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CCEA AS Digital Technology > U2T3 (2) - Hardware & Software > Flashcards

U2T3 (2) - Hardware & Software Flashcards

1
Q

What is a port?

A

The interface/point of attachment to system unit.

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2
Q

What might a cable do?

A

It often attaches external devices to the system unit.

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3
Q

What are connectors?

A

Ports have different types of these and so they are used to join a cable to a device.

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4
Q

What are male connectors?

A

Connectors with one or more exposed pins.

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5
Q

What are female connectors?

A

Connectors with holes to accept the pins from male connectors.

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6
Q

What are the 3 types of ports in a computer?

A

Serial, parallel + USB.

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7
Q

What is a serial port?

A

Type of interface that connects a device to the system unit by transmitting data only one bit at a time. They usually connect devices that don’t require fast data transmission rates e.g. mouse/keyboard/modem.

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8
Q

What is a parallel port?

A

Interface that connects devices by transferring more than one bit at a time. Many printers connect to the system unit by this type of port.

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9
Q

What is a USB Port?

A

Can connect up to 127 different peripheral devices with a single connector type, greatly simplifying process of attaching devices to PC.

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10
Q

What is file format?

A

When data stored within a file has structure and organisation e.g. jpg/wav/doc/xls/pdf

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11
Q

What does a computer need in order to work?

A

To have data flowing through the CPU under the control of a program. This data has to come from somewhere e.g. stored file.

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12
Q

How does the data flow work when a program is loaded from a stored file to produce an output?

A

File held on hard disk/secondary storage, loaded by a program into main memory, manipulated by a program in CPU + output produced.

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13
Q

Give examples of outputs?

A

Data files, screen images (graphics/text), moving images (video/animation) + sound (music/voice)

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14
Q

What is data compression?

A

Reducing the space occupied by a large file.

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15
Q

Why might you compress a data file?

A

For backing store or transferring it over a network.

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16
Q

How does data compression work?

A

Uses a series of algorithms to reduce the amount of real space taken up by data on a storage medium.

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17
Q

What is zipping the data?

A

The process of compressing data files.

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18
Q

How does zipping data files work?

A

Reduces the numbers of characters a file has. Uses the LZW algorithm to reduce memory/storage required by large files.

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19
Q

What does the LZW algorithm do?

A

Looks for repeating patterns in data being compressed and replaces them with a single character.

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20
Q

How do you calculate the compression ratio?

A

Original data size / compressed data size

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21
Q

What is the purpose of data compression?

A

Make files smaller for email, copying when streaming + reducing transfer time.

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22
Q

What is picture compression used for?

A

Storing images more economically or faster transfer of images

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23
Q

What techniques are used for picture compression?

A

Redundancy, lossless compression schemes, jpeg + mpeg format.

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24
Q

How does redundancy work for picture compression?

A

Repeated data describing the same element of an image. Common technique in compressions schemes is identification of this. E.g. Image with solid background colour, can be more efficient to store info that next 500 pixels are same, rather than repeating pixel data 500 times.

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25
Q

How do lossless compression schemes work for picture compression?

A

Allow the original images to be recreated, others are lossy and generally involve a loss of resolution in parts of the image where experience shows it will be least noticed.

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26
Q

How does JPEG format work for picture compression?

A

Joint Photographic Experts Group. Used for still images + works by identifying areas of image which are similar - Arrangement of pixels repeated elsewhere in image , perhaps after scaling/rotation. More efficient to store info about these similarities than to repeat data.

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27
Q

How does MPEG format work for picture compression?

A

Motion Pictures Experts Group. Used for moving images e.g. video + work by delta compression. To cope with high demands of TV standard pictures (25 separate frames transmitted every second in UK). Full picture sent occasionally (5 times per second) Between frames, info containing only changes to image is transmitted. Uses less data where pic is relatively static as with title/caption.

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28
Q

Windows Bitmap IPC:

File extensions, lossless?, type + comments.

A

BMP, yes, still image bitmap, uncompressed data one of the standard formats.

