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Questions and Answers
What is considered external hardware in a computer system?
What is considered external hardware in a computer system?
Which of the following is an example of internal hardware?
Which of the following is an example of internal hardware?
What distinguishes a computer user from a computer professional?
What distinguishes a computer user from a computer professional?
What is a primary characteristic of super computers?
What is a primary characteristic of super computers?
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Which computer type is best suited for large organizations handling centralized data?
Which computer type is best suited for large organizations handling centralized data?
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Which type of computer is typically the most powerful and expensive?
Which type of computer is typically the most powerful and expensive?
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What type of professionals are typically responsible for writing software programs?
What type of professionals are typically responsible for writing software programs?
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Which of the following statements about internal and external hardware is correct?
Which of the following statements about internal and external hardware is correct?
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What characterizes a bus network?
What characterizes a bus network?
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Which of the following is a feature of a mesh network?
Which of the following is a feature of a mesh network?
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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?
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What is a primary function of network architecture?
What is a primary function of network architecture?
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Which statement about peer-to-peer networks is accurate?
Which statement about peer-to-peer networks is accurate?
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What is essential for ensuring the functionality of a bus network?
What is essential for ensuring the functionality of a bus network?
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What role does a client-server network play in resource management?
What role does a client-server network play in resource management?
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Which best describes the interaction in a peer-to-peer network?
Which best describes the interaction in a peer-to-peer network?
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What is a key feature of a Zink printer?
What is a key feature of a Zink printer?
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Which of the following best describes system software?
Which of the following best describes system software?
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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?
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Why is an operating system essential for running application software?
Why is an operating system essential for running application software?
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Which is NOT a function of an operating system?
Which is NOT a function of an operating system?
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An example of application software is:
An example of application software is:
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3D printers are primarily used for:
3D printers are primarily used for:
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What is the primary function of network interface cards in a network?
What is the primary function of network interface cards in a network?
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Which module acts as an intermediary between switches and routers?
Which module acts as an intermediary between switches and routers?
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What does the operating system ensure when executing user requests?
What does the operating system ensure when executing user requests?
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What does system topology refer to in a network architecture?
What does system topology refer to in a network architecture?
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What was ARPANET, and why is it significant?
What was ARPANET, and why is it significant?
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Which of the following describes the evolution of the internet?
Which of the following describes the evolution of the internet?
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How many computers were initially connected to the ARPANET?
How many computers were initially connected to the ARPANET?
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Which component is necessary for controlling network traffic?
Which component is necessary for controlling network traffic?
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What service is essential for sharing information effectively over the internet?
What service is essential for sharing information effectively over the internet?
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Which type of internet connection uses standard telephone lines?
Which type of internet connection uses standard telephone lines?
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What is the primary function of an Internet Service Provider (ISP)?
What is the primary function of an Internet Service Provider (ISP)?
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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?
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Which of the following browsers can be used to access the internet?
Which of the following browsers can be used to access the internet?
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What must be established for a computer to access the internet?
What must be established for a computer to access the internet?
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What is the potential risk when visiting certain websites on the internet?
What is the potential risk when visiting certain websites on the internet?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of cable internet connections?
Which of the following is a characteristic of cable internet connections?
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What does a user need to do to initiate a web search?
What does a user need to do to initiate a web search?
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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.
