Cambridge IGCSE ICT Theory

Workbook Answers
● ● 1 Types and components of a computer system
1 a hard disk drive/processor
b mouse
c monitor/screen
d keyboard
e solid state memory/SSD
f
printer
[6 marks]
2
Definition
Item from list
Software used to manipulate photographs stored on a computer
photo editing software
Software which obtains data from sensors allowing computers to monitor and
control external activities
control and measurement
software
Software used to manipulate and organise numerical data; data is put into a grid
of numbered rows and lettered columns
spreadsheet

operating system

compiler
Software running in the background of a computer which manages most of the
basic functions, such as user interface and memory management
Software that translates a program written in a high level language into machine
code so that it can be directly run on the computer
Software that takes one or more object files produced by a language translator
and combines them into a single program that can be run on a computer
linker
Software that enables one or more hardware devices to communicate with the
computer’s operating system
device driver
[7 marks]
3
Statement
True
False
Streaming videos to mobile phones using 4G networks has faster data transfer
rates than using WiFi
✔
Mainframe computers have smaller internal memories than desktop computers
✔
Spreadsheets and word processors are examples of applications software
✔

✔
Video cards and sound cards are typical examples of computer software
✔
Examples of utilities include anti-virus software, anti-spyware software and screen
savers
[5 marks]
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4 a
Advantages
Disadvantages
• user is in direct communication with the
computer
• user needs to learn a number of
commands
• user not restricted to a number of pre-
determined options
• all commands need to be keyed in which
takes time and can be error-prone
CLI
• it is possible to alter computer
configuration settings directly
• user doesn’t need to learn any commands • uses up considerably more computer
memory than CLI interface
• more user-friendly; icons used to
represent applications
• user is limited to the icons provided on
screen
GUI
• pointing devices used to select icons and
launch applications – easier than typing
in commands
• need an OS (e.g. Windows) to operate
GUI which uses up much memory
[8 marks]

[2 marks]

