Past Paper Q

Question 1

Evaluate the suitability of using a USB memory stick for backing up data

Answer 1

• memory stick is non volatile- it can be used to store backup data permanently.
• it is portable- it can be removed and the backup stored safely away from live system.
• rewritable- used for backups.

Question 2

Explain how cache memory is used by the processor

Answer 2

• stores copies of contents of most frequently used instructions.
• the processor first searches CACHE memory before searching main memory.

Question 3

Explain why secondary storage is needed

Answer 3

• main memory is volatile- this is needed for permanent storage.
• secondary is non volatile
• secondary more capacity than main memory. This is needed to hold all data needed by computer and enables data to be transferred to another computer system. Yes

Question 4

Describe how data is written to a DVD

Answer 4

• surface of disk is coated in aluminium
• red laser used
• to create pits and lands
• which represent 1s and 0s

Question 5

Evaluate command line and wimp interfaces from the point of view of an experienced computer user

Answer 5

Command line- preset list of commands
Each command is entered at a prompt and usually includes parameters and switches

Wimp- gui, each task has its own window containing icons and menus a pointer a mouse a touchpad are used to navigate and to select icons and menu options.

Experienced used prefer CLI as a single command may preform a task which would require a long sequence of clicks in wimp