computing

• WAN

  Covers a large geographical remote/area. The communication medium is not owned by the law firm.
• two other factors that can affect the performance of a network?

  Bandwidth available, interface (wall), number of data collisions
• Describe how introducing wireless access could have slowed down the network.

  Because more devices/users could be connected, which can then …reduce bandwidth available for each user.
• Describe what is meant by a Local Area Network (LAN).

  Covers a small geographical area and infrastructure is owned by the owner.
• Describe the star topology.

  One central hub / switch / router / server /

  connection point. All computers / devices connected to this

  central point
• Define what is meant by a ‘network protocol’.

  A set of rules for communication.
• define what is meant by a ‘layer’

  A division of network functionality.
• one advantage of using layers to construct network protocols.

  It is self-contained:

  it allows different developers to concentrate on one aspect of the network.
• Explain two disadvantages of storing data in the Cloud.

  You need a constant internet connection: people who travel a lot may not always have one. Data stored in the Cloud will be vulnerable to hacking and other threats: which the people have no control over
• Explain two advantages of storing data in the Cloud.

  It is environmentally friendly. It would allow their employees to work from

  anywhere, so they can work from other countries
• Describe two benefits to people using a client-server network instead of a peer-to-peer network.

  All files can be stored centrally: so workers can access files from any

  computer. Upgrade software centrally: so you do not have to install on each computer individually.
• Explain what is meant by a Virtual Network.

  Non-physical network. A private network that runs on a

  public/existing network
• Explain how the compression software will compress the image file.

  Use an algorithm: to remove repeated/unnecessary data

  Could use lossy/lossless: lossless will not remove data permanently / lossless means the original file will be

  restored. lossy is a permanent deletion / lossy means the original file will not be restored

  Reduce the number of pixels /reduce the resolution
• Give the name of two other types of utility system software.

  Defragmentation software

  Encryption software

  Backup software

  Anti-virus

  Firewall

  Anti-spyware

  Disk checker/cleaner

  Auto-update
• Describe what is meant by proprietary software.

  Source code not made available. The licence restricts the copying/modifying of the software
• Explain one advantage of providing proprietary software instead

  of open-source software.

  Stops competing companies copying their software: and producing similar /better products.
• Explain how defragmentation software could overcome the issue of a slow computer system.

  Files on the hard disk drive are moved (1)

  Empty spaces collected together (1)

  Files are moved to be stored together (1)

  Fewer disc accesses are needed (1)
• Describe what is meant by open-source software.

  The source code is distributed with the software.

  The customer can modify the source code
• Describe the difference between proprietary and open-source software.

  Proprietary software cannot be copied/altered (without

  permission of the copyright owner)

  Open-source software can be modified (provided it remains

  open source)
• State two functions of the operating system.

  Provides interfaces between user and computer

  Determines the look and feel of the computer

  Provides a platform for software to run

  Manages peripherals used by the system

  Manages memory
• Explain how virtual memory can compensate for the lack of RAM.

  Virtual Memory is used when RAM is full: part of the secondary

  storage used as (temporary) RAM/VM

  Data from RAM is moved to the secondary storage/VM (to make space in RAM)

  RAM can then be filled with new data

  When data in the VM is needed it is moved back to the RAM
• Explain why it would be beneficial to get more RAM instead of relying on

  virtual memory.

  More RAM will improve the performance of the computer /

  More RAM will speed up the access to data. Moving data between RAM

  and VM takes processor time
• Describe what is meant by virtual memory and state why it is needed.

  An area of secondary storage is used by the OS as extra RAM.

  Needed when there isn't enough physical memory
• Give one difference between RAM and flash memory.

  RAM is volatile. Flash memory is non-volatile
• Describe how the CPU and RAM work together to enable the computer to operate.

  Instructions/data are stored in the RAM are fetched from the RAM by the CPU / Processor

  where the instructions are executed
• Describe the purpose of cache memory.

  To store instructions/data that are frequently used. Data does not need to be fetched from RAM. Speeds up access
• Identify two internal components which could improve the performance of the computers.

  RAM

  SSD

  HDD

  Graphics card (GPU)
• Describe the purpose of the ROM

  Stores the boot programs. Used to start the computer. Loads the operating system.
• Describe the purpose of the RAM

  Stores the parts of programs that are running…

  Stores the data currently in use for access by the CPU
• State one difference between ROM and RAM

  ROM is non-volatile and RAM is volatile
• Explain why the digital video camera needs secondary storage.

  For non-volatile storage to store the data files.
• Explain why solid-state storage is the most appropriate type of storage for the digital video camera.

  Portable

  Lightweight: The device needs to be

  carried

  Small physical size: can fit in a small camera

  Durable

  No moving parts: device is moved so may

  be dropped / won’t be damaged when moving around
• Define what is meant by ‘secondary storage’.

  non-volatile storage of data/files
• Describe what happens when the computer converts the music into a file.

  The height of the wave is measured/sampled (at

  regular/set intervals). Then stored as binary
• Explain how the cache size can affect the performance of the CPU.

  data is transferred faster (1)

  which makes a CPU more efficient (1)

  It is faster to transfer to and from the cache (1)

  then transferring to and from RAM (1).
• Describe the benefits of a dual core processor over a single core processor.

  Allows multitasking:

  Run more than one process/instruction/data at a time
• Identify four events that take place during the fetch-execute cycle.

  An instruction is fetched from memory

  The instruction is then decoded

  The decoded instruction is then executed so that the CPU performs continuously

  The process is repeated

  The program counter is incremented