BTEC Computing Unit 2 questions and
answers 2025/2026 latest update
Utility software - answerSoftware used by the OS to help manage resources and services for computer
systems.
Features of utility software - answerSecurity, Connectivity, Back up and Restore.
Uses of utility software - answerData compression, Disk defragmentation, Data encryption, Back up,
Anti-virus software and registry cleaners.
Factors affecting performance of utility software - answerCPU, GPU and Memory.
Factors affecting choices of utility software - answerCost, Ease of use and Availability.
Application software - answerComputer program used to perform functions and activities for the user.
Features of application software - answerStorage of data, Creating and editing documents, GUI and
Menus.
Uses of application software - answerE-mail, Word processing, Database programs, Spreadsheet
programs and Desktop publishing.
Factors affecting performance of application software - answerComplexity, Design, The network, Ability
to use memory efficiently and The processing required.
Factors affecting choices of application software - answerCost, Ease of use, Availability and Design.
Principles of open source - answerFree, Interchangeable for anyone.
, Implications of open source - answercan be copied, less secure and can be edited by anyone with access
to the code.
CPU (Central Processing Unit) - answerThe CPU is the part of the computer where operations are
managed and executed. Performance is measured by instructions executed per unit time.
Hardware used in output devices - answerThese are used to get anything out of the computer/ provide
data to the user
- Printers
- Screens
- Projectors
- Speakers
Backing storage types e.g USB memory stick - answerExternal hardware for example optical disks (CDs).
USB memory sticks: a removable device that can store data, measured in gigabytes and terabytes.
Capacity typically starts at 2GB but can go as high as 512GB or 1TB. 2.0 USB can transfer data at 60
megabytes per second. 3.0 USB can transfer up to 640 megabytes per second.
Multi-functional device - answerThese are devices that perform multiple functions, for example a
printer.
Motherboard - answerA circuit board, located on the bottom or at the back of the computer chassis
which has connectors for other circuit boards and the principal components of a computer to be slotted
into. Allows communication to the CPU, RAM, as well as all other computer hardware components.
Personal computer - answerA computer widely used for work and used by individuals.
Power Supply (PSU) - answerSupplies power to a computer. Usually, personal computers can be plugged
into standard electrical outlets where the power supply then pulls the required amount of electricity
and coverts the current from AC to DC.
Mobile devices - answerThese are multi-functional, as they not only consist of a computer but often a
camera and a phone.
answers 2025/2026 latest update
Utility software - answerSoftware used by the OS to help manage resources and services for computer
systems.
Features of utility software - answerSecurity, Connectivity, Back up and Restore.
Uses of utility software - answerData compression, Disk defragmentation, Data encryption, Back up,
Anti-virus software and registry cleaners.
Factors affecting performance of utility software - answerCPU, GPU and Memory.
Factors affecting choices of utility software - answerCost, Ease of use and Availability.
Application software - answerComputer program used to perform functions and activities for the user.
Features of application software - answerStorage of data, Creating and editing documents, GUI and
Menus.
Uses of application software - answerE-mail, Word processing, Database programs, Spreadsheet
programs and Desktop publishing.
Factors affecting performance of application software - answerComplexity, Design, The network, Ability
to use memory efficiently and The processing required.
Factors affecting choices of application software - answerCost, Ease of use, Availability and Design.
Principles of open source - answerFree, Interchangeable for anyone.
, Implications of open source - answercan be copied, less secure and can be edited by anyone with access
to the code.
CPU (Central Processing Unit) - answerThe CPU is the part of the computer where operations are
managed and executed. Performance is measured by instructions executed per unit time.
Hardware used in output devices - answerThese are used to get anything out of the computer/ provide
data to the user
- Printers
- Screens
- Projectors
- Speakers
Backing storage types e.g USB memory stick - answerExternal hardware for example optical disks (CDs).
USB memory sticks: a removable device that can store data, measured in gigabytes and terabytes.
Capacity typically starts at 2GB but can go as high as 512GB or 1TB. 2.0 USB can transfer data at 60
megabytes per second. 3.0 USB can transfer up to 640 megabytes per second.
Multi-functional device - answerThese are devices that perform multiple functions, for example a
printer.
Motherboard - answerA circuit board, located on the bottom or at the back of the computer chassis
which has connectors for other circuit boards and the principal components of a computer to be slotted
into. Allows communication to the CPU, RAM, as well as all other computer hardware components.
Personal computer - answerA computer widely used for work and used by individuals.
Power Supply (PSU) - answerSupplies power to a computer. Usually, personal computers can be plugged
into standard electrical outlets where the power supply then pulls the required amount of electricity
and coverts the current from AC to DC.
Mobile devices - answerThese are multi-functional, as they not only consist of a computer but often a
camera and a phone.
