INFORMATION COMMUNICATION
TECHNOLOGY CBA 11, NOVEMBER, 2017
Attempting any five (5)
questions out of seven questions
1.
What do you
understand by the following terms.
(i)
Alternation
the
repeated occurrence of two things in turn.
(ii)
Device
driver---- a device driver is
a computer program that operates or controls a particular type ofdevice that
is attached to a computer
A device
driver--- is a particular form of software
application that is designed to enable interaction with hardware devices.
A device
driver -- is
a small piece of software that tells the operating system and other software
how to communicate with a piece of hardware.
(iii)
Software
update --- which is sometimes called a software patch,
is a free download for an application, operating system, or software suite
that provides fixes for features that aren't working as intended or adds
minor software enhancements and
compatibility
An update --- is a software file
that contains fixes for problems found by other users or the software developer.
(iv)
Software upgrade --- is process to replace (a software program) with a more recently released, enhanced version.
Or
- To replace (a hardware device) with one that provides better performance.
2.
(a)
explain any two (2) importance of preventive maintenance of computers
- Preventive
Maintenance Saves Money: I'm sure we've all heard the old adage "an
ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". It's trite, but it is
also true. Avoiding problems with your PC will save you money in the long
run, compared with laying out cash for new components or repair jobs.
- Preventive Maintenance Saves Time: Saves time? How can taking two hours a month or
whatever to perform maintenance save time? Simple: because it saves you
the much bigger hassles of dealing with system failures and data loss.
Most preventive maintenance procedures are quite simple compared to
troubleshooting and repair procedures--now those can
really eat up your time at a fantastic rate.
- Preventive Maintenance Helps Safeguard Your Data: For most people, the data on the hard disk is
more important than the hardware that houses it. Taking steps to protect
this data therefore makes sense, and that is what PM is all about.
- Preventive Maintenance Improves Performance: Some parts of your system will actually degrade
in performance over time, and preventive maintenance will help to improve
the speed of your system in these respects.
(b) WHAT IS MEANT BY
(i) Reduce instruction set computing --- is one whose instruction
set architecture (ISA) allows
it to have fewer cycles per instruction (CPI) than a complexinstruction
set computer (CISC).
Or
RISC (reduced instruction set
computer) RISC (reduced
instruction set computer) is a microprocessor that is designed to
perform a smaller number of types of computer instructions so
that it can operate at a higher speed (perform more millions of instructions per
second, or MIPS).
RISC ARCHITECTURE
RISC
(Reduced Instruction Set Computer) is used in portable devices
due to its power efficiency. For Example, Apple iPod and Nintendo DS. RISC is a
type of microprocessor architecture that uses highly-optimized set of
instructions. RISC does the opposite, reducing the cycles per instruction at
the cost of the number of instructions per program Pipelining is one of the
unique feature of RISC. It is performed by overlapping the execution of several
instructions in a pipeline fashion. It has a high performance advantage over
CISC.
(ii) complex instruction set computint
(CISC) --
The CISC approach
attempts to minimize the number of instructions per program, sacrificing the
number of cycles per instruction. Computers based on the CISC architecture are
designed to decrease the memory cost. Because, the large programs need more
storage, thus increasing the memory cost and large memory becomes more
expensive. To solve these problems, the number of instructions per program can
be reduced by embedding the number of operations in a single instruction,
thereby making the instructions more complex.
3(a) What do you
understand by dynamic link library (DLL)
as applied in operating system.
is a collection of small programs that can be
loaded when needed by larger programs and used at
the same time
(b) explain three
advantages of dynamic link library when used in computer programs.
·
Multiple processes that load the same DLL at the same base address
share a single copy of the DLL in physical memory. Doing this saves system
memory and reduces swapping.
·
When the functions in a
DLL change, the applications that use them do not need to be recompiled or
relinked as long as the function arguments, calling conventions, and return
values do not change. In contrast, statically linked object code requires that the
application be relinked when the functions change.
·
A DLL can provide
after-market support. For example, a display driver DLL can be modified to
support a display that was not available when the application was initially
shipped.
·
Programs written in different
programming languages can call the same DLL function as long as the programs
follow the same calling convention that the function uses. The calling
convention (such as C, Pascal, or standard call) controls the order in which
the calling function must push the arguments onto the stack, whether the
function or the calling function is responsible for cleaning up the stack, and
whether any arguments are passed in registers. For more information, see the
documentation included with your compiler.
4.
One of the cardinal rules of using computers is
backup your file regularly. We normally perform backup depending oh how often
our date changes. As a technician, briefly describe five (5) characteristics of
a good backup software.
- Be reliable and guarantee the execution
of backup and recovery operations in an integral and consistent manner,
without loss or omission of data and information.
