Paper 1|Reflection

Paper 1|Reflection

1. Network Topology

   • Refers to the layout of a network
   • How different nodes in a network are connected to each other
   • How the nodes communicate with each other is determined by their network topology
   • Topologies
     • Physical - Layout of devices on a network
     • Logical - The way that signals act on the network or the way that the data passes through the network from one device to another
     • Network Topology refers to layout of a network. How different nodes in a network are connected to each other and how they communicate is determined by the network's topology. Network Topology refers to the layout of a network and how different nodes in a network are connected to each other and how they communicate
     • Star Topology: In a star network devices are connected to a central computer, called a hub. Nodes communicate across the network by passing data through the hub. Star Network Main Advantage: In a star network, one malfunctioning node doesn't affect the rest of the network. Main Disadvantage: If the central computer fails, the entire network becomes unusable.
     • Bus Topology: In networking a bus is the central cable -- the main wire -- that connects all devices on a local-area network (LAN). It is also called the backbone. This is often used to describe the main network connections composing the Internet. Bus networks are relatively inexpensive and easy to install for small networks. Ethernet systems use a bus topology. Bus Topology Main Advantage: It's easy to connect a computer or device and typically it requires less cable than a star topology. Main Disadvantage: The entire network shuts down if there is a break in the main wire and it can be difficult to identify the problem if the network shuts down.

2. Utility Software

   • System software that is designed to help analyse, configure, optimise and maintain a computer.
     • Can sometimes be installed as memory-resident programs
   • Program that performs a specific task
     • Usually related to managing system resources
   • Utility software is software designed to help to analyze, configure, optimize or maintain a computer. It is used to support the computer infrastructure - in contrast to application software, which is aimed at directly performing tasks that benefit ordinary users.
   • Utility software helps to manage, maintain and control computer resources. Examples of utility programs are antivirus software, backup software and disk tools.
   • Examples of system utilities: Anti-virus utilities scan for computer viruses and block or remove them. Clipboard managers expand the clipboard functionality of an operating system. Computer access control software grants or denies requests for access to system resources. Debuggers typically permit the examination and modification of data and program instructions in memory and on disk. Diagnostic programs determine and report the operational status of computer hardware and software. Memory testers are one example.

3. Pseudo Code

   • An informal way of programming
     • It does not require any strict programming language syntax
       • It is not an actual programming language
   • INPUT – indicates a user will be inputting something OUTPUT – indicates that an output will appear on the screen WHILE – a loop (iteration that has a condition at the beginning) FOR – a counting loop (iteration) REPEAT – UNTIL – a loop (iteration) that has a condition at the end IF – THEN – ELSE – a decision (selection) in which a choice is made
   • Pseudocode can be used to plan out programs.
   • Pseudocode makes creating programs easier. Programs can be complex and long; preparation is the key. For years, flowcharts were used to map out programs before writing one line of code in a language. However, they were difficult to modify and with the advancement of programming languages, it was difficult to display all parts of a program with a flowchart. It is challenging to find a mistake without understanding the complete flow of a program.