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Computing > F451 Describe > Flashcards

F451 Describe Flashcards

1
Q

Describe the use of interrupts and buffers when data is transferred from primary memory to a storage device.

A 
Data sent to buffer from primary memory 
Interrupt sent when buffer is full 
Buffer is emptied to storage device 
At slower speed, to accommodate device 
When buffer is empty 
Interrupt is sent to processor 
To request buffer refill 
Mark for consideration of interrupt priority/waits in queue
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2
Q

Describe how a barcode can be used to store data.

A

Patterns of light/dark lines…
Pairs of which store digits
Used to store ID code/used to access record on file
Different widths/pairs of widths used
Inclusion of check digit for automatic checking
Start and stop codes allow bars to be read both ways

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3
Q

Describe how data can be input into a system using barcodes.

A

Laser/infrared/light used
Reflections show up (thickness) of lines
Guide lines to allow reading at an angle
Check digit calculation done for immediate checking of reading

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4
Q

Describe the ROM (primary memory) and state a type of software that would be stored on it.

A

(Contents of) memory which is not erased when power is off/non-volatile/memory contents cannot be altered
Boot program
Program is required immediately power is switched on, therefore must still be there

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5
Q

Describe the RAM (primary memory) and state a type of software that would be stored on it.

A

(Contents of) memory is erased when power is off/volatile
Applications software/Operating System/User files
Allows changes to be made to saved contents/files in current use/fast access to data

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6
Q

Describe the contents of MAR.

A

The position/address in memory…
Of the location containing either…
The next piece of data to be read or…
The next instruction to be used

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7
Q

Describe what is meant by an operating system.

A

(A set of) software/programs…

Designed to manage the hardware of the system.

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8
Q

Describe a single-user operating system.

A

Allows one user…
At a time to use the system
Allocates each user with rights
Keeps the user files separate

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9
Q

Describe a multi-tasking operating system.

A

Allows more than one task/software to run simultaneously
Use of separate windows for each task
Each is given an amount of processor time before
Going on to next e.g. Plays music while typing essay

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10
Q

Describe the physical parts of a protocol.

A 
Descriptions of the physical connections between the devices 
Wireless or hard-wired? 
What frequencies? 
Serial or parallel? 
Radio or microwave? 
Copper cable or fibre optic?
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11
Q

Describe the logical parts of a protocol.

A 
Baud rate 
Error correction technique 
Routing 
Flow control/synchronisation of messages 
Descriptions of the rules governing the data 
Packet size 
Compression techniques 
Encryption algorithms 
Digital signatures
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12
Q

Describe a menu-based interface.

A 
List of choices on screen 
Choice made by user leading to... 
Further menus 
Can use touch screen 
Back/home options on each screen
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13
Q

Describe what packet switching is.

A

Packets sent onto network
Find their own routes to destination/use different routes
Packets must be reordered at destination/arrives in wrong order
Packets have identity on label

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14
Q

Describe the function and purpose of a feasibility study.

A

Technically feasible/Time Is the proposed system possible? …in given time period
Economically feasible - Consideration of budget
Legal- Is the proposed system legal?
Operational - Is the workforce capable of running new system
Socially feasible.
Purpose is to carry out initial enquiries…
…to see if there are any reasons why new system may not be acceptable…
…before starting to produce it
Plan may be revised if study highlights problems

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15
Q

Describe two kinds of diagram that may be in the technical documentation.

A 
DFD 
showing flow of data through system 
System flow chart 
showing how parts of system interrelate 
Flowchart 
showing the operations involved/the algorithm
ERD 
shows how data tables relate to each other
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16
Q

Describe two methods of capturing pictures.

A

Scanner to input picture already in hard copy
Pixels scanned/reflected light measured

Electronic camera to take picture
lens focuses image onto matrix of receptors/transferred via cable/memory card/USB to computer

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17
Q

Describe what a Control Unit does.

A

Manages execution of instructions…
by using control signals to other parts of computer
Synchronises actions

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18
Q

Describe what a memory unit does.

A

Stores OS…
data (currently in use)
software (currently in use)/boot program/operations/instructions

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19
Q

Describe what an ALU does.