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29
Q

Tagged Image File Format:

File extensions, lossless?, type + comments.

A

TIF/TIFF, yes, still image bitmap, compressed data, one of the standard formats.

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30
Q

Graphics Interchange Format:

File extensions, lossless?, type + comments.

A

GIF, yes, still image bitmap, good for images with large areas of solid colour. As 8 bits are used, only 256 distinct colours can be represented. Simple animated version available suited to web graphics.

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31
Q

Portable Network Graphics:

File extensions, lossless?, type + comments.

A

PNG, yes, still image bitmap, good for images with large areas of solid colour. PNG uses 24 bits + can represent millions of distinct colours.

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32
Q

Joint Photographic Experts Group:

File extensions, lossless?, type + comments.

A

JPEG/JPG/JPE, no, still image, good for photographic images.

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33
Q

Vector:

File extensions, lossless?, type + comments.

A

WMG/DXF, yes, still image vector, dxf is industry standard CAD format.

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34
Q

QuickTime:

File extensions, lossless?, type + comments.

A

MOV, yes, video, although storage as .mov file is lossless, data being stored is already held using lossy compression.

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35
Q

Audio-video interleaved:

File extensions, lossless?, type + comments.

A

AVI, yes, video, although storage as .avi file is lossless, data being stored is already held using lossy compression.

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36
Q

MPEG-1:

File extensions, lossless?, type + comments.

A

MPG, no, video, suited to small low resolution sequences on CD.

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37
Q

MPEG-2:

File extensions, lossless?, type + comments.

A

M2V/MPG/MP2, no, video, suited to full screen high resolution sequences on DVD.

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38
Q 
Digital Video (DV):
File extensions, lossless?, type + comments.
A

AVI, ish, video. DV data already compressed in camera. Doesn’t compress further.

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39
Q

Windows Media Player:

File extensions, lossless?, type + comments.

A

WMV, no, video, proprietary format for Microsoft is Windows Media Player. Accompanying audio stored in .wma format.

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40
Q

RAW:

File extensions, lossless?, type + comments.

A

Many, specific to camera manufacturers, yes, still image data, unprocessed data seen by digital camera sensor, essentially digital equiv of film negative.

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41
Q

File type:

txt

A

.txt. Text file based commonly on ASCII character set. Some OS place an EOF after last line in file to denote file end.

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42
Q

File type:

wav

A

.wav. Waveform audio file format. Sound file.

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43
Q

File type:

Bitmap

A

.bmp

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44
Q

File type:

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)

A

.jpeg/.jpg/.jpe. Graphics file format used to store still images.

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45
Q

File type:

MPEG (Motion Picture Experts Group)

A

MPEG-1 (.mpg), MPEG-2 (.m2v/.mpg/.mp2) Various audio + video formats.

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46
Q

File type:

GIF (Graphics Interchange Format)

A

.gif

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47
Q

Advantages of .txt files?

A

Can be opened in any word processor/text editor without need for additional processing. Much smaller than word processing file. Simple txt files don’t require metadata so if no data stored, file will take up 0 bytes. When data corruption occurs on txt file, remaining contents can be more easily recovered.

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48
Q

Disadvantages of .txt files?

A

Files of this type have no formatting info, these file types can often take up more storage than necessary as no compression occurs.

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49
Q

Advantages of .wav files?

A

Lossless method of recoding sound files i.e. all of info collected in original sampling process will be retained.

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50
Q

Disadvantages of .wav files?

A

Sound quality dependent upon sample rates + sample resolution.

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51
Q

Advantages of .bmp files?

A

Used to store characters/graphics as individual pixels, higher resolution = better quality. Retains all image details. Higher resolution bitmapped images ideal for storing freehand drawings.

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52
Q

Disadvantages of .bmp files?

A

Blank portions of image require representation within bitmap so can contribute to file size of stored image. Bitmapped images may appear pixelated when scaled up or down. Quite large.

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53
Q

Advantages of JPEG files?

A

Standard compression format for photographic images devices by JPEG. Can reduce file size to 5% of original size.

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54
Q

Disadvantages of JPEG files?

