System Technologies Flashcards
Name TWO input devices that can be used on a point of sale system
(1) Keyboard/Keypad/Touchscreen
(2) Barcode scanner
(3) Speed point/Bank card facility machine
(4) Scale for measuring weight (of items)
(5) NFC reader/QR code scanner
Define the concept convergence
Convergence is where the functionality of two or more devices
Why are USB ports commonly used to connect peripheral devices
(1) High speed data transfer
(2) Provides power to devices
(3) Computers/Laptops compatible with most external devices
(4) Hot swappable (Accept Plug & Play)
Name TWO specifications you would consider when buying a monitor
(1) Resolution/Pixel density
(2) Physical size
(3) Contrast ratio/Colour depth
(4) Aspect ratio
(5) Panel type (curved/flat)/LED/LCD/QLED
(6) Refresh rate/Response time
(7) Connectivity options
Give TWO reasons why your monitor does not display anything even though both the computer and the monitor are switched on.
NOTE: Assume the monitor is in perfect working order.
(1) Cables/Signal cable not connected properly/faulty
(2) Faulty graphics card
(3) Display is set to a secondary monitor
(4) Sleep mode is active
Explain TWO limitations of using web-based applications
(1) Requires reliable internet connection
(2) Requires additional data and sufficient speed
(3) Possibility of security risks while online
(4) Applications may not be compatible with all web browsers
(5) Applications can be much slower than installed ones
You receive an error message about insufficient disk space while you are installing a specific program
Suggest TWO ways to solve the problem so that you can complete the installation
(1) Delete/Move unwanted programs/data onto an external drive or the cloud
(2) Use Disk Cleanup
(3) Replace/Add a larger storage device/drive
(4) Compress data/folders not frequently used
Why would you distribute educational resources on an optical disk rather than over the internet?
(1) Users may not have data/sufficient cap
(2) Connectivity issues/slow internet
(3) Control the spread of viruses and other malware
NFC can be used to transfer photographs from one device to another by holding them close together, without using the internet or any cables
Give ONE disadvantage of using NFC in this situation.
- NFC has a low transfer speed
- Will take a long time to transfer photographs or videos
NFC can be used to transfer photographs from one device to another by holding them close together, without using the internet or any cables
Give TWO uses of NFC, other than transferring photographs
(1) Making payments
(2) Open/Launch an app on other devices
(3) Pair/Trigger accessories with device
(4) Security purposes, e.g. Unlocking doors/Access control
(5) Transfer other kinds of media, e.g. video/documents
(6) Printing via NFC
Name TWO software technologies to assist physically disabled users who cannot use their hands to work on a computer
(1) Voice recognition software
(2) Speech-to-text software
(3) Eye tracking/Gesture recognition software
(4) Virtual assistant
Which application would a network administrator use so that all the computers in a computer centre are switched off at a certain time in the afternoon?
(1) Task Scheduler
(2) LanSchool/EyeSpy/Classroom Spy, etc. (Accept Classroom Management Software)
State TWO risks associated with using flawed software
(1) Corrupted data/loss of data/loss of productivity
(2) Invalid/Unexpected results
(3) Security issues
(4) Malware infection
(5) Unusual behaviour of computer-controlled devices/temporarily malfunction
Give TWO advantages of using the Snipping Tool to make a screenshot rather than using the Print Screen option
(1) Specific area can be selected
(2) The screenshot can be saved directly in different file formats
(3) Can edit within the Snipping Tool application
(4) The screenshot can be directly attached to an e-mail or added to another application
(5) Can print from within the Snipping Tool application
Explain what an office suite is
- An office suite is a collection of programs
- (software applications) that link/integrate
You should consider the resolution when buying input devices such as scanners or cameras
What unit of measurement is used to describe resolution?
1) DPI/dots per inch
2) Pixel/Megapixel/MP
You should consider the resolution when buying input devices such as scanners or cameras
Give ONE disadvantage of capturing an image with poor resolution
1) Poor resolution causes poor image quality
2) OCR does not work on poor quality images
3) Cannot enlarge image
Software bugs are unintended errors in software
Explain ONE method software developers use to avoid software bugs in their software, before distributing the final version of the software.
1) Internal testing by a dedicated team/Alpha testing
2) Distribute Beta/Test versions: Public test and report errors which are then corrected by the developer
3) Error reporting: Developers use error reporting facilities when a program crashes
Software bugs are unintended errors in software
Recommend ONE way in which a user can get rid of a software bug, other than keeping software updated
1) Install a patch
2) Install a service pack
Name the utility program that you can use to close an unresponsive application
Task Manager
Give TWO examples of metadata that you can use as criteria when you search for a file, other than using the file name
1) Last modified
2) Date modified
3) File extension/File type
4) File size
5) Date created
6) Date printed
7) Author
8) Subject
9) GPS information
10) Time, etc.
