Category Archives: 1. Computer Systems

1. Computer Systems, Computing Higher, Homework

Higher Computing – Networking: Protocols, IP addresses and the OSI model

This is more aimed at the Networking optional unit. However, it might be of use though as it will cover the Networking section of the Computer Systems unit.
Presented by: Ian King, SCHOLAR Online Tutor for Computing.
When:              Wednesday 5 March 7.30 – 8.15pm
Theme:            Higher Computing – Networking:  Protocols, IP addresses and the OSI model
Adobe Link (sign in as a guest on the day):   http://heriot-watt.adobeconnect.com/scholarhomework
There will be an opportunity for students to participate in a Q&A session at the end of the presentation.
1. Computer Systems, Computing Higher, Homework

Homework – Software

  1. Describe the function of a bootstrap loader program. (1)
  2. Briefly describe the main purpose of each function of a single-user operating system (3)
  3. Describe the purpose of each of: –
    1. Virus checker (1)
    2. Disk defragmenter (1)
  4. Explain why there is a need for standard file formats. (1)
  5. Describe the differences between a JPEG and GIF graphic. (2)
  6. Describe the types of software that are required to produce a school web site and explain why you chose these types. (2)
  7. Identify the data objects and the operations that can be performed on them in the context of a spreadsheet program. (2)
  8. When selecting an Application package to perform a certain task the software compatibility needs to be addressed. Describe the checks that need to be made for each of memory requirements, storage requirements and operating systems. (3)
  9. Computer viruses are classed by three main types, file virus, boot sector virus and macro virus. For each type describe how the virus is delivered and how it operates. (3)
  10. Describe the anti-virus technique of heuristic detection. (1)
Total Marks 20
1. Computer Systems, Computing Higher, Homework

Homework – Networks

Topics 5 and 6 – Networking

  1. Explain the difference between LAN’s and WAN’s with reference to transmission media, bandwidths and geographical spread. (2)
  2. Explain the difference between a mainframe computer with terminals and a network of computers. (2)
  3. Explain the differences between client server and peer-to-peer networks. (2)
  4. On a LAN describe the functions of file, print and web servers. (2)
  5. Describe a bus topology in terms of nodes and channels. Describe the consequences of failure of a node and a channel. (2)
  6. Describe the functions of a hub, switch and router on a network with particular reference to the differences between a hub and a switch. (3)
  7. Explain why a network computer needs a network interface card (NIC). (1)
  8. Explain briefly why networks are becoming increasingly widespread. (2)
  9. Explain how a virus may be spread to a computer and how it then may take effect. (2)
  10. The access a user has on the network depends on their permissions. Explain what is meant by permissions giving as an example the permissions you may have on your own folder and a shared folder on the network. (2)
Total Marks 20
1. Computer Systems, Computing Higher

Description of Unicode and its advantages over American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII)

ASCII and UNICODE are both used to represent text in computer systems.
(a) Describe one advantage of UNICODE over ASCII.
(b) Describe one disadvantage of UNICODE over ASCII.

The contents of the “DateofBirth” variable are to be held in memory in ASCII format. Calculate the minimum amount of memory required to store the contents of this variable.