- Allow your administration to be simple, but
complete. To do this, it must have utilities or tools as part of the
application that are easy to use, offer functionality to users with
appropriate expertise, for data management as well as configuration,
administration and monitoring.
- It must have the capability to adapt to
heterogeneous environments, since in many organizations it is common
to use technology and hardware of different types, characteristics and
manufacturers, including operating systems, applications, and databases.
- The backup and recovery software should provide organizations with the ability
to grow and adapt according to the information needs of its functional
processes of operation, as well as those derived from the users’
requirements. Important note: growth should not be impeded by a solution
which becomes too expensive as it scales up.
- Facilitate the incorporation and implementation
of specific tasks inherent to the processes necessary to perform
effective data backup. These can include: stopping and starting services,
creating and deleting files, sharing information, validating the execution
of a program, generating alerts, among others.
- Send execution notifications of backup operation
processes. This can be obtained through
emails, monitoring systems, web browsers, etc.
- Allow the configuration of different levels of
backup that conform to an organization’s policies and windows of
operation in an efficient way, in terms of time, integrity and consistency
of information. Although this is an inherent condition of any backup
system, the better ones tend to facilitate the configuration and
management of the required backup levels and related operations.
- Provide the options and elements to execute
several concurrent instances of backup and recovery, although this will depend directly on the resources
and hardware available for this activity. These elements should have the
ability to be automated and scheduled so that the process is carried out
efficiently and with minimum execution time, without affecting the
consistency or integrity of the protected data.
- Allow the user to manage the storage resources
where the backed up information is copied. This may include
disks, tape drives, auto-changers, cloud storage devices, NAS or SAN devices or online storage applications.
- Offer tools to manage the historical data of
backup, necessary for diverse purposes, such as:
- Information retrieval.
- Legal regulations, either of the company or of
authorized institutions.
- Compliance with quality standards, such as ISO, or
methodologies such as ITIL.
- Allow the interrelation with utilities
that can consult the information of the backups, and in this way
generate summaries and reports that can be used in companies for diverse
activities such as capacity planning, data management, functional
indicators, and more. Correct estimation of resources, besides
guaranteeing the protection of the information, makes it possible for the
technology to grow and adapt to new functional and operative requirements.
- Provide mechanisms and processes that optimize
the execution of the backups, in terms of avoiding the duplication of
the information in the data stored in the backup devices. This is done
using hardware and software resources, or a combination of both.
- The best backup software should allow
integration with mobile devices, phones or tablets, including not only
notifications but also administration and monitoring utilities. With this,
the processes are streamlined, ensuring that the management is carried out
in a productive way with quantifiable results.
- The use of technology resources in the cloud has
increased significantly, both in hardware services, applications,
operating systems, databases and storage, with benefits and advantages
that provide organizations with potential management of IT infrastructure.
Therefore, a company may evaluate the cloud as a valid and safe option for the protection of
data, since it allows the implementation of a high availability
environment with adequate levels of redundancy.
- The best backup software should allow the user to encrypt
the backup data, in order to guarantee its privacy. If we take into
account that various global and local access storage devices can be used,
built-in protection that guards against attempts to attack or violate is
essential.
- Just as the use of cloud services is now common in an
enterprise, the use of virtualization has also increased significantly, since it allows
for faster administration and optimization of resources as well as reduce
hardware costs and implementation. Therefore, the best backup software
should support servers in virtualized environments, whether they are an
image on the platform, or a computer on which the virtualization
environment is configured and running.
5.
write short notes on the following
(i) Data sharing is
a primary feature of a database management system (DBMS).
(ii) Data recovery software
is a type of software that enables the recovery of
corrupted, deleted or inaccessible data from
a storage device.
DIFFERENT
TYPES OF DATA RECOVERY SERVICES
·
HARD
DRIVE RECOVERY
A large percentage of data recovery services
comes from hard drive failures and is increasing. Because technology is
advancing everyday, hard drives are getting larger and holding more data, which
means that data recovery is more important than it used to be because people
are worried about losing all of their precious data.
·
Hard drives are reaching capacity levels of 200
gigabytes or more. This means that the potential for extreme data loss has
skyrocketed. Almost everything that is done is put on a hard drive in one form
or another and people are neglecting to back up that hard drive and are at risk
of losing everything.
·
RAID
RECOVERY
RAID systems are extremely complex and due to
the extreme expertise needed to develop, administer, and maintain, there is
much more potential for damage and configuration problems. When a RAID system
is not backed up correctly, it can lead to complete business failure or extreme
financial loss. RAID systems are the most critical part of a company since
everything is digital now. If your RAID system fails, do not touch it or try
and fix it your self. Call a specialist or things could be lost forever.