A

Lossy compression method i.e. some detail relating to image content is lost in compression process.

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55
Q

Advantages of MPEG files?

A

Varying resolutions can be applied to file at time of storage e.g. MPEG-1 (produces low res files suitable for CDs), MPEG-2 (record high res sequences for DVD recording) + other variations/resolutions available.

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56
Q

Disadvantages of MPEG files?

A

Lossy compression techniques applied i.e. some data removed. However, degeneration of image cannot always be perceived by human eye.

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57
Q

Advantages of .gif files?

A

Provides format for image files that supports animated + static images. Compressed to save transmission time.

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58
Q

Disadvantages of .gif files?

A

Colour palette limited to 256 colours so not ideal for storing digital photos e.g.those captured by digital camera.

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59
Q

File type:

Rich Text Format

A

.rtf

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60
Q

Disadvantage of .rtf?

A

Bigger than .doc files.

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61
Q

What is the idea behind a bitmap?

A

Build up an image from pixels. If far enough away, brain can be fooled into seeing image as one smooth entity.

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62
Q

What is a pixel?

A

Smaller rectangular block of single colour in a bitmap image. Shortened from picture element.

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63
Q

What is resolution?

A

More pixels used to produce an image, more detailed, higher resolution.

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64
Q

What does ‘addressable’ mean?

A

When the colour of a pixel can be rapidly changed under computer control. This is how video is possible as a new bitmap replaces the previous one at least 25 times a second.

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65
Q

What is the colour within a pixel represented by?

A

3 bytes, one for each primary colour (red, green + blue) 8 bit scheme allows 256 levels of each primary colour so 16 million+ colours possible in each pixel.

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66
Q

Summarise bitmap graphics.

A

Made of individual pixels, each pixel is addressable unit allowing for subtle changes, can be compressed which may cause detail loss, each pixel represents a colour, pixelation occurs when image is enlarged, large size, long load time, more pixels + better quality. Each pixel represented by 8/16/24/32 bits (colour depth)

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67
Q

How do vector images work?

A

Store a set of instructions on how to draw the shape. File size stays same even if image needs to be larger, stays smooth so no pixelation.

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68
Q

Would you store a detailed photograph in bitmap or vector? Why?

A

Bitmap. It would need so many vector instructions to create it that it makes more sense as a bitmap.

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69
Q

In what format are CAD files stored in + explain?

A

Vector. Each vector has an exact dimension relative to the origin + scaling factor. Allows engineers to precisely define object being designed.

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70
Q

What is a useful property of vector images that allows an engineer to duplicate a car door and add it to an image of a car?

A

They can be grouped into objects which is why they are often called object orientated graphics. Individual objects can be edited independently, duplicated + resized with a minor increase in file size.

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71
Q

Summarise vector graphics.

A

Created by math equations + calculations, points are described by relative distance from origin, can be resized without loss of clarity, each line described by its features (length, thickness, line colour), objects can be grouped together (clipart) + individual elements can be edited independently. (moving, resizing, rotating, recolouring)

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72
Q

Compare vectors + bitmaps.

Processing power, how they are made up, can individual elements be grouped, how precise, memory.

A

Bitmaps use less processing power than vectors, bitmaps made of pixels whilst vectors made of lines, equations + calculations, only grouped in vectors, bitmaps are less precise than vectors + bitmaps take up more memory than vectors.

73
Q

What is system software?

A

The operating system, utility programs + drivers. ‘Software platform’ that allows application software to run properly.

74
Q

What does system software do?

A

Controls the operation of the hardware, supports networking + communication operations. Provides user interface + manages computer’s resources.

75
Q

Describe the operating system?

A

It is a program and must be run in main memory. It is too big for all to fit in main memory so it is composed of modules. The nucleus/core/kernel/executive module is in main memory + calls other modules in and out as required. Loader is held in ROM + is responsible for starting process of loading in OS at switch on, - booting up

76
Q

What are some types of operating system?

A

Single user, multi-tasking, multi-user, multiprocessing + multithreading.

77
Q

Describe a single user OS.

