7.1.1 The features and characteristics of different types of physical computer systems

Question 1

Define:

Personal Computer

Answer 1

Device intended for personal use or by a small group of individuals

Question 2

State:

3 components of a personal computer

Answer 2

3 of:
* Integrated Circuit (IC) containing arithmetic, logic and control circuitry
* RAM
* ROM
* HDD
* I/O Devices (Screen, mouse, keyboard)

Question 3

State:

5 characteristics to be considered when selecting a personal computer

Answer 3

• Size
• Storage
• Processor Speed
• RAM
• Internet Connectivity

Question 4

Explain:

Significance of ‘size’ when selecting a personal computer

Answer 4

• Should consider amount of space available
• Could opt for ‘all-in-one’ laptop or a larger model for different purposes (eg: gaming)
• Decisions have to be made about where the base unit will be situated

Question 5

Explain:

Significance of ‘storage’ when selecting a personal computer

Answer 5

• Amount of hard disk space required is dependent on what the computer is going to be used for and how frequently it will be used
• More data to be stored, the higher the capacity required
• SSDs are best for faster storage (Measure in megabits per second) versus slower HDDs (Measured in revolutions per minute)

Question 6

Explain:

Significance of ‘processor speed’ when selecting a personal computer

Answer 6

• Clock speed determines speed in which CPU retrieves and interprets instructions to carry out the tasks
• Faster processor speeds increases the efficiency and productivity of computer system

Question 7

Explain:

Significance of ‘RAM’ when selecting a personal computer

Answer 7

• Temporary storage for the system - volatile (once shut down storage is lost)
• Size and type of RAM has an impact on response speed of computer
• Gamers will want at least 16GB
• Video editors with large media files will want at least 32GB

Question 8

Explain:

Significance of ‘internet speed’ when selecting a personal computer

Answer 8

• Some computers provide the option to connect to a wired network or wireless network
• Importance of this is dependent on type of network connections that the user has available to them

Question 9

Define:

Mobile device

Answer 9

Small, handheld computer (tablets, e-readers, smartwatches, smartphones)

Question 10

State:

4 common characteristics of mobile devices

Answer 10

4 of:
* Rechargeable battery that powers the device
* Cellular or Wi-Fi access to internet
* Ability to connect to other devices; via Wi-Fi or bluetooth
* Small size and light weight
* Display screen
* Touchscreen or keyboard acting as input device
* Ability to download data and information (apps, photographs, books, music etc.)

Question 11

Fill The Blank:

A ……………. can be hardware or software and is used to provide …………………… services such as data and/or resources like printers to other devices (………….) on a network system

Answer 11

Server, Centralised, Clients

Question 12

Fill The Blank:

The ………. connected to the network sends a message to the server and the server then ……………… to the request from the client providng them with the data and/or ……………….. requested

Answer 12

Client, Responds, Resource

Question 13

Fill The Blank:

Smart/Internet enabled devices are a part of the ……….. and are nonstandard computing devices that are connected …………………. to a network and can …………… data

Answer 13

IoT, Wirelessly, Transmit

Question 14

Explain:

2 categories and an example for each of smart/internet enabled devices

Answer 14

2 of:
* Connected appliances (eg: refrigerators, lights, speakers)
* Smart security systems (eg: wireless cameras, doorbells recording movement etc.)
* Wearable health monitors (eg: Fitbit, monitors used by health sector for monitoring heart rates, insulin)
* Wireless inventory trackers which encourage efficient use of space and with integration of robotics saves time and money (eg: wireless inventory trackers, scanners allowing items to be tracked and recorded)