You use a USB cable to connect a smartphone to your computer. Although the cable is connected properly, the devices do not communicate with each other
Suggest TWO ways to solve this problem
1) Restart the smartphone and restart the computer
2) Use manufacturer’s cable/Use another USB cable/port
3) Install/Update the driver/firmware on the computer
4) Enable the relevant settings on the smartphone/Connect the smartphone to the computer as File Transfer
5) Turn on USB debugging on your smartphone
6) Adjust security settings of the computer to allow the smartphone to connect
Explain TWO ways to check the actual size of a hard drive on a Windows PC, using the graphical user interface
1) This PC (in File Explorer)
2) System information / Device specification / (Windows) Properties
3) Disk management
4) Task Manager
Disabled people may need special hardware devices to enable them to use ICTs
Name ONE input device specifically designed for disabled users
1) Sip and Puff
2) Braille keyboard/Large key keyboard
3) Oversized buttons on devices
4) Head operated pointer
5) Foot operated mouse
6) Eye movement tracking device
7) Generous trackball e.g. AbleNet Wave
Disabled people may need special hardware devices to enable them to use ICTs
Name ONE output device specifically designed for disabled users
1) Braille printer
2) Vibrating pads (that does not emit sounds)
3) LED indicator lights
4) Braille screen/display with feedback that can be felt
You downloaded a video licensed under the Creative Commons (CC) agreement.
Explain what a Creative Commons (CC) licence generally is
Creative Commons is a copyright agreement that allows anyone to use and share the content under certain conditions (e.g. free) from the copyright holder/owner
Give TWO reasons why you would zip/compress a file
1) Possible decrease in storage space for a file/Reduce file size
2) Uses less data when sending files
3) Add a layer of security to files with password
4) Send a folder or group of files as single/smaller e-mail attachment
5) Faster to transfer large, zipped files to removable media
You wish to store files, but do not have enough storage space on your device
Which optical media would you recommend to store some files?
CD, DVD or Blu-ray
You wish to store files, but do not have enough storage space on your device
Discuss ONE disadvantage of using a flash drive to store some files
1) Easy to lose
2) Easily stolen
3) Size to cost ratio is high/expensive per GB
4) Limited read or write cycles
Discuss the concept of communication in the information processing cycle
The result of processing is shared with users/other devices connected to each other
Give ONE reason why a hard disk drive is not preferred in a laptop
1) HDD can be easily damaged because of moving parts
2) Heavier than other options
3) Uses more electricity/Depletes battery faster
You wish to set up a ‘small office home office’ (SOHO) with four computers
Explain TWO criteria that could be used to select a printer for this office
1) Speed: Pages per minute/Productivity
2) Budget consideration: Cost of printer/Cost of printing
3) Print quality: Quality of printouts required/DPI
4) Paper: Variety of paper sizes/thickness required
5) Durability: Maximum printouts per printer life cycle
6) Size of printer: Available physical space/multiple trays
7) Colour: Monochrome or colour printing required
8) Type of printer: Suitability for SOHO, e.g. Multifunction printer
9) Connectivity: Network printer, e.g. Wireless
10) System compatibility: Compatibility between device and printer
You wish to set up a ‘small office home office’ (SOHO) with four computers
Give TWO benefits of buying a UPS for this office
1) Backup power for limited time
2) Safe/Automatic shutdown
3) Allows time to save work/Prevents loss of data
4) Protects equipment against power surges/fluctuations
You wish to set up a ‘small office home office’ (SOHO) with four computers
Which problem could arise if the printer purchased for this office is NOT set as the default printer?
1) Print jobs go to the wrong printer
2) Nothing will print
3) May print with incorrect layout formatting
4) Less productive – will need to select a printer every time to print
Give TWO disadvantages of using open-source software
1) No regular updates
2) No official support
3) Lack of ‘Help’ features
4) Open to software vulnerabilities, e.g. hacking with malicious code
5) Lack of proper testing of the software for bugs
Explain why a user would prefer using a virtual keyboard rather than a physical keyboard
1) Use less physical desk space
2) Improves portability of the device
3) Can customise the keyboard
4) Surface on which virtual keyboard is projected may be easier to clean
It is good practice to make backups of data
Give TWO reasons why it is important to make offline backups
1) Backup files are accessible when no internet is available
2) Faster to restore data from a local source
3) Not reliant on a 3rd party for data security
4) Have a backup in case of ransomware
5) No need to pay a subscription
It is good practice to make backups of data
Why should you never make an offline backup of your work on the same device as the original work?
The backup can be destroyed/infected/lost/stolen together with the original work
It is good practice to make backups of data
Name a file extension which is typically associated with backup file sizes that were reduced
Zip/.Rar/.7Z
What change must be made to the resolution of a monitor to assist a visually impaired user?
