Scribd
Upload
16 views25 pages

Class Notes1

Uploaded by

vidhya
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
16 views25 pages

Class Notes1

Uploaded by

vidhya
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 25

CHAPTER 2

1. Mainframe computers are used in banking. Supercomputers are used in climate research.
(a) Explain what is meant by a mainframe computer and by a supercomputer with reference to
the types of processing and the processors they each use.[3]

(b) Explain how supercomputers are used in climate research[4]

2. Give brief descriptions of the following types of user interface.


(a) command line interface [2]
b. gesture based interface .[2]

c.

dialogue interface.[2]

3. Mainframe computers and supercomputers are specialised types


of computer with some similar characteristics.
Explain what is meant by each of the following characteristics.
(a)fault tolerance[3]
(b) heat maintenance.[3]

Mainframe computers were developed from the need for computers to process data in tasks
such as carrying out a census.

(c) Explain why mainframe computers are used to process the data from a census.[3]
4. It is essential to calibrate sensors used in any monitoring technology.

Describe what is meant by:

(a) two point calibration .[2]

(b) multipoint calibration.[2]


5. Companies have the choice of using custom written software or using off-
the-shelf software.
Explain the differences between custom written software and off-the-shelf
software in terms of:
(a) cost[2]

(b) level of support.[2]


(c) degree of testing.

6. Analyse the effectiveness of supercomputers.[8]


7. One of the functions of an operating system is to maintain the security of a
computer system. Describe the other functions of an operating system.[8]
8. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using a gesture-
based user interface rather than a graphical user interface to
control devices.[8]
9. Computers often have utility software supplied with the operating
system. Explain what is meant by utility software and why it is
needed.
10. Maria has been asked to write a word-processed report for
her homework. She needs to choose between using proprietary
software and open source software. Describe the differences
between these two types of software.[6]
11. Describe what is meant by the term RAS (Reliability, Accessibility and Serviceability) when
applied to mainframe computers.[5]
12. Phishing, smishing and vishing are methods of fraudulently obtaining personal data
(a) Describe two differences between phishing and vishing.[4]
(b) Describe how smishing is used to obtain personal data.[3]
13. Explain why supercomputers are used for weather forecasting.[4]
14.The IT department manager in a company has decided new software is
needed to run the payroll system. She will make a choice between using
off-the-shelf software and custom written software. She is already aware
that there are differences in the level of support offered and the amount of
testing that will have been carried out on the software.
Discuss the other advantages and disadvantages of choosing off-the-shelf
software compared to choosing custom written software[8]
15. Here is a diagram showing the component parts of a hard disk drive

(a) Describe the component parts of a hard disk drive. Refer to the labelled diagram in your answer.
[6]

(b) Explain what is meant by disk defragmentation and why it is needed when using hard disks.[4]
16. Encryption has many uses, including the encryption of hard disks. Describe hard disk encryption.
[4]

17. The performance of mainframe computers and supercomputers is often measured using
performance metrics. Compare, by describing the similarities and differences between them,
the different types of performance metrics.[6]
18.When a high level language program is written, it has to be translated so
the computer can run it. This can be achieved using a compiler or an
interpreter.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using a compiler rather than
an interpreter.[8]
19. Explain how high level language programs can be translated to run on different computer
systems, including any difficulties which may result from this.
20. The directors of a company wish to create a database of customers. They are not sure whether
they should ask a computer programmer to produce custom written software or they should
purchase off-the-shelf software.
(a) Describe the features of custom written software.[4]

(b)

Describe the features of off-the-shelf software.[4]


21. A doctor drives to work. While at work and while travelling, the doctor uses a number of IT-
based devices. She uses a dialogue interface to control these devices.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the doctor using a dialogue interface rather than a
graphical user interface (GUI).[8]
22. An interpreter is a type of system software. Describe how an interpreter operates.[4]
(c) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the use of mainframe computers[8]

23. A company owner wishes to buy software to use to produce advertising materials for her
company. She can either buy custom written software or off-the-shelf software.[3]
(c) Describe three benefits of using off-the-shelf software.[3]

You might also like