Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is considered external hardware in a computer system?
What is considered external hardware in a computer system?
- Keyboard (correct)
- Motherboard
- Power supply
- RAM
Which of the following is an example of internal hardware?
Which of the following is an example of internal hardware?
- Monitor
- Printer
- CD Rom (correct)
- Microphone
What distinguishes a computer user from a computer professional?
What distinguishes a computer user from a computer professional?
- Users write software programs.
- Users require extensive technical knowledge.
- Users maintain computer systems.
- Users perform tasks using the computer. (correct)
What is a primary characteristic of super computers?
What is a primary characteristic of super computers?
Which computer type is best suited for large organizations handling centralized data?
Which computer type is best suited for large organizations handling centralized data?
Which type of computer is typically the most powerful and expensive?
Which type of computer is typically the most powerful and expensive?
What type of professionals are typically responsible for writing software programs?
What type of professionals are typically responsible for writing software programs?
Which of the following statements about internal and external hardware is correct?
Which of the following statements about internal and external hardware is correct?
What characterizes a bus network?
What characterizes a bus network?
Which of the following is a feature of a mesh network?
Which of the following is a feature of a mesh network?
In which type of network architecture does a server manage resources and clients connect to it?
In which type of network architecture does a server manage resources and clients connect to it?
What is a primary function of network architecture?
What is a primary function of network architecture?
Which statement about peer-to-peer networks is accurate?
Which statement about peer-to-peer networks is accurate?
What is essential for ensuring the functionality of a bus network?
What is essential for ensuring the functionality of a bus network?
What role does a client-server network play in resource management?
What role does a client-server network play in resource management?
Which best describes the interaction in a peer-to-peer network?
Which best describes the interaction in a peer-to-peer network?
What is a key feature of a Zink printer?
What is a key feature of a Zink printer?
Which of the following best describes system software?
Which of the following best describes system software?
What role does an operating system play when a computer is switched on?
What role does an operating system play when a computer is switched on?
Why is an operating system essential for running application software?
Why is an operating system essential for running application software?
Which is NOT a function of an operating system?
Which is NOT a function of an operating system?
An example of application software is:
An example of application software is:
3D printers are primarily used for:
3D printers are primarily used for:
What is the primary function of network interface cards in a network?
What is the primary function of network interface cards in a network?
Which module acts as an intermediary between switches and routers?
Which module acts as an intermediary between switches and routers?
What does the operating system ensure when executing user requests?
What does the operating system ensure when executing user requests?
What does system topology refer to in a network architecture?
What does system topology refer to in a network architecture?
What was ARPANET, and why is it significant?
What was ARPANET, and why is it significant?
Which of the following describes the evolution of the internet?
Which of the following describes the evolution of the internet?
How many computers were initially connected to the ARPANET?
How many computers were initially connected to the ARPANET?
Which component is necessary for controlling network traffic?
Which component is necessary for controlling network traffic?
What service is essential for sharing information effectively over the internet?
What service is essential for sharing information effectively over the internet?
Which type of internet connection uses standard telephone lines?
Which type of internet connection uses standard telephone lines?
What is the primary function of an Internet Service Provider (ISP)?
What is the primary function of an Internet Service Provider (ISP)?
What type of internet connection is characterized as very fast and uses fibre-optic networks?
What type of internet connection is characterized as very fast and uses fibre-optic networks?
Which of the following browsers can be used to access the internet?
Which of the following browsers can be used to access the internet?
What must be established for a computer to access the internet?
What must be established for a computer to access the internet?
What is the potential risk when visiting certain websites on the internet?
What is the potential risk when visiting certain websites on the internet?
Which of the following is a characteristic of cable internet connections?
Which of the following is a characteristic of cable internet connections?
What does a user need to do to initiate a web search?
What does a user need to do to initiate a web search?
Study Notes
Network Architecture
- Network architecture is the design of a communication network
- The two most common network architectures are client-server and peer-to-peer
- Client-server networks are centralized with a main server. An example is Vodacom network
- Peer-to-peer networks are decentralized. Each computer acts as a server to other computers in the network
- Peer-to-peer networks use the internet but a central server can then be used to index the files
Bus Line
- The network acts as a central cable to which network devices are connected
- Data is transmitted in a linear fashion between devices
- If the bus line fails, the entire network will stop functioning
Mesh Network
- The mesh network uses multiple connections between devices
- Data can travel various paths from source to destination
- The network can still function if one device fails
- Mesh networks are often used for wireless networks
External Hardware
- Anything connected to the computer externally is considered external hardware
- Examples: keyboard, mouse, system unit (computer case), monitor, microphones, speakers, printer and external hard drives
Internal Hardware
- Components installed within the system unit are internal hardware
- Examples: motherboard, central processing unit, RAM, hard drive, CD Rom and power supply
Computer Users and Professionals
- Computer users are people who use the computer. Often called end-users.
- Computer professionals are programmers who create the programs for the users.
- Examples of computer professionals include system analysts, computer operations personnel, security specialists and developers
Types of Computers
- Super computers: High performance computers with fast processing speed. Used for complex scientific calculations and 3D graphics rendering
- Mainframe Computers: Large, centralized computers that support hundreds or thousands of PCs. Used by large organizations with a lot of data
- Embedded computers: Small, single-purpose computers built into other devices. Examples include microwaves, vending machines and cars.
System Software (Operating Systems)
- System software (operating software) is the core software responsible for managing the computer.
- It controls hardware and provides a base for applications.
- Operating systems load when the computer is turned on and prepare it for use.
- After the operating system loads, it allows access to and manages applications.
- Examples include Windows (for PCs), macOS (for Apple devices), Linux (open-source operating system).
Functions of an Operating System
- Acts as the middleman between the user, applications, and hardware
- Configures hardware devices connected to the computer before allowing their usage
Network Hardware
- Network interface cards (NICs) connect computers to the network and facilitate data transfer
- Switches act as intermediaries between switches and routers
- Routers connect different networks
Network Architecture
- The network architecture and cabling set-up is referred to as the system topology
- Network coverage is also considered
The Internet
- The internet is a global network of interconnected networks
- Used by billions of people for communication and information sharing
Evolution of the Internet
- Began in 1969 as ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network)
- Started with only 4 computers
Internet Connection Types
- Dial-up
- Cable
- DSL
- Satellite
- Fixed wireless internet access
- BoF or FTTP
- Mobile wireless internet access
- Wi-Fi hotspot
Internet Service Provider (ISP)
- An ISP provides connectivity to the internet
- Main ISPs in South Africa are Telkom, Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Internet Solutions, Hetzner and MWEB
Setting up Your Computer for the Internet
- You need a search engine to access the internet
- Various browsers are used to access the internet, such as Safari, Mozilla Firefox, Opera and Chrome
- When the browser opens a URL value can be typed into the top bar of the browser, such as yahoo, google and bing
- It is important to be careful when browsing the internet as some websites may contain malicious software
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Description
Explore the fundamentals of network architecture, including client-server and peer-to-peer models. Learn about bus and mesh network topologies, and how external hardware plays a role in network functionality. This quiz covers key concepts essential for understanding network design.
