Functional Skills Assessment Semester 1

The monitor is a device that displays visual output from the computer. It allows users to see what they are doing on the computer by showing them the images, videos, text, and other graphical elements that are being processed by the computer's graphics card. The monitor is an essential component of a computer system as it provides a visual interface for users to interact with. Without a monitor, users would not be able to see the results of their actions on the computer.

The mouse is a device that allows users to move the cursor on the screen. By physically moving the mouse across a surface, the cursor on the screen also moves accordingly, allowing users to interact with various elements and navigate through different applications and programs. The mouse typically has buttons that can be clicked to perform actions such as selecting items or opening menus, providing a convenient and intuitive way to control the cursor and interact with the computer.

The power button is the correct button to press in order to switch on a PC. This button is typically located on the front or top of the computer case and is used to turn the computer on or off. Pressing the power button sends a signal to the computer's power supply, initiating the startup process and allowing the computer to boot up and become operational. The reset button, brightness button, and none of the above options are not appropriate for switching on a PC.

The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is often referred to as the "brains" of the computer because it is responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. It is the main component that carries out the majority of the computer's processing tasks, including running programs and managing data. Without the CPU, a computer would not be able to function effectively, making it a crucial component in any computer system.

We use a password for security purposes. Passwords help protect our personal information and prevent unauthorized access to our accounts or devices. By setting a password, we can ensure that only authorized individuals can access our data and maintain the confidentiality of our sensitive information. Passwords are an essential component of cybersecurity measures and play a crucial role in safeguarding our digital assets.

The options provided, CD, CD ROM, and DVD, are all types of optical storage devices that allow users to burn and save information from a computer. CDs and CD ROMs are commonly used for storing and transferring data, while DVDs have a larger storage capacity and are often used for multimedia purposes. Therefore, all three options are correct answers to the question.

A Local Area Network (LAN) refers to a network that connects computers and devices within a limited area, such as a home, office, or school. It enables the sharing of resources, such as printers and files, and allows for communication between connected devices. LANs are typically faster and more secure than wide area networks (WANs) as they cover a smaller geographic area.

A WAN, or Wide Area Network, refers to a network that covers a large geographical area, typically spanning multiple cities or even countries. It is used to connect computers and devices that are located far apart from each other, allowing them to communicate and share resources. Unlike a local area network (LAN) that covers a smaller area, a WAN utilizes public or private telecommunications infrastructure to connect its various components. This enables organizations to establish reliable and secure connections between their remote offices or branches, facilitating efficient data transfer and communication across long distances.

Locking a computer is a security measure to prevent unauthorized access and protect personal information. By locking the computer, the user ensures that no one else can use it while they are away, safeguarding their privacy and data. This action also prevents any unauthorized modifications or misuse of the computer's resources. Therefore, the correct answer is to stop someone else from using the computer while the user is away.

The USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a device that allows you to save information from the computer. It is a common interface used to connect various devices such as flash drives, external hard drives, and smartphones to the computer. The USB provides a convenient and portable way to transfer and store data, making it a popular choice for saving information. On the other hand, a floppy disk is an outdated storage medium that was commonly used in the past but is now rarely used due to its limited storage capacity and slow data transfer speed.

Sleep mode actually reduces the amount of electrical energy consumed by a device. When a device enters sleep mode, it enters a low-power state where it uses minimal energy to maintain essential functions, such as keeping the device in a ready-to-wake state. This helps conserve battery life and reduce electricity usage, making sleep mode an energy-saving feature. Therefore, the statement that sleep mode increases the amount of electrical energy is false.

Logging in, also known as signing in or logging on, refers to the process of gaining individual access to a computer system. It involves providing valid credentials, such as a username and password, to authenticate and authorize the user. Once logged in, the user can access the system's resources, perform various tasks, and interact with the software and data within the computer system.

An ISP, or Internet Service Provider, is a company that provides internet access to individuals and businesses. They offer various types of internet connections, such as dial-up, DSL, cable, and fiber optic, allowing users to connect to the internet and access websites, send and receive emails, and use other online services. ISPs also typically offer additional services like web hosting, domain registration, and virtual private networks (VPNs) to enhance the internet experience for their customers.

