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Mr Jones, who is one of the teachers at the school, started a video-editing club at the school - NSC Information Technology - Question 6 - 2024 - Paper 2
Question 6
Mr Jones, who is one of the teachers at the school, started a video-editing club at the school. The purpose of the club is to create videos of events such as the mat... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Mr Jones, who is one of the teachers at the school, started a video-editing club at the school - NSC Information Technology - Question 6 - 2024 - Paper 2
Step 1
Describe TWO functions of an operating system.
Answer
An operating system (OS) is essential for managing computer resources and facilitating communication between hardware and software. Two primary functions of an OS include:
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Process Management: The OS controls the execution of programs by managing processes, ensuring that each program receives enough resources (CPU time, memory) and that they do not interfere with one another.
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Memory Management: The OS is responsible for managing the computer's memory, allocating space for running applications and ensuring that memory is effectively utilized without overlaps between processes.
Step 2
Define the following terms:
Answer
(a) Cores: Cores are processing units within a CPU that can execute individual tasks. A multicore processor can handle multiple processes simultaneously, enhancing performance.
(b) Threads: A thread is the smallest unit of processing that can be scheduled by an OS. It is a way for a program to divide its workload into smaller, manageable tasks that can run concurrently.
Step 3
When a computer with eight cores is used, which processing technique would deliver the best results? Motivate your answer.
Answer
The optimal processing technique for a computer with eight cores is multithreading. This approach allows multiple threads to run on different cores simultaneously, maximizing efficiency. By dividing tasks into multiple threads that can operate concurrently, the overall execution time is reduced, leading to faster processing and improved performance during video editing tasks.
Step 4
A GPU will improve the performance of the computer. Justify this statement by explaining why the GPU improves the performance of a computer.
Answer
GPUs significantly enhance computer performance due to their specialized architecture designed for parallel processing. Unlike CPUs that handle a few threads at a time, GPUs can manage thousands of threads simultaneously, particularly beneficial for graphic-intensive tasks like video rendering. This capability enables quicker calculations and more efficient execution of visual effects, leading to a smoother editing experience.
Step 5
Justify the use of virtual machines in this context.
Answer
Using virtual machines (VMs) offers several advantages for testing software in diverse environments. VMs allow:
- Isolation of Environments: Each virtual machine can run a different operating system, making it ideal for software compatibility testing.
- Cost-Effective Hardware Use: Multiple VMs can run on a single physical machine, maximizing resource utilization.
- Easy Backup and Recovery: VMs can be easily saved and restored, providing a safety net for testing scenarios.
Step 6
Explain the concept of virtual memory and what needs to be done to solve the problem mentioned above.
Answer
Virtual memory is a memory management capability that allows a computer to compensate for physical memory shortages by temporarily transferring data from RAM to disk storage. This creates an illusion of a larger memory pool. To address excessive use of virtual memory, increasing the physical RAM of the computers at the club would be beneficial. Better memory management strategies, such as closing unnecessary applications, can also help mitigate the issue.
Step 7
Explain what SaaS is.
Answer
Software as a Service (SaaS) is a software distribution model where applications are hosted in the cloud and provided to users via the internet. Users typically pay a subscription fee to access the software, eliminating the need for local installations and updates.
Step 8
Explain at least THREE benefits of SaaS by analysing how it can be used in the video-editing club.
Answer
The video-editing club can benefit from SaaS in several ways:
- Cost Savings: Subscribing to SaaS means the club won't need to purchase expensive software outright, making high-quality editing tools accessible.
- Automatic Updates: SaaS providers ensure that users have access to the latest software versions without the need for manual installations.
- Collaboration Opportunities: SaaS facilitates collaboration among club members, allowing them to work on projects from various locations seamlessly.
Step 9
Except for the software and a computer to use the software, what else will be an essential requirement to use SaaS software?
Answer
A stable internet connection is essential for using SaaS software, as it is web-based and requires connectivity to access the service and utilize its features.
Step 10
Step 11
Discuss TWO criteria that may be used to evaluate the reliability of the contents of a website.
Answer
To assess the reliability of a website's content, the following criteria can be considered:
- Authority: Check who authored the content and their credentials or affiliations to ensure trustworthiness.
- Accuracy: Verify that the information is cross-referenced with other reputable sources to ensure factual correctness.
Step 12
Describe the term intellectual property.
Answer
Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names, and images used in commerce. It grants creators certain exclusive rights to control the use and distribution of their creations.
Step 13
Discuss the ethics of this action.
Answer
When uploading a video onto social media, ethical considerations include:
- Permission: The club member must ensure they have the necessary permissions to share the video, particularly if it includes others' likenesses.
- Crediting: Proper credit should be given to the original creators or participants involved in the video to maintain integrity and respect for intellectual property rights.
Step 14
Step 15
Step 16
Club members will need to avoid compressed video files during the webinar.
Answer
Using uncompressed video files during a webinar ensures better quality; however, considerations include:
- Bandwidth Requirements: Uncompressed files require significant bandwidth, which may lead to connectivity issues if the internet speed is insufficient.
- Quality Loss Risks: Compressed files may lead to quality degradation, resulting in a subpar viewing experience for the audience.