This document contains a 10 question sample exam for a Computer Systems course. The exam covers a wide range of topics including different types of computer systems, components of computer processors, memory, storage, input/output devices, operating systems, software, maintenance, and file management. Students are asked to identify, define, explain, distinguish between terms, and outline processes, features and concepts relating to computer technology.

1. COMPUTER SYSTEMS
SAMPLE
Examination Paper
Answer ALL questions.
Clearly cross out surplus answers.
Time: 2 hours
Any reference material brought into the examination room must be handed
to the invigilator before the start of the examination.

2. ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS
Marks
QUESTION 1
a) Identify FOUR (4) different types of computer system. 4
b) For each of these four types of computer system, name ONE (1) example machine. 4
c) Explain why a modern mobile telephone can be classed as a computer. 2
Total 10 Marks
QUESTION 2
a) Identify and briefly outline the function of the three key components of the processor. 3
b) Briefly outline the steps involved in the standard fetch execute cycle. 4
c) Distinguish between machine code and assembly language. 2
d) Briefly explain what is meant by a “dual core” processor. 1
Total 10 Marks
QUESTION 3
a) Identify two features that distinguish between Read Only Memory (ROM) and Random Access 2
Memory (RAM).
b) Indentify FOUR (4) features that distinguish between primary storage and secondary storage. 4
c) Explain what is meant by a “bus” in computer technology. 2
d) Explain the differences between the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus and the 2
Universal Serial Bus (USB).
Total 10 Marks
QUESTION 4
a) Identify ONE (1) input device, other than keyboard or mouse, and briefly outline for what it is 3
used.
b) Identify ONE (1) output device, other than screen or printer, and briefly outline for what it is 3
used.
c) Outline TWO (2) reasons why it is inadvisable to use a USB memory stick for permanent 2
storage of important data.
d) Outline the main purpose of the Bluetooth wireless communications technology. 2
Total 10 Marks
QUESTIONS CONTINUE ON NEXT PAGE
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Computer Systems Sample Formatted/HW © NCC Education Ltd 2012

3. Marks
QUESTION 5
a) Distinguish between hardware and software. 2
b) Distinguish between systems software and applications software. 2
c) Identify THREE (3) key functions of an Operating System. 3
d) Outline THREE (3) differences between the operation of a compiler and an interpreter. 3
Total 10 Marks
J
QUESTION 6
a) Distinguish between acceptance testing and service (or repair) testing. 2
b) Outline why a formal test plan is necessary to ensure valid testing. 2
c) Outline why it is important to back-up data before performing any testing. 2
d) Identify TWO (2) common causes of PC faults and briefly explain how to repair them. 4
Total 10 Marks
QUESTION 7
a) In the context of PC technical support, outline what is meant by “software maintenance”? 2
b) Distinguish between an update (or patch) and an upgrade. 2
c) Briefly outline the advantages and disadvantages of using an automatic update facility, such as 4
Windows Update.
d) Identify two routine disk maintenance operations that should be performed regularly on every 2
PC.
Total 10 Marks
QUESTION 8
a) Explain what is meant by “preventative maintenance”. 2
b) Outline the problems that regular cleaning of a computer system can prevent. 2
c) Identify THREE (3) environmental issues that can adversely affect the long-term performance of 3
a computer system.
d) Outline THREE (3) user actions that can help the long-term reliability of a computer system. 3
Total 10 Marks
QUESTIONS CONTINUE ON NEXT PAGE
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Computer Systems Sample Formatted/HW © NCC Education Ltd 2012

4. Marks
QUESTION 9
a) Outline the key functions of a file management system. 3
b) List THREE (3) pieces of information that are stored in the directory entry for each file. 3
c) Outline how the file type (i.e. the type of data that is stored in a particular file) is determined 3
under each of Windows, Apple Mac OS X and Linux.
d) Outline why it is important to have a logical folder structure on a modern PC. 1
Total 10 Marks
QUESTION 10
a) Outline the purpose of requirements (or needs) analysis. 2
b) Identify THREE (3) possible groups of stakeholders for a computer system. 3
c) Identify TWO (2) areas with which a new system may have to integrate. 2
d) Outline the advantages and disadvantages of building a PC yourself from components, rather 3
than buying an off the shelf, ready built system.
Total 10 Marks
END OF EXAM
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Computer Systems Sample Formatted/HW © NCC Education Ltd 2012