Computer Systems

5 November 2019

Examination Paper
Answer ALL questions.

Clearly cross out surplus answers.

Time: 3 hours

The maximum mark for this paper is 100.

Any reference material brought into the examination room must be

handed to the invigilator before the start of the examination.
 Answer ALL questions
Marks
Question 1

The evolution of modern computing has seen many different types of computing 10
devices and platforms, used in many different applications and driven by a range of
technical, business and social factors. In your own words, briefly describe the
following concepts, taking care to explain the key technical issues/innovations and
any background business or social drivers behind the adoption of such technologies.
Write your answer in ONE (1) paragraph.

• Personal Computing
• Embedded Computing
• High Performance Computing
• Cloud Computing
• Internet of Things

Total 10 Marks

Question 2

Computers are normally connected together into networks.

a) Describe, with reference to communication, sharing and resource utilisation, the 5

key benefits that networking computers bring to the users of that network.

b) What are the potential downsides to networking computers together? 5

Total 10 Marks

Question 3

With the aid of a suitably annotated diagram, describe the Von Neumann computer 10
architecture and the major components that make up a computer.

Total 10 Marks

Question 4

Describe some potential health and safety issues that anyone working on, or with, a 10
computer must be aware of. How can these risks be reduced or removed, to
minimise harm to humans?

Total 10 Marks

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 Marks
Question 5

a) Computer networks can be constructed using wired and wireless technologies. List 6
THREE (3) wired and THREE (3) wireless technologies.

b) Computer networks can have different shapes (topologies). List FOUR (4) 4
examples.

Total 10 Marks

Question 6

Computers store and process data in various forms. These data are often held in 10
computer files. Explain the following features of computer files giving TWO (2)
examples in each case:

• File names and extensions

• Directories and pathnames
• File meta-data
• File permissions and access rights

Total 10 Marks

Question 7

For each of the following FOUR (4) categories of computer peripheral, name THREE 10
(3) types of device.

• INPUT
• OUTPUT
• STORAGE
• COMMUNICATION

Total 10 Marks

Question 8

a) Differentiate between software maintenance from the perspective of the software 2

development department and the IT support/help desk.

b) Describe FOUR (4) situations when software maintenance may become 8

necessary, whether that maintenance is aimed at improving, enhancing or
supporting existing software.

Total 10 Marks

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Computer Systems © NCC Education Limited 2019
 Marks

Question 9

Describe FIVE (5) types of hardware testing that may be employed over the lifecycle of
a computer, from initial design through to on-going usage. 10

Total 10 Marks

Question 10

a) Outline the first FOUR (4) major stages of the SDLC (Software Development Life 4
Cycle).

b) Explain the following concepts: 6

o Functional requirements
o Non-Functional Requirements
o The MOSCOW prioritization model

Total 10 Marks

End of Paper

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