1Identify the three main components of the CPU in the Von Neumann architecture and state their functions.[6]
Marking Guidance:
ALU: Performs arithmetic calculations and logical operations; Control Unit: Decodes instructions and sends control signals; Registers: High-speed temporary storage locations within the CPU.
2Explain how the Fetch-Execute cycle is affected by increasing the number of CPU cores.[2]
Marking Guidance:
Allows multiple instructions to be processed simultaneously; Increases overall throughput and multitasking performance.
3Describe how a Proxy Server acts as a buffer between a private network and the internet.[4]
Marking Guidance:
Intercepts all requests; Hides user IP address; Can cache web pages for speed; Filters content/blocks malicious sites.
4Explain the ethical issues surrounding the use of AI in self-driving cars.[4]
Marking Guidance:
Decision making in accidents (who to save?); Liability/responsibility for crashes; Job losses for professional drivers.
5Identify three causes of data corruption during transmission.[3]
Marking Guidance:
Electromagnetic interference; Power surges; Cable damage; Signal attenuation.
6Identify three benefits of using Fiber Optic cables instead of Copper cables.[3]
Marking Guidance:
Provides significantly faster data transfer speeds; Less susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI); Can carry signals over much longer distances without degradation.
7Which protocol is used to encrypt data sent over the internet for secure transactions?[1]
A: HTTP
B: HTTPS (TLS/SSL)
C: FTP
D: IP
Marking Guidance:
B
8Describe one advantage and one disadvantage of using industrial robots in car manufacturing.[2]
Marking Guidance:
Advantage: High precision and can work 24/7 without fatigue; Disadvantage: High initial setup costs and leads to job losses for human workers.
9Which type of user interface is primarily based on visual icons and pointers?[1]
A: CLI
B: GUI
C: BIOS
D: IDE
Marking Guidance:
B
10Explain the difference between Shareware and Free Software.[2]
Marking Guidance:
Shareware is provided as a trial version (pay for full features later); Free Software provides the source code and the freedom to modify/distribute it.