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The travel agency has a LAN in the office building - NSC Information Technology - Question 2 - 2017 - Paper 2
Question 2
The travel agency has a LAN in the office building. All agents will need a computer at their work stations. 2.1 A choice has to be made between purchasing fat- or t... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The travel agency has a LAN in the office building - NSC Information Technology - Question 2 - 2017 - Paper 2
Step 1
Motivate the use of thin-client computers for the office.
Answer
Thin-client computers are advantageous due to their lower hardware requirements, which makes them more cost-effective compared to fat clients. They require less physical space and hardware capabilities, as most processing occurs on a server. Moreover, software can be centrally managed on the server, simplifying updates and reducing security threats.
Step 2
Step 3
State TWO functions of the BIOS.
Answer
The primary functions of the BIOS include:
- Checking that all hardware components are connected and operational during the Power-On Self-Test (POST).
- Providing a menu for configuration settings, allowing users to adjust the system settings and manage boot sequences.
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Explain how disk caching improves the performance of a computer.
Answer
Disk caching enhances performance by utilizing high-speed RAM to store frequently accessed data. This minimizes access times for the hard drive, allowing for quicker retrieval of information and reduced lag when applications request data.
Step 7
Except for caching, name ONE other factor that can improve the performance of a computer system AND explain how it will improve performance.
Answer
One factor that can improve performance is increasing RAM. More RAM allows for a larger amount of data and instructions to be processed simultaneously, reducing reliance on slower virtual memory and enhancing the overall speed and responsiveness of applications.
Step 8
Step 9
Suggest TWO aspects that need to be considered when deciding to upgrade hardware or software.
Answer
When deciding to upgrade, two key aspects to consider are:
- Compatibility: Ensure that new hardware or software is compatible with existing systems.
- Cost: Evaluate the financial impact of the upgrade, balancing potential benefits against expenses.
Step 10
Besides switching off all computers at night, state TWO other ways in which the electricity usage of computing devices can be decreased.
Answer
Two ways to decrease electricity usage include:
- Reducing the brightness settings of screens, which can lead to significant energy savings.
- Unplugging chargers when not in use to prevent phantom energy consumption.
Step 11
Explain TWO ways in which the use of computers will be financially beneficial for the travel agency.
Answer
Two ways computers can provide financial benefits include:
- Greater productivity due to efficient document management and communication, which enhances overall workflow.
- Cost savings derived from reduced paper usage, as digital communications negate the need for printing.
Step 12
Describe TWO aspects of an effective backup maintenance program.
Answer
Two key aspects of an effective backup maintenance program are:
- Establishing a backup schedule that includes daily, weekly, and monthly backups to ensure data safety and recovery.
- Using incremental backups to only save data that has changed since the last backup, optimizing storage use and backup time.
Step 13
Step 14
Give TWO reasons why SSDs are more suitable to be used in portable devices.
Answer
Two reasons why SSDs are more suitable for portable devices include:
- SSDs do not have moving parts, making them more robust and less susceptible to physical damage.
- They consume less energy, which helps prolong battery life in portable devices.