Chapter 1: Fundamentals Of Computer Systems

Question 1

What aspects of computer systems allow them to be used everywhere?

Answer 1

They are versatile, cheap and small.

Question 2

Generally define a system.

Answer 2

A collection of parts working together for a common purpose.

Question 3

Fill in the blanks:

Answer 3

Processes and System Boundary

Question 4

Where can we find computer systems?

Answer 4

Most electronic gadgets.

Question 5

What is a dedicated system?

Answer 5

A system that has been designed for a specific purpose.

Question 6

Give an example of a general purpose system.

Answer 6

A PC.

Question 7

Where are dedicated systems used?

Answer 7

Everywhere, a car’s cruise control system for example.

Question 8

What is an embedded system?

Answer 8

A computer system that forms part of a computer system.

Question 9

Define Kernel.

Answer 9

The lowest level of the operating system which controls the hardware.

Question 10

Give 3 areas where we use computer systems.

Answer 10

Safety, Travel, Business, Retail, Entertainment, Communications, Education, Politics and Science.

Question 11

Give 3 examples of where we use computer systems in education.

Answer 11

Taking attendance, unlimited source of information from the web, exam marking.

Question 12

Why do we need computer systems to be reliable?

Answer 12

We have become so dependant upon computer systems that we need them to function properly in order to live. If computer systems are unreliable, there would be many catastrophes, both small-scale (a toaster burning your toast) and large-scale (plane crashes).

Question 13

Why do we test computer systems?

Answer 13

We test the system to try to uncover errors within the code so we can then fix it.

Question 14

Name the two types of testing.

Answer 14

Alpha and beta.

Question 15

What is maintenance?

Answer 15

Continued modification of a system after it’s release to improve and fix it.

Question 16

What are the four standards?

Answer 16

Proprietary, Open, De Facto, Industry.

Question 17

Who owns proprietary standards?

Answer 17

Individual companies.

Question 18

Outline the advantages of proprietary standards.

Answer 18

• The system will allow a sense of familiarity to users.
• The system will work in a predictable way
• The system will be maintained by one company, so minor updates will generally be free of charge.
• The system will be maintained to a high standard, in order to reflect well upon the company.

Question 19

Give an example of where an industry standard is used.

Answer 19

USB, the standard way to connect devices to a computer.

Question 20

Give an example of where De Facto standards are used.

Answer 20

HTML, a text based system used for defining web pages.

Question 21

True or False? Open standards are openly available and the software can be modified by the user.

Answer 21

True.

Question 22

True or False? Software developed under open standards are generally low quality.

Answer 22

False, the software is modified by different people, it is a good form of beta testing and the modifications usually improve the software.

Question 23

What is old computer equipment called?

Answer 23

e-waste.

Question 24

What are the two acts passed and when were they passed?

Answer 24

Data Protection Act (1998)

Computer Misuse Act (1990)