1. Explain the difference between hardware and software. (2)
A. -Hardware comprises the physical parts of the computer system, while..
-software are the programs that make the machine produce useful results.
Notice that the answer suggested provides a link between the two terms. This was expected because of the use of the words explain the difference in the question. There are two marks available for the question so make sure that you have said two distinct things. Make sure that the second point is not just the opposite of the first. In this example there would be no mark for saying that software are the other parts that are not physical.
2. Give two reasons why a computer system would need to have some type of external storage device.
(2)
(2)
A. -In order to store files when the power to the processor is switched off.
-In order to store files which are too large to be stored in the processor itself, until they are needed.
-To allow for the transfer of data from one machine to another.
Notice that the question asks for reasons why the system needs to have storage, NOT for what is stored. Be careful to answer the question asked. Note that there are two indicators in the question that you should give two answers, the word in bold and the number of marks. This question does not ask for a comparison or an explanation, so don’t give them. Notice that there are more than two acceptable answers. If you can think of three then give them, the examiner will choose the two best, but never give more than one extra answer because you then demonstrate that you are not sure and the examiner will choose your first two answers, right or wrong.
3. Describe the difference between system software and application software. (2)
A. -System software controls how the computer system works while…
-application software allows the user to make the computer do something useful.
Again, this is a comparison type of question so the two parts of the answer should be related.
4. An integrated applications package contains a number of different pieces of generic software.
State what is meant by an integrated applications package and generic software. (3)
A. An integrated applications package contains
-a number of different pieces of software which…
-can communicate with each other in order to…
-allow the user to produce valuable work.
-A ‘package’ implies that there will be a user’s guide included.
Generic software is
-software that can be used in many areas for different end products.
Notice the fact that there are more than three mark points for the first part of the answer, this does not mean that all three marks can be gained by only answering one part. In this type of question, some of the marks are always reserved for the last part of the question.
5. The computers used by two examiners, who live in different cities, need to communicate with each other. State two pieces of hardware that would be necessary to allow the computers to communicate and explain why each is necessary. (4)
A. -Network card
-to allow the computer to communicate externally
-Modem
-to allow the computers to use the telephone lines for communication/because the computers are a long distance apart.
Notice that the question makes it clear that the computers are a long way apart which implies that communication by a hardwire is inappropriate. Realistically, this question would be set after the student has completed the whole of module 1 and will consequently have far more options open to them for the communication medium which will be credited in the exam, but the above answer is all that is expected here. Notice also that any question about communications hardware will automatically give credit for the network card so students should get used to always using it as an example of the hardware.
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