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Computer fundamentals

Computer basics
1. a. Cray
b. IBM zEnterprise system
c. iPad, Smartphone
d. Car ignition system, Microwave controller, Games console
2. a. i. Random-access memory
ii. Read-only memory
b. Fig 1 – RAM, Fig 2 – ROM
c.
Characteristic RAM or ROM?
This is known as primary memory. RAM
It requires power to retain data. RAM
Its data is not usually erased. ROM
Data and instructions can be read but not modified. ROM
It retains its data, even when the computer is ROM
switched off.

Storage devices and media

1. a. i. C
ii. D
iii. C
iv. A, E
v. B
vi. C
b. Fig 1 – Flash memory card, Fig 2 – Flash memory drive, Fig 3 – Magnetic hard drive
c. Fig 1, Fig 2 – Flash memory media, Fig 3 Magnetic media
d. A smartphone may include a slot for a memory card to increase the storage capacity of
the device for data files, pictures and videos. Laptop computers will provide USB ports
where a flash memory drive can be inserted to provide additional data storage and for
retrieving files.

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 1. Computer fundamentals

2. Cloud storage Suitable when large data files must be used by several people at the same time
though the Internet.
Blu-ray disk For storing high definition movies to be viewed using a Blu-ray disk player.
Flash drive Suitable when data is to be stored from a computer and taken from one
computer to another.
Hard disk For storing large data files such as the operating system needed for the
computer.
Magnetic tape Used for providing back up storage for large networks – useful for recovery of
valuable data which has been corrupted or erased.
3. Across Down
1 GB 2 Blu-ray
5 Secondary 3 Laser
9 Digital Versatile Disc 4 Minutes
10 Multimedia 6 Compact disc
11 Read only 7 Rewritable
8 Magnetic

Units of storage
1. a. i. Text file
ii. MBZ file
b. i. 426.4 megabytes
ii. 0.4 gigabytes
iii. 0.0004 terabytes
c. 75628 KB
d. i. WhatsApp Video
ii. Chapter 3-methodology Word file
iii. Backup-moodle2-course
Input/output devices
1. a. a. Document scanner Input
b. Dot matrix Output
c. Earphones Output
d. Joystick Input
e. Light pen Input
f. Optical mark reader Input
g. Remote control Input
h. Speaker Output

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 1. Computer fundamentals

b. Softcopy
2. Application Hardware
A. Employees scan one thumb before Biometric scanner
gaining entry.
B. A user enters a four-digit code in Numeric keypad
order to enter a room.
C. A debit or credit card is swiped in Magnetic strip card reader
order to withdraw funds.
D. The slides on a presentation are Remote control
advanced from a distance.
E. An online car-racing game is being Game controller/joystick
played.
F. A song is being recorded. Microphone

3. a. Printer C
b. Printer D – the laser printer has drawers for holding large quantities of paper and is
capable of printing quickly
c. The dot matrix printer has pins which strike the paper and can therefore print in
duplicate on multipart paper
d. Used at point of sale terminals for printing receipts at supermarket check-outs. Used for
printing receipts at the banking Automated Teller Machines.
e. i. Printer C
ii. Product 2
f. i. Product 3
ii. Product 3’s cartridge has powdered ink called toner and can print more pages and
will last longer than Product 2 – an ink jet cartridge
g 
Product 4 should be used with Printer A. The thermal printer is the only type of printer
using this special heat sensitive paper on rolls.
Software
1. a. General-purpose
b. General-purpose
c. Customised
d. Custom-written
e. Custom-written
f. Specialised
g. Specialised

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 1. Computer fundamentals

Interfaces
1. a. i. Interface1, Interface 4
ii. Interface 2, Interface 3
iii. Interface 3
iv. Interface 1, Interface 2
v. Interface 3
vi. Interface 2
b. i. Icons
ii. When you double click on the icon with the mouse, a command is sent to the
CPU to start the program connected to the icon.
c. i. Braille keyboard
ii. Virtual reality system, for example headset
d. The system produces a sound to denote an error (e.g. in a command); or when audio
instructions are provided
Troubleshooting
1. a. The ink level may be low in the printer and the cartridge may need to be replaced; the
print head for the ink jet printer may need to be cleaned; ink cartridge may need to be
aligned
b. A hard copy is a document which has been printed on a tangible medium such as
paper
c. i. The printer is a non-impact printer which uses no mechanism to strike pins on to
the paper and cannot make a copy
ii. A dot matrix printer would be more suitable
2. a. 
The power cable connection to the monitor may not be properly connected to the
monitor or to the power outlet
b. The internal battery which maintains the system clock is no longer working and may
need to be replaced. This means that the system clock will stop and reset, each time the
computer is turned off.

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