b CLI: programmer, analyst or technician – somebody who needs to have direct

communication with the computer
GUI: end-user; somebody who uses the computer to run Apps, play games or
store/manipulate photos, for example
5 a i
tablet
ii very fast start up
fully portable
touch screen technology makes them simple to use
have built-in cameras, MP3/4 players and so on
don’t generate any heat – use solid state technology
battery life of tablets greater than laptop
even when switched off they go into stand-by and can still receive ‘events’
iii often have limited memory compared to laptops
can be expensive to run if use 3G/4G/5G mobile phone networks
typing on touch screens can be slow and error-prone
transferring of files often needs to be done through an Apps Store
don’t support as many types of file format as laptops, for example
iv high definition, anti-glare screens
front- and back-facing cameras
very low weight
uses Bluetooth connection to other devices
use cloud storage facilities to back-up and synchronise other devices/data sources
sensors which can carry out the following functions:
proximity sensors to detect if device is close to the ear
accelerometer which detects orientation of device
use of speech recognition systems allowing users to ask verbal questions
security devices such as fingerprint recognition
[6 marks]
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b
i
laptop
ii portable compared to desktop computers
because unit is fully integrated, no trailing wires or need to carry devices such as screens
they can make full advantage of WiFi facilities
since they are portable, they can link into any multi-media system
iii since they are portable, they are easier to steal
they have limited battery life compared to tablets
keyboards and pointing devices can be more awkward to use than desktop computers
iv lightweight … often make use of solid state technology
lower power consumption than desktop computer, therefore generate less
heat/consume less power
[6 marks]
c
i
smartphone
ii very small in size and lightweight – therefore easier to always have on your person
can use them to make phone calls, surf the net while on the move
can be used almost anywhere since they can use WiFi or mobile phone networks
have hundreds of Apps including cameras, mp3 players, etc.
even better battery life than tablets
iii small screens make pages more difficult to read and small keyboards can be difficult/slower to
enter text than laptops, for example
web browsing and photography can drain the battery quickly
memory size is poor compared to laptops and desktops
not all website features are compatible with mobile phones
data transfer rate can be very slow if mobile phone networks are used
iv send/receive emails
surf the net (e.g. order goods on the move)
global positioning system (use of maps to navigate to a location)
calendar functions
telephone banking (send and receive money using the banking Apps)
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) – telephone network using the Internet which also allows
video calling
streaming of videos
streaming of music (from radio stations for example)
instant access to social networks (social contact with friends no matter where you
are in the World)
instant messaging
[6 marks]
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6 a computer-assisted translation (CAT)
b 3D/holographic imaging
c quantum cryptography
d virtual reality
e vision enhancement
f
artif cial intelligence biometrics
[6 marks]
7 a RAM
random access memory
internal chip where data is stored temporarily
memory can be written to and read from
holds data/f les/part of OS currently in use
contents lost on turning off power i.e. temporary/volatile memory
b ROM
read only memory
stores information/data that needs to be permanent
contents remain even when power turned off i.e. permanent/non-volatile memory
data on ROM cannot be altered by user/can only be read from
used to store BIOS etc.
c BIOS
basic input/output system
when computer turned on, BIOS carries out hardware check …
… then loads up operating system into RAM
d CMOS
complementary metal oxide semi-conductor
stores the date, time and system conf guration for BIOS
chip is battery-powered
e Mother board
printed circuit board
allows processor and other hardware to function and communicate with each other
acts as a kind of ‘hub’ that other devices connect to
contains several sockets and slots to connect to the other components
[10 marks]
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8 Banded response question
Level 3 (7–8 marks)
[8 marks]
Candidate will address all three aspects of the question and consider a number of different uses of each
technology. Information will be relevant, clear, organised and presented in a structured and coherent format.
Level 2 (4–6 marks)
Candidate will address all three aspects of the question and consider one different use of each
technology. Most of the information will be relevant and presented in a reasonably structured and
coherent format. Some part of the description of the operation of the technology will be missing.
Level 1 (0–3 marks)
Some of the description of how the technology works or applications will be missing. Description will
not always be relevant or coherent.
Marking points:
Artifcial intelligence (AI) biometrics
• many f ngerprint identif cation systems falsely reject a person’s f ngerprints
• when the scanned f ngerprints are checked against the database no matches are found; this is a
known problem with this biometric technology
• artif cial intelligence (AI) biometrics overcomes this problem by using dynamic prof ling
• the system learns by using AI about a person’s f ngerprints on every scan
• this means a person doesn’t have to worry about getting their f nger in exactly the right place every
time on the scanner
• the system learns from the different alignments and is therefore still able to match the f ngerprints
to those stored on a database
• facial recognition systems suffer from the same problem
• a human being is still able to recognise a face even if the person has grown facial hair, now wears
glasses or has aged
• existing facial recognition systems are confused by such soft biometric changes
• new systems use artif cial intelligence to learn from scanning a number of faces and they can pick
out these soft biometric features
• this means the system can still recognise faces and cross-reference these attributes with
corresponding images stored on the database
Quantum cryptography
• quantum cryptography is the science of making a message unintelligible to any unauthorised user
(e.g. a hacker)
• this technique is often referred to as encryption
• there are many methods of cryptography in existence, but all of them have a limited life as
computers become faster and faster at number crunching
• a consequence of this is that a hacker is increasingly likely over the next few years to decipher
encrypted messages unless computer designers can further strengthen security systems
• quantum cryptography is based on the use of photons (light) and their physical quantum properties
to produce a virtually unbreakable cryptography system
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• this helps protect the security of data which is being transmitted over f bre optic cables
• the technology relies on the fact that photons oscillate in various directions and produce a sequence
of random bits (0s and 1s) across the optical network
• it is all based on the laws of physics rather than mathematics (which is how current cryptography
methods work)
Virtual reality
• virtual reality is an artif cial environment created by software
• the user makes use of data goggles, sensor suits, data gloves or helmets to get a feeling of reality
(i.e. the feeling of ‘being there’)
• the technology is used in training (e.g. in a nuclear reactor where the user can see all the walls,
pipes, vessels and valves as if they were inside the reactors) and …
• … can thus be trained safely to deal with certain events, education (e.g. explore the inside of a building
such as a castle in a history lesson) or in games (where the user can interact as if they were there)
• virtual reality is used in all of the following areas:
• military applications (e.g. training to use a new tank)
• education (e.g. looking inside an ancient building as part of a history lesson)
• healthcare (e.g. as a diagnostic tool)
• entertainment (e.g. games where gloves, goggles or helmets are worn to give realism to the scenario
and even to give visuals or sound to make it seem very real)
• fashion (e.g. to do fashion shows before doing the real thing – see the clothes on people, check out
the venue and so on)
• heritage (e.g. showing monuments like Stonehenge)
• business (e.g. training courses and role-playing scenarios for staff)
• engineering (e.g. seeing how new designs like bridges will look etc.)
• sport (e.g. a golfer trying to improve his swing can use this technology and get feedback to improve
his game)
• media (e.g. special effects in f lms; for example, The Matrix movie)
• scientif c visualisation (e.g. looking at molecular structures in chemistry)

