Hardware
What is the main function of the CPU in a computer?
The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations, effectively acting as the brain of the computer.
What is the main difference between application software and system software?
Application software helps users perform specific tasks (e.g., word processing, web browsing), while system software manages and operates the computer hardware (e.g., operating systems).
What does LAN stand for, and what is its primary purpose?
LAN stands for Local Area Network, and it connects devices within a limited area (such as a building) to share resources like printers and files.
What is a spreadsheet, and name one popular spreadsheet application.
A spreadsheet is a tool used for organizing, analyzing, and storing data in tables. A popular application is Microsoft Excel
What is the purpose of a file system in an operating system?
A file system organizes and manages how data is stored and retrieved on a storage device, allowing users to save, retrieve, and delete files.
Describe the role of RAM in a computer’s performance.
RAM (Random Access Memory) temporarily stores data and instructions that the CPU needs while a program is running, which speeds up access to data and enhances performance.
Define what an operating system does in a computer system.
An operating system (OS) manages the computer's hardware and software resources, provides user interface tools, and facilitates communication between applications and hardware.
Describe the function of a router in a LAN network.
A router connects multiple networks and directs data traffic between them, allowing LAN devices to access the internet and communicate with external networks.
Describe what a presentation software is used for and give an example.
Presentation software allows users to create slideshows for presenting information visually. An example is Microsoft PowerPoint.
Describe the difference between multitasking and multiprocessing in an operating system.
Multitasking allows multiple tasks to run simultaneously by rapidly switching between them, while multiprocessing uses multiple CPUs to run tasks in parallel.
What is the difference between SSD and HDD in terms of performance and structure?
SSDs (Solid State Drives) have no moving parts and use flash memory, making them faster, more durable, and energy-efficient compared to HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), which have spinning disks that store data magnetically.
Explain the purpose of software patches and updates.
Software patches and updates fix bugs, improve security, add new features, and enhance the overall performance of software applications.
What is the difference between a switch and a hub in a network?
A switch directs data to specific devices on the network, improving efficiency and security, while a hub broadcasts data to all devices, resulting in lower efficiency and increased traffic.
Explain the difference between data formatting and data validation in a spreadsheet.
Data formatting changes the appearance of data (e.g., font or color), while data validation sets rules for data input to ensure accuracy (e.g., restricting entries to numbers only).
Explain what a kernel is and its role within an operating system.
The kernel is the core part of an operating system that manages system resources, communicates with hardware, and provides a bridge between applications and hardware.
Explain what cache memory is and how it impacts CPU performance.
Cache memory is a small, fast type of volatile memory located close to the CPU that stores frequently accessed data, allowing the CPU to access information faster and improving processing speed.
What is open-source software, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of using it in a professional environment?
Open-source software is publicly accessible software that users can modify. Advantages include cost savings and community support, while disadvantages include potential security risks and limited official support.
Explain the purpose of IP addressing in LANs, and differentiate between IPv4 and IPv6.
IP addresses uniquely identify devices on a network. IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses, allowing approximately 4.3 billion unique addresses, while IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses, vastly increasing the address pool.
What are macros in office software, and how can they increase productivity?
Macros are sequences of instructions that automate repetitive tasks in office software, saving time and reducing errors by performing actions automatically.
What is virtual memory, and how does it work to extend a computer’s available memory?
Virtual memory uses part of the hard drive as additional RAM, allowing more applications to run simultaneously by swapping data between RAM and the hard drive as needed.
How does a motherboard bus facilitate communication between components? Name different types of buses and their functions.
The motherboard bus is a pathway that transmits data and signals between components. The data bus transfers actual data, the address bus carries location addresses, and the control bus carries commands to manage data flow.
Describe the concept of virtualization in software. Name two common virtualization software tools.
Virtualization allows multiple virtual machines to run on a single physical machine, isolating applications or operating systems. Common tools include VMware and VirtualBox.
Define subnetting and explain how it can help in managing network traffic within a LAN.
Subnetting divides a network into smaller segments, or subnets, which helps manage traffic, reduces congestion, and improves network performance and security.
How can pivot tables be used in spreadsheets to analyze large datasets? Provide an example of their use.
Pivot tables summarize and organize large datasets, making it easier to analyze trends and patterns. For example, they can group sales data by month and product type to observe sales performance.
Describe the process of disk partitioning and explain why it might be necessary in an OS installation or configuration.
Disk partitioning divides a storage device into separate sections (partitions) to isolate data, enhance performance, or run multiple operating systems, which can improve data management and security.