Tools Used in Information Technology

Question 1

What is the function of a modem?

Answer 1

Converts digital data from a computer into analog signals for transmission over telephone lines (or vice versa).

Question 2

What are the advantages of using a modem?

Answer 2

Essential for connecting to the internet, especially for dial-up or DSL connections. Provides reliable internet access in areas where high-speed broadband is not available.

Question 3

What are the disadvantages of using a modem?

Answer 3

Slow speeds compared to modern broadband connections. Requires a physical phone line or cable, which limits mobility.

Question 4

What is the function of a router?

Answer 4

Connects different networks (e.g., LAN to WAN) and manages the flow of data between them, ensuring packets reach the correct destination.

Question 5

What are the advantages of using a router?

Answer 5

Efficiently directs data between different networks. Built-in firewalls and NAT help protect networks. Manages IP traffic and supports different network standards.

Question 6

What are the disadvantages of using a router?

Answer 6

Can be difficult to set up, especially for larger networks. Routers can introduce delays as they process data. High-performance routers can be expensive.

Question 7

What is the function of a hub?

Answer 7

Connects multiple devices on a network and broadcasts data to all devices, regardless of the destination.

Question 8

What are the advantages of using a hub?

Answer 8

Easy to use and setup, with no complex configuration. Devices can be added without setup or special configuration.

Question 9

What are the disadvantages of using a hub?

Answer 9

All devices share the same bandwidth, leading to slowdowns as more devices are added. Hubs broadcast data to all devices, causing network congestion. Lacks advanced features like traffic prioritization or network security.

Question 10

What is the function of a switch?

Answer 10

Connects devices on a network and forwards data only to the intended recipient based on MAC addresses, improving efficiency.

Question 11

What are the advantages of using a switch?

Answer 11

Reduces network congestion by forwarding data only to the relevant device. Handles large numbers of devices without significant performance loss. Offers features like port security and VLANs for better network protection. Can handle more devices without major impact on performance.

Question 12

What are the disadvantages of using a switch?

Answer 12

More expensive than hubs due to advanced functionality. Can be more complex to configure than hubs.

Question 13

What is the function of VoIP?

Answer 13

Allows voice calls to be made over the internet instead of through traditional telephone lines.

Question 14

What are the advantages of VoIP?

Answer 14

Cost-effective, especially for long-distance calls. High-quality audio and video communication.

Question 15

What are the disadvantages of VoIP?

Answer 15

Dependent on a stable internet connection. Quality can degrade with poor bandwidth or network congestion.

Question 16

What is the function of SMS?

Answer 16

A text messaging service for sending short messages, typically via mobile devices.

Question 17

What are the advantages of SMS?

Answer 17

Quick and easy way to send messages. Works even with low-bandwidth mobile networks.

Question 18

What are the disadvantages of SMS?

Answer 18

Limited to short messages (usually 160 characters). May incur costs depending on the provider.

Question 19

What is the function of search engines?

Answer 19

Help users find information on the internet by indexing websites.

Question 20

What are the advantages of search engines?

Answer 20

Quick access to vast amounts of information. Advanced search options and algorithms that yield relevant results.

Question 21

What are the disadvantages of search engines?

Answer 21

Search results may be influenced by paid ads and SEO strategies. Over-reliance on search engines can sometimes result in missing out on niche or diverse sources of information.

Question 22

What is the function of Telnet?

Answer 22

A text-based protocol used to remotely access servers and other devices over a network.

Question 23

What are the advantages of Telnet?

Answer 23

Simple to use for accessing remote systems. Effective for troubleshooting and remote administration.

Question 24

What are the disadvantages of Telnet?

Answer 24

Security risks, as data (including passwords) is transmitted in plaintext. Being replaced by more secure protocols like SSH (Secure Shell).

Question 25

What is the function of FTP?

Answer 25

Used for transferring files between computers over a network.

Question 26

What are the advantages of FTP?

Answer 26

Supports large file transfers. Can be automated with scripts for regular backups or file updates.

Question 27

What are the disadvantages of FTP?

Answer 27

FTP transfers are typically unencrypted, making them vulnerable to security breaches. Requires setting up a server or using a third-party FTP host.

Question 28

What is the function of a discussion forum/board?

Answer 28

An online platform for discussions where users can post messages and reply to others.

Question 29

What are the advantages of discussion forums/boards?

Answer 29

Community-driven, allows for rich, long-term discussions. Can cater to niche interests and provide specialized advice.

Question 30

What are the disadvantages of discussion forums/boards?

Answer 30

Can be slow-moving, especially on less active forums. Moderation can sometimes be poor, leading to spam or off-topic content.

Question 31

What is the function of a message board?

Answer 31

A virtual space where users can post messages in threads or topics.

Question 32

What are the advantages of a message board?

Answer 32

Simple interface for communication. Used for asynchronous discussions.

Question 33

What are the disadvantages of a message board?

Answer 33

Can be fragmented, with numerous sub-forums and topics making it harder to find specific content.

Question 34

What is the function of a mailing list?

Answer 34

A system where users can subscribe to receive emails on a particular topic or from a specific group.

Question 35

What are the advantages of a mailing list?

Answer 35

Convenient for sharing updates and information to a large group. Cost-effective for managing group communications.

Question 36

What are the disadvantages of a mailing list?

Answer 36

Can result in spam if poorly managed. Subscribers may feel overwhelmed by frequent emails.

Question 37

What is the function of social media tools?

Answer 37

Platforms that allow users to create content, share it with others, and engage with communities.

Question 38

What are the advantages of social media tools?

Answer 38

Facilitates communication and networking globally. Allows for multimedia content sharing (text, images, video).

Question 39

What are the disadvantages of social media tools?

Answer 39

Privacy concerns regarding personal data. Can become overwhelming or addictive due to constant notifications.

Question 40

What is the function of web-conferencing tools?

Answer 40

Platforms that facilitate live video, audio, and chat communication for remote meetings.

Question 41

What are the advantages of web-conferencing tools?

Answer 41

Ideal for remote work, webinars, and online learning. Easy to share files and collaborate in real-time.

Question 42

What are the disadvantages of web-conferencing tools?

Answer 42

Dependent on internet speed and stability for good quality. Can be subject to “Zoom fatigue” with excessive use.

Question 43

What is the function of cross-platform messaging tools?

Answer 43

Messaging apps that work across multiple devices and platforms.

Question 44

What are the advantages of cross-platform messaging tools?

Answer 44

Seamless communication across devices (phone, desktop, tablet). Often includes multimedia capabilities, like voice messages, videos, and file sharing.

Question 45

What are the disadvantages of cross-platform messaging tools?

Answer 45

Security and privacy concerns (some apps collect data, even end-to-end encrypted apps can have vulnerabilities). Dependence on a constant internet connection.