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Computer basics
Computer fundamentals

1. The table below shows major types of computer systems. Complete the table by writing
one or more examples from the list that belong to each computer system.

Car ignition system Cray Games console iPad Laptop

Microwave controller Netbook Notebook Smartphone IBM zEnterprise system

a. Supercomputer
b. Mainframe
c. Mobile device
d. Embedded device

2. a. State the meaning of:

i. RAM
ii. ROM
b. Identify each of the following figures as RAM or ROM.

Fig 1 Fig 2
c. For each statement below, indicate whether the statement refers to RAM or ROM.

Characteristic RAM or ROM?

This is known as primary memory.
It requires power to retain data.
Its data is not usually erased.
Data and instructions can be read but not modified.
It retains its data, even when the computer is switched off.

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Storage devices and media

1. Answer the following questions based on the secondary storage devices shown below
(labelled A–E).

a. Which device:
i. has the most storage space remaining?
ii. has the least storage space remaining?
iii. has the most storage capacity?
iv. shows no data information?
v. is a memory card?
vi. is most likely to be a hard disk?
b. Each of these is an example of a device shown above. Identify the devices.

Fig 1 Fig 2 Fig 3

c. Identify the storage media.

d. Describe two types of computer systems that can attach these devices.

2. For each of the following types of storage, write in the table an example where using that
type of storage is more appropriate than using the others.

Cloud storage

Blu-ray disk

Flash drive

Hard disk

Magnetic tape

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3. Using the words given below, complete the crossword puzzle.

1 2
3 4

5 6 7 8

10

11

ACROSS DOWN
1 Abbreviation for gigabytes 2 Capable of storing a full-length movie
5 Types of storage device for optical 3 Optical discs use a beam to
disks store and read data
6 Optical discs are storage 4 DVDs commonly store about 120
devices of video
9 Meaning of DVD 6 Meaning of CD
10 Overall term for pictures, sounds and 7 User can write and rewrite the data to
video clips the disk
11 Data must be written on it before it is 8 Optical discs can store much more
sold or distributed than media

Words
Blu-ray Compact disc Digital versatile disc GB Laser
Magnetic Minutes Multimedia Read only Rewritable
Secondary

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Units of storage
1. Answer the following questions based on the type and size of the files in the figure.

a. State the type of file that:

i. has the smallest size
ii. has the largest size
b. The MBZ file is 436,655 KB. Estimate its size using the following units of storage:
i. megabytes
ii. gigabytes
iii. terabytes
c. Write the size of the file that has been compressed.

d. Write an example of a file type that would be most suited for:

i. Blu-ray
ii. flash drive
iii. magnetic tape

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Input/output devices
1. a. Classify each of the following devices as an input or output device.

a. Document scanner e. Light pen

b. Dot matrix f. Optical mark reader
c. Earphones g. Remote control
d. Joystick h. Speaker

b. Name the general term given to the output devices C and H.

2. State the appropriate hardware devices that would be required for each of the following
applications.

Application Hardware
A. Employees scan one thumb before gaining entry.
B. A user enters a four-digit code in order to enter a room.
C. A debit or credit card is swiped in order to withdraw funds.
D. The slides on a presentation are advanced from a distance.
E. An online car-racing game is being played.
F. A song is being recorded.

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3. You have a summer job in a computer store and have been assigned to work with
printers. During the day, customers call or visit the store to ask about types of printers
and related products.

Printer A Printer B Printer C Printer D

Product 1 Product 2 Product 3 Product 4

a. Alia called to ask about an inkjet printer. Which of the printers above is an inkjet
printer?
b. Joan was looking for a printer that could print quickly and hold lots of paper. Explain
which printer could do this.

c. Rema saw printer B and said she had never seen one like it. State the unique feature
that makes this kind of printer useful.
d. Joan then saw printer A. She noticed how small it was and wondered who would use
it. State two examples of where this printer is most commonly used.

e. Hinds rushed into the store asking for a printer that can print colour. He needed one
urgently for his daughter’s assignment.
i. Identify the most suitable printer.
ii. You suggest that Hinds buys some ink for the printer. State the product that may
be most suitable for that printer.

f. Vasti called to ask the price of the toner cartridge.

i. Identify the product number of the toner cartridge.
ii. Explain whether this cartridge would last longer than product 2.

g. State, with reasons, the most suitable product to use with printer A.

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Software
1. In the following statements there is a choice of two terms, shown in bold type and
separated by ‘/’. Underline the most appropriate term.
a. General-purpose/Specialised software includes programs that are not specific to any
organisation or business and can be used by anyone.
b. The user decides what to do with general-purpose/specialised software.
c. Customised/Custom-written software is general-purpose software that has been
modified to perform specific tasks for the user.
d. Customised/Custom-written software is written for use in specific organisations such
as the military, or in hospitals for medical equipment.
e. Customised/Custom-written software involves specific training since users need to
be able to use it efficiently.
f. General-purpose/Specialised software is written solely for a specific task rather than
a range of functions.
g. Utility software is general-purpose/specialised software that tries to protect and
maintain the system software.

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Interfaces
1. Consider the following interfaces.

Interface 1 Interface 2

Interface 3 Interface 4
a. State one or more interfaces that:
i. represent a hardware interface
ii. represent a software interface
iii. represent an interface that is used mainly by experts
iv. represent a commonly used interface
v. require a keyboard
vi. require a mouse
b. i. State the name of the small graphics shown in Interface 2.
ii. Explain what happens when a user clicks on one of the small graphics.

c. List one or more interfaces where users most likely rely on:
i. touch
ii. sight

d. Describe a situation when hearing would be useful when using an interface.

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Troubleshooting
1. You work in the Technical Support Unit in an office complex. An employee with a printer
has tried repeatedly to print a document that has text in black and a picture in colour.
The picture is faded in some places. The text prints in streaks on parts of the document.
a. Give two possible reasons why this might have happened.

b. You ask the employee to provide you with the hard copy of the document she is
trying to print. She is not sure what you mean. Explain what is meant by a hard copy.

c. The employee calls again to say that nothing is coming though to the underlying
sheets of the carbon-less application form she is printing.
i. Explain why this has occurred.
ii. Recommend another type of printer more suited to this purpose.

2. Sharna sits at a computer in the lab and turns on the monitor and system unit.
a. The monitor remains black, so she moves it and it comes on, then goes back off.
Explain what is likely to be causing this.

b. After the monitor and system unit turn on, the date shows as Jan 1, 1990. Explain the
cause of this incorrect information.