Past paper

Question 1

What is VRAM?

Answer 1

Video RAM on graphics card

Stores data for graphics rendering

Question 2

What is Latency?

Answer 2

Time taken for a component to respond

Question 3

What is Modular Design?

Answer 3

Computer built from multiple pieces, not a single fixed unit

Question 4

Is a 4-core, 8-thread processor hyper-threaded?

Answer 4

Yes, 4 cores × 2 threads per core = 8 threads total

Question 5

What does ‘Integrated Graphics’ mean?

Answer 5

Graphics processor embedded on motherboard or CPU

Question 6

Biggest disadvantage of integrated graphics?

Answer 6

No dedicated memory (no VRAM)

Question 7

Name two advantages of integrated graphics over dedicated graphics

Answer 7

Lower cost

Less heat generated

Lower power consumption

Question 8

Name 4 differences between SSD and HDD

Answer 8

SSD uses memory chips; HDD uses spinning platters

SSD has no mechanical parts → silent, no vibration

SSD more resistant to physical shock

SSD has faster data transfer rates

SSD consumes less power

Question 9

What is Virtual Memory?

Answer 9

Using hard drive space to extend RAM capacity

Swapping/paging between RAM and hard drive to avoid RAM shortage

Question 10

Name and explain two ways to overclock

Answer 10

Per component: Change clock multiplication factor

Whole system: Change system clock frequency

Question 11

What is an HMD?

Answer 11

Head-Mounted Display

Worn on head or helmet, has screen(s) for one/both eyes

Question 12

How does VR differ from AR?

Answer 12

VR: Fully synthetic environment

AR: Synthetic images overlay real world

Question 13

Name 4 limitations of mobile devices compared to laptops/desktops

Answer 13

Smaller screen size

No multiple screens capability

Lower computing power

Limited battery life

Question 14

Name four advantages of using P2P file sharing

Answer 14

Easy file sharing

Reduced cost

Adaptability

Reliability

High performance

Question 15

What is a BitTorrent swarm?

Answer 15

Group of computers uploading & downloading the same torrent.

Question 16

What is a BitTorrent seed?

Answer 16

A computer that has fully downloaded the file and shares it for others to download.

Question 17

What is a BitTorrent tracker?

Answer 17

Server tracking which computers have file copies and helps coordinate data transmission.

Question 18

Why choose thin clients for POS devices?

Answer 18

Processing done on server

Reduces workload on devices

Easier maintenance

Better security

Question 19

Which device is suitable for upgrade to smart clients?

Answer 19

Back-office system (due to mobility & cloud processing).

Question 20

Give two advantages of smart clients.

Answer 20

Reduced hardware costs

Centralized management and updates

Increased mobility & cloud access

Improved performance via remote servers

Can work offline

Question 21

What is a subscription software license?

Answer 21

Paid monthly or annually

Access to software for duration of payment

Example: Microsoft Office 365

Question 22

What is a pay-as-you-go license?

Answer 22

Pay only for resources used (storage, queries, processing)

Good for one-time or testing use

Question 23

How does remote access work?

Answer 23

Allows one computer to control another’s desktop interface via special software on both devices.

Question 24

Difference between remote access and VPN (1)?

Answer 24

Remote access controls one specific computer; VPN connects to an entire network.

VPN is more secure than remote desktop access.

Question 25

Which is better for accessing finances and stock files on a shop server: VPN or remote access and why?

Answer 25

- VPN Provides network-wide access Encrypts data and masks IP address

Question 26

Name two disadvantages of cloud storage.

Answer 26

Security risks for critical files Internet dependency and bandwidth usage Limited control over data Can be costly

Question 27

ow can you lose ownership of a cloud file you created?

Answer 27

By sharing and transferring ownership; the new owner can remove your access.

Question 28

Common factor between firewall and Network Access Control (NAC)?

Answer 28

Both protect network infrastructure from unauthorized access and threats.

Question 29

Unique feature of a firewall?

Answer 29

Blocks ports/programs trying unauthorized access.

Question 30

Unique feature of NAC?

Answer 30

Authenticates and authorizes devices before granting network access.

Question 31

What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?

Answer 31

Network of physical devices with sensors and connectivity to collect and analyze data.

Question 32

Give two uses of IoT in reverse vending machines.

Answer 32

Real-time status monitoring (fill levels, malfunctions) Tracking types and quantities of deposited items Predictive maintenance using sensor data

Question 33

Why does IoT pose security risks?

Answer 33

Many devices share data, increasing risk of interception or hacking.

Question 34

How can Location-Based Services (LBS) improve store-customer interaction?

Answer 34

Find stores or recycling machines

Question 35

What is blockchain technology?

Answer 35

Distributed ledger system Network of nodes sharing a common database Records transactions and tracks assets securely