Integrated Exercise (Unit B)

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following descriptions about
system buses is correct?
A. The width of a data bus affects the number
of memory modules.
B. The width of an address bus determines the
number of bits of data that are transmitted
on a bus at a time.
C. Control buses are responsible for receiving
control commands.
D. Increasing the width of a system bus can
enhance the performance of the central
processing unit.
D B. Digitizing tablet
2. Which of the following are volatile kinds of
memory?
(1) Random access memory
(2) Flash memory
3. Which of the following is not an advantage of a
digital photo frame?
A. It can change photos automatically at a
regular time interval.
B. Its power consumption is low.
C. It can be used to take digital photos.
D. It can be used to watch television
programmes. C
4. Which of the following is not a pointing device?
A. Bar code reader
C. Track point
A
D. Touchpad
5. Which of the following are the differences
between an inkjet printer and a plotter?

(3) Read-only memory (1) A colour inkjet printer uses more ink
cartridges.
(4) Microdrive
(2) The printing quality of a colour inkjet
A. (1) and (2) only printer is higher.
B. (2) and (3) only (3) A plotter is more suitable for printing
C. (1), (2) and (3) only maps and posters.
B
D. (2), (3) and (4) only (4) The printing mechanism of a plotter is
similar to that of an inkjet printer.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (3) and (4) only
C. (1), (2) and (3) only
B
D. (2), (3) and (4) only

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 mputer System Fundamentals
6. Which of the following are the advantages of a
dot-matrix printer?
(1) It can be used to print high-quality
photos.
(2) It can be used to print sales invoices
with multi-part forms.
(3) It can be used to print continuous
papers.
(4) It can be used to print large-format
printouts.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (2) and (3) only
C. (2), (3) and (4) only
B
D. (1), (2), (3) and (4)
7. Which of the following descriptions about a
hard disk is incorrect?
A. A hard disk consists of a number of platters.
B. The performance of a hard disk is
determined by the seek time, but not the
drive rotational speed, of the hard disk.
C. All read/write heads of a hard disk move in
and out at the same pace and read or write
on the same track of each platter.
D. The tracks on a platter of a hard disk are
divided into different sectors.
B
8. Which of the following descriptions about a
Blu-ray Disc are correct?
(1) It can only be used for video files.
(2) It is suitable for backing up data files.
(3) It is a kind of optical storage device.
(4) It is applicable to an ordinary DVD
drive.
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A. (1) and (2) only
B. (2) and (3) only
C. (3) and (4) only
B
D. (2), (3) and (4) only
9. Which of the following statements about
memory cards and USB flash drives is correct?
A. Both memory cards and USB flash drives
need a reader.
B. Both memory cards and USB flash drives
provide a password protection system.
C. The storage capacity of a memory card is
normally larger than that of a USB flash
drive.
D. USB flash drives are commonly used in
MP3 players.
D
10. Which of the following descriptions about the
Linux operating system is incorrect?
A. All Linux distributions are free of charge.
B. It is a multi-tasking system.
C. It is a kind of open source software.
D. Similar to the UNIX operating system,
Linux also uses TCP/IP as the
A
communication protocol.
11. Icy’s computer is shut down by a sudden power
failure. When she restarts her computer, which
of the following utility programs should she use
to check the computer?
A. Disk scanning program
B. Backup utility
C. Disk defragmenter
A
D. Anti-virus software
 Integrated Exercise (Unit B)

12. Which of the following devices requires a driver A. (1) and (2) only
program for installation? B. (3) and (4) only
A. Optical mouse C. (1), (2) and (3) only
B. Ergonomics keyboard D. (1), (2), (3) and (4) C

C. Network printer without the Wi-Fi function

15. Which of the following are examples of real-
D. Multi-channel speaker
C time systems?
(1) Automatic teller machine (ATM)
13. Which of the following descriptions about the (2) Payroll printing system
types of computers are correct?
(3) Video conferencing system
(1) When the same model of CPUs is used
in a desktop computer and in a (4) Military defence system
notebook computer, the processing A. (1) and (2) only
speed of the former one will be higher. B. (3) and (4) only
(2) Supercomputers are commonly used in C. (1), (2) and (3) only
scientific research.
D
D. (1), (3) and (4) only
(3) The number of CPUs in a mainframe
computer is more than that in an
ordinary personal computer.
(4) Notebook computers usually have a
screen with a smaller size.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (3) and (4) only
C. (1), (2) and (3) only
D
D. (2), (3) and (4) only

14. Which of the following can be carried out with

a handheld computer?
(1) Mark down appointments and business
information.
(2) Send e-mails.
(3) Use an online dictionary.
(4) Draw a map.

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Long Questions

1. A non-profit organization has collected a number of old computers donated by the public. Chi-shun is a
volunteer of the organization, and he is installing a free operating system (OS) downloaded from the Internet
on those computers. The OS provides two interfaces as shown below.

