Past Paper 2018

Question 1

What is the function of the user interface?

Answer 1

Acts as the intermediary between the user and the kernel

Question 2

What does the interrupt mechanism do?

Answer 2

Stops the fetch/execute cycle

Question 3

What type of storage device is a hard disk?

Answer 3

Magnetic storage

Question 4

What will make your computer function faster?

Answer 4

Replace programs with up-to-date ones, Additional processor, Defragment the Hard Drive

Question 5

Each memory location has…

Answer 5

An address

Question 6

What does ISP stand for?

Answer 6

Internet Service Provider

Question 7

What type of memory stores the bootstrap programme?

Answer 7

ROM

Question 8

The user interface acts as an intermediary between…

Answer 8

The user and the Kernel

Question 9

When does Bootstrapping happen?

Answer 9

When you start up your computer

Question 10

What are the goals of the scheduling algorithm?

Answer 10

To maximises the throughput of the CPU, to make efficient use of processor time, to make efficient use resources

Question 11

Interrupts are given a priority level according to…

Answer 11

The order they are received

Question 12

If a hard drive is defragmented, how does this allow a computer to run faster?

Answer 12

Makes files contiguous

Question 13

What are the units called that a program can be divided into?

Answer 13

Procedural units

Question 14

What is an object in the context of programming?

Answer 14

A program unit containing data and procedures

Question 15

Types of translator

Answer 15

Compiler, Interpreter, Assemblers

Question 16

What are the 3 components of the CPU?

Answer 16

Controller, ALU, Registers

Question 17

The primary key is….

Answer 17

The unique field used to identify a record

Question 18

What does implementation mean in computing?

Answer 18

Turning an algorithm into a computer program

Question 19

Excel is an example of a…

Answer 19

Flat database

Question 20

Types of external memory

Answer 20

External hard drives, Flash drives, CDs, Cloud Servers

Question 21

Machine clock

Answer 21

An electronic device that produces a pulse of electricity at regular intervals to synchronise the computer system

Question 22

The Database Management System (DBMS)….

Answer 22

Allows data to be amended and controlled

Question 23

What’s the difference between software and hardware?

Answer 23

Software is a part of a computer system that consists of data. Hardware is physical from which the system is built.

Question 24

Binary code is also called _____ which is also known as _____ generation

Answer 24

machine code, first

Question 25

What’s the difference between an Interpreter and a Compiler?

Answer 25

An interpreter translates one line at a time and gives accurate error messages where the error occurs. It’s easier to spot/edit mistakes. A compiler compiles the whole code in one go so it’s faster. It’s harder to spot/edit mistakes.

Question 26

What is encryption?

Answer 26

The secure transfer for data/files between parties.