Number Bases and Data Representation

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary advantage of using incremental backups?

They allow the restoration of data without any loss.

They include every file, requiring more storage.

They save time and storage by including only new and changed files. (correct)

They do not require any storage space.

What is the main purpose of data compression?

To recreate the original file without any loss of data.

To reduce the size of files for easier transmission and storage. (correct)

To permanently eliminate redundant files.

To increase the size of files.

What does defragmentation software do?

It deletes fragmented files permanently.

It increases the amount of data on a disk.

It reorganizes data fragments for improved read/write time. (correct)

It compresses files to save space on a disk.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of low-level programming languages?

They cannot directly instruct the processor. Signup and view all the answers

What is one disadvantage of using low-level programming languages?

They are more difficult to debug and fix. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of anti-malware software?

It protects against various forms of unwanted software and identifies potential threats. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes lossless compression?

The original file can be reconstructed without any loss of data. Signup and view all the answers

What is an important characteristic of assembly language?

It must be translated into machine code before execution. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Memory Data Register (MDR) in the instruction execution process?

To hold the instruction from a memory address before it is sent to the CIR Signup and view all the answers

Which type of memory is characterized by its volatility and direct accessibility by the CPU?

Random Access Memory (RAM) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Read Only Memory (ROM) is true?

ROM is ideal for storing instructions necessary for the computer to run. Signup and view all the answers

What best describes secondary storage compared to main memory?

Non-volatile and used for long-term data storage Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of magnetic storage devices?

They have a spinning disk and use magnetic fields to store data. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding optical devices used for data storage?

They employ lasers to scan the surface of a spinning disc. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes solid state devices from other storage types?

They use flash memory and have faster access times. Signup and view all the answers

What advantage does having more RAM provide to a computer?

It enables the computer to hold more data and instructions simultaneously. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major advantage of using a Wireless Access Point (WAP) for network connections?

New devices can be easily added to the network. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about TCP is accurate?

TCP splits data into packets and tracks them. Signup and view all the answers

What protocol is primarily responsible for web page transfer?

HTTP Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of a switch in a network?

Failure of the switch can take out the entire network. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes UDP compared to TCP?

It is faster but does not guarantee packet delivery. Signup and view all the answers

Which protocol should be used when sending sensitive information, such as payment details?

HTTPS Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Internet Protocol (IP)?

To manage packet addressing for data transmission. Signup and view all the answers

What does SMTP stand for and what is its function?

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol; used for sending emails. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using a Huffman tree in data compression?

To create a binary representation for each character Signup and view all the answers

What step is performed first when creating a Huffman tree?

Count the frequency of each character Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following calculations is used to determine the number of bits needed to store an uncompressed ASCII string?

Number of characters x 7 Signup and view all the answers

In Run Length Encoding (RLE), what does 'runs of data' refer to?

Repeated sequences of the same value Signup and view all the answers

How is each letter encoded using a Huffman tree?

By following the path of 0s and 1s from the top node Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of hardware?

Operating system Signup and view all the answers

When calculating the bits needed for a Huffman compressed string, what is the first step?

Calculate the bit pattern length for each character Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'AND' Boolean operator require for the resultant statement to be true?

Both conditions to be true Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of IMAP?

To control the download of emails from a server Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of data encryption?

To turn data into an unreadable format Signup and view all the answers

What does two-factor authentication involve?

Combining a password with a physical token Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a firewall in network security?

To monitor and control incoming and outgoing traffic Signup and view all the answers

What is a MAC address used for in networking?

It identifies devices on a network uniquely Signup and view all the answers

What does the Application Layer of the Four Layer TCP/IP Model handle?

Encodes and decodes messages for applications Signup and view all the answers

Why might a hardware firewall be preferred over a software firewall?

Hardware firewalls are more effective and powerful Signup and view all the answers

What is a common method used to ensure user authentication?

Implementing biometric security measures Signup and view all the answers

Who is primarily responsible for keeping data secure when using public wireless networks?

The user of the network Signup and view all the answers

What are the implications of data storage being subject to different laws depending on its location?

Data may not be accessible if stored in a certain country Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concerns is associated with wearable technologies?

They may create a digital divide Signup and view all the answers

What ethical issue arises from using computer-based implants in humans?

The potential for long-term health complications Signup and view all the answers

How is the privacy of data collected by wearable technologies typically viewed?

Companies may access user data without consent Signup and view all the answers

What challenge do autonomous vehicles face in terms of technology?

