Computing - Exam Mistakes Flashcards
Describe what is meant by a variable. 2 marks
A variable is a SYMBOL that represents a value that is used in an algorithm
It can changed by the program while it is running
Give 3 functions of operating system
Provides user interface
Memory management
Peripheral management
What would the reason for using a string be?
Consists of multiple characters
How do DNS servers work? 3 marks
Database of IP addresses
Converts website address into an IP address
Connects a computer to the website
What is meant by resolution?
CONCENTRATION of pixels on the picture
What is needed in every report?
Title
Give 2 disadvantages of off-the-shelf software
Might not do what you need
Not compatible with your hardware
Explain what is meant by virtual memory. 2 marks
Section of HARD DISK
Used to store data and programs in RAM that aren’t currently being used
What is an input device?
Allows user to enter data to system
What is an output device?
A device that returns the results of processing from the computer to the user
Explain what is meant by a DBMS. 3 marks
A system that allows you to manage a database
The main features are:
Allows data to be queried
Allows relationships to be made between tables
Provides security measures for the database
Describe HTML. 2 marks
A programming language for designing web pages
Allows you to set locations of pictures, display text and perform other function such as hyperlinks
Explain the importance of HTML when creating web pages. 2 marks
Webpage will appear and function just as planned (it will be interpreted correctly)
Because HTML is an open standard
Give an example of where lossless compression would be used
Compressed text files
Describe antivirus. 2 marks
Scans the computer PERIODICALLY
In order to detect and remove files that could harm the computer
Describe the disk defragmenter. 2 marks
Moves parts of files around so that all parts of a file are stored together
Also collects together all free space
Explain why hex numbers are often used to represent binary numbers. 2 marks
Hex numbers are shorter and more memorable
Can be easily converted to and from binary
Give 3 function of the server on a network that has 2 computers and a printer
Controls the workstations access to the Internet
Installs software on all computers automatically
Allows both computers to use printer over the network
Explain what is meant by a peer to peer network. 2 marks
A network where all computers have equal status
To share data between each other
Describe how the system cleanup utility is used. 2 marks
Finds files and versions of programs that are not used by the user anymore and deletes them
E.g. Temporary files that aren’t needed anymore
Describe how the automatic update utility is used. 2 marks
It periodically checks the Internet for system updates
It automatically downloads and installs these updates when they are available
State 2 tasks that the CPU carries out when processing data
Fetches instructions
Decodes instructions
Explain how clock speed affects CPU performance. 2 marks
Allows it to process data faster
Clock speed represents how many fetch execute cycles can be done in a given time
Explain how cache size affects CPU performance. 2 marks
Allows faster access to data in current use
Because cache is faster than other types of memory and built into the CPU
Give 3 general features of a DBMS
Manage data (includes queries, forms, reports etc.)
Security of database (passwords, access levels and encryption)
Data integrity checks, validation, reduction of data redundancy
Give 2 reasons that a DBMS is desirable
Because it is separate to database, other applications can access database
Can be set up beforehand by an expert
Explain why computers use binary. 2 marks
Circuit needs to only check for 2 States
1 and 0 are represented by electricity flowing and not flowing
Describe how instructions are stored in binary. 3 marks
Instruction consists of operator and operand
Both stored as bit patterns
Each operator has a unique bit pattern
Give 2 differences between high level and machine code
English / binary
Read by humans / read and executed by computers
Give 3 things that a large team of programmers will have to do
Clear commenting of code so that it is understandable
Need for professionalism since one person’s code relies on another person’s code
Same programming language and software standards
Explain why a secondary storage device is needed. 2 marks
To store files and operating system
Even when the system is switched off
Give 3 characteristics of magnetic storage
Can store operating system
Sensitive to movement due to moving parts
High capacity
Give 3 characteristics of solid state storage
Not sensitive to movement (no moving parts)
Fast access to data
Not as much storage as magnetic
Give 2 benefits of LAN
Computers to share HARDWARE DEVICES
Allows people using computers to easily SHARE FILES to each other
Describe how sampling is used when storing sound. 2 marks
Amplitude of sound wave is measured after regular intervals
And converted to binary
Give 3 advantages and a disadvantage of using computers instead of people
Does everything systematically (no human error)
Easier to analyse what a computer has done
Can be deployed in several places at once
BUT power cuts stop it from working
How many possible characters in ASCII set and why?
255
8 bit character codes
Describe what is meant by open source. 2 marks
Source code comes with software
It can be edited by anyone
Describe 2 useful tools in an IDE. 4 marks
The debugging tools check the code for errors and point them out
Provides area for writing program code and colour codes certain code and auto completes code
Describe the purpose of ROM. 2 marks
Stores the boot program
Used to start the computer and load the operating system
Describe the purpose of RAM. 2 marks
Stores programs that are currently open
Stores data that is currently being used by the computer
Explain what is meant by an entity and how entities relate to tables. 4 marks
Something in the real world that data is about
Each table represents an entity
Each record of a table represents am individual
Entities can have attributes which are also stored in the tables
Describe the difference between proprietary and open source software. 2 marks
Proprietary can’t be modified and the source code doesn’t come with it
Open source comes with source code and can be altered or copied by the user
Describe what is meant by a LAN. 2 marks
Computers are connected to each other
In a small geographical area
Describe what is meant by virtual memory and why it is needed. 3 marks
Section of hard disk
Acts as an extension of RAM
Needed when there isn’t enough physical memory
Describe what is meant by an overflow error. 2 marks
Extra bit needed
Too large a number for 8 bits
Why are CD-ROMS suitable for a CD. 2 marks
Cheap storage method
Very thin so it is portable
Describe what is meant by proprietary software. 2 marks
Source code not available
License restricts COPYING, MODIFYING and DISTRIBUTING of software
Explain one advantage of an e book reader manufacturer of providing proprietary software instead of open source. 2 marks
It will definitely work with e book reader
Because no user modifications can be made
What does the system information utility do. Give an example. 2 marks
Provides information about current state of computer
How much free memory available
Explain one benefit of separating database applications from data. 3 marks
Allows multiple apps to work on it
Because it isn’t part of specific app
Ensures no redundancy between apps