● ● 2 Input and output devices

1
Application
MICR
Touchscreen
Sensor
Reading the numbers found on a cheque
✔
Inputting the temperature directly in an industrial process
Selecting a choice on an ATM
✔
✔
Inputting moisture levels in a greenhouse directly
✔
[4 marks]
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2 a i
OCR
optical character recognition/reader
software that takes text and converts it into a computer-readable form
ii OMR
optical mark recognition/reader
device/method that can read marks written in pencil or pen
position of the mark is stored in computer memory after being scanned by OMR device
[2 marks]
b
OCR
OMR
• because the method uses handwriting, it
is possible for customers to extend their
replies/answers
• since this involves f lling in lozenges
information obtained is limited to the
choices offered in each question
• the method can read handwriting but poor • position of marks is compared to a template
handwriting can cause errors
stored in memory … it is a totally automatic
data entry method
• used for converting printed documents to
an editable electronic format
• it is ideal for multiple choice questions since
only a limited number of choices are given
• it is a very complex method
• needs fewer user instructions
• it is a simpler method than OCR
• needs more instructions to allow user to
complete the form
• more accurate than entering data via a
keyboard but some handwriting can cause
problems
• it is a more accurate method of reading data
[4 marks]
3 a Input devices
barcode reader
scans in barcodes from products
touch screen
allows choices to be entered (e.g. loose fruit or vegetables)
keyboard/keypad
enter barcode number if barcode fails to scan, enter number of items
electronic scales
automatically enter weight of loose items
chip and PIN reader
allows customers card to be used to pay for goods
Output devices
printer
produces itemised bill/receipt for the customer
screen/monitor
shows running totals, item description
speaker/beeper
conf rms barcode read successfully/gives error if barcode failed to scan correctly
[8 marks]
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b Manager
no need to price each item individually
allows automatic stock control to take place
better trending of products/system can easily produce sales reports
much easier to alter prices
can have unmanned check-outs, saving staff costs
Customer
itemised billing/proof of purchase
shorter queues at check-out
cost savings can be passed on to customer
less chance of errors in f nal bill
allows automatic check-outs for customers
[4 marks]

[1 mark]
4 a quick response code
b no need for user to actually key in a website address – done automatically by scanning
QR code with a camera
codes can store website addresses that appear in magazines etc. providing an effective
means of advertising
can store more information that 2-D barcodes
[2 marks]