A

PCs designed to be used by 1 person at a time.

78
Q

Describe a multi-tasking OS.

A

Most single user systems can switch between programs in different windows e.g. mail merge between database + word processor. Windows does this showing all open applications on the task bar. Allocates storage, resources + CPU time.
User can switch between tasks.
User can perform multiple tasks at once.
Only one task is truly being performed at one time.
It seems as if multiple tasks are being executed at a time.

79
Q

Describe a multi-user OS.

A

Mainframe computers can be used by many users at once, games consoles have several players at once. System resources (processor time + internal memory) are shared by all users.

80
Q

What is time slicing?

A

How the OS shares out processor time between programs currently running. Each gets a time slice.

81
Q

What is a time slice?

A

A short burst of processor time.

82
Q

What is multithreading?

A

The ability of a program/OS to manage its use by more than one user at a time + manage multiple requests by same user without having to have multiple copies of programming running in computer. Each user request is kept track of as thread with separate identity, as programs work on behalf of initial request for that thread and interrupted by other requests, the status of work on behalf of that thread is kept track of until work is complete. 1 processor, multiple threads of 1 process.

83
Q

Give examples of some of the tasks of an OS.

A

Sort where to store data on disk drives, deal with security (usernames + passwords), organise files + folders , manage data transfer from CPU to peripherals (monitor/printer) + deal with saving/deleting/opening/closing files.

84
Q

What are the 4 main functions of the OS?

A

Provide a user interface, allocate processor time, manage main memory + manage backing store.

85
Q

Describe what the OS does in terms of the user interface.

A

Interface allows user + hardware to interact. Several types (CLI, form, GUI)

86
Q

Describe what the OS does in terms of processor time.

A

Allows multitasking (multiple tabs open at once) Data needed by programs is brought into main memory in blocks (data transfer). Whilst a data transfer is taking place, program cannot run (idling). Multi programming reduces idling because whilst data transfer for 1 program is taking place, computer can run another program.

87
Q

What is data transfer?

A

When data needed by programs is brought into main memory in blocks.

88
Q

What is idling?

A

When a data transfer is taking place, the program cannot run.

89
Q

Describe what the OS does in terms of organising main memory.

A

In multiprogramming + multiuser systems, diff programs currently running share main memory. Not big enough to accommodate all programs so some stay in backing store.

90
Q

Describe what the OS does in terms of managing backing store.

A

Files stored on disc must be stored in organised way so they can be located easily so location is stored by OS. This is its physical location (cylinder, sector, track).

91
Q

What is the logical location of a file?

A

How the user perceives the storage of the file.

92
Q

How is the backing store divided?

A

Drives (H;/D:) which are divided into directories + subdirectories/folders + subfolders so user can organise + find their own work.

93
Q

What is paging?

A

Main memory split into page frames, programs divided into pages. Each program gets allocated certain number of page frames so its pages are moved in and out of page frame as required. Creates illusion that main memory is bigger than it is.

94
Q

Most operating systems include several utility programs, what do these do?

A

Perform specific tasks related to managing a computer, its devices or its programs.

95
Q

What is a file viewer?

A

A utility that allows you to display and copy the contents of a file.

96
Q

What is a file compression utility?

A

Shrinks the size of a file. Stores data in a format which requires less space than usual. Useful in communications as allows devices to transmit/store data in fewer bits. Used in backup + archive utilities as reduction of file size ensures backup file/archived data takes up less storage space.

97
Q

What is a diagnostic utility?

A

Compiles technical info about computer’s hardware + system software programs + prepares report outlining identified problems.

98
Q

What is an uninstaller?

A

Utility that removes application, as well as associated entries in system files.

99
Q

What is a disk scanner?

A

Utility that detects + corrects physical + logical problems on hard disk + searches for + removes unnecessary files.

100
Q

What is a disk defragmenter?

A

Utility that reorganises files to ensure they occupy contiguous locations on disc surface so data can be accessed quickly + programs run faster. Removes white space from disc surface, reduces read/write head movement during file read + write actions. Can increase read/write times. Bad for SSD drives.