A

Carries out arithmetic instructions/calculations
Carries out logical instructions/decisions
Acts as a conduit through which all I/O to computer is done/gateway to processor

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20
Q

Describe the functions of two different types of bus.

A

Data bus
carries data being transmitted
Address bus
carries identification about where the data is being sent/coming from
Control bus
carries control signals from control unit to allow synchronisation of signals/commands to processor

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21
Q

Describe the purpose and use of compression software.

A

Reduces size of files
When scripts are being sent electronically to publisher
The compression means they are sent more quickly
They are decompressed using a decompression algorithm at the destination

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22
Q

Describe the purpose and use of file handlers.

A

Manages data storage/organises data storage
Allows files to be accessed
Allows for deletion/sorting of files

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23
Q

Describe the purpose and use of hardware drivers.

A

Contain the instructions to the OS for using a peripheral
e.g. -Would be used when a new printer was bought
in order to (install) communication (protocols) to OS/Control of peripheral by OS
To configure hardware

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24
Q

Describe the purpose and use of back up utility.

A 
Automatically… 
makes copy of files 
To prevent loss of files 
Protects important work by ensuring... 
on different hardware/at regular intervals 
Incremental backup made
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25
Q

Describe what is meant by bit rate transmission.

A

The rate at which data is transferred (NOT speed)/how many bits in a specific time period
measured in bits per second/baud

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26
Q

Describe the procedure of backing up files.

A

Take a copy of all the files
…onto a removable storage/ solid state storage/ pen drive/ CDRW / DVDRW /online /tape /external or removable HDD
At a regular interval/e.g. weekly
Back up kept away from the computer/secure location
Mention of automatic/incremental backup

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27
Q

Describe two tasks that an analyst needs to plan as part of an installation strategy.

A

Method of implementation/mention of one or more of: parallel/pilot/phased/direct
Training program must be devised/materials written.
Files must be created/need to produce files/adapt or reformat present ones
Hardware must be bought/installed/commissioned
System must be tested/with real data files/by users
Post monitoring for errors/provide technical documentation

28
Q

Describe how prototyping can be used by an analyst as part of a design process.

A

(Simple version of program to) illustrate a feature of the software
Normally used to illustrate input and output screens
The screens are dummies in that they elicit no action
Used to show manager the way system will look/ allows issues to be spotted…
…to allow manager to be part of the design process/to give feedback/evaluate
Used to research new ideas
Used to refine prototype
May include a story board showing linking of screens

29
Q

Describe three methods of connecting devices.

A

e.g. Wired/cable/copper/coaxial/ Twisted Pair, description/ interference
Optical fibre/transmits data using light beams/interference free
Infrared/unobstructed line of sight/example
Microwave/used by business to connect network in different locations/line of sight necessary
Wireless/used over short distances/not secure because anyone can tap in
Bluetooth/wireless communication over very short distances
Serial, parallel / description
Duplex, half duplex / description

30
Q

Describe how OCR data input works.

A

Reader reads shape of character/compared with library of shapes in computer
Document reader for blind people
Data output can be turned into speech/enlarged for clearer effect.

31
Q

Describe the use of a hard disk and its characteristics.

A

Store software/OS/data files

Large capacity/fast access to data

32
Q

Describe the use of a DVD-ROM and its characteristics.

A

Import of software/Encyclopaedias…

Cannot be written to/information cannot be changed

33
Q

Describe the use of a Solid State Pen Drive and its characteristics.

A

Transport work to and from places/make back ups

Small/light/large capacity/portable/usable on any machine/robust

34
Q

Describe how a knowledge-based system is set up.

A

Experts in the field are interviewed - Information collected from many sources
This information is used to create a knowledge base
The rules used to interrogate the knowledge base are collected in the rules base
The rules are used to interrogate the knowledge base using a set of algorithms stored in the inference engine
An HCI is set up to provide communication outside the knowledge-based system.

35
Q

Describe automatic methods of entering data into a computer system.