[3 marks]

c tourist can scan QR code using smartphone/tablet

websites will be automatically downloaded
information such as phone numbers for taxis and restaurants can be found quickly/easily
information about tourist spots can be found in their own language
no need to queue at information kiosks to f nd tourist information
5 a Additive
object is built up layer by layer
Direct 3-D printing
uses inkjet technology
print head moves left to right and up and down to build up layers
Binder 3-D printing
this method uses two passes for each layer being built up
f rst pass sprays f ne powder and second pass sprays a binder to form a solid layer
b car enthusiast f nds blue prints of part(s) on line or has drawing produced (using CAD)
[3 marks]
if it is diff cult to produce drawing, can use laser or other 3-D scanning techniques to produce a
3-D image
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the drawing is then prepared using software so that it is in a form which can be understood by a
3-D printer
the drawing is sent to a 3-D printer where it is built up layer by layer
part is removed from printer and unwanted bits are removed from f nal part
c prosthetic limbs
[3 marks]
allows precision reconstructive surgery
aerospace to make lightweight parts
fashion and art to make one-off objects
manufacture of old artefacts which are exact in their copy but cause no damage to
original
[3 marks]
6
Input device
Application
can replace mouse as pointing device
used in control rooms where space is limited
Trackerball
can help people who have limited hand/arm movement to communicate with a
computer
used in some luxury cars as a device for navigating options on a screen
computer/video games
Joystick
simulations such as driving or f ight
airport/railway station information kiosks
in restaurant/café where limited number of items
any application which needs to be tamper-proof

televisions and satellite receivers

Concept keyboard
DVD players/hif systems
control of multi-media devices
Remote control
in industry to have remote control e.g. to stop/start machinery
in conference rooms to control lighting levels, close/open blinds etc. automatically
input speech/sound in presentations/voice-overs
used with voice recognition software (input data into a computer using voice, input
commands verbally in a car, etc.)
Microphone
used as a sensor to pick up sounds (e.g. burglar alarm)
used in communication applications such as VoIP
[5 marks]
7 Motors
automatic washing machines
cooker fans
water pumps in central heating
open windows/doors automatically
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Buzzers
used in cookers/microwave ovens to indicate end of cooking cycle
used in burglar alarm systems to give intruder alert
Lights
security lights
in glasshouses/greenhouses to control lighting environment
Heaters
automatic washing machines to heat up water
control temperature of a hot plate
central heating/air-con systems
temperature control in chemical processes
[6 marks]
8 a USB port
connect camera directly to USB port on a computer and transfer f les
direct reading of SD/XD card
memory card is slotted directly into computer and f les uploaded
wif or Bluetooth
f les can be transferred by synchronising camera with computer and upload f les wirelessly
emailing/sms
some cameras allow the f les to be emailed or sent as SMS messages (particularly
useful if camera is part of a smartphone)
[3 marks]
b better lenses in cameras
larger memories in cameras
stand-alone cameras still have greater number of features
more software options for manipulating images
stand-alone cameras often have greater number of pixels in images
[2 marks]
9 a LEDs reach their maximum brightness almost immediately (there is no need to ‘warm up’ before
reaching full eff ciency)
LEDs give a whiter light which sharpens the image and makes the colours appear more vivid; CCFL
had a slightly yellowish tint
LEDs produce a brighter light which improves the colour def nition
monitors using LED technology are much thinner than monitors using CCFL technology
LEDs last almost indef nitely; this makes the technology more reliable and makes for a more
consistent product
LEDs consume very little power which means they produce less heat as well as using less
energy
[3 marks]
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b i organic light emitting diode
these use organic materials (made up of carbon compounds) to create semi-conductors
which are very f exible
organic f lms are sandwiched between two charged electrodes
[1 mark]
ii the plastic, organic layers of an OLED are thinner, lighter and more f exible than the crystal
structures used in LEDs or LCDs
the light-emitting layers of an OLED are lighter; OLED layers can be made from plastic rather
than the glass as used in LED and LCD screens
OLEDs give a brighter light than LEDs
OLEDs do not require backlighting like LCD screens - OLEDs generate their own light
since OLEDs require no backlighting, they use much less power than LCD screens (most of the
LCD power is used to do the backlighting); this is very important in battery-operated devices
such as mobile phones.
since OLEDs are essentially plastics, they can be made into large, thin sheets (this means they
can be used on large advertising boards in airports, subways, and so on)
OLEDs have a very large f eld of view, about 170 degrees, which makes them ideal
for use in television sets and for advertising screens
[2 marks]
10
Sensor
Application
• washing machines
• ovens
Temperature
• central heating systems
• greenhouses
• burglar alarm systems
Pressure