101
Q

What is a backup utility?

A

Copies/backs up selected files/hard drive on disk/tape. May use these copies at later stage to complete restore/recovery procedure in event of data loss.

102
Q

What is a screen saver?

A

Utility that causes monitor’s screen to display moving image on blank screen if no keyboard activity occurs for specified period.

103
Q

What is application software?

A

Program written to perform a task for end users. Runs on top of system software that supports it.

104
Q

What are the 2 main categories of application software?

A

General purpose software + tailor made/bespoke software.

105
Q

What is a general purpose application?

A

AKA ‘off-the-shelf’. Type of software you use at home + school. e.g. word processor/database. Provides lots of features that most users will want but includes extras not many use. Storage size is fairly large. General purpose, used for common tasks.

106
Q

Why might you use general purpose software?

A

Relatively cheap, easily available. thoroughly tested + lots of user support.

107
Q

Why might an organisation use bespoke software?

A

If the general purpose software doesn’t do everything they want or doesn’t work with their systems.

108
Q

What are the advantages of bespoke software?

A

Company gets exact software they need, software will work exactly how they want it to + only has features they need because they helped to design it. User has close interaction with development team as they are available to correct errors at testing time.

109
Q

What are the disadvantages of bespoke software?

A

Takes a long time to develop, expensive, may need to employ a team of people to work it + very little user support.

110
Q

What are the advantages of general purpose software?

A

Immediately available for use, lots of user support + cheaper.

111
Q

What are the disadvantages of general purpose software?

A

User interface may be unnecessarily complex as it contains extra features, may not meet all requirements + users approach to completing tasks may have to be amended.

112
Q

How are many applications distributed nowadays? What does this allow?

A

Internet. Distributor can by-pass retailers + physical distribution process allowing delivery directly to user. Can stream or download.

113
Q

What are the pros + cons of downloading software?

A

Guaranteed access to program at any time, not dependent on having internet access at all times. However, requires storage space. Without backup, damage to storage medium may result in loss of data. Won’t always know when an update is available.

114
Q

What are the pros + cons of streaming software?

A

Don’t need to worry about storage capacity but must have internet connection. Always have access to most up to date version. Can access software they own with any compatible device and data is synced online.

115
Q

What is proprietary software?

A

Software where someone retains rights to e.g. source code for application. Copyright protected + limits imposed upon its use, distribution + modification.

116
Q

What is open source software?

A

Software which has its source code readily available to other users for editing + redistribution for free. It allows users to modify program code by editing, adding + removing code. Usually created as collaborative effort in which programmers improve upon code.

117
Q

What are the advantages of open source software?

A

Openness (no reliance on company to fix problems), stability (after it has been available for some time, it is more stable than commercial as bugs quickly fixed), low cost (usually free), innovation (competition produces ideas) + adaptability (can match new standards). Multiple versions available. Modified without restriction.

118
Q

What are the disadvantages of open source software?

A

Lack of support (no help desk, discussed on forums but generally have to fix yourself), lack of compatibility (transferring data between software can become issue if everyone is using standard package e.g. office + steep learning curve (complex + requires knowledge of ICT) Too many versions.

119
Q

What are the advantages of proprietary software?

A

Regular updates + readily available support.

120
Q

What are the disadvantages of proprietary software?

A

Bug fixes + security updates slow + help only available at certain times.

121
Q

What are search engines?

A

Essential tools which allow web users to find relevant info by entering key words that form basis of database query. Database is engine’s catalogue of entire internet held on central server.

122
Q

How is the database of a search engine built up?

A

Spidering/crawling where automated web browser visits a page and every page it links to. Over time, spider program visits most pages on internet. When a site is spidered, its content is indexed so search terms can be compared to contents of page. When user performs search, terms are compared to index of web pages stored on server and results returned in rank order.

123
Q

What are the main features of typical search engines?

A

Search bar to enter criteria, database to catalogue entire internet, software to take key words + search for websites in database + webpage acts as user interface to return lists of results in rank order. Can be refined using and/or/not.

