2017 Final Exam

Question 1

Expand and describe the following type of networks.
i. LAN [2 marks]
ii. WLAN [2 marks]
iii. MAN
iv. WAN

Answer 1

-Local area network. a wired network that consists of a switch and network devices in limited geographical area.

-Wireless local area network. connects multiple wireless devices an uses an access point.

-Metropolitan area network. a network that spans a city.

-wide area network. a network that spans a large geographical area.

Question 2

Differentiate Peer-to-peer and client/server networks

Answer 2

In a client/server network, clients request and servers provide. Think of it like a restaurant - you (client) order (request) and the kitchen (server) prepares your food.

In a peer-to-peer network, all devices act as both clients and servers, sharing resources directly. Imagine classmates sharing files directly with each other.

Question 3

Differentiate Bandwidth and Latency.

Answer 3

Bandwidth is like the size of a pipe - how much data can flow through at once.

Latency is the speed of the water in the pipe - how long it takes for data to travel.

Question 4

A physical topology defines the way in which computers, printers, and other devices are
connected to a network. Discuss the following LAN physical technologies.
i. Bus [3 marks]
ii. Ring [3 marks]
iii. Star

Answer 4

i. Bus: Think Christmas lights - all devices on one cable, failure at one point can disrupt the whole network.

ii. Ring: Devices in a closed loop, data travels in one direction, failure of one device can break the entire ring.

iii. Star: Devices connect to a central hub/switch, failure of one device doesn’t affect others.

Question 5

What is Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Answer 5

– A method of
connecting to a network such as a company
network across an unsecure network

Question 6

Give two examples of where VPN technology should be used?

Answer 6

Public Wi-Fi: Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your data from snooping.

Remote Work: Use a VPN for secure remote access to a company network, allowing you to access files and resources as if you were in the office.

Question 7

i. List three (3) types of printers that you know.
State at least one (1) advantage and one (1) disadvantages of each type of printers from
part (ii)

Answer 7

Three types of printers:

Inkjet - Good for photos, affordable, lower print volume.

Laser - Faster printing, higher print volume, toner expensive.

3D printer. 3D printers allow for creating complex and custom objects with design freedom.
3D printing can be slow and the materials used can be expensive compared to traditional printing.

Question 8

State three tools that are used for printer performance optimisation.

Answer 8

Print Spooler Settings

Print Driver Updates

Print Monitoring Tools

Question 9

Mobile devices use touchscreens to allow users to physically interact with the screen and
type on a virtual keyboard. List and describe the two types of touch screens available.
[6 marks

Answer 9

Resistive: Imagine two thin layers touching - needs pressure to register a touch. Works with various objects (stylus, gloves). Downside: Less responsive and clear.

Capacitive: Think responding to your finger’s electricity. Offers smoother touch and sharper image. Downside: May not work with styluses or wet fingers.

Question 10

List any three (3) mobile device parts that are field-replaceable.

Answer 10

Battery , simcard and microSD

Question 11

State any four (4) advantages of using of using Flash memory storage (SSD)

Answer 11

Faster loading, boot times.
More durable, shock resistant.
Better battery life.
Quieter operation.

Question 12

What is Overclocking?

Answer 12

Overclocking is pushing a computer component (like CPU) to run faster than its designed speed, for potentially better performance at the risk of instability or damage.

Question 13

List three components that when building or assembling a computer should have the
same form factor

Answer 13

Case
Motherboard
Power Supply (PSU)

Question 14

What is ElectroStatic Discharge (ESD?

Answer 14

Quick flow of electricity when two objects touch with different charges. Damages electronics.

Question 15

List any three (3) ways in which one can prevent Electrostatic discharge (ESD) Damage.

Answer 15

Ground yourself: Touch metal or wear a strap to zap yourself, not your PC parts!
Anti-static zone: Use mats & bags to prevent static from building up in the first place.
Careful handling: Avoid touching delicate parts directly - they’re ESD magnets!

Question 16

List two (2) connectors used to connect external peripherals to a PC.

Answer 16

USB , HDMI

Question 17

Describe the functions of the following networks devices:
i. Switch [2 marks]
ii. Router [2 marks]
iii. Wireless Access Point

Answer 17

A switch - Ethernet switches record MAC addresses for each device
connected to the switch. Directs data traffic to the specific device it’s meant for.