Command line interface Graphical user interface

(a) State three considerations when installing an OS. (3 marks)

• Whether the processing speed of the CPU fulfills the minimum requirement of the OS. (1)

• Whether the capacity of the main memory is sufficient for the operation of the OS. (1)

• Whether the capacity of the hard disk is large enough for the storage of the OS files. (1)

(b) When a computer is getting started up, an OS will be loaded into the main memory. Write three basic
functions of an OS. (3 marks)
• Serve as an interface platform, allowing a computer to run application programs. (1)

• Manage and allocate the use of RAM. (1)

• Control the peripheral devices connected to a computer. (1)

(c) Write the name of the OS that Chi-shun is installing. (1 mark)

Linux (1)

(d) Some of the old computers have rather low processing capability and memory capacity.

(i) Which kind of interface should mainly be used when using those computers? (1 mark)
Command line interface (1)

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 Integrated Exercise (Unit B)

(ii) State one reason to support your suggestion. (1 mark)

Command line interface requires less system resources. (1)

(iii) Why does an OS provide another interface environment? (1 mark)

It is because it is easier to manipulate a graphical user interface. Users need not learn any complex commands. (1)

When Chi-shun is installing a word processor on a computer, the screen displays as follows.

Word Processor Installation Program

Please select one of the following installation modes:

Normal installation Full installation Custom installation

<< Back Next >>

(e) Which installation mode do you suggest for Chi-shun? State one reason to support your suggestion.
(2 marks)
Custom installation. (1) It is because we can choose to install fewer components for the computers with fewer resources. (1)

2. Wendy has to demonstrate computer files to her clients frequently. She is planning to purchase a portable
computer and some devices for presentation. In a computer shop, a salesperson recommends the following
netbook for her:

• CPU: Intel ATOM N280 (1.66 GHz, 667 MHz, 512 KB)
• Chipset: Intel 945GSE + ICH7M
• RAM: 1 GB (DDR2 RAM)
• Display: 10.1″″ WSVGA (1,024 × 600)
• Video memory: share the main memory
• Audio: high-definition audio output
• Hard disk: 160 GB (5,400 rpm SATA)
• Other devices: 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, 10/100 LAN
• VGA output and input ports
• 3-cell lithium batteries

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(a) Wendy has purchased the above netbook. She is satisfied with the performance of the computer when it
is running ordinary office software. However, when she executes some video editing software, the
performance of the computer is unsatisfactory.

(i) Considering the intention of the design of the above computer, explain the cause of the problem.
(2 marks)
The advantages of a netbook are its small size, portability, low price and compact functionalities. (1) Therefore, a cheaper, more

low-end CPU and main memory with a smaller capacity are used when designing the computer. Hence, this kind of computer is not

suitable for processing software that requires many resources. (1)

(ii) Briefly describe what problem will happen if the display of the above computer is used to play a
high-definition video clip. (3 marks)
The resolution of a high-definition video clip is 1,920 × 1,080 (1), while that of the above computer is only 1,024 × 600 (1).

Therefore, when a high-definition video clip is played, part of the content can be seen only when the scroll bar is scrolled. Otherwise,

the video will have to be played in a lower resolution, so as to show it in a whole screen. (1)

(iii) Can Wendy connect to the Internet in a public place with the above computer by using Wi-Fi?
Briefly describe your answer. (2 marks)
Yes. (1) The computer is equipped with an 802.11b/g/n device for wireless Internet access. (1)

(b) Sometimes after charging the computer, Wendy needs to bring it out to use for a long time. Suggest two
feasible methods for increasing the operating time of the computer. (2 marks)
• Replace the existing hard disk with a solid state drive (SSD). (1)

• Replace the 3-cell lithium batteries with 6-cell ones, so as to increase the time of power supply. (1)

(c) State one output device that is suitable for presenting computer files to several clients at the same time,
and state two factors that determine the performance of the device. (3 marks)
Video projector. (1) Its performance is determined by its display resolution (1) and brightness (1).

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 Integrated Exercise (Unit B)

3. Yoyo has installed a set of remote surveillance device at home, so as to record the home condition after she
has gone to work every day. The videos taken are stored in the computer, thus allowing her to monitor her
home anytime at office via the Internet. At night, she picks some videos taken on that day randomly to
browse.

(a) State one recording device that is suitable for having remote surveillance. (1 mark)
Web cam (1)

(b) State one basic factor that determines the quality of the device that you have suggested in part (a).
(1 mark)
Resolution (1)

(c) Yoyo wants to buy an external hard disk, so as to store the videos recorded by the above device.