124
Q

What is browser software?

A

Program that allows us to view documents saved as html. Often pages on WWW but allows us to view html pages stored locally without need to access internet.

125
Q

What is html?

A

Hyper-Text Markup Language

126
Q

What are the main features of a typical browser?

A

Displays html pages, navigation buttons for forward/back, favourites/bookmarks, recently viewed sites/history + integrated email.

127
Q

Give 2 examples of processing systems?

A

Real time transaction processing systems + batch processing systems.

128
Q

What are real time transaction processing systems?

A

Using real time processing data entered into system by user is immediately processed + results output. e.g. online booking, Interactive + often require response from user during processing.

129
Q

What are batch processing systems?

A

No individual processing of transactions. All sets of data to be input are collected as batch to be input together. After complete collection of data capture forms, they’re read by computer transactions + processed in 1 run. All output produced + collected by user. Don’t require user interaction + can be set to run overnight e.g. payroll. Programs run + data produced in batches.

130
Q

What is an ATM?

A

Automatic Teller Machine

131
Q

How does an ATM work?

A

Bank card inserted + PIN input, then offered services. Card is returned with cash + printout if requested. All are connected to own banks by WAN which reads magnetic strip on card. Details + choices made from menu on machine communicated back to banks central database + records automatically updated.

132
Q

What services do ATMs perform? What are they beginning to be able to perform?

A

Cash with/out receipt, balance, order statement, order cheque book + mini statement. Book airline tickets, theatre seats + pay phone bill.

133
Q

What has the invention of ATMs changed in the world of banking?

A

Reduced staff in banks, small branches closed + 24/7 access to money through ATM.

134
Q

What is EFT? What is POS? What is EFTPOS?

A

Electronic Funds Transfer (movement of money electronically over network), Point of Sale (Checkout tills), Electronic Funds Transfer Point Of Sale. (Checkout tills connected via LAN/WAN to enable card payments.

135
Q

What info is kept on a file on a server in each branch of a supermarket?

A

Up-to-date record of stock e.g. product prices, description + number in stock.

136
Q

What are the advantages of EFTPOS?

A

Itemised receipt, prices automatically taken from stock file removing till operator error, faster scanning so less queue time, produce can be weighed at checkout + multisave promotions.

137
Q

What are the disadvantages of EFTPOS?

A

Not all items easy to scan (fruit), all items must be wrapped + if scan doesn’t work, operator must enter barcode manually taking extra time.

138
Q

What are barcodes?

A

Cheap + easy way to label products. Use black + white vertical lines to represent binary numbers. Most common type of coding is UPC.

139
Q

What is UPC?

A

Universal Product Code

140
Q

What is a barcode made up of?

A

12 digits. 1 & 2 = country of origin. Next 3 - 6 = manufacturer. 7 - 12 = product. Each has unique code. Built in validation checks. (Part of code transposes black + white lines so computer can compare readings, check digits also included)

141
Q

How are barcodes read? How do they work?

A

Barcode reader is necessary to input code into computer (POS terminal). Shine beam of light onto code + decide if lines are black + white based on amount of reflected light they detect.

142
Q

How many pixels in a megapixel?

A

1 Million

143
Q

What is colour depth?

A

How many bits it takes to store the colour in the picture.

144
Q

What is archive software?

A

The process of moving data that is no longer actively used to a separate storage device for long-term retention. Creates single file containing multiple other files. Stores offline. Data may be needed for legal reasons.

145
Q

What are the inputs for an EFTPOS system?

A

Barcode (Country of origin, check digit, product ID, manufacturer ID), payment.

146
Q

What are the processes for an EFTPOS system?

A

Check digit verified, finds price + description in database, stock quantity updated, total + discount calculated.

147
Q

What are the outputs for an EFTPOS system?

A

Receipt (Item description + price, total price + discount + time + date.

148
Q

What are the inputs for an ATM system?

A

Card (PIN, account number, bank number + expiry date) Keypad (PIN, choice + amount wanted)

149
Q

What are the processes for an ATM system?

