Means Of Digital Communication

Question 1

What is video conferencing?

Answer 1

The use of the internet to transmit pictures and sound between computers.

Question 2

What kind of telecommunications line is required to use video conferencing?

Answer 2

A high bandwidth telecommunications line

Question 3

List three advantages of video conferencing.

Answer 3

1. No travel costs
2. Allows for both visual and audio contact
3. Allows for collaboration without having to leave your desk (e.g. Meetings)

Question 4

List three disadvantages of video conferencing.

Answer 4

1. High cost of initial setup
2. May lower internet speeds
3. High bandwidth required

Question 5

What is e-mail?

Answer 5

The sending of messages across the internet

Question 6

List four features of email systems.

Answer 6

1. Inbox
2. Address book
3. Signature button
4. Attachment button

Question 7

Explain the inbox feature of an email system.

Answer 7

It stores received emails and has a sort feature.

Question 8

What is the function of the signature button in an email system?

Answer 8

It automatically adds a signature to messages you send.

Question 9

What does the ‘Cc’ field do?

Answer 9

Lists email addresses that will receive a carbon copy of the email for information purposes only.

Question 10

What does the ‘Bcc’ field do?

Answer 10

Lists the email addresses that will receive a blind carbon copy of the email.
These recipients cannot see the email addresses of the other recipients.

Question 11

List three advantages of email.

Answer 11

1. Can be sent at any time
2. Instant delivery
3. Cheap compared to telephone calls

Question 12

List three disadvantages of email.

Answer 12

1. Internet connection is required
2. Spam can be received
3. Confidential emails can be sent to the wrong address

Question 13

Give two other names for fax.

Answer 13

1. Facsimile

2. Telecopying

Question 14

Define the term fax.

Answer 14

The transmission of scanned text or images to a telephone number connected to a printer or other output device.

Question 15

Describe the fax process [4].

Answer 15

1. Original document is scanned by a fax machine
2. This turns the text and/or images into a bitmap
3. The bitmap is sent to a telephone number
4. The receiving fax machine reconverts the coded image to print a paper copy

Question 16

List two advantages of fax.

Answer 16

1. Accurately transmits documents

2. Many modern machines allow the sending of digital files as faxes

Question 17

List two disadvantages of fax.

Answer 17

1. A dedicated fax line is required

2. A fax system is expensive to buy and keep running

Question 18

What does VoIP stand for?

Answer 18

Voice over Internet Protocol

Question 19

What does VoIP allow?

Answer 19

The making of telephone calls over the internet

Question 20

Name one piece of software that supports VoIP.

Answer 20

Skype

Question 21

List three advantages of VoIP.

Answer 21

1. Cheaper than normal phone calls
2. Supports video calls
3. Calls can be made from a PC to a phone and vice versa

Question 22

State one disadvantage of VoIP.

Answer 22

Internet access is required

Question 23

List two other forms of communication over the internet.

Answer 23

1. Instant Messaging

2. Bulletin Boards