Form 4 - November 2014

LAN is short for Local Area Network. A LAN is a computer network that connects devices within a limited area such as a home, office, or building. It allows the devices to share resources and communicate with each other. The other options, Linear Area Network, Local Airborne Network, and Localised Area Network, do not accurately describe the concept of a LAN.

A WAN (Wide Area Network) is a type of computer network that spans a large geographical area, typically covering multiple buildings or even different cities. It allows computers and devices in different locations to connect and communicate with each other. The other options, such as Wide Arial Network, Wilderness Area Network, and Wedge Area Network, do not exist and are not commonly used terms in the field of computer networking.

A browser is a type of software that is used to access the Internet. It allows users to navigate websites, view web pages, and interact with online content. Browsers provide an interface between the user and the Internet, enabling them to search for information, communicate with others, and perform various online activities. Popular examples of browsers include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.

Making frequent backups of the data is the best way of preventing loss of data during a power cut. Power cuts can cause sudden shutdowns of devices, leading to data loss if it is not saved or backed up properly. By regularly backing up the data, even if a power cut occurs, the most recent version of the data can be restored from the backup. This ensures that important information is not lost and can be easily recovered in case of any power-related issues.

A modem is required to connect to other computers via the telephone network. A modem is a device that converts digital signals from a computer into analog signals that can be transmitted over telephone lines, and vice versa. It allows the computer to communicate with other devices or computers over the telephone network by converting the digital data into a format that can be transmitted through the telephone lines. Without a modem, the computer would not be able to establish a connection with other computers using the telephone network.

The correct answer is "A company's intranet can be accessed by anyone within that organisation." An intranet is a private network that is only accessible to the members of an organization. It is designed to facilitate communication and collaboration within the organization and is not accessible to the general public or anyone outside of the organization.

The correct answer is Central Processing Unit. The CPU is the primary component of a computer that performs most of the processing inside the computer. It is responsible for executing instructions, performing calculations, and managing the flow of data between different parts of the computer. The term "Central" refers to its central role in coordinating and controlling the operations of the computer system. "Processing" emphasizes its function of processing data and instructions. "Unit" signifies that it is a single, integrated component.

An output device is a peripheral device that displays or presents data from a computer to the user. In this case, a printer is an output device because it receives data from a computer and produces a hard copy of that data on paper. CD - Rom, mouse, and Zip drive are not output devices as they are used for input or storage purposes.

A trackball is an alternative to the mouse. It is a pointing device that consists of a ball which can be rotated with the fingers or palm of the hand. The movement of the ball translates into the movement of the cursor on the screen, allowing users to control and navigate through a computer interface. Unlike a traditional mouse, which requires a flat surface to operate, a trackball can be used in any orientation and does not require much physical space.

A speech recognition utility is a software application that enables a computer to understand and respond to voice commands. It uses advanced algorithms to analyze spoken words and convert them into text or perform specific tasks based on the user's voice input. This technology is commonly used in virtual assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa, as well as in various other applications such as dictation software and voice-controlled navigation systems.

A mouse is an input device because it allows the user to interact with a computer by moving the cursor on the screen and clicking on various elements. It is used to input commands and navigate through different programs and applications. Unlike a CD-Rom, printer, or Zip Drive, which are all output devices, a mouse is specifically designed to provide input to the computer.

The correct answer is LAN, which stands for Local Area Network. LAN refers to a network of computers that are interconnected within a limited area, such as an office building, allowing staff to share files and printers. It provides a means for efficient communication and resource sharing among the computers in the same location.

Stock control is not a use of computer applications in a school because it is not directly related to the educational activities or administrative functions of a school. Class timetabling, student registration, and computer-based training are all tasks that are commonly performed using computer applications in a school setting to manage and enhance the learning experience for students. However, stock control typically refers to the management of inventory in a business or retail setting, which is not typically a function of a school.