Acoustic/sound

pH

• washing machines
• environmental monitoring
• burglar alarm systems
• liquid/powder f ow in pipes
• environmental monitoring
• maintain acidity of soil
• maintain pH of a chemical process
• pollution measurements in rivers/sea
• greenhouse moisture levels
• monitoring air quality
Humidity/moisture
• atmospheric monitoring in factories where humidity levels need to
be controlled (e.g. in the manufacture of microchips)
[5 marks]
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11 a MICR
b barcode reader/scanner
c OMR
d magnetic stripe reader/chip and PIN reader
[4 marks]
12
Statement
True
False
Webcams record images before being transmitted
✔
Light pens only work with CRT monitors
✔

✔
Graphics tablets allow drawings to be modif ed prior to input

Data from microphones can be directly processed by a computer

✔

✔
Optical mice use light to transmit data directly to the computer
Ergonomic keyboards are much smaller than standard QWERTY keyboards
✔
Driving (steering) wheels use sensors to detect left/right movement to give
the sensation of steering
✔
[7 marks]
13 a RFID
i
Use
live-stock tracking (so that whereabouts of each animal on a farm is known; it also identif es
which farm owns the animal)
in retail (this is similar to barcodes but doesn’t require any scanning; the details such as price
can be stored on the tag and then automatically read at a check-out – a big advantage is that
several tags can be read at the same time thus speeding up the check-out process)
in passes (for example, in Theme Parks; RFID cards eliminate the need to scan or swipe people
before ‘rides’, reducing the waiting time; it also allows the tracking of people in the Theme
Park and certain information, such as height or age, can be stored to prevent entry to certain
rides on safety grounds)
in libraries (books can be tracked in and out automatically by readers at the library entrance; no
need to scan barcodes or magnetic stripe cards, making the process quicker and more accurate)
contactless credit/debit cards
ii Operation
radio frequency identif cation readers (RFID) use radio waves to read and capture information
stored on a tag
the tag can be read from several metres distance which is one of its advantages over the
barcode system
the RFID tag is made up of two components
• a microchip that stores and processes information
• an antenna which is used to receive and transmit data/information
the tags can be passive or battery-powered
passive tags use the reader’s radio wave energy to relay back the information; battery-
powered tags use a small embedded battery to power the RFID
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b Contactless card reader
i
Use
contactless debit or credit cards allow customers to pay for items worth up to $25 without
entering their PIN.
all contactless cards have a small chip embedded in them;
this chip emits radio waves (RFID).
to pay for an item the card is held within a few centimetres of the payment terminal
the terminal picks up the signal from the chip and allows the transaction to be processed
ii Operation
customers look out for the
symbol on the payment terminal
the shop assistant enters the amount for payment
the card reader informs the customer to present their contactless card
the customer holds their card in front of the card reader
the terminal display will indicate that the card has been read
[6 marks]
14
Description of stage
Order of stage
3-D printer is now set up to allow the solid object to be ‘printed’
3
Finalised drawing is imported into 3-D printing software that prepares data in a format
understood by the printer
2

4
Object removed from the 3-D printer and any unwanted material is cut or washed away to
produce a f nal solid object
Design is made using CAD software or blueprint downloaded from the internet
Solid object is now built up layer by layer; each layer is 0.1mm thick and printing can take
several hours
[5 marks]
15
Description of use
Name of device
inkjet printer
Produce high quality ‘one-off’ printing, such as a photograph
Produces continuous stationery and multi-part printouts