·
TAPE RECOVERY
·
Tape is primarily used for backup and is used
as a sequential storage media. Tape allows for large capacity backup and is
good for businesses. Just remember, like the RAID system, it is very complex
and you should not take on the recovery yourself. You could end of making
things worse. Professionals have unique
technology and tools specifically for tape recovery. Chances are, professionals
have seen every kind of tape recovery and will be able to help as long as you
do not make things worse.
·
OPTICAL
RECOVERY
Optical media is written and read by a laser,
such as CDs and DVDs. There are many problems that can cause an optical media
to fail. The CD or DVD could become scratched, the player could ruin the media
and more. Please do not attempt to fix. This will only make things worse.
·
REMOVABLE
RECOVERY
Removable recovery involves storage media such
as floppy disks, zip drives, and other related storage media. Theses storage
devices are much smaller, therefore they hold less than the other types of
media we have talked about.
·
There are a number of problems that can arise
from these storage devices. These include physical damages and human error.
These problems can cause overwritten data, disk reformatting, and virus damage.
Every recovery situation is unique and when this happens make sure you call a
professional right away.
·
DIGITAL
RECOVERY
Digital media devices include cameras, portable
storage devices, and other flash media. Since these are becoming more
affordable, there is a rising demand for recovery for these types of products.
Data recovery companies have developed appropriate digital data loss solutions.
(iii) A restore
point
---refers to the fixed state of a computer system and data. If a
malfunction occurs, a system restore tool uses a restore
point to return a computer to an earlier functional state.
Or Restore
points are created to allow users a choice of
previous system states.
(iv)
System buses----- The system bus is
a pathway composed of cables and connectors used to carry data between a
computer microprocessor and the main memory.
6. (a) explain sub
networking as used in networking system
A subnetwork or subnet is
a logical subdivision of an IP network. The practice of dividing
a network into two or more networks is
called subnetting.
>>> Subnet - A portion of a network that shares a
particular subnet address.
>>> A subnet is a small group of connected network
devices inside a larger network.
(b)
briefly explain the four (4) roles of subnetworking.
The Role of Subnet Masks
Subnet masks designate which bits of an IP address represent
the network portion and which bits represent the host portion. Default subnet
masks are used with Class A, Class B, and Class C IP addresses, as follows:
Class A: 255.0.0.0
Class B: 255.255.0.0
Class C: 255.255.255.0
The Class A subnet mask tells you the first 8 bits of the IP
address represent the network portion of the address. The remaining 24 bits
represent the host portion of the address. Let's say a host has the IP address
10.25.65.32. Using the default subnet mask, the network address would be
10.0.0.0. The host component of the address would be 25.65.32.
The Class B subnet mask tells you the first 16 bits of the IP
address represent the network portion of the address. The remaining 16 bits
represent the host address within the network. If a host has the IP address
172.20.33.33, the network portion of the address would be 172.20.0.0. The host
component would be 33.33.
The Class C subnet mask tells you the first 24 bits of the IP
address represent the network portion of the address. The remaining 8 bits
represent the host address within the network. If a host has the IP address
192.168.2.3, the network portion of the address would be 192.168.2.0. The host
component would be 3.
7 (a) outline the roles of the following in a computer
system
(i)
Expansion
slot
An expansion slot is a socket on the motherboard that is used to insert
an expansion card (or circuit board), which provides additional features to a
computer such as video, sound, advanced graphics, Ethernet or memory.
THE TYPES OF PC EXPANSION SLOTS
You can expand your PC internally by adding additional circuitry boards.
Those boards, or expansion cards, plug directly into expansion slots on the
motherboard (as shown in this figure). So, you can expand your computer system by
adding options not included with the basic PC. Here are the types of expansion
slots your PC may have:
·
PCI Express: The best type of expansion slot to have in your PC is the
PCI Express, also written as PCIe. Without boring you, the PCI Express type of
expansion slot communicates with the motherboard, and therefore with the
microprocessor, both quickly and efficiently.
·
PCI: The PCI slot is the most common form of internal expansion for a PC.
·
Some PCs have
a mixture of PCI and PCI Express slots. If so, go with PCI Express when you
have that option.
·
AGP: This type of expansion slot was specifically designed to deal with
graphics adapters. In fact, AGP stands for Accelerated Graphics Port. Older PCs
may sport this expansion slot, but the best video cards use PCI Express.
·
ISA: The most ancient type of expansion slot is the ISA, which stands for
(get this) Industry Standard Architecture. That’s because it never really had a
name until another, better type of expansion slot came along. ISA slots hang
around to be compatible with older expansion cards.
base address:
(ii)
A base
address is a unique location in primary storage (or main memory) that serves
as a reference point for other memory locations called absolute addresses.
