What is entity integrity?
Describe how the database can be recovered from a system failure
Give one advantage using a star network rather than a ring network.
What is meant by RAID technology?
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) technology refers to a method of combining multiple physical disk drives into a logical unit to improve performance, data availability, and data redundancy. RAID technology is commonly used in storage systems to provide fault tolerance, data protection, and increased storage performance.
The primary purpose of RAID is to create a more reliable and robust storage solution by spreading data across multiple drives and implementing various data redundancy techniques. This helps to mitigate the risk of data loss and system downtime in case of drive failures.
There are different levels or configurations of RAID, each offering different features and trade-offs. The most commonly used RAID levels are:
RAID 0 (Striping): Data is split evenly across multiple drives, resulting in increased performance as data can be accessed from multiple drives simultaneously. However, there is no redundancy, so if one drive fails, data loss can occur.
RAID 1 (Mirroring): Data is duplicated or mirrored across two drives, providing redundancy. If one drive fails, the other drive can still function and serve the data. RAID 1 offers data protection but does not offer increased performance.
RAID 5 (Striping with Parity): Data and parity information are striped across multiple drives, providing both increased performance and fault tolerance. Parity information allows for the recovery of data in case of a single drive failure. RAID 5 requires a minimum of three drives.
RAID 10 (Combination of Mirroring and Striping): RAID 10 combines elements of RAID 1 and RAID 0. It involves mirroring data across two sets of drives and then striping the mirrored sets for increased performance and fault tolerance. RAID 10 provides high levels of data redundancy and performance but requires a minimum of four drives.
Give a reason why microwaves are commonly used for point-to-point communication
Explain why a developer, who is good at both low-level and high-level programming, would normally use high-level languages when writing programs.
State the types of storage devices used in a computer
Primary Storage (Memory):
Secondary Storage (Mass Storage):
Briefly describe three types of database models
Convert the following:
(a) the binary number \(1111 1100_2\) to hexadecimal.
(b) the denary number \(138_{10}\) to hexadecimal.
(c) the hexadecimal number \(5D_{16}\) to denary.
(a) \(F C_{16}\)
(b) \(8 A_{16}\)
(c) \(93_{10}\)
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
State the functions of the following utility programs
(a) Defragmentation software
(b) Disk contents analysis/repair software
(c) Disk formatter
(a) Defragmentation software - Reorganises files on a disk to improve efficiency
(b) Disk contents analysis/repair software - Scans a hard disk to identify bad sectors
(c) Disk formatter - Prepares a hard disk for first use
Distinguish between operating system software and an application software
Define the following terms as used in the internet
HTTPS/HTTP: this is a protocol that is used to send data to web pages across the Internet
Uniform Resource Locator (URL): a text-based version of a web address
Internet Service provider /ISP - his is the company that provides a user with a connection to the Internet
browser - Software/application that allows users to view web pages / render HTML -
cookie - a text file (stored by a web browser) that contains data about a user’s browsing habits/details/preferences
Explain the function of the protect sheet feature in the spreadsheet program
Explain one reason why a computer needs to be connected to a stable power source
System Stability: Computers require a consistent and stable power supply to function properly. Fluctuations or interruptions in the power source can cause various issues that can disrupt the computer's operation or lead to hardware damage.
a. Data Loss: Sudden power outages or voltage fluctuations can cause the computer to shut down abruptly, resulting in data loss if unsaved work is not properly stored. This can be particularly problematic when working on critical tasks or handling important files.
b. Hardware Damage: Power surges or inconsistent power supply can damage the computer's internal components, including the motherboard, CPU, memory, and storage devices. These damages can result in system instability, reduced performance, or even complete hardware failure.
c. Operating System Corruption: Abrupt power loss or inconsistent power supply can corrupt the operating system files, leading to system crashes, error messages, and instability. This may require system repairs or reinstallation of the operating system.
d. Component Lifespan: Inconsistent power supply can put unnecessary stress on computer components, shortening their lifespan. Frequent power fluctuations or surges can cause wear and tear on various parts, reducing their efficiency and overall longevity.
Using an example, explain a difference between a primary key and a foreign key in a relational database.
A primary key is a table field that uniquely identifies each record and ensures that duplicate entries are not allowed
A foreign key is primary key of a parent table placed in a child table to ensure that any record added to a child table is related to the one in parent table.
A foreign key is a field (or a set of fields) in one table that refers to the primary key of another table. It is used to establish and enforce a link between the data in the two tables, ensuring referential integrity.
State ways in which an OS secures a computer system
At which stage of the system development life cycle does the changeover to a new system take place?
Mikal has been employed as a computer trainer in an organisation. State three roles that she is likely to play in the organisation