The given answer lists examples of application software. Application software refers to programs or software designed for specific tasks or applications, such as desktop publishing, word processing, spreadsheet, and database management. These examples illustrate different types of application software that are commonly used for various purposes, such as creating and designing documents, managing data and calculations, and organizing information in a structured manner.

A speaker is considered an output device because it produces sound or audio output. It takes electrical signals from a computer or other device and converts them into audible sound waves. The sound produced by the speaker allows the user to hear audio files, music, videos, or any other audio output from the device it is connected to. Therefore, the speaker is an output device as it outputs sound or audio.

An advantage of using a network is that resources such as hardware and software can be shared. This means that multiple devices connected to the network can access and utilize the same resources, which can lead to cost savings and increased efficiency. Sharing resources also allows for collaboration and communication between devices, enabling tasks to be completed more effectively.

When you start a PC, it tests the hardware components. This is because the computer's BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) runs a power-on self-test (POST) to check if all the hardware components such as the processor, memory, hard drive, and peripherals are functioning properly. This ensures that the computer is able to boot up and operate correctly.

Hibernation mode does not cause drainage on the battery. When a computer is put into hibernation mode, it saves the current state of the system to the hard drive and then shuts down completely. In this state, the computer consumes very minimal power, as it does not need to keep any processes or programs running. Therefore, hibernation mode actually helps conserve battery life by allowing the computer to be turned off while still preserving the current state for later use.

Boot up is another way of referring to 'turning a computer on'. When a computer is booted up, it goes through a series of processes to initialize its hardware, load the operating system, and prepare for user interaction. This term is commonly used in the context of starting up a computer system and is widely understood in the field of computing. Re-boot refers to restarting a computer, while Slambot and None of the above are not relevant terms in this context.

Using a network can have the disadvantage of expensive setup costs. This means that it can be costly to initially set up and configure the network infrastructure, including purchasing the necessary hardware and software, hiring professionals for installation and configuration, and ensuring proper network security measures. These expenses can be a barrier for small businesses or individuals with limited budgets who may find it difficult to afford the upfront costs of implementing a network.

A company would use CDs or DVDs to distribute software because these physical media formats allow for easy and secure distribution of software to customers or clients. CDs and DVDs can be easily duplicated and packaged, making it convenient to distribute software to a large number of users. Additionally, using physical media ensures that the software is not easily tampered with or hacked during distribution, providing a more secure method compared to online downloads.

A printer is not considered an input device because it is used to produce output in the form of hard copies of documents or images. Input devices are used to input data or commands into a computer system, whereas a printer is used to output information from the computer system onto paper or other physical media.

Outlook is not designed for conducting video conferences. While it is a popular email and calendar management tool, it does not have built-in features for hosting or participating in video conferences. However, Outlook can be used for managing appointments, sending and receiving emails, and even conducting surveys through add-ins or integrations with other platforms.

Hibernate mode is a power-saving state in which the current applications running on the computer are saved to the hard disk and the computer is turned off. When the computer is turned back on, the saved state is restored, allowing the user to resume their work from where they left off. This mode is useful when the user wants to save energy but also wants to quickly resume their work without having to start up the computer from scratch.

The correct order is input - process - output. This is because in any system, the input is received first, then it goes through a process or transformation, and finally, the output is generated. So, the input serves as the initial data or information, which is then processed or manipulated in some way, and ultimately leads to the output or result.

The correct answer is "Allows you to interact with the operating system and application software." This answer is correct because a mouse is an input device that allows the user to navigate and interact with the operating system and application software by moving the cursor on the screen and clicking on different elements. It can be used to open and close programs, select and manipulate text or images, and perform various other actions within the software environment.

A USB wire is not a storage device because it is simply a cable used to connect devices together. It does not have any internal memory or storage capacity to store data. On the other hand, a flash disk, CD ROM, and DVD are all storage devices as they can store and retrieve data.

WANs, or Wide Area Networks, are designed to connect computers in different areas or countries, allowing them to communicate with each other. This is in contrast to LANs, or Local Area Networks, which are networks that connect computers within the same building. The main difference between WANs and LANs lies in their geographical coverage and the distance over which they operate. While LANs are limited to a small area, such as a single building or office, WANs span larger distances and connect computers across different locations.

