6.1 There are many factors that can influence a computer's performance - NSC Information Technology - Question 6 - 2020 - Paper 2

1. CPU clock speed (measured in GHz) – Higher speeds directly improve performance.
2. The number of cores – More cores can lead to better multi-threaded performance.

Virtual memory.

The operating system swaps information back and forth between the RAM and the hard disk, effectively using a portion of the disk as a temporary extension of RAM to manage processes when physical RAM is limited.

1. Limited software compatibility – Not all software applications are supported on Linux, which may affect user productivity.
2. Technical knowledge required – Open-source systems may require more technical expertise for installation and troubleshooting compared to user-friendly systems.

1. Accessibility – Users can access services and data from anywhere with an internet connection.
2. Cost savings – Reduces the need for extensive physical hardware and upfront investments.

1. Server virtualization – Creating virtual servers to optimize resource utilization.
2. Desktop virtualization – Allowing multiple users to access a shared desktop environment remotely.

1. Accessibility from any device with internet access, enabling on-the-go communication.
2. No additional costs for email service maintenance and upgrades.

A search engine uses a user's browsing history and preferences to deliver tailored search results, making the results more relevant.

Context-aware searches analyze data such as location and time to provide more relevant search results.

The business can enhance user engagement by providing more precise search results that align with the user’s needs and context, leading to increased customer satisfaction.

1. Mobile apps provide a more tailored user experience and quicker access to services.
2. They allow for push notifications, enabling direct communication with users.

1. Increased complexity – A distributed database requires more intricate synchronization and data management.
2. Higher costs – Maintenance costs may increase due to the need for more extensive infrastructure.

A VPN provides secure access to the company's internal network from remote locations, safeguarding sensitive data during transmission.

Battery saver mode.

A mobile hotspot refers to a device that creates a wireless internet connection using cellular data, allowing multiple devices to connect to the internet.

Multitasking is the ability of an operating system to manage the execution of multiple tasks or programs simultaneously.

Multiprocessing involves running multiple processes or threads on different CPU cores, allowing for true simultaneous execution, while multitasking involves context-switching among tasks using the same CPU.

Nearby sharing allows users to wirelessly transfer files between devices that are in close proximity, facilitating quick data exchange.

1. Dependence on internet connectivity – VoIP performance can suffer during high traffic or poor connection conditions.
2. Call quality issues – Voice calls may be affected by latency, jitter, or packet loss.

1. Implement IoT sensors that monitor and alert staff of temperature changes in real-time, enabling quick corrective actions.
2. Utilize predictive analytics to anticipate equipment failures and schedule maintenance proactively to prevent temperature breaches.

RFID uses electromagnetic waves to transmit data and identify objects.

1. RFID tags can be scanned from a distance, increasing efficiency in inventory management.
2. RFID tags can store more data and can be reused, unlike barcodes which are one-time use.