Produces high quality printing where high volume is also required

Produces very large printouts, such as an A0 drawing

dot matrix printer

laser (jet) printer

(graph) plotter
[4 marks]
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16 1 = temperature/pH sensor
2 = pH/temperature sensor
3 = ADC
4 = microprocessor/computer
5 = DAC
6 = valve
[6 marks]

[7 marks]
17 Banded response question
Level 3 (6–7 marks)
Candidate will discuss at least one advantage and one disadvantage of each item. Information will
be relevant, clear, organised and well presented in a structured and coherent format. Some form of
conclusion/reasoned argument for choosing one of the printers for maximum marks.
Level 2 (4–6 marks)
Candidate will mention disadvantages and advantages of all three devices but some evidence of
repeated information (e.g. dot matrix printers have lower quality output than inkjet printers; inkjet
printers produce better quality output than dot matrix printers). Most of the information will be
relevant and presented in a reasonably structured and coherent format. No evidence of any reasoned
conclusions.
Level 1 (0–3 marks)
No real comparison made with some general features of each type of printer only. Descriptions are not
very coherent or even conf icting.
Marking points:
Benefts oflaser printers
• printing is fast (unless only a few pages are to be printed in which case they are little faster than
inkjet printers)
• they can handle very large print jobs
• the quality is consistently high
• toner cartridges last for a long time (and the printers can sometimes be a cost-effective option
particularly if colour outputs are not required)
Drawbacks oflaser printers
• only really fast if several copies are being made
• colour laser printers tend to be expensive to run (4 colour/black cartridges are needed plus diffuser
kits etc. which are expensive to purchase)
• they produce ozone and volatile organic compounds because of their method of printing and type of
toner/ink used (these have been linked to health hazards in the off ce)
Benefts ofinkjet printers
• high quality output
• cheaper to buy than laser printers
• very lightweight and have a small footprint
• don’t produce ozone and volatile organic compounds unlike laser printers
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Drawbacks of inkjet printers
• slow output if several copies needed (little buffer capacity to store the pages)
• can’t do large print jobs (ink cartridges run out too quickly)
• printing can ‘smudge’ if user is not careful
• can be expensive if used a lot (original ink cartridges are expensive to buy)
Benef ts of dot matrix printers
• they can be used in environments which would be a problem to laser or inkjet printers (e.g. dusty/
dirty or moist atmospheres)
• carbon copies or multi-part outputs can be produced
• very cheap to run and maintain
• easy to use if continuous stationery is required (e.g. long print jobs such as wages slips)
Drawbacks of dot matrix printers
• very noisy – not good in an off ce environment
• actually cost more than an inkjet printer to buy initially
• very slow poor quality printing

● ● 3 Storage devices and media

1 a
NMF:
[4 marks]
1
2
3
4

6
7

9
10

11

12

M
13

14

TF or MF?
T
T
M
M
M
b
1GB
1KB
1TB
1MB
✔
[1 mark
]
c 1000
[2 marks]
2
Storage device
Magnetic
Optical
Solid state
Hard disk
✔
Flash memory card
✔
Blu-ray disk
CD-ROM
✔
✔
Memory stick
DVD-RAM
✔
✔
[6 marks]
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3 Blu-ray disks use blue laser light
DVDs use red laser light
Blu-ray uses a single 1.1mm thick polycarbonate disk
DVDs use a sandwich of two 0.6mm disks
DVDs suffer from birefringence/light refraction due to dual layer format
Blu-ray disks have built-in encryption systems
DVD track pitch is 2.5 times that of Blu-ray
[4 marks]
4 a more reliable/no moving parts
considerably lighter
don’t have to ‘get up to speed’
have low power consumption
run much cooler than HDD
very thin because no moving parts
much faster data access than HDD
b tablet – very thin/light/less battery drain/run cooler
smartphones – very light/don’t use much power/run cooler
[4 marks]

