i. What is the function and significance of Napier’s Bone in early computing?
Napier’s Bones, invented by John Napier, were rods used to simplify arithmetic calculations,
especially multiplication and division. They demonstrated an early mechanical aid for computation.
ii. How did Charles Babbage’s Difference Engine differ from the Analytical Engine?
The Difference Engine was designed for automatic polynomial calculations, while the Analytical
Engine was a general-purpose programmable computer with input, processing, memory, and output
units.
iii. What is the primary goal of fifth-generation computers?
The primary goal was to develop computers with artificial intelligence (AI), natural language
processing, and advanced parallel processing capabilities.
iv. Name the three types of memory mentioned on the motherboard in the Von Neumann
architecture?
The three types are: Primary memory (RAM), Secondary memory (hard disk/SSD), and Cache
memory.
v. Differentiate between volatile and non-volatile memory.
Volatile memory loses data when power is turned off (e.g., RAM), while non-volatile memory retains
data even when power is off (e.g., ROM, hard disk).
vi. Show memory hierarchy with the help of diagram.
Memory hierarchy: Registers → Cache → RAM → Secondary Storage → Tertiary Storage.
vii. Why is the word size of a processor important, and how does it affect the computer’s
performance?
Word size determines how many bits a CPU can process at once. Larger word size means faster
data processing, better performance, and ability to handle larger memory addresses.
viii. What is pipelining, and how does it improve the efficiency of a CPU?
Pipelining is a technique where multiple instruction phases are overlapped. It increases CPU
throughput by executing multiple instructions simultaneously at different stages.
ix. Imagine you are building a custom computer for a friend. Give three considerations you
would take into account when choosing the type and size of memory for this computer.
1. Usage requirements (gaming, office, programming). 2. Budget constraints. 3. Motherboard
compatibility.
x. You are a computer technician tasked with upgrading an older computer with a slow CPU.
How might you improve its performance without replacing the entire CPU?
Options include: adding more RAM, upgrading to SSD, cleaning up unnecessary software, and
using efficient cooling systems.
xi. Your school is planning to purchase new printers for the computer lab. Give three
advantages and disadvantages of impact and non-impact printers to help them make a
decision.
Impact Printers: (✓ cheap, ✓ can print carbon copies, ✓ durable) (✗ noisy, ✗ slower, ✗ low quality).
Non-impact Printers: (✓ quiet, ✓ high quality, ✓ faster) (✗ expensive, ✗ no carbon copy, ✗ higher
maintenance).
xii. Define 'protocol' in the context of data communication.
A protocol is a set of rules that govern data transmission between devices in a network, ensuring
proper communication.
xiii. Define simplex, half-duplex, and full-duplex modes of communication with one example
each.
Simplex: one-way communication (radio broadcast). Half-duplex: two-way but one at a time
(walkie-talkie). Full-duplex: two-way simultaneously (telephone).
xiv. What are start and stop bits, and where are they used in data transmission?
Start and stop bits are used in asynchronous transmission to mark the beginning and end of data
packets.
xv. How does a switch differ from a hub in a network?
A hub broadcasts data to all devices, while a switch sends data only to the intended device,
improving efficiency.
xvi. How does asynchronous transmission differ from synchronous transmission, and in
what situations are they typically used?
Asynchronous: data sent one byte at a time with start/stop bits (used in serial communication).
Synchronous: data sent in continuous stream with synchronization clock (used in high-speed
networks).
xvii. Explain the concept of a peer-to-peer network and its limitations compared to a
client/server network.
Peer-to-peer allows devices to share resources without a central server. Limitations: less secure,
harder to manage, and not scalable for large networks.
xviii. Compare and contrast the star and ring network topologies.
Star: all devices connect to a central hub (easy to manage, but hub failure breaks network). Ring:
devices connected in a circle (no central hub, but one device failure affects the whole network).
xix. Why is mesh topology considered the most reliable but also the most expensive to
implement?
Mesh provides multiple paths for data transfer, so if one link fails, data can still travel. It is
expensive due to the large number of cables and connections required.
xx. What is the role of the Application Layer in the OSI model?
It provides user-level interfaces for communication services such as email, file transfer, and web
browsing.