Router - connetcts networks. Use an IP address to forward traffic to other networks.

Wireless Access Point- provide
access to a wireless network for a limited
range.

Question 18

Define a Repeater.

Answer 18

aka an extender. they regenerate the signal so it can be sent further.

Question 19

Define a Hub.

Answer 19

receives data on one port and sends to all other ports.

Question 20

Define a bridge

Answer 20

divides a network into two or more segments and tracks which device is on each segment.

Question 20

State 4 Security Devices

Answer 20

Firewalls
Intrusion Detection System
Intrusion Prevention System
Universal Threat Management

Question 21

Define th following below;
-Firewalls
-Intrusion Detection System
-Intrusion Prevention System
-Universal Threat Management

Answer 21

-Firewalls protect data and devices and data connected to a network.

-IDS = monitors traffic and is a passive system.

IPS= acyively monitors traffic and takes action when needed.

-Universal Threat Management= its an all in one security appliance. can contain features like firewalls , IDS/IPS and additional security services asginst spyware.

Question 22

List any two (2) operating system used in mobile devices

Answer 22

Android and iOS

Question 23

The Troubleshooting requires an organized and logical approach to problems with
computers and other components. Briefly state and explain the six (6) steps of the
troubleshooting process. [12 marks]

Answer 23

identify the problem. e.g technician asks for question.

2. establish a theory of a probable cause. e.g device is power is off.
3. test the theory to determine the cause. e,g ensure the device is powered on.
4. establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution. e.g if solution is not achieved ask help from internt search or other technicians.
5. verify full system functionality and if applicable implement preventative measures. e.g reboot the computer.
6. document findings , actions and outcomes. e.g discuss the solution implemented with the computer.

Question 24

State and explain any four (4) roles of the operating system[8 marks]

Question 25

What 5 factors would you consider when selecting a proper operating system for a
customer? [5 marks]

Answer 25

Needs & Software: What tasks will they use it for? Does it require specific software (Windows-only,

Mac-only)?
Hardware: Is their computer compatible with the OS (e.g., RAM, processor requirements)?
User Experience: Are they comfortable with a certain interface (Mac's simplicity vs. Windows' flexibility)?
Cost & Support: Is the OS free (Linux) or paid (Windows)? Is IT support readily available?
Security: How important is virus and malware protection (e.g., reputation of Windows vs. Mac)?

Question 26

What is DHCP server?

Answer 26

Dynamic host configuration protocol server. it automatically provides an IP adress to network hosts and provides a way to manage those adresses.

Question 27

Describe who the ping command in computer network.

Answer 27

Ping is a network tool used to test if a device is reachable on a network. It sends a signal and waits for a response, like a digital tap on the shoulder to see if someone’s there.

Question 28

Differentiate between a Domain and Work Group in relation to computer networks

Answer 28

Domain: Centralized control, ideal for businesses with many users and security needs. Like a kingdom with a king (domain controller) managing everything.

Workgroup: Simpler setup for small networks, less secure. Like a group of friends sharing resources loosely.

Question 29

What are the two (2) disadvantages of sharing a directly connected printer from a
computer?

Answer 29

The computer sharing the printer must always be powered on for others to print.

PC Busy = Print Slow: Shared PC juggles tasks, print jobs might be slower.

Question 30

A Passcode Lock secures a device and puts it in a power-saving state. Explain any four (4)
common types of passcode locks. [8 marks]

Answer 30

PIN:

A short numerical code (e.g., 4-digit or 6-digit) for simple and quick access.

Pattern: A visual path drawn on the screen with your finger in a specific sequence.

Password: A combination of letters, numbers, and symbols, offering more complexity.

Fingerprint Scan: Uses your unique fingerprint for secure and convenient unlocking.

Question 31

Explain what is Rooting (Android) and Jailbreaking (iOS). [2 marks]

Answer 31

Rooting (Android): Grants “root” access, giving you permission to modify the operating system, install restricted apps, and deeply customize your device.

Jailbreaking (iOS): Bypasses restrictions set by Apple, allowing installation of unauthorized apps and customization options not officially available.

Question 32

In the correct order, list the seven (7) OSI reference model layers. [7 marks]

Answer 32

Physical Layer
Data Link Layer
Network Layer
Transport Layer
Session Layer
Presentation Layer
Application Layer