Chapter 1- Types and Components of a computer system

Question 1

Name 4 internal hardware devices

Answer 1

CPU (central processing unit)
Internal hard disk drive
RAM (random access memory)
ROM (read-only memory)

Question 2

What is RAM

Answer 2

Random access memory
Memory can be written and read from
Memory is volatile so lost when computer is switched off
RAM holds the work that is currently done by the user

Question 3

What is ROM

Answer 3

Read-only memory
Stores information that needs to be permanent
Memory is non-volatile
stores the BIOS

Question 4

Name the uses of Magnetic stripe readers

Answer 4

On credit debit cards for use at ATMs or EFTPOS terminals

Security devices to allow entry to buildings etc.

Question 5

Name the advantages of Magnetic stripe readers

Answer 5

Fast data entry compared to keyboard
Error free
Secure (information not human readable)
Not affected by oil, water, moisture
No moving parts so robust

Question 6

Name the disadvantages of Magnetic stripe readers

Answer 6

If the magnetic stripe gets damaged the data is lost
Doesn’t work at a distance
Can be stolen and still used

Question 7

Describe the process when paying with a Contactless card

Answer 7

1. ) customers look out for the contactless symbol at terminal
2. ) Shop assistant enters amount for payment
3. ) Card reader informs the customer to present the card
4. ) Customer holds card in front of reader
5. ) Terminal display will indicate that the card has been read

Question 8

What does an RFID consist of

Answer 8

1. ) integrated circuit (microchip) that stores and processes information
2. ) an aerial (antenna) that is used to receive and transmit data

Question 9

Name the uses of MICR (Magnetic ink character recognition)

Answer 9

Reading the characters at the bottom of a bank cheque

Question 10

Name the uses of OMR (Optical mark recognition)

Answer 10

Questionnaires
Multiple choice examination
Anything where shaded area must be identified

Question 11

Name the uses of OCR (Optical character recognition)

Answer 11

Converts scanned text into computer-readable form

Passport controls

Question 12

Name the uses of Barcode readers

Answer 12

Supermarkets

Libraries

Question 13

Name the advantages of Barcode readers

Answer 13

Much faster than typing in data manually
Allow automatic stock control
Tried and Trusted technology

Question 14

Name the disadvantages of Barcode readers

Answer 14

Relatively expensive system to administer
Not fool proof (e.g. swap around barcodes)
Can more easily be damaged than RFID tags or magnetic stripes