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)

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

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

(b) Encryption - Contents are scrambled so they cannot be understood without a decryption key

(c) Backup - A copy of the data is taken and stored in another location

(b) Disk contents analysis/repair software - Scans a hard disk to identify bad sectors

(c) Disk formatter -  Prepares a hard disk for first use

If a full version is required need to pay a fee/sign up

When the trial is over user is asked to pay/sign up

Protected by copyright

Type of software licence
 

• Two inputs are compared by the system and any discrepancies are reported (and not stored.)
• Data input once, either printed out or checked on the screen and  errors corrected

 Rules are given to the processor

• Only accept A, B, C, D, E, F, G i.e Any other input rejected.

Drop-down list/radio buttons

• Provides only valid inputs, so no other validation is required