A

Card validity (expiry date), PIN check, checks account balance, dispense money + card, notify account of balance change.

150
Q

What are the outputs for an ATM system?

A

Card, receipt (amount withdrawn, time + date) + money.

151
Q

What are some of the features of a smartphone?

A

Camera, touch screen, microphone, speaker, connectivity (wifi, Bluetooth, 3G) + light sensor (screen brightness)

152
Q

What are the inputs for a smartphone?

A

Fingerprint image, touch screen, camera (facial recognition), speech (siri)

153
Q

What are the processes for a smartphone?

A

Checks against stored data for match, completing instruction depending on data entered, check against stored data for match + compare speech to database.

154
Q

What are the outputs for a smartphone?

A

Unlocks screen, reacts to instruction, unlocks phone, responds to voice command.

155
Q

Give some examples of operating systems available today.

A

Windows, Linux, UNIX, Mac OS + MS-DOS.

156
Q

What are 2 types of single user OS?

A

Single user, single task + single user, multi tasking.

157
Q

Describe single user, single task computers,

A

OS is designed so 1 user can do 1 thing at once. e.g. Older mobile phones.

158
Q

Describe single user, multi-tasking computers?

A

Most computers. Allows 1 end user to perform multiple tasks at once.

159
Q

What is multiprocessing?

A

Use of 2+ processors within 1 computer system. Advantage is speed. Can perform multiple processes concurrently.

160
Q

What are the main features of a web authoring software package?

A

Templates, ensure main features of webpage are same throughout (side menu + logo), wizards (help setting up site), site manager (view overall structure of website + update links quickly) + interactive CGI forms (Fill details use webpage form) Editing HTML + site navigation.

161
Q

What is a transaction file?

A

A file on which all details from certain time period are kept. Used to update master file in batch processing.

162
Q

What is a master file?

A

Main source of information + most important file in batch processing.

163
Q

What is a turnaround document?

A

A document produced by a computer, filled in manually + used as input to computer.

164
Q

Describe the steps of electricity billing.

A

Details entered via terminal into master file, meter read every 3 months, sent to main computer + entered using OMR, data placed on transaction file which is sorted in same order as master file. Processed together + new master file created. Bill produced + sent, turnaround document created when bill is paid.

165
Q

What details are found on a transaction file?

A

Current meter readings, address + account number.

166
Q

What details are found on a master file?

A

Address, account number, last meter reading + current meter reading.

167
Q

What type of processing is used for booking online with an airline?

A

Details entered via computer, bookings file updated so double bookings can’t be made.

168
Q

What does batch processing involve?

A

Collecting groups of transactions over set period of time + processing all at same time. Info may be collected on paper or directly input into computer.

169
Q

What are real-time systems?

A

React immediately to changes.

170
Q

What are pseudo real-time systems?

A

Seem to react immediately but may have slight delay between transaction taking place + file updating,

171
Q

What is online transaction processing?

A

As transactions take place, all associated files are updated.

172
Q

What are the advantages of batch processing?

A

Still used in a number of contexts, usually when there are regular predictable blocks of info that need inputting, can run at other times when usage is minimal.

173
Q

What are the disadvantages of batch processing?

A

Data isn’t always up to date so errors can occur + it isn’t very flexible so doesn’t respond to ad hoc needs.

174
Q

What are the advantages of interactive processing?

A

More flexible + responsive to user, used widely online for variety of purposes, means files are kept up to date + minimises paperwork.

175
Q

What are the disadvantages of interactive processing?

A

Require a more complex infrastructure so increased cost + possibility of failure + audit trails + security checks are harder to perform because updates are constant.

176
Q

What are the main features of presentation software?

A

Multimedia slides, animation effects, hyperlinks, navigation buttons, master slide, transitions + slide notes for ease of presentation.

177
Q

How can computer software be used to enhance a photograph?

A

Photoediting application may be used to crop out certain areas, increase the brightness, add filters, change colour saturation/hue + parts of an image can be moved/copied.

178
Q

What is an EOF?

A

End of file character

CCEA AS Digital Technology (9 decks)

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