Module 1.3

Question 1

With which hardware component are the terms ‘DIMM’ and ‘DDR’ associated?

Answer 1

Memory (RAM)

Question 2

The more memory installed in a computer, the better it will perform. Explain why this is the case.

Answer 2

This is because, with more memory, more data and programs can be loaded for processing at the same time.

Question 3

With which hardware component are the terms ‘SATA’ and ‘rpm’ associated?

Answer 3

A hard drive.

Question 4

What is the main advantage of an SSD over a traditional (mechanical) hard drive?

Answer 4

Speed

Question 5

Give the two main disadvantages of an SSD compared to a mechanical hard drive.

Answer 5

It is generally smaller in capacity and a lot more expensive.

Question 6

A DVD drive was listed in an advert as being a ‘multi-drive’. What does this mean?

Answer 6

It means that the drive is compatible with most disc formats and that it can read and write (or burn) information to DVD and CD discs using a number of different formats.

Question 7

What is the advantage of a USB 3 port over a USB 2 port?

Answer 7

It can transfer data at much faster speeds.

Question 8

With which type of electronic communication technology is the 802.11b/g/n specification associated?

Answer 8

WiFi

Question 9

Give two typical functions that a multi-function printer can perform, besides normal printing.

Answer 9

Faxing, scanning, copying, etc.

Question 10

All users find ‘cloud storage’ extremely useful as a type of storage. What is the main advantage of cloud storage for a user?

Answer 10

They have access to their data from any device.

Question 11

Why would it have been a good idea for her to check if the computer had a Thunderbolt port?

Answer 11

It is used for high speed data and video connections, so she could have used it to transfer video from a recording device to her computer.

Question 12

Explain what we mean by ‘integrated graphics’.

Answer 12

A graphics processor is built into the CPU or the motherboard.

Question 13

Why would one make use of OCR software?

Answer 13

To convert scanned documents into editable text.

Question 14

Give three examples of specialised input or output devices that would help a visually impaired user.

Answer 14

Any three of:
 Braille keyboards
 Braille displays
 Braille printers
 Magnification devices
 Large-key keyboards

Question 15

Give three other trends that one is likely to see in future ICT devices.

Answer 15

Any three of:
 They will be smaller in size
 They will make more use of sensors (such as GPS technology)
 They will be designed to be mobile.
 Their battery life will be longer than today.
 They will be designed to be constantly connected and communicating.
 They will combine new technologies to allow easier and more effective input and output.

Question 16

Components of the CPU

Answer 16

speed is measured in gigahertz
has multiple cores (Quad cores)- like having more than one processor on the chip
brand name- Intel or AMD
power users have the best CPU they can afford.

Question 17

Components of Memory (RAM)

Answer 17

Temporary storage area for programs and data being processed
RAM is identified by terms such as DIMMs, DDR3 or DDR4
Must be using a 64-bit version of an operating system in order to access more than 4GB of RAM

Question 18

Components of Hard disk drive (HDD)

Answer 18

Main permanent storage area for all the users data and software
identified by SATA, rotational speed measured in rpm
will need the largest storage for media items

Question 19

Components of video cards

Answer 19

separate circuit board that plugs into the motherboard- has its own memory and CPU
video cards add extra processing power, essential for 3D graphics , video editing or high end gaming.

Question 20

Components of ports

Answer 20

Used to connect external devices to the computer

Thunderbolt and USB ports are connected for high data transfer and video connections.

Question 21

Components of the keyboard

Answer 21

Input device
ergonomically designed keyboards reduce the impact of RSI
Wireless or Cabled

Question 22

What are devices that can be used by the visually impaired/blind

Answer 22

Magnification devices
Large-key keyboards
Braille keyboard and Braille display
Braille printers

Question 23

What are devices that can be used by the Hearing impaired/deaf

Answer 23

Devices that vibrate instead of emitting sound

Question 24

What are devices that can be used for motor control

Answer 24

Eye movement tracking devices
Head movement tracking devices
Large key (outsized) keyboards
Trackballs 
Joysticks
Foot pedal control devices
Sip and puff devices

Question 25

what is technology now and in the future

Answer 25

It will be smaller, cheaper, faster and more powerful than what we have today
It will use more and more sensors
It will be designed to be mobile
Battery life will be longer
It will be designed to be constantly connected and communicating
It will combine new technologies to allow easier and more effective input and output