Limited infrastructure for operation Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of cloud storage requiring significant power to operate?

Environmental impact from power generation Signup and view all the answers

Which issue is raised regarding government access to data stored in the cloud?

Government access may be necessary to combat crime Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Number Bases

Decimal (Base 10) is the most common number system, with digits 0-9.
Binary (Base 2) is used by computers, using 0s and 1s.
Hexadecimal (Base 16) represents larger numbers using 0-9 and A-F.

Data Representation

Binary is used to store data in computers.
Hexadecimal is used to represent larger values in a more concise way.
Colours and MAC addresses are often represented using hexadecimal.

Converting Between Bases

Converting from binary to denary involves adding the values of positions with a '1'.
Converting from denary to binary involves repeatedly dividing by 2 and noting remainders.
Converting from denary to hexadecimal is similar to converting to binary but with division by 16.

Units for Measuring Data

A bit is the most basic unit of data.
A byte is 8 bits.
Data sizes are often expressed in KB, MB, GB, and TB.

Binary Addition

Binary addition follows the same rules as decimal, carry-over values.

Binary Shifts

Multiplication shifts digits left.
Division shifts digits right.

Character Encoding

Computers use character codes to represent characters.
ASCII uses 7 bits, for a 128 character set.
Unicode uses 16 bits, allowing for more characters.

Representing Images (Bitmaps)

Images are made up of pixels.
Colour depth determines the number of bits per pixel.
The size of the image is given by the width and height in pixels.
Image filesizes can be calculated based on these factors.

Representing Sound (Binary)

Sound is analog but must be converted to binary for computers.
Sampling is the process of measuring the amplitude of the sound wave at regular intervals.
The sample rate (measured in Hertz) determines how often the samples are taken.

Compression

Compression reduces file sizes.
Lossy compression means some data is lost.
Lossless compression means no data is lost.
Huffman coding is a lossless compression technique that reduces the number of bits per character. By using a Huffman tree encoding common letters with shorter codes, less bits are needed.

Run Length Encoding (RLE)

RLE identifies repeated sequences of data and represents them with a count and the repeated value.
This is useful for compressing data with many repeating parts.

Hardware and Software

Hardware are the physical components such as monitors and keyboards.
Software includes programs that run on the computer, like operating systems and applications.
Boolean operators (AND, OR, XOR) are used for creating conditions in code. The results of a Boolean operator that relates to two pieces of data is true/false, dependent on the specific operator.

Systems Software

Operating systems manage hardware, allow other programs to run, and provide interfaces for users.

Types of Memory

RAM is volatile memory, storing data temporarily.
ROM is nonvolatile memory, storing software that runs when a computer is turned on.

Secondary Storage Devices

Magnetic (hard drives).
Optical (CDs, DVDs).
Solid State (flash drives).

Cloud Storage

Cloud storage stores data on remote servers.
The security depends on the provider, more vulnerable to malicious attacks.

Embedded Systems

Small computer systems designed for specific tasks often for hardware control.

Networks

Networks connect two or more computers for communication.
Types include PAN, LAN, and WAN.
Network topologies (Bus, Star) describe how devices are connected.
Network protocols (e.g., Ethernet, TCP/IP) manage data transmission.

Network Security

Encryption converts data into an unreadable format.
Authentication verifies user identity.
Firewalls monitor network traffic.
MAC address filtering helps to control which devices connect to the network.
The TCP/IP model is a layered framework for networking communication.

Cyber Security

Phishing is a type of social engineering where attackers try to gain access to personal information.
Malware is undesired software that may cause damage or steal data.
These practices are important to reduce instances of hackers accessing personal data.

Low-Level Programming Languages

Machine language uses binary code directly understood by the processor.
Assembly language uses mnemonics to represent machine instructions, easier for humans.

High-Level Programming Languages

Higher-level languages, like Python, Java and C, are closer to human language making them easier for humans to understand but needing translation to machine code.

Relational Databases & SQL

Databases are organised collections of related data.
Relational databases store data in multiple tables linked together, reducing redundancy.
SQL (Structured Query Language) is used to manage and query data in databases. SQL statements define how the database contents are requested or altered.

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Description

Test your knowledge on different number bases, including decimal, binary, and hexadecimal systems. This quiz covers data representation, conversions between bases, and binary arithmetic principles. Challenge yourself to understand how data is measured and manipulated in computers.