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Users want to know whether the BIOS is still required in a computer system today - NSC Information Technology - Question 2 - 2016 - Paper 2
Question 2
Users want to know whether the BIOS is still required in a computer system today. Motivate the need for the BIOS by stating TWO important tasks it performs. How doe... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Users want to know whether the BIOS is still required in a computer system today - NSC Information Technology - Question 2 - 2016 - Paper 2
Step 1
Motivate the need for the BIOS by stating TWO important tasks it performs.
Answer
The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is essential in modern computer systems for several reasons:
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Post and Hardware Check: It performs the Power-On Self Test (POST) to ensure all essential hardware components are detected and functioning correctly before the operating system boot process begins.
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Boot Loader: It locates and loads the operating system into memory, essentially acting as an interface between the hardware and the operating system during startup.
Step 2
How does the use of virtual memory prevent the problem of the operating system running out of memory when executing programs?
Answer
Virtual memory allows an operating system to use a portion of the hard drive as an extension of RAM when physical RAM is insufficient. When a program is not actively being used, the operating system can temporarily swap its data to this virtual memory space, freeing up RAM for active programs. This mechanism ensures that the system can run more applications than physical memory would allow, improving multitasking capabilities.
Step 3
How does EACH of the following contribute to improving the performance of the CPU: Cache memory
Answer
Cache memory is a small-sized type of volatile computer memory that provides high-speed data access to the CPU. It stores frequently accessed data and instructions, reducing the time it takes for the CPU to retrieve this information from the slower main memory (RAM). This leads to improved overall efficiency and performance.
Step 4
How does EACH of the following contribute to improving the performance of the CPU: Hyperthreading
Answer
Hyperthreading technology allows a single CPU core to manage two threads simultaneously, making it appear as two separate cores to the operating system. This capability enables better utilization of CPU resources, resulting in improved performance for multi-threaded applications by allowing tasks to be processed concurrently.
Step 5
How does EACH of the following contribute to improving the performance of the CPU: Dedicated video/graphics cards
Answer
Dedicated video or graphics cards contain their own GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), which manage rendering graphics independently from the CPU. By offloading graphics processing tasks to the GPU, the CPU can focus on general processing workloads, enhancing the overall performance of the system, especially in graphic-intensive applications.
Step 6
Give TWO possible reasons for this AND explain how to solve this problem.
Answer
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Insufficient RAM: Over time, as software applications and background processes demand more memory, the available RAM may be insufficient, causing the system to slow down. Solution: Upgrade the RAM to accommodate more active applications and improve processing speed.
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Disk Fragmentation: The hard drive becomes fragmented over time, leading to increased access times for data retrieval. Solution: Regularly defragment the hard drive to improve disk performance and efficiency.
Step 7
Briefly explain what plug-and-play compliance means.
Answer
Plug-and-play compliance refers to the capability of a device to be automatically recognized and configured by the operating system upon connection, without the need for manual driver installation. This feature enhances user convenience, making it easy to connect external devices like USB flash drives.
Step 8
Briefly explain the concept of mirroring used in RAID technology.
Answer
Mirroring in RAID technology involves duplicating the same data across multiple hard drives. This practice enhances data reliability and redundancy; if one drive fails, the system can continue to operate seamlessly using the mirrored drive, preventing data loss.
Step 9
State TWO techniques that have been introduced to improve the reliability of hard disks as storage devices.
Answer
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Error Correction Codes (ECC): Implementing ECC can detect and correct internal errors within data storage, significantly enhancing data integrity.
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SMART Monitoring: The Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology (SMART) can predict drive failures by monitoring various indicators of reliability, alerting users to potential issues before they result in data loss.
Step 10
State TWO advantages of using network-attached storage devices to backup data on-site.
Answer
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Accessibility: NAS devices allow multiple users on the network to access shared files from various locations, improving collaboration and convenience for data management.
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Data Security: NAS devices typically offer built-in data redundancy and backup features, ensuring that critical data is protected against loss and can be recovered easily.
Step 11
Motivate the use of SaaS at a school.
Answer
Software as a Service (SaaS) offers numerous benefits for schools:
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Cost Effectiveness: Schools can reduce upfront costs related to software purchases and maintenance by using subscription-based SaaS models.
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Accessibility and Collaboration: SaaS applications promote collaborative work and provide access to educational resources from anywhere with an internet connection, enhancing the learning experience.