Induction Unit 2 Assessment

Name two types of computer systems.

• Desktop and Laptop

• Smartphone and Tablet

• Server and Mainframe

• Embedded and Wearable

Answer explanation

Desktop and Laptop are both personal computer systems designed for individual use, making them the correct choice. Other options like Server and Mainframe serve different purposes, while Smartphone and Tablet are mobile devices.

What does RAID stand for in the context of data storage?

• Redundant Array of Independent Disks

• Random Access Integrated Data

• Rapid Array of Inexpensive Drives

• Reliable Access to Independent Data

Answer explanation

RAID stands for Redundant Array of Independent Disks, which is a technology that combines multiple disk drives into a single unit for improved performance and data redundancy.

List three factors that affect the choice of hardware in a computer system.

• Cost, performance, and compatibility

• Brand, color, and size

• Warranty, user reviews, and aesthetics

• Availability, design, and weight

Answer explanation

Cost, performance, and compatibility are crucial factors in hardware selection. Cost determines budget constraints, performance affects system efficiency, and compatibility ensures components work together seamlessly.

Explain the difference between system software and application software.

• System software manages hardware and application software performs user tasks.

• Application software manages hardware and system software performs user tasks.

• Both manage hardware and perform user tasks.

• Neither manage hardware nor perform user tasks.

Answer explanation

System software is responsible for managing hardware resources, while application software is designed to perform specific user tasks, such as word processing or web browsing. This distinction clarifies their different roles in computing.

What is the role of the kernel in an operating system? Name two functions it performs.

• The kernel manages system resources and allows software to interact with hardware.

• The kernel provides a user interface and manages user accounts.

• The kernel handles file storage and provides network connectivity.

• The kernel manages memory allocation and process scheduling.

Answer explanation

The kernel is crucial for managing system resources and facilitating communication between software and hardware. It performs functions like memory allocation and process scheduling, ensuring efficient operation of the operating system.

What are two advantages of open-source software?

• Cost-effectiveness and flexibility

• High cost and limited support

• Proprietary restrictions and vendor lock-in

• Limited customization and high maintenance

Answer explanation

Open-source software is cost-effective as it is often free to use, reducing expenses. Additionally, it offers flexibility, allowing users to modify and adapt the software to meet their specific needs, unlike proprietary options.

What is the main difference between Von Neumann and Harvard architecture?

• Von Neumann uses a single memory for both instructions and data, while Harvard uses separate memories.

• Von Neumann uses separate memories for instructions and data, while Harvard uses a single memory.

• Von Neumann architecture is used in modern computers, while Harvard is not used anymore.

• Harvard architecture is used in modern computers, while Von Neumann is not used anymore.

Answer explanation

The main difference is that Von Neumann architecture uses a single memory for both instructions and data, while Harvard architecture has separate memories for instructions and data, allowing for simultaneous access.

Name three types of registers used in CPU architecture.

• Accumulator, Program Counter, Memory Address Register

• Cache, Hard Disk, RAM

• Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor

• Operating System, Application Software, Utility Software

Answer explanation

The correct choice includes registers used in CPU architecture: the Accumulator stores intermediate results, the Program Counter tracks instruction execution, and the Memory Address Register holds addresses for memory access.

Pipelining in the context of CPU architecture is:

• A technique where multiple instruction phases are overlapped

• A method to increase the clock speed of the CPU

• A way to reduce the size of the CPU

• A process to enhance the CPU's cache memory

Answer explanation

Pipelining allows multiple instruction phases to be processed simultaneously, improving CPU efficiency. This technique overlaps the fetch, decode, and execute stages of instructions, leading to better performance.

What is multi-threading, and how does it improve CPU performance?

• Multi-threading allows multiple threads to be executed concurrently, improving CPU performance by better utilizing CPU resources.

• Multi-threading is a method to increase the clock speed of the CPU.

• Multi-threading is a technique to reduce the power consumption of the CPU.

• Multi-threading is a way to increase the physical size of the CPU.

Answer explanation

The correct choice explains that multi-threading enables multiple threads to run simultaneously, which enhances CPU performance by making better use of its resources, unlike the other options that misrepresent its purpose.