a.

What is the diference between synchronous data transfer and asynchronous data

transfer.

Synchronous

Synchronous data transmission takes longer if it is on low error-rate lines, but is

quicker if it is a system where the transmission medium is by radio signal, laser
beam or electric wire; however, these mediums are less reliable.

Asynchronous

Asynchronous data transmission is generally faster but less reliable

b. Why the interfaces devices needed between computer and software system?
c. Describe FOUR (4) diferences between serial data transfer and parallel data
transfer.
1. Serial communication transfers one data bit at a time, while parallel
communication transfers many data bits at a time. Serial communication
transmits data bits sequentially, while parallel communication transmits
data bits simultaneously allowing larger amounts of data to be transferred.

2. Serial communication requires less wires and cables and is ideal for
transferring data over long distances. Parallel data transmission uses
more wires causing transmitted signals to become distorted and the data
unreliable when communicating over long distances.

3. Serial ports require less pins than parallel ports, so the hardware for
machines using serial ports is smaller. Parallel transmission requires more
wires which results in serial transmission being less costly.

4. parallel data transfer refers to the type of data transfer in which a group of
bits are transferred simultaneously while serial data transfer refers to the
type of data transfer in which a group of data bits are transferred one bit at
a time. so that means that the amount of data transferred serially is less
that the data transferred parallelly per second.