: Organizations may choose to develop custom software tailored to their specific requirements. This involves hiring software developers or outsourcing the development work to a third-party vendor. Custom software offers flexibility and can be designed to align with unique business processes and workflows. It allows organizations to have full control over the software's features and functionality.
Open-source software: Open-source software is developed collaboratively and made freely available to the public. Organizations can acquire open-source software without incurring licensing costs. They have the right to use, modify, and distribute the software as per the terms of the open-source license. Open-source software can be an economical option, and it allows organizations to benefit from community-driven development and ongoing improvements.
Software as a Service (SaaS): SaaS refers to software applications that are accessed and used over the internet. Organizations can acquire software on a subscription basis, where the software is hosted and maintained by the vendor. Users access the software through web browsers or dedicated client applications. SaaS eliminates the need for local software installation and offers scalability and accessibility from any location with an internet connection.
Describe two methods used to assist in finding program errors.
State two computer-based careers that have arisen as a result of computer-based data processing in a factory (2 marks)
System analyst
Web designers
Network administrators
Database administrators
Programmers
Computer technicians