COMPUTER SYSTEMS

SAMPLE

MARKING SCHEME

This Marking Scheme has been prepared as a guide only to markers. This is not a set of model
answers, nor is the Marking Scheme exclusive, for there will frequently be alternative responses
which will provide a valid answer. Unless a question specifies that an answer be produced in a
particular form, then an answer that is correct, factually or in practical terms, must be given the
available marks.

If there is doubt as to the correctness of an answer the relevant NCC Education materials and
associated module textbook should be the first authority.

Throughout the question, please credit any valid alternative point.

Notice to Markers

Where markers award half marks in any part of a question they should ensure that the total
mark recorded for a task is rounded up to a whole mark.
 ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS

Marks
QUESTION 1

a) Identify FOUR (4) different types of computer system. 4

Supercomputer
Mainframe
Mini-computer (accept mini)
Micro-computer (accept micro)

b) For each of these four types of computer system, name ONE (1) example machine. 4
Cray or Columbia Supercomputer or any other valid supercomputer.
IBM 700/7000, IBM System/360, IBM System z10 or any other valid mainframe.
DEC PDP-8, PDP-11, Sun or any other valid mini.
IBM PC, PC, Apple Mac or any other suitable micro.

c) Explain why a modern mobile telephone can be classed as a computer. 2

Accept any two points that indicate that a mobile phone matches components in the Von
Neumann architecture. E.g. a mobile phone contains a CPU and storage.

Total 10 Marks

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 Marks
QUESTION 2

a) Identify and briefly outline the function of the three key components of the processor. 3
Arithmetic and Logic unit – does the calculations
Control unit – coordinates the operation of the CPU
Memory – stores current programs and data

b) Briefly outline the steps involved in the standard fetch execute cycle. 4
Fetch next instruction
Increment program counter
Execute instruction
Repeat until end of program

c) Distinguish between machine code and assembly language. 2

Machine code is in binary (machine readable) and needs no translation to execute
Assembler used mnemonics (human readable) and needs translating to be run.

d) Briefly explain what is meant by a “dual core” processor. 1

Two CPUs on one die

Total 10 Marks

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Computer Systems Sample Formatted/HW © NCC Education Ltd 2012
 Marks
QUESTION 3

a) Identify two features that distinguish between Read Only Memory (ROM) and Random Access 2
Memory (RAM).
RAM is volatile, ROM is not.
Data is built into ROM at manufacture; RAM is blank until data is loaded.
(There are other distinguishing features. Accept any two valid points.)

b) Indentify FOUR (4) features that distinguish between primary storage and secondary storage. 4
Primary storage is volatile, secondary is not
Primary storage is much faster than secondary
Primary storage is much more expensive per bit than secondary
Primary storage capacity is usually much lower than secondary

c) Explain what is meant by a “bus” in computer technology. 2

A connection between components or systems
Carrying control, address or data

d) Explain the differences between the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus and the 2
Universal Serial Bus (USB).
(PCI) bus and the Universal Serial Bus (USB).
PCI is an internal bus for connecting expansion cards
USB is an external bus for connecting

Total 10 Marks

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 Marks
QUESTION 4

a) Identify ONE (1) input device, other than keyboard or mouse, and briefly outline for what it is 3
used.
Accept any input device other than keyboard and mouse.
E.g. Scanner – converting a physical document or image into a digital representation.

b) Identify ONE (1) output device, other than screen or printer, and briefly outline for what it is 3
used.
Accept any output device other than screen and printer.
E.g. sound card (accept speakers) – convert digital information into sounds for people to hear.

c) Outline TWO (2) reasons why it is inadvisable to use a USB memory stick for permanent 2
storage of important data.
There are many valid points and ways to express each point. We are looking for one relating
to reliability and one to do with security. E.g.:
• Not reliable for long term storage, susceptible to physical damage through dust/liquid or
any similar comment.
• Easily lost or stolen so not secure

d) Outline the main purpose of the Bluetooth wireless communications technology. 2

To replace cable
in connections to peripherals (accept in short distance connections)

Total 10 Marks

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 Marks
QUESTION 5

a) Distinguish between hardware and software. 2

Hardware is the physical components
Software is the programs

b) Distinguish between systems software and applications software. 2

Application software makes the computer do something useful in the real world.
Systems software helps run the computer.

