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Computer Science for IGCSE & O level - Hardware (Section 20)

1
Which of the following is a function performed during the 'decode' stage of the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle?
Answer
(C)
Translating the instruction into signals for the control unit.
2
Which characteristics are often found in an embedded system's design?
Answer
A
B
C
3
What is the effect of fragmented data on an HDD?
Answer
(B)
Increases access time
4
In a central heating system, the microprocessor controls the system based on input from which component?
Answer
(C)
Temperature sensor
5
In the context of a vending machine's embedded system, what input(s) is/are critical for the machine to function correctly?
Answer
A
B
6
In a hard disk drive, data is stored on:
Answer
(B)
Platters
7
Which component is responsible for interpreting the instructions?
Answer
(B)
Control Unit
8
In a typical audio setup, what device directly follows the Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC)?
Answer
(B)
Amplifier
9
Which of the following are typically found within a home network?
Answer
A
B
D
10
Which device is primarily used to connect a computer to the internet via a telephone line?
Answer
(C)
Modem
11
What is the primary function of a router?
Answer
(D)
To forward data packets between different networks.
12
What does the laser do in the laser printing process?
Answer
(C)
It creates an electrostatic image on the drum.
13
Which type of signal is required to use the microphone?
Answer
(C)
Electrical
14
What is the primary function of RAM in a computer?
Answer
(C)
Temporary storage of data and instructions the CPU is actively using.
15
In networking, what does the term 'bandwidth' refer to?
Answer
(C)
The maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over a network connection at a given time.
16
What is a key component inside an optical mouse that enables its function?
Answer
(A)
An LED
17
Which of the following is the most secure method for data transmission?
Answer
(B)
Wired Ethernet
18
In a laser printer, what unit is responsible for fusing the toner onto the paper?
Answer
(B)
The fuser
19
In the street lighting control system, which component converts the light sensor's data into a form that can be processed by the microprocessor?
Answer
(C)
The ADC
20
What do scanners use to recognize the human face?
Answer
(C)
Distance between the eyes
21
Which device is used to convert signals from a cable (like coaxial or fiber optic) into a format that computers can understand?
Answer
(C)
Modem
22
Which type of cloud environment combines elements of both public and private clouds?
Answer
(C)
Hybrid cloud
23
Which network component is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses?
Answer
(D)
DNS server
24
What is the primary function of a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or Solid State Drive (SSD)?
Answer
(B)
To store data persistently.
25
What type of scanner converts hard copy documents into electronic form?
Answer
(C)
2D scanner
26
What is the name of the technology used in printers that creates images using electrically charged toner and a laser beam?
Answer
(D)
Electrophotography
27
What is the purpose of the Data Bus?
Answer
(B)
To transfer data between the CPU, memory, and I/O devices.
28
In inkjet printers, what ejects the ink onto the paper?
Answer
(C)
The nozzles on the print head.
29
When a user or organisation wishes to change their MAC address, which are the reasons to perform this? (Choose only one)
Answer
(C)
To bypass a MAC address filter.
30
In the example of a vending machine, what is the *output* of the embedded system?
Answer
(C)
Dispensing the chosen product.
31
In optical storage, what is the main advantage of using a dual-layer disc, like a dual-layer Blu-ray?
Answer
(B)
Increased storage capacity.
32
In a laser printer, what is the function of the 'cleaning blade'?
Answer
(A)
To remove excess toner from the drum.
33
What is the purpose of the pattern of dark and light lines?
Answer
(B)
To represent numerical values.
34
In a computer system, what is the primary function of virtual memory?
Answer
(B)
To enable more programs to run than the physical RAM allows.
35
Which of the following are potential applications of 3D printing?
Answer
(B)
Creating custom prosthetics
36
What is 'thrashing' in the context of virtual memory?
Answer
(B)
A situation where the system spends an excessive amount of time swapping data between RAM and the hard drive.
37
What are advantages of wireless networks?
Answer
B
D
38
Which type of memory allows the CPU to access application and system programs currently in use?
Answer
(C)
RAM
39
What is a sector on a hard disk drive?
Answer
(D)
All of the above.
40
How does a capacitive touchscreen function?
Answer
(C)
By detecting changes in electrical capacity.
41
Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between an ADC and a DAC?
Answer
(B)
An ADC converts analog signals to digital and a DAC converts digital signals to analog.
42
Which technology helps you select from a menu?
Answer
(A)
Touch screen
43
What component of the printer moves the print head back and forth?
Answer
(C)
Stepper motor
44
What kind of technology does a laser printer use to transfer text and images onto paper?
Answer
(C)
Electrophotography
45
How does the scanning of a QR code work?
Answer
(D)
All of the above.
46
In flash memory, which component is primarily responsible for storing the data representing a bit (0 or 1)?
Answer
(C)
The floating gate.
47
What is the purpose of an operating system?
Answer
(B)
To provide a user interface and manage hardware.
48
What is a defining characteristic of a floating gate in flash memory?
Answer
(B)
It stores data by trapping electrons.
49
What type of light does a DLP projector use to create an image?
Answer
(A)
White light
50
How do security systems commonly use embedded systems, as discussed?
Answer
(C)
To monitor the environment and react to inputs from sensors.