Cambridge University Press 2011

Types of computer system 5

Answers to Revision questions: 5 Computer systems 1 Cambridge IGCSE Computer Studies
Below each answer there is a page reference for the coursebook. Tis is there to help you focus
your revision. If you fnd that you get an answer wrong, you can use this guide to return to the
coursebook to revise the areas that need some extra attention. Please note these are example
answers only and do not represent the only possible answers.
1 In a batch processing system, data is processed all at once. A person does not need to interact
with the computer as it is processing the data. For example, a utility-billing application is
supplied with a customer database and a fle of meter readings. It processes the meter readings
to produce bills for the customers.
See Batch processing systems on page 107.
2 Defne the following terms:
a A LAN is a local area network.
b A WAN is a wide area network.
See Types of network on page 111.
3 A bus network has computers connected in a line. All signals are sent to all computers.
computer
terminator
bus
T-connector
printer
A ring network has computers connected in a circle. Te signals are sent in one direction until
a computer accepts them.
server
printer
computers
Cambridge University Press 2011 Answers to Revision questions: 5 Computer systems 2 Cambridge IGCSE Computer Studies
A star network has computers separately connected to a central hub. A switch or server directs
signals to the computer they are addressed to.
hub, switch
or server
computer
storage
printer
See Network topologies on page 110.
4 a A LAN allows computers to share peripheral devices and WAN connections. Inside the
LAN, computers are generally safe from malicious interference.
b A WAN gives users access to worldwide communications. Users can read data held on a
computer anywhere on the WAN and can send messages to other people connected to
the WAN. A WAN can connect several LANS.
See Types of network on page 111.
5 a Te Internet is a WAN. It connects networks and hosts sites on the World Wide Web.
b To access the Internet, a user needs a computer and some sort of modem linking the user
to an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Usually it is a telephone landline modem, cable TV
modem or mobile broadband modem. Te user may also have frewall hardware to block
unwanted network communication with their computer.
c To access the Internet, a user can use various types of sofware but a web browser is the
most common. It can give access to web-based email but many users access email through
a specifc email client running on their computer.
See Types of network on page 111.
6 a An intranet is a private, web-based service on a LAN. A large organisation uses it to provide
information to its employees through familiar web-based tools, such as web browsers. It is
used because only employees can access it.
b An intranet is private and cannot be accessed by any member of the public, unlike the
Internet which can be accessed by anyone through an ISP.
See Types of network on page 111.