Paper 2

Question 1

Operating system functions/purpose

Answer 1

(Processor, Memory, Application, Security) management
User/hardware interface

Question 2

How do interpreters work

Answer 2

No machine code
Call MC subroutines to carry out commands
Translation line by line
Stops when error found

Question 3

Why is there more RAM than cache

Answer 3

Ram is cheaper
Cache can’t store data and programs simultaneously

Question 4

Issues with SSDs

Answer 4

Expensive
Low storage capacities
Limited rewrite capacity

Question 5

Sample resolution

Answer 5

No. Of bits/ sample

Question 6

WAN v LAN

Answer 6

WAN operates over larger area
WAN has morre devices connected
WANs are slower than LANs
WANs have collective ownership

Question 7

Wireless over wired networks

Answer 7

Easier to add new devices
No tripping hazards
Less cable management/issues
Easy guest access

Question 8

Reasons for automatic software updates

Answer 8

People forget to update manually
Computers get protected faster
Updates from trusted sources

Question 9

When is RLE not useful

Answer 9

Few repeated characters
RLE takes up more space than the original file

Question 10

“Relational database”

Answer 10

A database with multiple tables that are linked together

Question 11

Benefits of relational databases

Answer 11

Reduces redundancy/inconsistencies over databases

Question 12

Unicode > ASCII

Answer 12

More available characters
Different languages
Technical characters

Question 13

SSD benefits

Answer 13

More portable
Use less power
Generate less heat

Question 14

Data read from magnetic disc

Answer 14

Read head is moved
Disk spins around
Whole sector read in one go
Polarisation reflects 1/0

Question 15

Advantages of cloud storage

Answer 15

Access data from several devices
Easily share data
Increase available storage

Question 16

Reasons for growth in cloud storage

Answer 16

Higher bandwidth mobile networks
Increase in mobile devices
Better network security
Trust in 3rd parties

Question 17

Advantages of computer networks

Answer 17

Easy To transfer data
Increased available storage
Computer usage monitoring
Central management/backups

Question 18

Blagging

Answer 18

Victim persuaded to give details for a false purpose
(Nigerian prince)

Question 19

Phishing

Answer 19

Victim thinks they’re communicating with a trusted source - is in fact fraudulent

Question 20

Shouldering

Answer 20

Credentials being watched/recorded when being typed

Question 21

High level language > low level language

Answer 21

Built in functions/libraries
Easier to write/debug/understand
Require fewer lines
easier to structure

Question 22

When is MAC filtering not useful

Answer 22

Wireless network open to the public
MAC address of connected devices won’t be known

Question 23

Function vs procedure

Answer 23

Procedure accepts arguments but doesn’t return values
Function returns one or more values

Question 24

OS managing Input/Output devices

Answer 24

Downloads drivers
Allows data to be sent/received

Question 25

OS managing security

Answer 25

User authentication Malware protection Blocking access to vulnerable parts of a system

Question 26

OS managing processors

Answer 26

Scheduling programs to be executed

Question 27

OS managing storage

Answer 27

Secondary data management Efficient space allocation

Question 28

Identity method confirmation

Answer 28

Passwords - only the user would know/checked against database Biometrics - physical features Email confirmation - only valid email proves identity

Question 29

Black box pen. testing

Answer 29

No understanding of how system works Mimics external hacker Discovery & exploitation of weak spots

Question 30

White box pen. testing

Answer 30

Understanding of system Mimics malicious insider Testing specific vulnerabilities Go through all scenarios

Question 31

Spyware

Answer 31

Records data on host system Sends to 3rd party

Question 32

Trojan malware

Answer 32

Misleads user - think its a different piece of software Executes other program

Question 33

Worm

Answer 33

Autonomous self replication on a host system

Question 34

Ransomware

Answer 34

Encrypts data until decryption key is paid for

Question 35

Keyloggers

Answer 35

Monitors keystrokes to find and steal passwords for confidential purposes

Question 36

Password weaknesses

Answer 36

Short, potentially blank No mixture of letters, numbers, and symbols Ordered numbers/easily guessable

Question 37

Disadvantages of cloud storage

Answer 37

Increased security risks Reliance on providers Increasing costs Data leaks