Exploring Computing Concepts

What is cloud computing and its key characteristics?

• Cloud computing requires physical servers on-site.

• Cloud computing is only for large enterprises.

• Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services over the internet, characterized by on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, and measured service.

• Cloud computing is a type of software that runs on local machines.

Answer explanation

Cloud computing delivers services over the internet, allowing users to access resources on-demand. Key characteristics include self-service, broad access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, and measured service, distinguishing it from traditional computing.

Name three common services provided by cloud computing.

• IaaS, PaaS, SaaS

• FaaS

• CaaS

• DaaS

Answer explanation

IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), and SaaS (Software as a Service) are the three main cloud computing service models, providing varying levels of control and management for users.

How is virtual reality different from augmented reality?

• Augmented reality replaces the real world with a digital one.

• Virtual reality can only be experienced through mobile devices.

• Virtual reality is a type of augmented reality.

• Virtual reality creates a fully immersive digital experience, whereas augmented reality enhances the real world with digital elements.

Answer explanation

Virtual reality immerses users in a completely digital environment, while augmented reality overlays digital elements onto the real world, enhancing the user's perception of their surroundings.

List two applications of virtual reality in education.

• Textbook reading

• 1. Virtual field trips 2. Simulations for practical training

• Online quizzes

• Group discussions

Answer explanation

Virtual reality enhances education through virtual field trips, allowing students to explore distant locations, and simulations for practical training, providing hands-on experience in a safe environment.

Provide two examples of augmented reality in everyday life.

• Smartphone cameras

• 3D printing technology

• 1) Pokémon GO; 2) AR navigation apps.

• Virtual reality headsets

Answer explanation

Augmented reality (AR) enhances real-world experiences. Examples include 'Pokémon GO', which overlays virtual creatures in real environments, and AR navigation apps that provide directions on your smartphone camera view.

What is virtualisation and how does it benefit computing?

• Virtualisation eliminates all security risks.

• Virtualisation benefits computing by improving resource utilization, enabling easier management and deployment of applications, enhancing scalability, and providing isolation and security for different workloads.

• Virtualisation reduces the need for hardware upgrades.

• Virtualisation only benefits gaming performance.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that virtualisation enhances computing by improving resource use, simplifying application management, increasing scalability, and ensuring workload isolation and security, which are key benefits.

Describe one technique used in server virtualisation.

• Load Balancer

• Firewall

• Hypervisor

• Database Management System

Answer explanation

A hypervisor is a key technique in server virtualization, allowing multiple virtual machines to run on a single physical server by managing their resources and isolation. This enables efficient utilization of hardware.

What are data integrity methods and why are they important?

• Data integrity methods are only necessary for large organizations.

• Data integrity methods focus solely on data storage costs.

• Data integrity methods are essential for maintaining the accuracy and reliability of data, preventing data corruption, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

• Data integrity methods are irrelevant in cloud computing environments.

Answer explanation

Data integrity methods are crucial for ensuring data accuracy and reliability, preventing corruption, and meeting regulatory compliance, making them vital for all organizations, not just large ones.

List three practices for effective computer management.

• Frequent hardware upgrades

• 1. Regular software updates 2. Data backup 3. System monitoring

• Using outdated software

• Ignoring security protocols

Answer explanation

Effective computer management includes regular software updates to ensure security, data backup to prevent loss, and system monitoring to maintain performance. These practices help keep systems secure and efficient.

What is the role of regular software updates in computer management?

• Regular software updates are only for new devices

• Regular software updates slow down the system

• Regular software updates are unnecessary for security

• Regular software updates enhance security, improve performance, fix bugs, and add new features.

Answer explanation

Regular software updates are crucial as they enhance security by patching vulnerabilities, improve system performance, fix bugs, and introduce new features, making them essential for effective computer management.