(b) explain the two (2) streghths of a New Technology File System (NTFS)
Over File Allocation Table (FAT) File system format
The advantages of NTFS
If we compare NTFS with its main
predecessor, FAT, we will see a number of advantages.
1. First of all, NTFS uses Unicode to
save filenames.
2. On FAT volumes, it was impossible to
read or access files that contained non-Latin symbols, if you switched to
another encoding.
3. On NTFS formatted volume, filenames
are always shown correctly and the files are accessible, no matter what
encoding is used as system default.
4. NTFS has a built-in security system
which controls sharing of files between users. There are owners, groups, and
different levels of permissions, which guarantees privacy.
5. FAT didn't have any of that by its
design, that's why it was difficult to turn earlier versions of Windows into
real multi-user environments (which is crucial for networks).
6. NTFS can encrypt and decrypt files
and folders while reading or writing them. Furthermore, it can compress and
decompress individual files and folders just as easily.
7. It introduces user quotas, allowing
administrators to control disk usage, thus preventing unfair behavior when a
user grabs all available disk space for his or her needs and deprives all the
other users.
8. NTFS is able to complete operations
that failed and to restore its state. NTFS 6.0 that comes with Windows Vista
has self-healing functionality.
9. NTFS can successfully deal with very
large files and partitions.
10. While FAT performs good on partitions
under 500 MB,
11. NTFS is far better equipped for
larger partitions. Microsoft didn't recommend to use FAT on volumes larger than
32 GB, which would be already too little for modern computers.
In general, NTFS was developed with all highs and lows of FAT and of
other file systems in mind. It takes into account new technologies and
capabilities, it can control privacy and sharing in a multi-user environment.
It introduces a number of handy features, like the newly added NTFS symbolic
links (since Windows Vista). It is stable and robust.
7 (a) Outline the role of the
following in a computer system
(i)
Expansion slot
a place in a computer where an expansion card can be inserted.
An expansion slot is
a socket on the motherboard that is used to insert an expansion card
(or circuit board)
ROLE
An expansion slot is a socket on the motherboard that
is used to insert an expansion card (or circuit
board), which provides additional features to a computer such as video, sound,
advanced graphics, Ethernet or memory.
HERE ARE THE TYPES OF EXPANSION SLOTS YOUR PC MAY HAVE:
PCI:
This is known as a peripheral component
interconnects. This slot is the most general form of interior expansion for a
computer system. It is used to enlarge the capabilities of the computer. In laptops and mobile devices, it is used to
connect storage device and wireless adapter.
PCI Express:
It is one of the best types of expansion slot
to have on your PC. This slot comes in high-speed series of computer expansion
slot and is also written as PCIe. This type of expansion slot communicates with
the motherboard and microprocessor in quick and efficient manner. It is
designed to swap the older PCI slot. Some computer system has a mixture of PCI
and PCI Express slots.
AGP:
AGP stands for accelerated graphic ports and it
is a speedy point to point channel. It is used to attach a video card to the
computer system. You can solve the complex operations like texture mapping with
the help of this AGP card because it can access the system memory. Do not
confuse with casino slots because it is the expansion slot which was specially
designed to deal with graphics adapters.
A VARIETY OF FUNCTIONS OF EXPANSION CARDS:
Sound card
A sound card is an internal expansion card that
provides input and output of audio signals to and from a computer under control
of computer programs.
Expansion cards work as sound card and it is
known as audio output device, sound board, or audio card. It helps in producing
the sound on computer which you can hear with the help of the Speaker or
headphones.
Video card
It is also known as display adapter, video
adapter, video board, graphics card, or video controller. This card helps to
create pictures on a display or we can say that you cannot see anything on the
screen without this card.
Video card slots
S-Video connector.
VGA connector.
DVI connector.
Modems
It is a hardware tool that helps to connect a
PC to a broadband network. There are different types of modem available in the
market like cable modem, DSL modem, dial-up modem and many more. With the help
of dial up modem you can send and receive data through computer.
Networkcard
It is also known as anetwork adapter and
Ethernet card. This expansion card enables a computer system to connect to a
network like a home network and many more. By using an Ethernet cable with an
RJ-45 connector you can easily connect to the internet.
base address: A base address is a unique
location in primary storage (or main memory) that serves as a reference point
for other memory locations called absolute addresses. ... For
example, a base addressmight indicate the beginning of a program
loaded into primary storage.
The base address is used in computing as a relative address of an
instruction within a program or the location of a piece of data currently being
worked on by the program.
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