In groups of 20 or more, please come together and prepare
these presentations. We will discuss them in the upcoming
lectures. Please keep your presentations short and to the point.
[Each group should submit one soft copy and one hard copy.]
25/08/2024
1. Group one
a) Define the following terms
i) a computer, ii) main frame computer, iii) super computer, iv) mini-computer,
v) microcomputer
b) What is the use of Information Technology to the modern world?
c) State the three operations of a computer.
d) State and explain the advantages and disadvantages of computers
e) Identify any five uses of computers in your field of study
f) State the four basic types of computers
g) Differentiate between the four types of microcomputers
h) PCs are better than Macs. Discuss giving relevant examples.
i) What is meant by generation in computer terminology?
j) State the five generations of computers
k) How will you classify computer systems?
2. Group Two
a) Define the following terms
i) Computer hardware, ii) Central processing unit, iii) Computer software
iv) Computer memory, v) Computer port
b) Why computer is known as data processing system?
c) What are the four basic units of a computer system
d) Explain the functions of each unit of a computer system
e) Devices which are used to receive data from central processing unit are
classified as?
f) Compare Computer with calculator
g) Identify the three main types of computer memory and explain the
characteristics of each.
h) Differentiate between a volatile and non-volatile memory.
i) List the five units of computer memory and their size of measurement.
j) What is the difference between information and data?
k) State the uses of the following computer ports:
i) Parallel port, ii) Universal Serial Bus (or USB) Port
iii) Ethernet port
m) Differentiate between system software and application software giving
examples.
n) Explain the importance of operating system
o) Identify different application software and their uses
p) What are the factors that should be in your mind when you are buying
computer
software?
q) State the advantages of a database management system
r) Midlands State university computers are loaded with Windows Operating
Systems. These Operating Systems are not cheap and there are others, which
are even for free. What do you think are the reasons for that choice of
Operating system?
s) List 6 factors you would consider before buying any software
t) List any six (6) factors that determine the speed of a computer
3.Group Three
a) Define the term computer network
b) Explain the reasons for networking computers
c) Identify different types of networks
d) What is a network topology?
e) Distinguish between different networks topologies
f) List five hardware components required to set-up computer network
g) Assume 6 devices are arranged in a mesh topology. How many cables are
needed?
h) Describe the features of LAN
i) What are the advantages of Wireless network over LAN?
j) Describe three factors to be considered in selecting a network topology.
4 Group Four
a) Explain various terminology used in internet
b) Describe the uses of the internet
c) What are the limitations of the internet
d) List various internet services providers (ISPs) in Zimbabwe
e) Define e-mail and its various features
f) List the hardware needed for one to connect to the internet and explain the
function of each
5. Group Five
a) What is a malware?
b) Explain the following terms showing their differences: worm, virus, Trojan
horse.
c) Identify security issues associated with information technology
d) Identify ethical issues associated with information technology
e) What preventive measures can be used against security threat to IT
f) Explain the societal and ethical challenges one can face when using I.T.
j) What issues can you consider as ethical and societal challenges of
information technology?
