Category Archives: Computing Higher

1. Computer Systems, Computing Higher

Homework w/b 15th Dec

Networking

Q1 Explain the difference between LAN’s and WAN’s with reference to transmission media, bandwidths and geographical spread. (2)
Q2 Explain the difference between a mainframe computer with terminals and a network of computers. (2)
Q3 Explain the differences between client server and peer-to-peer networks. (2)
Q4 On a LAN describe the functions of file, print and web servers. (2)
Q5 Describe a bus topology in terms of nodes and channels. Describe the consequences of failure of a node and a channel. (2)
Q6 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)
Q7 Explain why a network computer needs a network interface card (NIC). (1)
Q8 Explain briefly why networks are becoming increasingly widespread. (2)
Q9 Explain how a virus may be spread to a computer and how it then may take effect. (2)
Q10 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
2. Software Development, Computing Higher

Standard Algorithims

All students and teachers are welcome to attend these Live Online Sessions which are interactive events hosted by subject specialists who have extensive teaching experience.

Each session lasts up to an hour in total, including time for questions and answers towards the end.

Theme: Standard Algorithms
Subjects: Higher Computing
Audience: Student
When: Wednesday, 19 November 2014 7:30 PM
Presented by: Ian King, SCHOLAR Online Tutor for Computing and Information Systems
Session link: http://heriot-watt.adobeconnect.com/scholarhomework (Enter as a Guest)
1. Computer Systems, Computing Higher, Homework

Homework – Topic 4 – Peripherals

Q1 A peripheral device captures colour images and saves them to memory.
a) Describe how the colour is represented using 24 bits (1)
b) The image is saved with a resolution of 600 dpi. How many pixels are required to save an image of 6” x 4”. Give your answer in MB and show your working. (2)
Q2 Explain how a buffer is used with a peripheral. (2)
Q3 Explain the concept of spooling illustrating your answer with an example. (2)
Q4 State the hardware required in terms of peripherals to set up a computer system to produce a catalogue for a garden centre. The finished catalogue will be taken on electronic media to a printers. (2)
Q5 Justify the choice of two of these devices in terms of resolution, capacity, speed, cost and compatibility. (4)
Q6 Describe the features, uses and advantages of a solid state device such as a USB flash drive. (2)
Q7 a) What is the purpose of an interface? (1)
b) State the factors that have to be resolved by an interface. (2)
Q8 Describe the difference between parallel and serial interfaces (2)
Total marks 20
1. Computer Systems, Computing Higher, Homework

Homework Topic 3 – Measuring Performance

Q1 What factors can influence the MIP rate of measuring performance? 2
Q2 Explain what is meant by the cycle time with reference to the clock speed. 2
Q3 Explain why two computers rated at the same clock speed may not have an equivalent performance.2
Q4 Explain what is meant by a benchmark test in measuring a computer’s performance and give an example of one such benchmark. 2
Q5 Explain the effect of the width of the data bus on a computer’s performance. 2
Q6 Why is an interface needed to connect peripherals to the system bus? 2
Q7 Describe the standard functions of an interface. 2
Q8 Explain the difference between serial and parallel transmission. 2
Q9 Explain why the increase in the width of the data bus can improve system performance. 2
Q10 Explain why the increase in the width of the address bus can improve system performance. 2
Total Marks 20