INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS
ICT LEVEL ONE & TWO
SUBJECT: COMPUTER SYSTEMS
SECTION A
Answer all question in this section. All question carry equal marks.
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A byte, on the other hand, is a unit of digital information that consists of 8 bits.
It is the basic building block for representing characters, numbers, and other data in a computer.
NBThe relationship can be summarized as:
1 byte = 8 bits
Therefore, a byte contains 8 times the amount of information as a single bit.
The difference between a gigabyte (GB) and a megabyte (MB) lies in their respective storage capacities:
A megabyte (MB) is a unit of digital information or storage equal to 1,048,576 bytes (2^20 bytes). It is commonly used to represent the size of files or storage devices.
A gigabyte (GB) is a larger unit of digital information or storage equal to 1,073,741,824 bytes (2^30 bytes). It is approximately 1,024 megabytes.
NBA gigabyte (GB) is a larger unit of digital information or storage equal to 1,073,741,824 bytes (2^30 bytes).
It is approximately 1,024 megabytes.
Therefore, a gigabyte is larger than a megabyte by a factor of 1024 (or 2^10).
When purchasing a computer system, there are three essential considerations to keep in mind:
Purpose and requirements: Determine the intended use of the computer system and identify the specific requirements needed to fulfill those needs. Consider factors such as processing power, memory, storage capacity, and graphics capabilities.
Budget: Establish a budget for the purchase and ensure it aligns with the desired specifications and features of the computer system. Consider the trade-offs between cost and performance.
Reliability and support:Research the reputation of the brand and model you are considering. Look for reviews and ratings to assess the reliability and customer support provided by the manufacturer.
A reliable system with good support can save you time and money in the long run.
- Performance optimization: Regular maintenance, such as software updates, disk cleanup, and system optimization, can help improve the overall performance of a computer system. It ensures that the system runs smoothly, minimizing slowdowns and glitches.
- Security: Regular maintenance and updates help protect the computer system against security threats, such as viruses, malware, and unauthorized access. Security patches and updates address vulnerabilities and ensure the system remains secure.
Unlike primary storage (RAM), which is volatile and loses its data when the power is turned off, secondary storage retains data even when the power is off.
Examples of secondary storage devices include hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), optical drives, and magnetic tape.
Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system that can be seen and touched.
Software refers to the programs, instructions, and data that are stored electronically and run on a computer system.
The size of the modern computer is not inversely proportional to its power and capabilities.
In fact, technological advancements have allowed computers to become smaller and more powerful at the same time.
In addition it's "Miniaturization" this means Advances in technology have led to the development of smaller and more compact components, such as microprocessors, memory chips, and storage devices. This miniaturization allows for the creation of smaller and more portable devices without compromising their processing power or capabilities.
In sense While there may be some instances where larger computer systems are designed for specialized purposes, the overall trend in modern computing is towards smaller, more compact devices that offer significant power and capabilities.
SECTION B
Explain the difference between the following:
General Purpose Computer:
A general purpose computer is designed to perform a wide range of tasks and operations.
It is flexible and capable of executing various applications and programs.
Special Purpose Computer:
A special purpose computer, also known as a dedicated computer, is designed to perform a specific task or a limited set of tasks. or They ars designed or set up or programmed to serve a particular purpose.
Examples of special purpose computers:
- ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) is a typical example of analogue machines which has been programmed to withdraw money.
- Game Boy has been programmed to play or handles games only
- MP3 player is another example of special purpose computer that have been programmed to handle MP3 files only.
Discrete Data:
Discrete data is information that can only take on specific values within a finite set or countable range. It consists of distinct, separate, and individual values.
Examples of discrete data include the number of students in a classroom, the count of items sold, or the results of a survey with multiple-choice questions.
Continuous Data:
Continuous data is information that can take on any value within a continuous range. It is measured and can have an infinite number of possible values. Continuous data is often represented on a scale or continuum.
Examples of continuous data include temperature readings, time intervals, and height measurements.
DIGITAL COMPUTERS: This type of computers use alphabets and numbers to represent data and information.
E.g Calculator, digital watch
ANALOGUE COMPUTERS:
This type of computers uses line pointers and bars to represent data and information. They are used for special purposes.
E.g wall clock, speedometer, thermometer.
Note: Analogue by means variation of electrical voltage proportion to a physical
Data:
Data refers to raw, unorganized facts, symbols, or representations of facts. It can be in the form of numbers, text, images, audio, or any other format.
Data, on its own, does not have meaning or context. It is the building block from which information is derived.
Information:
Information is processed and organized data that has meaning and context. It is data that has been analyzed, interpreted, or structured in a way that it provides knowledge or answers specific questions. Information is meaningful and useful to individuals or systems. For example, a statistical report generated from a set of numbers or a summarized description of data is considered information.
A tabletop computer, also known as a desktop computer, is a computer system designed to sit on a desk or table. It consists of a separate monitor, keyboard, and processing unit. The processing unit, which contains the CPU, memory, storage, and other components, is housed in a separate tower or casing.
A laptop computer, also known as a notebook computer, is a portable computer designed to be used on-the-go. It integrates the monitor, keyboard, and processing unit into a single compact device. Laptops are smaller, lightweight, and battery-powered, making them highly portable. They are designed for convenience and versatility, allowing users to work, browse the internet, and perform various tasks anywhere.
An alphabet is a set of letters or symbols used to represent language. alphabet consists of 26 letters, from A to Z. Each letter represents a specific sound or phoneme. or Alphabets are used for writing and communication purposes.
A digit is a numerical symbol used to represent numbers. In the decimal numeral system, digits range from 0 to 9. Digits are used for numerical calculations, counting, and representing numerical data. They form the basis of numeric systems and are essential for mathematical operations.
An input device is a peripheral device used to enter data or commands into a computer system. It enables users to provide input to the computer for processing. Examples of input devices include keyboards, mice, touchscreens, scanners, microphones, and cameras.
An output device is a peripheral device used to display or present processed data or information from a computer system. It allows users to perceive or obtain the results of computer processing. Examples of output devices include monitors, printers, speakers, projectors, and headphones.
Read Only Memory (ROM) is a type of computer memory that stores data and instructions that are permanently written during manufacturing. It retains its contents even when the computer is powered off. ROM is non-volatile and cannot be easily modified or erased by normal computer operations. It contains firmware or software instructions required for booting up the computer system and essential system-level data.
Random Access Memory (RAM)is a type of computer memory that provides temporary storage for data and instructions that are actively used by the computer system.
It is volatile memory, meaning its contents are lost when the power is turned off.
RAM allows for fast read and write operations and serves as a working space for the CPU to quickly access and process data. It is used for running applications, storing temporary files, and holding data that needs to be accessed frequently.
Hardcopy refers to a physical, tangible form of output or data representation. It typically refers to printed or physical documents produced by printers, plotters, or other output devices.
Softcopy refers to a digital or electronic form of output or data representation. It represents information that is displayed on electronic devices such as computer screens, tablets, or smartphones. Softcopy requires an electronic device to view or access the information.
NBThe main difference between hardcopy and softcopy lies in their physical form and the medium through which they are presented. Hardcopy provides a physical representation of data that can be physically manipulated, stored, or distributed. Softcopy, on the other hand, represents data or information in a digital format that requires electronic devices for viewing and processing.
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