Resolution decreased to make the display appear larger
What is the Task Manager most commonly used for
1) Close a non-responding program/Forcefully end a task
2) Check computer performance to identify processes causing issues
Give TWO reasons why it is not recommended that an accountant uses a trial version of financial software
1) Lose data when trial expires/Program becomes unusable
2) Unable to upgrade to the full version
3) Not all features are available/limited functionality
4) Could result in loss of income for the business
Suggest TWO ways to resolve the problem of a mouse that does not work properly, other than replacing the mouse
1) Change the mouse surface/use a mousepad
2) Check connection/cable/Bluetooth/ports
3) Restart/reboot the computer
4) Change batteries/Check for battery corrosion
5) Clean optical sensor
6) Re-install the driver/unpair and re-pair Bluetooth mouse
7) Check if the mouse receiver is working, e.g. wireless mouse dongle
Name TWO kinds of information found in the metadata of a file
1) Author/Who last modified
2) Dates/Time created/modified
3) Geographic location
4) File size
5) Revision number
6) Attributes
7) Number of pages/words
8) Valid descriptive data related to video or audio file
Discuss the purpose of a QR code
Quick access/link to information, e.g. URL, videos, network password, text, business card, etc.
What is the purpose of a product key when installing software?
1) To be able to use/access the software
(2) Register/Activate the software for legal use/Prevent piracy/To ensure that only legal copies of the software are installed/obtained/bought
(3) Required to complete the installation of software/The program will most likely not open past the product key page, or it might run but have only limited functionality
(4) Can regulate the number of installations done under a licence
Give TWO differences between the user interfaces of laptops and smartphones
(1) Orientation: Smartphones commonly used in portrait mode/Laptops commonly used in landscape mode/Smartphone can easily change between portrait and landscape orientation
(2) User interaction: Only touch screen available on smartphones/Touch screen and mouse pointer navigation/keyboard on laptop
Briefly explain TWO ways to repair a flash drive when the operating system reports that there are errors on it
(1) Format the flash drive
(2) Click ‘Yes’ when automatically prompted to repair a flash drive / Use a repair utility, e.g. ScanDisk, etc.
All hardware in a computer require drivers to work
What is a driver AND what is its main function?
Software/Program that allows the operating system to control/ communicate with hardware
The SD card on your camera is full
Which device would you use to upload the photos to your computer without connecting your camera to the computer?
Card Reader / Card slot
All hardware in a computer require drivers to work
Why do you NOT have to install a driver when connecting plug-and-play devices?
The operating system installs/configures a driver automatically / The plug-and-play device starts working as soon as it is plugged in.
Health trackers are often worn by athletes and people who are health conscious
Name TWO types of outputs a user would expect to find on his/her health tracker
(1) Step counter
(2) Where and when you exercise
(3) Distance covered during sporting activities
(4) How much sleep you get
(5) Heart rate
(6) Calories burnt
(7) Oxygen (saturation) level
(8) History of activities
(9) Blood pressure, etc.
You formatted a document on your computer that you wish to send to a friend
Give TWO reasons why the document will sometimes not display in the way you created it on your friend’s computer
(1) The same application as the one in which the document was created is not installed on the receiver’s computer/Used a different application
(2) It is not opened in the same version in which it was created/Did not use compatibility options
(3) The friend’s PC does not have the same font set as that of the sender
(4) No default printer is set on the friend’s PC
You formatted a document on your computer that you wish to send to a friend.
How can you ensure that a document you create on your computer will display as you created it on someone else’s computer?
1) Save the document as a pdf
2) Save the document in a picture format
Give TWO reasons why the use of online applications/software has become popular
(1) Sharing and collaboration made easier/possible
(2) No need to have the software installed
(3) Can be used on any computer with a browser and internet connection
(4) Latest software/features are available without upgrading the software
(5) Less storage/processing requirements for local computer
(6) No need to update constantly
The quality of cameras on smartphones improves every year
Explain why smartphone cameras have not made dedicated cameras obsolete yet
(1) Generally, less optical zoom available on a smartphone
(2) Dedicated camera produces better picture quality
(3) Image sensors/ISO better on dedicated cameras
(4) External flashes can be added to a dedicated camera
(5) Option to change lenses, e.g. Wide angle/Better lens quality
Give TWO reasons for using voice recognition software
(1) Assist people with special needs/visual impairments to use a computer
(2) Speech to text software can make for easier/convenient data capturing
(3) Can be used for security purposes to identify people/Biometric purposes
(4) Enables hands-free operation of the device
State TWO possible problems associated with 3D printing
(1) Printing process is slow
(2) Unhealthy odours/smells given off
(3) Companies may lose sales for certain items/parts
(4) Dangerous weapons can be easily made by anyone
(5) Filament running out/break during a print could affect quality
Pop-ups can suddenly appear in the browser window when browsing the internet
Give TWO disadvantages of pop-ups appearing on a web page in a browser window, other than being distracting and irritating for a user
(1) May slow downloading of a website
(2) Uses bandwidth/data
(3) May contain malware/redirect to a malicious website
(4) May contain scamming links/adverts
(5) Certain features of websites may not work correctly
(6) Sometimes difficult/impossible to close a pop-up on a mobile device
Pop-ups can suddenly appear in the browser window when browsing the internet.
Why does a pop-up blocker not block all pop-ups automatically?
1) Some pop-ups are needed for the functioning of the website
2) User has allowed certain pop-ups