The correct answer is "The combination of hardware, software and communications technologies." This definition accurately describes Information Technology, as it encompasses the various components that are necessary for the functioning of IT systems. Hardware refers to the physical devices, such as computers and servers, while software refers to the programs and applications that run on these devices. Communications technologies include networks and protocols that enable the transfer of data between devices. Together, these components form the foundation of Information Technology.

The keyboard is the peripheral device that allows you to enter numbers in a spreadsheet. It is an input device that has a set of keys, including numeric keys, which allows you to input numerical data into a spreadsheet software. The mouse, on the other hand, is primarily used for navigating and selecting items on the screen, while a bar code reader is used to scan and read bar codes, and a printer is used to produce hard copies of documents.

GHz stands for gigahertz, which is a unit of measurement used to determine the speed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The CPU is responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations in a computer system. A higher GHz value indicates a faster CPU, which means it can process data and perform tasks more quickly. Therefore, GHz is used to measure the speed of a CPU.

A touch screen can be considered both an input device and an output device. It acts as an input device because it allows users to interact with the device by touching the screen, providing input commands and gestures. At the same time, it also functions as an output device by displaying information, graphics, and visual feedback on the screen. Therefore, a touch screen fulfills the criteria of being both an input and an output device.

The answer states that a terabyte is greater than a gigabyte. This is true because the prefix "tera-" represents a factor of 10^12, while the prefix "giga-" represents a factor of 10^9. Therefore, a terabyte is 1000 times larger than a gigabyte.

Adding more RAM will have the most impact on the performance of your computer because RAM (Random Access Memory) is responsible for temporarily storing data that your computer is actively using. By adding more RAM, your computer will be able to handle more tasks and processes simultaneously, resulting in improved performance and faster response times. This upgrade can significantly enhance multitasking capabilities, improve overall system speed, and reduce lag or slowdowns when running resource-intensive applications or programs.

A scanner is a device that is commonly used to digitize a photograph. It allows you to convert a physical photograph into a digital image by scanning it and creating a digital file. This digital file can then be stored, edited, and shared electronically. Scanners are specifically designed for this purpose and offer high-resolution scanning capabilities to capture the details and colors of the photograph accurately. Therefore, a scanner is the most suitable device for digitizing a photograph.

The given statement "Networks can never be used with more than 3 users" is false because networks can be used with any number of users depending on the capacity and design of the network infrastructure. Networks are designed to connect multiple devices and users, allowing them to share resources such as printers and application programs. Additionally, networks can be affected by viruses, which is another true statement.

Copying a file from the hard drive to a floppy disk is a function of the operating system because the operating system manages and controls the hardware resources of the computer, including the hard drive and floppy disk drive. It provides the necessary commands and functions to read data from the hard drive and write it to the floppy disk, ensuring that the file is successfully copied and transferred between the two storage devices.

RAM, or Random Access Memory, is a type of computer memory that is volatile, meaning it loses its stored data when the power is switched off. This is because RAM relies on electrical power to maintain the data stored in its memory cells. When the power is turned off, the data stored in RAM is no longer retained, and it needs to be reloaded when the system is powered on again. Therefore, the characteristic of RAM being lost when the power is switched off is correct.

An extranet is an extension of an intranet that uses Internet technologies to allow communication with specific users outside of the intranet. It provides a secure and controlled way for organizations to share information, collaborate, and conduct business with external partners, customers, and suppliers. This allows authorized users to access certain parts of the intranet remotely, enabling seamless communication and collaboration between internal and external stakeholders.

A database is the appropriate type of software to store customer data because it is designed specifically for organizing and managing large amounts of structured data. Databases provide a structured framework to store, retrieve, and manipulate data efficiently. They offer features such as data integrity, security, and scalability, making them ideal for storing and managing customer information. Compared to spreadsheets, presentations, or word processing software, databases offer more advanced functionalities for data storage and retrieval, making them the preferred choice for managing customer data.

A pen drive is rewritable because it is a type of portable storage device that allows users to write, delete, and modify data multiple times. It uses flash memory technology, which enables data to be electronically erased and rewritten. CD-R and DVD-R are write-once discs, meaning that once data is written onto them, it cannot be erased or modified. CD-ROM, on the other hand, is a read-only disc that cannot be written to at all.

