Computers: Exam Questions

Question 1

Match the right Bus to it’s role (3):

Data bus
Address bus
Control bus

-Carries a read signal to the main memory
-Carries the memory location of a piece of data.
-Carries an instruction from main memory to the CPU

Answer 1

Data - Carries an instruction from main memory to the CPU
Address - Carries the memory location of a piece of data.
Control - Carries a read signal to the main memory

Question 2

Identify the component inside the CPU that stores data (1):

-ALU
-Clock
-Main memory
-Register

Answer 2

Register

Question 3

State what high-level code is translated to (1)

Answer 3

-Machine code
-Binary
-Object code
-Executable code / an executable

Question 4

State two methods of source code translation. (2)

Answer 4

-Compile
-Interpret
-Assemble

Question 5

Identify the feature of an optical disk that allows data to be read (1)

-It is magnetic
-It is portable
-It is reflective
-It is volatile

Answer 5

It is reflective

Question 6

Define the term ‘embedded system’ (1)

Answer 6

-Forms part of another device / system (1)
-Performs a single / dedicated / specific task (1)

Question 7

-A code review is carried out by a programmer of an automated system.
-Both methods cost money
-Complete the table with one other disadvantage for each method (2)

By a programmer:
By an automated system:

Answer 7

PROGRAMMER
- Adds additional time (1)
- Introduces human error (1)
- Requires more experienced programmer (1)

AUTOMATED SYSTEM
- May not identify all issues (1)
- May only find well known problems

Question 8

Identify the purpose of defragmentation software.

-Compressing data
-Encrypting data
-Organising data
-Protecting data

Answer 8

Organising data

Question 9

Describe one way the operating system makes sure each process can use the CPU

Answer 9

• Scheduler/scheduling algorithm controls processes (1)
• Each process gets a time slice of CPU time (1)
• Each process may be held in order / priority (1)