CISSE Foundation Level
Computing Systems flashcards
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Complete Flashcard Reference
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What are the five characteristics of a computer, and what does 'garbage in, garbage out' mean?
Speed, accuracy, diligence, storage and versatility. Garbage in, garbage out: a computer's results are error-free only if the input data and instructions are themselves correct.
What is the difference between RAM and ROM?
RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile: it holds the programs and data currently running, and loses them without power. ROM (Read Only Memory) is non-volatile: it holds firmware such as the BIOS/UEFI that starts the machine.
What is the difference between a master file and a transaction file?
Master file: relatively permanent, slow-changing records central to an application, such as a bank's account-holder file. Transaction file: the individual, fast-changing records of activity in a period, such as a day's deposits and withdrawals, used to update the master file.
How do batch processing and real-time processing differ, and what trade-off does each make?
Batch: transactions are collected over a period and processed together later, such as a monthly payroll run. It trades immediacy for efficiency. Real-time: each transaction is processed immediately on entry, such as an M-Pesa transfer. It trades efficiency for immediacy.
How is a star topology laid out, and what are its key advantage and key limitation?
Every node connects individually to a central device, a switch or hub. Advantage: one failed cable or node does not affect the others, and nodes are easy to add or remove. Limitation: the entire network fails if the central device fails.
What is phishing, and which control most directly counters it?
Fraudulent messages designed to trick a user into revealing credentials or financial details, such as a fake M-Pesa or bank SMS or email. User awareness training, since most breaches exploit human error rather than a technical flaw.
What are the seven stages of the systems development life cycle, in order?
1. Planning 2. Analysis 3. Design 4. Development 5. Testing 6. Implementation 7. Maintenance
What is the difference between OLTP and OLAP?
OLTP records and processes individual transactions as they happen, one record at a time, with sub-second response, against the operational database. An M-Pesa transfer is OLTP. OLAP analyses large volumes of historical data with complex queries and aggregation to support decisions, typically from a data warehouse built from accumulated OLTP data.
What is the digital divide, and why is it a live concern in Kenya?
Unequal access to ICT infrastructure and skills between regions, income groups or generations. It is live in Kenya because the country is still extending connectivity to rural areas.
What is the difference between a compiler and an interpreter?
A compiler translates the whole source code into machine code all at once, ahead of running. An interpreter translates and executes it line by line, as it runs. Both end with machine code the CPU can execute; they differ only in when the translation happens.
What is a computer, and what makes up a computer system?
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What are the three parts of the CPU and what does each do?
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What is secondary storage, and how does it compare with primary memory?
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What does the motherboard do?
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What do system software, application software and utility software each do?
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How do firmware and the operating system link hardware and software?
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What are the five stages of the data processing cycle, in order?
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What do a reference file and a backup file hold?
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What are the three methods of data processing?
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What is online processing, and how does it differ from real-time processing?
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What is the difference between distributed processing and time-sharing?
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What are the four types of network by reach?
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What are the key advantage and limitation of the bus, ring and mesh topologies?
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What is the difference between a hub and a switch?
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What do a NIC, a router, a gateway and an access point each do?
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Which transmission media are guided, and which are unguided?
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What do TCP/IP, HTTP/HTTPS, FTP and DHCP each do?
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How does a peer-to-peer network differ from client-server, and what are its pros and cons?
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Which two Kenyan Acts frame cyber security and data protection, and what does each cover?
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What are malware, denial of service and unauthorised access?
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Name six cyber security controls.
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What is rapid application development (RAD), and when does it suit a project?
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What is the difference between end-user development and UX design?
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What are CASE tools, and how do upper and lower CASE differ?
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What are the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing an information system?
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Which clue in a scenario points to the full SDLC, to RAD, and to outsourcing?
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What does a transaction processing system (TPS) do, and why is it the foundation of the others?
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Which level of management do an MIS, a DSS and an EIS each serve, and in what form?
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Name four Kenyan e-government systems and what each is for.
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How is ICT applied in education and in science and research in Kenya?
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What makes an ICT application artificial intelligence, and what are three examples?
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How is ICT applied in commerce and in trading and marketing?
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What are the benefits and the risks of remote and hybrid work?
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What are the four ICT-related health issues, and their causes?
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What are the ethical concerns ICT raises?
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What is the difference between low-level and high-level languages?
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What are the six stages of the program development cycle, in order?
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What does each standard program flowchart symbol stand for?
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What is an algorithm, and in what three ways can it be expressed?
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What is the difference between a program flowchart and a business workflow diagram?
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