A monitor does not connect to a computer using a USB. Monitors typically connect to a computer using a VGA, DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort cable. USB ports are commonly used for connecting peripherals such as printers, mice, and scanners to a computer.

The gigabyte is the largest unit of computer storage. It is equal to 1,073,741,824 bytes or 1024 megabytes. It is commonly used to measure the capacity of hard drives, solid-state drives, and other storage devices. The gigabyte is significantly larger than the byte and the bit, and it is also larger than the megabyte.

Laser printers are the fastest type of printer among the options given. This is because laser printers use advanced technology that allows them to print at high speeds. They use a laser beam to create an image on a drum, which is then transferred onto the paper. This process is much faster compared to inkjet, bubblejet, and dot matrix printers, which use different mechanisms to print. Inkjet printers, for example, spray tiny droplets of ink onto the paper, which takes more time. Therefore, laser printers are the correct answer for the fastest type of printer.

A PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) is a hand-held device that is used to store appointments and other personal information. It is designed to be portable and convenient, allowing users to easily access and manage their schedules on the go. PDAs typically have a touch screen interface and can synchronize with other devices such as computers or smartphones to keep information up to date. Unlike a notebook, desktop, or mini computer, a PDA is specifically designed for organizing and storing appointments and other personal data.

Mainframe computers are specifically designed to handle large-scale data processing and operate complex corporate systems and databases. They have high processing power, storage capacity, and are capable of handling multiple tasks simultaneously. Mainframes are typically used in industries such as banking, healthcare, and government, where large amounts of data need to be processed and stored securely. They are known for their reliability, scalability, and ability to handle heavy workloads, making them ideal for large corporate systems and databases.

Operating system software controls the file system on the computer. The operating system is responsible for managing and organizing files and directories, as well as providing access to them. It ensures that files are stored, retrieved, and modified correctly, and handles tasks such as file permissions, file allocation, and disk management. Without the operating system software, the file system would not be able to function properly, and users would not be able to interact with their files and folders effectively.

MS Office 2010 is not classed as system software because it is a suite of productivity applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, designed for personal and business use. System software, on the other hand, refers to the operating system and other software that manages and controls the computer hardware, such as Windows 98, Windows 7, and MacOS 10.7. MS Office 2010 is an application software that runs on top of the operating system to perform specific tasks, rather than being part of the core system functionality.

To prepare the disk for storing data, the correct step is to format the disk. Formatting the disk involves initializing the disk and creating a file system that allows for the organization and storage of data. This process erases any existing data on the disk and prepares it for use by the operating system. Copying the disk simply duplicates the existing data, scanning the disk checks for errors or malware, and right protecting the disk prevents any changes from being made to it. Therefore, formatting the disk is the appropriate action to prepare it for storing data.

The hard disk that stores the most data is the 500GB hard disk. This is because GB (gigabytes) is a larger unit of measurement compared to MB (megabytes) or KB (kilobytes). Therefore, the 500GB hard disk has a larger storage capacity than the other options listed.

The correct answer is that the faster the CPU clock speed, the faster the RAM will work. This is because the CPU clock speed determines how quickly the CPU can process instructions and access data from memory. A higher clock speed allows the CPU to retrieve data from RAM more quickly, resulting in faster overall performance.

A data cartridge would be used to back up large quantities of data. Unlike floppy disks, which have limited storage capacity, data cartridges are designed specifically for storing large amounts of data. Laptops and PDAs are not typically used for backing up large quantities of data, as they have limited storage capacity and are more commonly used for personal computing and data management on a smaller scale.

A spreadsheet would be the most appropriate type of software to prepare a budget forecast. Spreadsheets are designed to organize and manipulate numerical data, making them ideal for creating and calculating budgets. They allow users to input and update financial information easily, perform calculations, and generate visual representations such as charts and graphs. Additionally, spreadsheets offer various functions and formulas that can be used to analyze and forecast budget data accurately. Therefore, using a spreadsheet software would provide the necessary tools and features to effectively prepare a budget forecast.

The ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) in the CPU (Central Processing Unit) is responsible for performing mathematical operations. It uses data stored within the CPU registers to carry out these operations. The ALU is a critical component of the CPU and is responsible for executing arithmetic and logical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and comparison. It performs these operations on the data stored in the CPU registers, which are small storage areas within the CPU itself.

RAM, or Random Access Memory, is the type of memory used to store applications while they are running. Unlike ROM (Read-Only Memory) which is non-volatile and stores permanent data, RAM is volatile and temporary. It allows the computer to quickly access and store data that is actively being used by the running applications. This allows for faster processing and multitasking capabilities. Cache memory is a smaller and faster type of memory that temporarily stores frequently accessed data to improve overall system performance. Auxiliary memory refers to secondary storage devices like hard drives or solid-state drives, which are used for long-term storage of data.

Broadband is a high-speed internet connection that provides several features. The options provided are features of broadband, except for "Less risk of intruder attack." Broadband does not inherently provide protection against intruder attacks. While additional security measures can be implemented to minimize the risk, it is not a built-in feature of broadband itself.

RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It is a type of computer memory that is used to store data that is actively being used by the computer's operating system, software programs, and applications. Unlike other types of memory such as ROM or virtual memory, RAM is volatile, meaning that its contents are lost when the computer is powered off. By installing more RAM in your computer, you are increasing its capacity to store and access data, which can result in improved performance and faster processing speeds.

A hard disk is not a removable storage device because it is permanently installed inside a computer or an external hard drive enclosure. It is designed to store and retrieve data on a long-term basis and is not intended to be easily removed or replaced like CD-ROMs, floppies, or zip disks. Removable storage devices are typically portable and can be easily connected or disconnected from a computer system.

A computer program is a set of instructions that tells a computer what tasks to perform. It is a sequence of commands and statements that guide the computer in executing specific operations. The program provides step-by-step directions to the computer on how to process data, perform calculations, and produce desired outputs. It is not an input device, interactive user guide, or a help system, as those are different components or tools that assist users in interacting with the computer or providing assistance with using software programs.

A server is a type of computer that is designed to store and manage files in a network. It is specifically built to handle multiple requests from clients and provide services such as file sharing, data storage, and access control. Servers are typically more powerful and have more storage capacity compared to other types of computers like laptops or desktops, making them ideal for storing common files in a network.

An external hard drive is a portable device that can be connected to a computer to provide additional storage space. It is not located adjacent to the internal hard drive internally, as it is an external device. It is also not connected to the computer by a serial port, as modern external hard drives typically use USB or Thunderbolt connections. While an external hard drive can help protect files and folders from viruses if used properly, it does not inherently prevent viruses. The correct answer, therefore, is that an external hard drive is portable and can store up to 1 Terabyte depending on what you can afford.

When the computer is turned off, the information stored in ROM (Read-Only Memory) remains unaffected. ROM is a type of non-volatile memory, meaning that it retains its data even when power is lost. Unlike RAM (Random Access Memory) which is volatile and loses its data when the computer is turned off, ROM is designed to store permanent instructions and data that are essential for the computer's basic operations. Therefore, the information stored in ROM remains intact and does not change or get lost when the computer is powered off.

A kilobyte is a unit of digital information storage, and it is equal to 1024 bytes. Therefore, the correct answer is 1024 bytes.

Installing more memory is likely to give the most improvement in this situation. When running multiple applications simultaneously, the computer's memory (RAM) can become overloaded, causing the system to slow down or crash. By adding more memory, the computer will have more capacity to handle the demands of running multiple applications at the same time, resulting in improved performance and stability.

Defragmentation is a process that rearranges fragmented files on a hard disk, bringing the scattered pieces closer together. When files are fragmented, it takes longer for the computer to access and retrieve them, resulting in slower performance. By organizing the fragmented files and placing them in contiguous blocks, defragmentation improves the efficiency of file retrieval, ultimately speeding up the computer's overall performance.