A

Voice recognition
Computer system can interpret spoken word into commands appropriate for the application
Computer systems for the blind
Barcode scanning
Pattern of light and dark lines used to input a code number which can relate to a record of data about the object
Supermarket checkout and barcodes on items of stock
OMR
Reader reads the position of marks on the form/translates position into information
School register
OCR
Reader reads shape of character/compared with library of shapes in computer
Document reader for blind people
MICR
Characters printed using magnetic ink in order to ensure that character is properly read
Numbers on the bottom of bank cheques
Image capture
Image input direct from a digital camera
Tourist photographs taken to transfer to souvenir items
Sensors
Change to condition in real world noted by sensor which returns a value
Reading temperature for a central heating system

36
Q

Describe the process of a payroll system.

A

[Clock on and clock off times are collected] by suitable input device e.g. card reader…
and stored [in suitable storage device e.g. hard disk]
At suitable interval e.g. weekly/monthly
Inputs are processed together with the main payroll file to produce / pay is calculated
Payslips/updated payroll file/tax details produced.
Automatic transfer of funds to workers’ bank accounts.

37
Q

Describe the characteristics of a LAN.

A

Local area network.
Computers linked together over a small area.
Shared devices.
May be hard-wired or wireless.

38
Q

Describe the role of systems software.

A

Controls the hardware of the computer.
Gives a platform to run other software.
Acts as an interface between the hardware/processor and the outside world/user.
Provides housekeeping software.

39
Q

Describe the contents of a program counter register

A

Contains the address…

…of the next instruction to be carried out

40
Q

Describe the MDR counter register.

A

Contains the contents of the address specified in the MAR/contains data
currently being used by the processor
The contents may be an instruction (to be passed to the CIR) or…
…data to be used with an instruction or…
…data to be copied into an address

41
Q

Describe what is meant by applications packages.

A

Applications packages allow the user to do something useful/something that
would have had to be done if there had been no computer
is a complete set of related pieces of software/contain documentation
describing the software to the user
Suitable example of a type of package

42
Q

Describe the characteristics of a command line interface.

A

Commands are typed into the computer…
…at a prompt
User must know the commands available and the syntax/no attention paid to
the aesthetics of the system
Allows access to whole system/many more possibilities than a GUI
Uses fewer resources than other interfaces
Access to required operations is faster than using other interfaces

43
Q

Describe three purposes of an operating system.

A

Used to control the hardware of the system/resource management…
…through software like hardware drivers/system software/task management
Used to provide a platform on which application software can run…
…deals with issues that the software may have e.g. the storage of files/allows
user to have access to hardware
Handles communications between devices/computers…
…using rules/protocols to govern communication/mention of sensible
protocol/rule
Handles translation of code…
…compiler/interpreter/(assembler)/need to translate
Has many utility programs…
…used to carry out housekeeping on the system/maintain the
hardware/example
Memory management…
…paging/segmentation/virtual memory
Job scheduling…
…provides fair access to processor according to set rules/example
Provides security…
…e.g. through password system
Interrupt handling…
…example type/priorities
Dictates how the system will operate…
…suitable example e.g. multi user/protects access to user files

44
Q

Describe three methods of validation.

A

The comparison of the input data with rules that the data must follow
Validation carried out by the computer/system, not the user
Checks data for being sensible/not for being correct
Length check/Range check
…The number of characters read must be correct for the expected length of
a barcode/The numeric value must be less than a maximum amount
Existence check
…The barcode must exist in the file of goods on sale in the store
Type check
…To ensure that the characters are all numeric
Check digit
…to catch transposition error in input data

45
Q

Describe four parts of a protocol.

A

Bit rate/Baud rate
…to ensure transmitting and receiving devices are both using the same
rate/states the rate at which data is transmitted
Character set to be used
…if the sets are different then the receiving device will misinterpret the data
that is sent/decide whether to use ASCII or Unicode or …
Software used
…to ensure that the data is compatible with the software
Form of data encryption
…to allow data to be decrypted at destination
Type of transmission to be used
…e.g. parallel or serial/duplex or simplex/ frequency of wireless
transmission/packet size
Type of medium used to carry the transmission
…e.g. single/multiple wires or cable/wireless or copper/fibre optic or
radio/microwave or frequency if wireless transmission used

46
Q

Describe serial data transmission.

