Cambridge International A Level · Information Technology (9626)

Hardware and software (AS): Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on Hardware and software (AS).

10 questions19 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

Which type of utility software is used to reduce the size of a file to save storage space or to make it easier to transmit over a network?

Question 2

1 mark

When evaluating the performance of a supercomputer for climate research, which metric is the most appropriate to measure its processing capability?

Question 3

1 mark

When developing an application for a mobile smartphone using a powerful desktop workstation, which tool is necessary to generate the machine code required for the smartphone's specific processor architecture?

Question 4

1 mark

In the context of system software, what is the primary role of a linker?

Question 5

1 mark

Which of the following best describes proprietary software compared to open-source software?

Question 6

2 marks

Identify two primary characteristics of mainframe computers that distinguish them from typical desktop systems.

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Question 7

3 marks

Distinguish between a compiler and a cross compiler in terms of their execution environment.

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Question 8

2 marks

Explain why disk defragmentation is necessary for the efficient operation of a hard disk drive.

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Question 9

4 marks

A graphic designer uses a computer system that features a gesture-based interface.

(a) Describe how a gesture-based interface allows a user to interact with a computer system and identify the technology used to detect movement. (2 points)

(b) Identify one advantage of using a gesture-based interface for a designer. (1 point)

(c) State one disadvantage of using a gesture-based interface compared to a mouse. (1 point)

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Question 10

3 marks

A software developer is creating a new application that needs to be deployed on several different types of computer systems. The developer must decide between using an interpreter or a cross compiler for the translation process.

(a) Describe how a high-level language is translated and executed using an interpreter. (2 points)

(b) Explain the specific purpose of a cross compiler and why it would be used in this scenario. (1 point)

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