Components of a computer system

Question 1

Define hardware

Answer 1

-physical components of a computer system
-devices that make up the computer

Question 2

Define software

Answer 2

-programs for controlling the operation of a computer
-programs for processing of data

Question 3

Types of input devices

Answer 3

-manual input devices (users enter information manually)
-direct data entry (information is automatically inputted by a reader)

Question 4

How does OCR work

Answer 4

Scans the document, recognize characters by identifying white and black pixels

Question 5

Advantages of OCR

Answer 5

can be used to read any printed /handwritten text

Question 6

Disadvantages of OCR

Answer 6

-inaccurate when reading handwritten text
-might take time to read/ recognize text

Question 7

Uses of OCR

Answer 7

optical character reader
-convert scanned image into a text file which can be edited (processed) by another software package

Question 8

How does OMR work

Answer 8

Optical Mark Reader
-dedicated scanner device shines a beam of light onto the form
-light is reflected back to sensors
-marks reflect less light so sensors used to identify position of marks

Question 9

Advantages of OMR

Answer 9

-saves time
-accurate (avoid human error)

Question 10

Disadvantages of OMR

Answer 10

-can only be used in case of choices (no text)
-if mark is not dark enough/ does not fill the box, it might not be detected
-if a mark is not erased properly, it might accidentally be detected
-must have preset forms (expensive)

Question 11

Data stored in magnetic stripe in bank card

Answer 11

-unique account number
-Bank ID
-expiry data of card

Question 12

Data stored in the chip of a card

Answer 12

-unique account number
-PIN Code
-Bank ID
-expiry data of card

Question 13

advantages of paying using magnetic stripe

Answer 13

-no shoulder surfing
-faster payment process

Question 14

disadvantages of paying using magnetic stripe

Answer 14

-damaged easily (not robust), damaged easily by scratches/ magnetic field

Question 15

advantages of paying using chip readers/PIN pads

Answer 15

-more secure due to PIN not easily scratched/damaged (more robust)
-not affected by magnetic field

Question 16

disadvantages of paying using chip readers/PIN pads

Answer 16

shoulder surfing

Question 17

Parts of RFID tag

Answer 17

-microchip that stores information
-antenna that is used to receive and transmit data

Question 18

How is RFID activate? using bi directional data transfer

Answer 18

-The RFID sends radio waves/ signal to the RFID antenna in the tag
-The radio waves received by the tag’s antenna activates the microchip
- tag sends radio wave/ signal back to the reader

Question 19

How does RFID read information

Answer 19

-the reader provides energy that activates the chip
-the antenna will send the information in the chip to the reader

Question 20

Advantages of RFID

Answer 20

-no line of sight or contact is necessary, tag can be read from a distance
-data stored on chip, reduces need to retrieve information from a database
-it is very robust and reliable
-very fast read rate

Question 21

Disadvantages of RFID

Answer 21

-It uses radio waves so it is easy to jam or interrupt
-it is easy to hack data transmitted by a tag
-more expensive than a barcode or chip reader system

Question 22

Define RFID

Answer 22

radio frequency identification reader

Question 23

Uses of RFID

Answer 23

-attendance tracking instead of check in queue
-tracking stock, passports and automobiles
-automatic passport control gates at the airport
-contactless payments

Question 24

Define NFC

Answer 24

near field communication

Question 25

NFC vs RFID

Answer 25

-NFC requires sender and receiver to be closer together than in RFID, which makes NFC more secure
-NFC devices can act as both receiver and reader

Question 26

Advantages of payment by contactless card

Answer 26

-customer doesn’t have to be worried about PIN being seen/ shoulder surfed, no worries about the PIN being typed incorrectly
-faster transactions so less waiting/queuing time
-not damaged by overuse (robust)

Question 27

Disadvantages of payment by contactless card

Answer 27

-the card my be read accidentally
-only small amounts can be withdrawn
-more chance of fraud if card is stolen or lost as no PIN is needed
-more expensive readers and cards
-devices can read the cards wirelessly to steal money