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Input/output device controllers are associated with computer peripheral devices.Explain three functions of these controllers. (6 marks)DICT MOD 1 July 2020
Managing data transfer: I/O device controllers are responsible for managing the transfer of data between the device and the computer. This involves receiving data from the device, buffering it if necessary, and sending it to the appropriate location in the computer's memory. Controlling device operaRead more
- Managing data transfer: I/O device controllers are responsible for managing the transfer of data between the device and the computer. This involves receiving data from the device, buffering it if necessary, and sending it to the appropriate location in the computer’s memory.
- Controlling device operation: I/O device controllers also manage the operation of the device itself, ensuring that it functions correctly and performs the tasks it is designed to do. This may involve sending commands to the device or adjusting its settings as needed.
- Providing device drivers: In some cases, I/O device controllers may also provide device drivers, which are software programs that allow the computer to communicate with the device. Device drivers are often specific to a particular device or type of device and are necessary for the computer to be able to use the device.
- Error handling: I/O device controllers are also responsible for detecting and handling errors that may occur during the transfer of data or the operation of the device. This may involve retrying failed data transfers or issuing error messages to the user.
See lessComputer systems use different disk file systems to control data storage and retrieval.Describe three examples of such file systems. (6 marks)DICT MOD 1 July 2020
FAT (File Allocation Table): This is a simple file system that was developed in the 1970s and is still widely used today, particularly on removable storage devices such as USB drives. It uses a table to keep track of the location of each file on the disk and allows for simple file organization and eRead more
- FAT (File Allocation Table): This is a simple file system that was developed in the 1970s and is still widely used today, particularly on removable storage devices such as USB drives. It uses a table to keep track of the location of each file on the disk and allows for simple file organization and easy access to files. However, it is limited in terms of the size and number of files it can support.
- NTFS (New Technology File System): This is a more advanced file system that was developed by Microsoft for use on its Windows operating systems. It supports larger disk sizes and can handle a larger number of files than the FAT file system. It also has additional features such as file compression, encryption, and the ability to set permissions on files and folders.
- ext4 (Fourth Extended File System): This is a popular file system for Linux systems. It is a stable, efficient, and feature-rich file system that supports large disk sizes and a wide range of file types. It also includes features such as journaling, which helps to ensure the integrity of data on the disk, and support for extended attributes, which allows additional metadata to be associated with files.
See lessDefine each of the following terms in respect to computers’ input/output devices: G) spooling; (1 mark) Gi) caching: (1 mark) (li) buffering. (1 mark) (iv) device controller. (1 mark)DICT MOD 1 July 2020
(i) Spooling is a process that allows a computer to store data temporarily in a buffer or queue while it is being transferred from one device to another. This can be used to improve the performance of the system by allowing the computer to handle multiple input and output tasks concurrently. (ii) CaRead more
(i) Spooling is a process that allows a computer to store data temporarily in a buffer or queue while it is being transferred from one device to another. This can be used to improve the performance of the system by allowing the computer to handle multiple input and output tasks concurrently.
(ii) Caching is the process of storing frequently accessed data in a high-speed memory location for quick retrieval. This can improve the performance of a computer by reducing the number of times it needs to access slower storage devices.
(iii) Buffering is the process of storing data temporarily in a buffer or queue while it is being transferred from one device to another. This can help to smooth out the flow of data and improve the performance of the system by allowing it to handle multiple input and output tasks concurrently.
(iv) A device controller is a hardware component or software program that manages the communication between a device and a computer. It is responsible for controlling the input and output of data to and from the device and ensuring that it operates correctly.
See lessJames intends to change attributes of computer files in a network so as to control their access. Explain two file access modes he would consider t apply. (4 marks)DICT MOD 1 July 2020
Read-only mode: This mode allows users to view and read the contents of a file, but they cannot make any changes to it. This can be useful for ensuring that important documents are not accidentally modified or deleted. Write mode: This mode allows users to read, write, and modify the contents of a fRead more
- Read-only mode: This mode allows users to view and read the contents of a file, but they cannot make any changes to it. This can be useful for ensuring that important documents are not accidentally modified or deleted.
- Write mode: This mode allows users to read, write, and modify the contents of a file. This can be useful for collaboration or for allowing users to make changes to documents as needed.
See lessA group of students were discussing the following terms during an operating system lesson. Provide the possible explanation they would have provided for each of the following terms: (i) job; (2 marks) (ii) shell. (2 marks)DICT MOD 1 July 2020
(i) A job is a unit of work that is sent to a computer's operating system to be processed. It is typically a request to run a specific program or task. (ii) A shell is a command-line interface that allows users to interact with an operating system by entering commands. The shell receives these commaRead more
(i) A job is a unit of work that is sent to a computer’s operating system to be processed. It is typically a request to run a specific program or task.
(ii) A shell is a command-line interface that allows users to interact with an operating system by entering commands. The shell receives these commands and then executes them, either by calling the relevant program or by carrying out the command itself. The shell acts as an intermediary between the user and the operating system, providing a way for the user to access and control the various functions and resources of the system.
See lessExplain two advantages of Network Operating Systems. (4 marks)DICT MOD 1 July 2020
Resource Sharing: Network operating systems allow multiple users to access shared resources such as printers, scanners, and hard drives. This can be especially useful in an office setting, where multiple people may need to access the same resources. Centralized Management: Network operating systemsRead more
- Resource Sharing: Network operating systems allow multiple users to access shared resources such as printers, scanners, and hard drives. This can be especially useful in an office setting, where multiple people may need to access the same resources.
- Centralized Management: Network operating systems allow administrators to manage and control access to resources from a central location. This can be more efficient and easier to manage than individually managing each device on the network.
- Improved Security: Network operating systems typically have built-in security features that allow administrators to control who can access resources on the network and what they are allowed to do with them. This can help prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Network operating systems allow users to collaborate on projects and share files easily. This can help improve productivity and streamline workflows.
- Increased Reliability: Network operating systems are typically more reliable than standalone operating systems, as they can recover from system failures and provide backup options in the event of data loss.
See lessOutline four disk operating system commands that could be used to manage files in a computer. (4 marks)DICT MOD 1 July 2020
DIR: The DIR command is used to display a list of files and directories in a specified location. It can be used with various options, such as /P to display the list one page at a time, or /W to display the list in a wide format. COPY: The COPY command is used to copy files from one location to anothRead more
- DIR: The DIR command is used to display a list of files and directories in a specified location. It can be used with various options, such as /P to display the list one page at a time, or /W to display the list in a wide format.
- COPY: The COPY command is used to copy files from one location to another. It can be used to copy one or more files, and can also be used to copy directories and their contents.
- DEL: The DEL command is used to delete files from a specified location. It can be used to delete one or more files, and can also be used to delete directories and their contents.
- REN: The REN command is used to rename files or directories. It can be used to rename one or more files or directories at a time, and allows the user to specify the new name.
- MOVE: The MOVE command is used to move files or directories from one location to another. It can be used to move one or more files or directories at a time, and allows the user to specify the destination location.
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