1. Describe the function of a defragmentation utility.
2. (a) Explain the function of cache memory, as it relates to the functions
of the CPU, the RAM, and the data bus.
(b) Outline the need for virtual memory.
3. Alex’s PC is 5 years old. The hard-disk is about half full, which is okay, but Alex finds that all the applications run too slowly. She wishes to upgrade the hardware, by doing one or more of the following:
(a) Explain why adding more RAM might speed up one of the applications, clearly
identifying which application you are discussing.
(b) Explain why replacing the CPU will probably not speed up Internet downloads.
(c) Explain why none of the upgrades listed is likely to speed up word-processing.
(d) One possible CPU upgrade would significantly increase the cache memory,
but this new CPU runs at the same speed as the old one. Outline the function
of cache memory, and state whether or not it is possible that this upgrade would
speed up the applications.
(e) Alex found out that hardware upgrades are expensive, and is looking for
ways to speed up the applications without hardware upgrades. State the name
of a software utility which might speed some of the applications (above), and
outline how this software utility functions.