B061 Unit 1.2 Hardware

Question 1

What do you need to connect to the internet?

Answer 1

A NIC (Network Interface Card)
A Modem
A Hub
A Router
A Computer

Question 2

What are the advantages of a bar-code reader?

Answer 2

It is an automatic input and is quick to enter

Barcode errors can be avoided by sending a warning if the barcode is misread.

Check digit included to ensure the barcode is read correctly.

Prices can be changed easily as it is simply a matter of updating a database rather than sticking price tags on items.

Can be used to link stock control system with automatic re-ordering of out-of-stock items.

Question 3

What are the disadvantages of using a barcode reader?

Answer 3

There can be issues when the system fails.

The product will need to be entered through a keypad if the barcode is damaged or misssing.

New products will need to be entered into a database before they can be used.

Question 4

What does RAM do?

Answer 4

RAM is temporary storage for programs and data. It is volatile so data is lost when the system powers down.

Question 5

ROM

Answer 5

Reas Only Memory

Question 6

What is ROM?

Answer 6

ROM is permanent storage and is non-volatile so data is not lost when the system powers down.

Question 7

Name some secondary storage devices

Answer 7

Internal/External Hard drive

Magnetic Tape Storage

Flash memory card/stick

Compact Discs:

                      - CD-ROM
                      - CD-R
                      - CD-RW

Digital Versatile Discs:

                                   - DVD-ROM
                                   - DVD-RW

Question 8

Name the two main User Interfaces

Answer 8

GUI (Graphic User Interface)

Command Line Interface

Question 9

Benefits of using a GUI

Answer 9

• The user has the ability to customise the GUI
• It’s easier to use because of the use of images
• Multitasking is possible

Question 10

Negatives of using a GUI

Answer 10

• Can have slow processing power

- Takes up a lot of storage