Theory question 104
Computer HardwarePaper 2, Section A: Short-structured questions
A professional photographer uses analogue cameras and a computer system for his business. The computer is used to prepare documents and keep records of clients' accounts. Copies of these documents are stored in CD-ROMs and Floppy disks. The photographer now plans to innovate by using digital cameras and the computer for taking, editing and printing photographs. (a) State two hardware changes required on the photographer's computer to achieve the planned innovation. (b) Give one reason: (i) for each of the changes in 4(a). (ii) why the photographer should use external hard disk instead of floppy disk to store data. (c) State two advantages of switching from analogue to digital camera.
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(a) Any two: add a larger hard disk or external hard disk; add more RAM; a better graphics card/high-resolution monitor; a colour photo printer; a memory card reader/USB ports; a DVD writer.
(b)(i) Larger storage – photos are large files; more RAM/graphics card – editing pictures needs more memory and processing power; photo printer – to print good quality pictures; card reader – to copy photos from the camera.
(ii) An external hard disk holds far more data (gigabytes/terabytes against 1.44 MB), is faster and more reliable than a floppy disk.
(c) Any two: pictures can be seen immediately; no film or developing costs; photos can be edited on the computer; many pictures can be stored on one card; photos can be shared by e-mail or online quickly; bad shots can be deleted.
Think about the size of photo files.