QUESTION & ANSWER

Question & Answer



Question & Answer

Unit 1

Question 1: Describe the differences between sequential access files and direct access files.

Sequential access files are those in which the records are read, one at a time in key value order, from the logical start of the file. Hence items are processed in a known and therefore predictable order making large amounts of data easier to process in Sequential access files.

Direct access files are those in which any record can be retrieved immediately, provided its position in the file is known. This often means that items must have a known length so that software can calculate where in the file the required item is located.

Characteristics of Sequential File Access are that the storage is in sequential or addressable device, there are no key fields that relate to a record, the data are stored in the order they have been introduced and access to records is only sequentially. On the contrary the characteristics of Direct Access File are that storage is in addressable device, there is on record a field called key field unambiguously referred to the register through registration number, the data are stored in the order they have been introduced and access to records can be either random through the key field as sequential (Gill, 2006).

Question 2: Describe the differences between application software and support software. Provide an example of each

The difference between application software and system software is that the system software helps the user account to interact with the computer in order to make better use of it, while applications software are programs that cooperate with the user to perform these activities.

The dividing line between application software and system software runs out of focus. For example, one software for libraries is considered both as part of an operating system and as part of an application or as a layer between application an operating system. The same goes for web browsers. Rather, the technical side of middleware attributed systems also has application-specific functionality. There are also numerous opportunities for both software application development as well as for normal users to use functions, such as systems for the spreadsheet, text editor, or suitable for end-user database systems.

Examples of system software include the libraries such as OpenGL for graphics acceleration, PNG for graphics system or devices that control temperature, hard drive speed, or frequency of the processor.

Examples of application software includes: image processing, video editing, word processing, spreadsheet, computer games, certain operational functions such as financial accounting, goods output, etc (Rainer &Turban, 2008).

Unit 2

Question 1: Describe the three high-speed Internet connection options for homeowners

The three high-speed internet connection options for homeowners are LMDS, ISDN and Wireless connection:

LMDS (Local Multipoint Distribution System): The LMDS (Local Multipoint Distribution System) is a communication system using point to multipoint radio-electrical waves at high frequencies, around 28 or 40 GHz signals are transmitted that may include voice, data, internet and video. This system uses as a means of air transmission to link telecommunications ...