Dishy is not an example of an ISP because it is not a well-known internet service provider. While AOL, Talk Talk, and Tiscali are all recognized ISPs that offer internet services to customers, Dishy is not commonly known in the same way. Therefore, Dishy does not fit the criteria of being an example of an ISP.

This question is asking to identify a device based on the given options. The options provided are "Input", "Output", "Storage", and "All of the above". The correct answer is "Input". This means that the device being referred to in the question is an input device. The other options are not the correct answer because they either refer to different types of devices or include all the options provided, which is not specific enough to identify the device.

The operating system is not considered a utility program because it is a fundamental software that manages computer hardware and software resources. Utility programs, on the other hand, are specialized software designed to perform specific tasks such as disk checking, cleaning, and defragmenting. While the operating system may include some utility-like features, it is not solely dedicated to performing these tasks and serves a broader purpose in managing the overall functioning of the computer system.

Someone would use a flash memory device for back up purposes. Flash memory devices are commonly used to store and transfer data from one device to another, making them an ideal choice for creating backups of important files and documents. By using a flash memory device, individuals can ensure that their data is safely stored and easily accessible in case of any data loss or device failure.

The Open University is not an example of a LAN because a LAN (Local Area Network) refers to a network that connects devices within a limited area, such as a school, internet cafe, or university campus. The Open University, on the other hand, is a distance learning institution that provides education online to students from various locations, making it a wide area network (WAN) rather than a local one.

Outlook is the email provider that is being used.

The question asked which menu- this is the keyword, the others are 'options' from the menu.

When you see a black and white screen when you turn your computer on, it indicates that the system is conducting a series of tests on the hardware components to ensure they are functioning properly. Once the tests are completed, the system proceeds to load the operating system, allowing you to use your computer. This black and white screen is a normal part of the boot-up process and does not necessarily indicate any errors or viruses.

When a system is in Sleep mode, it goes into a low-power state but still monitors external activity. This means that if any key is pressed or any other external activity is detected, the system will wake up from Sleep mode and restore to its previous state. Therefore, the correct answer is "Tasks monitors external activity such as a key press." Pressing the power button for 10 seconds or pressing the reset button are not the correct methods to restore the system from Sleep mode.

The hard disk drive is used to store various types of data, including the operating system software, application software, and general data. It provides a large storage capacity and allows for quick access to the stored information. By having all of these components stored on the hard disk drive, the computer can function properly and efficiently. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above."

A utility program is a software tool that provides support to the user by performing various tasks such as system maintenance, file management, troubleshooting, and optimization. These programs help in enhancing the performance and functionality of the computer system. They can provide support by offering features like backup and recovery, disk cleanup, antivirus scanning, and system diagnostics. Utility programs are designed to assist users in managing and maintaining their computer systems efficiently.

The operating system is responsible for controlling how the computer interacts with peripheral devices. It manages the communication between the computer's hardware and software, allowing them to work together seamlessly. This includes tasks such as recognizing and configuring peripheral devices, handling input and output operations, and providing drivers and interfaces for different hardware components. In addition to this, the operating system also controls various other aspects of the computer, such as memory management, process scheduling, and file system organization. Therefore, the correct answer is that the operating system controls how the computer communicates with peripheral devices.

The responsibility of the processor includes performing mathematical operations, detecting signals from input devices, and sending messages to peripheral devices. However, "overlooking instructions" is not a responsibility of the processor. The processor's main task is to execute instructions, not overlook or ignore them.

Sleep mode refers to a power-saving state in which the computer's hard drive is switched off to conserve energy. In this mode, the computer is still powered on but consumes minimal power, allowing it to quickly resume full operation when needed. The option "Hard drive switched off" accurately describes this state, as the hard drive is intentionally powered down while the rest of the computer remains active.

The processor is responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations in a computer. It does not directly deal with the storage or transfer of information. Instead, the processor processes the information that is saved on the computer's memory. Therefore, the correct answer is "Information is saved on the computer."