Networking and Operating Systems Concepts

Front

What does a firewall do?

Back

Checks all incoming and outgoing data against a whitelist or blacklist, blocks data that does not match specified criteria/rules, prevents access to or from specific ports, and stops unauthorized internal software from transmitting data externally.

Front

What is the difference between a router and a firewall?

Back

A router directs data packets between networks, while a firewall controls access to/from a network. Router assigns IP addresses using DHCP; firewall does not. Router selects the most efficient path for data; firewall filters/block data based on rules. Router manages traffic direction; firewall enforces security policies.

Front

What are the types of transmission media?

Back

1. Copper cable: Electrical signals, susceptible to EMI. 2. Fibre-optic cable: Transmits data using light pulses, higher bandwidth, lower signal loss. 3. Radio waves: Wireless, short-range, affected by obstructions. 4. Microwaves: Require line of sight, cover long distances via satellites.

Front

What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?

Back

IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses (e.g., 192.168.1.1); IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses (e.g., 2001:0db8::1).

Front

What are public and private IP addresses?

Back

Public IPs are routable on the internet; Private IPs are used internally within networks.

Front

What is the difference between static and dynamic IP addresses?

Back

Static IPs do not change; Dynamic IPs are assigned temporarily by DHCP.

Front

What is subnetting?

Back

Subnetting divides a network into smaller subnetworks, improving management and security.

Front

What are the main functions of an operating system?

Back

Coordinates hardware and software, provides user interface, allocates memory, manages scheduling, controls file access, ensures authorized access, manages input/output devices.

Front

What is the purpose of utility software?

Back

Utility software includes tools like virus checkers and disk defragmenters that help maintain and optimize computer performance.

Front

What is the fetch-execute cycle?

Back

The PC holds the address of the next instruction, MAR receives the address, MDR holds the fetched data, CIR stores the current instruction, Control Unit decodes and executes the instruction, and PC is incremented after each cycle.