c) Identify THREE (3) key functions of an Operating System. 3

There are more than three, so accept any three valid points. E.g.:
• Control the hardware
• Provide a user interface
• Manage file storage

d) Outline THREE (3) differences between the operation of a compiler and an interpreter. 3
Compiler operates on whole program or module; interpreter operates on one statement at a
time
Complier translates program into machine code and outputs that machine code, interpreter
translates statement and executes
Only need to run compiler once per program; need to run interpreter every time program is
run

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Total 10 Marks

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 Marks
QUESTION 6

a) Distinguish between acceptance testing and service (or repair) testing. 2

Acceptance testing is checking that the system matches the users’ requirements
Service (or repair) testing is attempting to diagnose faults

b) Outline why a formal test plan is necessary to ensure valid testing. 2

There are many reasons. Accept any two valid points. E.g.:
• To provide repeatable tests
• To ensure that the correct things are tested

c) Outline why it is important to back-up data before performing any testing. 2

Test procedures may corrupt or destroy data
User data is much more valuable than hardware

d) Identify TWO (2) common causes of PC faults and briefly explain how to repair them. 4
There are many. Accept any two valid. E.g.:
• Is the device plugged in and switched on? – plug it in and switch it on.
• Is the peripheral connected to the PC? – check and fix connections/replace cable

Total 10 Marks

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 Marks
QUESTION 7

a) In the context of PC technical support, outline what is meant by “software maintenance”? 2

Installing updates and upgrades to currently installed software

b) Distinguish between an update (or patch) and an upgrade. 2

Update (patch) is a minor change to the software usually to fix a bug -Upgrade is a major
change usually to add functionality

Updates are usually free –upgrades usually have to be paid for.

c) Briefly outline the advantages and disadvantages of using an automatic update facility, such as 4
Windows Update.
Advantages: saves time, make sure the update is done
Disadvantages: May introduce new problems; can be inconvenient when in a hurry.

d) Identify two routine disk maintenance operations that should be performed regularly on every 2
PC.
Defragmentation
Clean up (accept anything to do with removing old files, emptying trash etc.)

Total 10 Marks

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 Marks
QUESTION 8

a) Explain what is meant by “preventative maintenance”. 2

Actions taken to extend the life of devices

b) Outline the problems that regular cleaning of a computer system can prevent. 2
Overheating
Poor connections

c) Identify THREE (3) environmental issues that can adversely affect the long-term performance of 3
a computer system.
There are a number. Accept any valid points, e.g.:
• Temperature (accept anything temperature related, like “too hot”)
• Dust (accept anything to do with air borne contaminants like “too much dust”)
• Physical shocks or vibration (accept anything to do with moving the computer)

d) Outline THREE (3) user actions that can help the long-term reliability of a computer system. 3
There are a number. Accept any valid points, e.g.:
• Shut down properly from the menu
• Power down or unplug at the wall
• Do not eat/drink at the computer

Total 10 Marks

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 Marks
QUESTION 9

a) Outline the key functions of a file management system. 3

There are a number. Accept any valid points, e.g.:
• Use hardware to store data
• Organise data physically on storage device
• Maintain directories of files

b) List THREE (3) pieces of information that are stored in the directory entry for each file. 3
There are a number. Accept any valid points, e.g.:
• File name
• Date stamp
• Ownership

c) Outline how the file type (i.e. the type of data that is stored in a particular file) is determined 3
under each of Windows, Apple Mac OS X and Linux.
• Windows – by file extension
• OS X – by file header
• Linux – does not manage this aspect but leaves it to the user.

d) Outline why it is important to have a logical folder structure on a modern PC. 1

Many thousands of files so you could not find anything without logical organisation.

Total 10 Marks

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 Marks
QUESTION 10

a) Outline the purpose of requirements (or needs) analysis. 2

Determine what the system is required to do
Determine what the users are expecting from the system

b) Identify THREE (3) possible groups of stakeholders for a computer system. 3

Primary stakeholders use the system directly
Secondary stake holders may not use the system but are directly affected by it
Tertiary stakeholders do not use the system but are affected indirectly by it.

c) Identify TWO (2) areas with which a new system may have to integrate. 2
There are a number. Accept any valid points, e.g.:
• All new components must integrate together
• Must integrate with legacy systems

d) Outline the advantages and disadvantages of building a PC yourself from components, rather 3
than buying an off the shelf, ready built system.
There are a number. Accept any valid points, e.g.:
• Off the shelf – cheaper, saves time, better manufacturer support
• Self build – exact component match, better for specialist systems

Total 10 Marks

END OF EXAM
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