COMPUTER SYSTEMS

SAMPLE

Examination Paper

Answer ALL questions.

Clearly cross out surplus answers.

Time: 2 hours

Any reference material brought into the examination room must be handed
to the invigilator before the start of the examination.
 ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS

Marks
QUESTION 1

a) Identify FOUR (4) different types of computer system. 4

b) For each of these four types of computer system, name ONE (1) example machine. 4

c) Explain why a modern mobile telephone can be classed as a computer. 2

Total 10 Marks

QUESTION 2

a) Identify and briefly outline the function of the three key components of the processor. 3

b) Briefly outline the steps involved in the standard fetch execute cycle. 4

c) Distinguish between machine code and assembly language. 2

d) Briefly explain what is meant by a “dual core” processor. 1

Total 10 Marks

QUESTION 3

a) Identify two features that distinguish between Read Only Memory (ROM) and Random Access 2
Memory (RAM).

b) Indentify FOUR (4) features that distinguish between primary storage and secondary storage. 4

c) Explain what is meant by a “bus” in computer technology. 2

d) Explain the differences between the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus and the 2
Universal Serial Bus (USB).
Total 10 Marks
QUESTION 4

a) Identify ONE (1) input device, other than keyboard or mouse, and briefly outline for what it is 3
used.

b) Identify ONE (1) output device, other than screen or printer, and briefly outline for what it is 3
used.

c) Outline TWO (2) reasons why it is inadvisable to use a USB memory stick for permanent 2
storage of important data.

d) Outline the main purpose of the Bluetooth wireless communications technology. 2

Total 10 Marks

QUESTIONS CONTINUE ON NEXT PAGE

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Computer Systems Sample Formatted/HW © NCC Education Ltd 2012
 Marks
QUESTION 5

a) Distinguish between hardware and software. 2

b) Distinguish between systems software and applications software. 2

c) Identify THREE (3) key functions of an Operating System. 3

d) Outline THREE (3) differences between the operation of a compiler and an interpreter. 3
Total 10 Marks
J

QUESTION 6

a) Distinguish between acceptance testing and service (or repair) testing. 2

b) Outline why a formal test plan is necessary to ensure valid testing. 2

c) Outline why it is important to back-up data before performing any testing. 2

d) Identify TWO (2) common causes of PC faults and briefly explain how to repair them. 4
Total 10 Marks

QUESTION 7

a) In the context of PC technical support, outline what is meant by “software maintenance”? 2

b) Distinguish between an update (or patch) and an upgrade. 2

c) Briefly outline the advantages and disadvantages of using an automatic update facility, such as 4
Windows Update.

d) Identify two routine disk maintenance operations that should be performed regularly on every 2
PC.
Total 10 Marks

QUESTION 8

a) Explain what is meant by “preventative maintenance”. 2

b) Outline the problems that regular cleaning of a computer system can prevent. 2

c) Identify THREE (3) environmental issues that can adversely affect the long-term performance of 3
a computer system.

d) Outline THREE (3) user actions that can help the long-term reliability of a computer system. 3
Total 10 Marks

QUESTIONS CONTINUE ON NEXT PAGE

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Computer Systems Sample Formatted/HW © NCC Education Ltd 2012
 Marks
QUESTION 9

a) Outline the key functions of a file management system. 3

b) List THREE (3) pieces of information that are stored in the directory entry for each file. 3

c) Outline how the file type (i.e. the type of data that is stored in a particular file) is determined 3
under each of Windows, Apple Mac OS X and Linux.

d) Outline why it is important to have a logical folder structure on a modern PC. 1

Total 10 Marks

QUESTION 10

a) Outline the purpose of requirements (or needs) analysis. 2

b) Identify THREE (3) possible groups of stakeholders for a computer system. 3

c) Identify TWO (2) areas with which a new system may have to integrate. 2

d) Outline the advantages and disadvantages of building a PC yourself from components, rather 3
than buying an off the shelf, ready built system.

Total 10 Marks

END OF EXAM
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Computer Systems Sample Formatted/HW © NCC Education Ltd 2012