A

Serial is one bit transmitted at a time/single wire

47
Q

Describe parallel data transmission.

A

Parallel is multiple bits transmitted at a time/many wires

48
Q

Describe half duplex data transmission.

A

Half duplex is communication in both directions but one at a time

49
Q

Describe duplex data transmission

A

Duplex is communication in both directions simultaneously

50
Q

Describe the use of MICR.

A

Magnetic Ink Character Reader/Recognition
Special characters on document…
Written using magnetisable ink
Are both computer and human readable

51
Q

Describe the spiral model.

A

Analyst begins by collecting data followed by each of the other stages leading to…
Evaluation, which will lead to…
A return to data collection to modify the results
Important point is that the different stages are refined each time the spiral is worked through

52
Q

Describe the process of verification.

A

Person reads value that has been input and…
Checks it against value on paper
Person inputs value twice
System checks the two inputs are the same

53
Q

Describe the process of archiving.

A

Storing the data produced…
On long term storage
So that it can be referred to if necessary
Data is still available without taking up space on working storage

54
Q

Describe the characteristics of a WAN.

A

WAN remote
Different forms of communication media
Data on a WAN is subject to interception

55
Q

Describe a natural language interface.

A

e.g. Keyboard or microphone
Allows user to use human syntax
Very complex systems therefore simplification of query is useful
User may find use of a natural syntax easier, so can focus on application

56
Q

Describe a forms based interface.

A

User needs to input information (so requires an interface which allows this) - Input boxes force input to be made/ guard against forgetting to give information - Use of radio buttons/ drop p down lists - Makes validation of information submitted easier - Instruction s for input are presented to user - Processing simplified because information is standard

57
Q

Describe existence check.

A

Checks that the record exists by checking against a list of possible records

58
Q

Describe presence check.

A

Checks to ensure that a value has been entered

59
Q

Describe the waterfall model.

A

Idea of passing from one stage to the next in order - Each stage in the life cycle feeds information to the next stage - At each stage it may be necessary to return to one or more previous stages… - either to collect more information/ data or to check on data that has been collected - After returning, all the intervening steps must be revisited

60
Q

Describe two types of maintenance carried out on a finished system.

A

Corrective /errors will be found in original software/ only come to light in normal use/ missed by testing/ must be corrected to make software usable -
Adaptive/ one of the parameters used to set up system has changed/ e.g. the VAT rate changes/ the software must be altered to reflect the change - Perfective/ during use it is found that one element of the system is not performing as well as it could/ software is altered to improve performance.

61
Q

Describe role of CIR in a processor.

A

Current Instruction Register (CIR) - Holds the instruction while it is being decoded/ executed - The content s of MDR are copied into the CIR if it is an instruction - Operation code as first part of instruction - Remainder of instruction is address of data to be used in operation or… - …the data to be used if immediate operand is used

62
Q

Describe the role of an accumulator in a processor.

A

Holds the data currently being processed - Results of processing are stored in the accumulator - The results of arithmetic carried out in ALU - All I/O goes through accumulator

63
Q

Describe the three parts of a knowledge-based system.

A

Knowledge base …stores details of all the valves and the actions to be taken
Rule base
…stores the rules which should be applied to the knowledge to obtain information
Inference engine/algorithms
…applies the rules to the knowledge in order to obtain valid information
HCI/user interface
…allows engineer to input data and obtain information

64
Q

Describe what is meant by UNCODE.

A

UNICODE is a coding system that assigns a unique code…
…to all the possible symbols available throughout the world
All symbols in different languages/platforms/programs have unique
codes
Continues to grow as it is not a fixed size set, currently over 100000
Symbols represented.

65
Q

Describe two ways of error checking.

A

Echo
A copy of the received data…
…is transmitted back to sender
The data is then compared with that which was sent
If an error is found then the (entire block of) data is retransmitted.
Check sum
Blocks of bytes are added before transmission…
To give a total, with ‘carries out of the total’ ignored
This total is transmitted with the block
The same calculation is done on the data blocks at the destination
And result is compared with the transmitted value…
If different, there is a transmission error

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