(i) State two advantages of using a hard disk over a magnetic tape. (2 marks)
• The storage time of a hard disk is longer. (1)

• A hard disk allows direct access. This is suitable for Yoyo to have random browsing of the videos taken. (1)

(ii) State one factor that determines the storage capacity of a hard disk. (1 mark)
The storage capacity of a hard disk is determined by the physical size of the hard disk. One with a larger size has a larger storage

capacity. (1)

(iii) State one factor that determines the data transfer rate of a hard disk. (1 mark)
The data transfer rate of a hard disk is determined by the drive rotational speed of the platters. Platters with a higher drive rotational

speed can give a higher data transfer rate. (1)

(iv) State two kinds of ports that are commonly used to connect an external hard disk to a computer.
(2 marks)
USB ports / IEEE 1394 / eSATA (any two × 1)

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(d) Yoyo uses the above set of remote surveillance device to take home videos. If the videos are taken in a
high resolution, when she plays them, she finds that they appear intermittent. However, if the videos
are taken in a normal resolution, there is no such problem.

(i) State two reasons that cause the above problem. (2 marks)
• Playing a high-resolution video clip requires more main memory. The main memory of Yoyo’s computer may not be sufficient

enough. (1)

• A computer with a higher processing capability is needed, in order to process a high-resolution video clip. The processing speed of

the display card or the CPU of Yoyo’s computer may not be high enough. (1)

(ii) Suggest one solution for each of the reasons you have stated in part (d)(i). (2 marks)
• Add more RAM to the computer or use a display card with more RAM. (1)

• Replace the CPU and the display card with ones with higher processing speeds. (1)

4. (a) Suppose you were an expert in computer device solutions, suggest one suitable type of computers for
each of the following situations, and briefly describe your suggestion.

(i) Handle everyday office affairs, bring to client’s company to give a presentation, and play DVD
video clips in leisure time. (2 marks)
Notebook computer. (1) It is portable and equipped with a ROM drive. (1)

(ii) A school needs a computer to manage 40 student computers and provide personal storage space
for the students. (2 marks)
Network server computer. (1) It can be used to manage students’ computer accounts and provide storage space. (1)

(iii) The Ministry of National Defence of a certain country is developing a new kind of missiles. They
need a computer that can process a large amount of flight and explosion calculations. (2 marks)
Supercomputer. (1) Its processing capability is very high and it can be used to process extremely complicated calculations. (1)

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 Integrated Exercise (Unit B)

(b) What is a parallel processing system? (2 marks)

A parallel processing system consists of two or more CPUs (1); the memory in the system is divided into modules that can operate

independently, and these modules are assigned to different CPUs. (1) The processing time of a program can be greatly reduced by the

division of program instructions among CPUs.

(c) Does the printing service provided in a school computer room require a parallel processing system?
Briefly describe your answer. (2 marks)
No. (1) The printing service is usually executed in the order of the printing requests, and there is less demand for a high data processing

speed. Therefore, it does not require a parallel processing system. (1)

(d) State one example that is related to the space research for each of the following uses of parallel
computers.

(i) Executing a parallel processing task (1 mark)

Using a parallel computer to run a spacecraft operating simulation program for astronaut training (1)

(ii) High degree use of pipelining (1 mark)

Using a parallel computer to demonstrate the real-time environment of the space (1)

5. Sandra is the IT supervisor of a large catering group. She has designed a computerized ‘Order Recording
System’ for all the restaurants of the group. When customers order their food and drinks, waiters will use
their handheld computer devices to take the orders, and then the orders recorded will be sent to the kitchen
through a wireless system. The cooks will then prepare the food according to the information displayed on
the screen. Finally, having finished cooking, the cooks will update the records.

(a) State the computer device used by the waiters, and a common operating system run on that device.
(2 marks)
Personal digital assistant (PDA) (1)

Common operating system: Palm OS / Microsoft Windows Mobile (any one × 1)

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 mputer System Fundamentals

(b) State two advantages of the above ‘Order Recording System’. (2 marks)
• Waiters’ handwritten orders are usually illegible. Using that system for data entry will be more accurate. (1)

• The system can automatically calculate the expenses of the customers. This can avoid any misunderstandings or losses caused by

incorrect inputs. (1)

(c) Besides keyboards and mice, suggest one kind of input device that is suitable for the cooks to update
the records. State one reason of using it. (2 marks)
Touch screen. (1) It can be hung on walls so as to save space. (1)

Apart from paying by cash, the restaurants accept credit card payment.

(d) State one device for inputting credit card information and printing payment receipts respectively.
(2 marks)
Input device: magnetic card reader (1)

Output device: dot-matrix printer (1)

When the employees enter or leave the offices, they have to place their staff cards on a reader for reading
information and making records. For those of the Food Research Department, since they are involved in the
research of food for military and space uses, which involves a lot of confidential data, they are required to
pass a stricter security check when entering or leaving the department. They are requested to aim their eyes
at a scanner for identity authentication.

(e) Write the name of the device for reading the information stored in a staff card. (1 mark)
Smart card reader (1)

(f) Write the name of the system for authenticating the identity of the employees of the Food Research
Department. (1 mark)
Iris recognition system (1)

(g) Compared with staff cards, state two advantages of using the identity authentication system for the
employees of the Food Research Department. (2 marks)
• There will not be any security problem caused by losing a staff card. (1)

• Irises are unique, so it is hard to fake the identity of an employee. (1)

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