Computer Applications
A company has brought laptop computers for training purposes and for information retrieval. These computers will use the internet and have multimedia capabilities.
(a) State two advantages and one disadvantage of using the internet to search for information when compared to using CD-ROMs or paper-based systems.
(b) The laptops are linked to the network using wireless connections. Give one advantage and one disadvantage of using wireless connections.
Answer
(a) The advantages of using the internet for information retrieval compared to CD-ROMs or paper-based systems are:
- Vast Information — The internet offers a vast and constantly updated pool of information, providing a wider range of resources than limited CD-ROMs or static paper-based systems.
- Convenience and Speed — Internet access allows quick and convenient access to information from anywhere, eliminating the need to carry physical media like CD-ROMs or search through printed materials.
Disadvantage — Internet searching lacks the reliability and authenticity of CD-ROMs or printed sources due to mixed accuracy, making verification harder.
(b) An advantage of using wireless connections is mobility. Wireless connections enable laptops to connect from different locations within coverage area without cables.
A disadvantage of using wireless connections is that wireless connections can suffer from interference and obstacles, causing potential connectivity problems and lower reliability than wired connections.
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