7 - Using ICT systems

Question 1

What is an interface?

Answer 1

A shared boundary across which two or more separate components of a computer system exchange information.

Question 2

What are the different types of interface?

Answer 2

• Command line interface, computer gives a prompt and user responds
• Menu driven interface
• Graphical user interface, user navigates using icons

Question 3

What is a network?

Answer 3

Two or more computers that are linked so that they can share resources

Question 4

What are the different types of network?

Answer 4

• Peer-to-peer networks, each computer is of an equal status
• Client-server network, a more powerful computer acts as the server and stores software & data
• LANs
• WANs

Question 5

What are the components of a network?

Answer 5

• Data transfer medium, e.g. wire, fibre optic cable, wireless
• Network interface card, prepares data for transmission, sends data & controls the flow
• Hubs, join computers & allows file share + Internet access
• Router, joins several networks together

Question 6

What are some advantages of networks?

Answer 6

• Share hardware
• Software is installed in one place
• Improves security
• Fast
• Central stores of data

Question 7

What are some disadvantages of networks?

Answer 7

• Needs a network manager
• Viruses spread quickly
• Breakdowns
• Expensive