[4 marks]
5
Primary
Secondary
Off-line
RAM
HDD
Blu-ray
ROM
SSD
DVD-RAM
Removable HDD
f ash memory
[6 marks]
6
Media
Serial
Direct
Magnetic tape
Magnetic disk

CD-RW
✔
✔
✔
[3 marks]

[6 marks]
7 Banded response question

Level 3 (5–6 marks)

Candidate will discuss at least three reasons why optical media is becoming obsolescent. The discussion
will include at least two different types of storage which are competing. Some form of conclusion/
reasoned argument why optical media is becoming obsolescent.
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Level 2 (3–4 marks)
Candidate will discuss at least three reasons why optical media is becoming obsolescent. The
alternatives will be rather sketchy with little reason why they could ‘take over’. Most of the information
will be relevant and be presented in a reasonably structured and coherent format. No evidence of any
reasoned conclusions.
Level 1 (0–2 marks)
No real comparison made with alternatives to optical media. Descriptions are not very coherent or even
conf icting.
Marking points:
• in recent times both the CD and DVD are showing signs of becoming obsolete
• many computer systems now come with USB connectors only and no DVD or CD drive
• the main method of transferring f les between devices has become the f ash memory
• many people now store all their music in the following ways:
• on hard disk drive systems
• in MP3 format on:
• a computer/tablet
• their mobile/smart phone
• a portable music player (such as ipod)
• using the ‘cloud’ to store all their f les so they can access their music from anywhere in the world
• by ‘streaming’ their music from the internet; provided the user has an internet connection, they
can access music through a laptop computer, mobile phone, tablet or any other receiving device
• it is also a similar story for movies where streaming is becoming increasingly more common.
• many television sets are now set up as ‘smart’ televisions – this means it is possible to simply stream
movies or television programmes on demand without the need for any DVD or Blu-ray players.
• in effect, the television set has become the central computer with a link to the internet using
wireless connection.
• f oppy disks met the same fate in the early 21st century.
• how often do you see f oppy disks any more?
• it is very likely that CDs and DVDs will meet the same fate and will be replaced by one of the systems
described above or something entirely new

● ● 4 Networks and the effects of using them

1 a NIC (network interface card)
modem/router
hub/switch
network cables
external telephone line
[3 marks]
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b social networking
booking theatre/cinema tickets/train tickets
computer games
ebooks
streaming music/videos
send/receive emails
blogs
carrying out research
reading latest news/current affairs
c copy data onto removable storage medium
save at regular intervals
store medium away from main computer in shop
make incremental back-ups
make use of cloud storage
d
[3 marks]

[3 marks]

Password
Pas5word

Ken123
Weak (✔)
Strong (✔)
✔
✔
Ab!*56@@
15April2000

TXwm50.
✔

✔
✔
[5 marks]
2 a i
LAN
local area network
close geographically e.g. in one building
uses hubs and switches
ii WAN
wide area network
covers large geographical area e.g. continents
examples include the internet
iii WLAN
wireless local area network
provides wireless network communications
uses access points (APs) or hot spots which are connected to the network
[6 marks]
b 1 = hub/switch
2 = server
3 = bridge
4 = router
5 = internet
[5 marks]
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c Advantages
no cabling therefore increased f exibility
easier to add new devices
reduced costs since less cabling
Disadvantages
less secure than wired networks since signal can be ‘piggy-backed’
possible objects blocking signal
possible interference from other radio sources
slower data transfer rates
[2 marks]
3 a
Item of information
Present
Size of the packet (in MB)
Header to identify data packet

Sender’s IP address
✔

✔
Identity of each node covering whole route

Identity number of each packet

✔
[3 marks]

[2 marks]
b packets reassembled in the correct order
according to identity number on packet
4 a Advantages
very portable; can be used almost anywhere provided a mobile phone network signal can be
accessed
a person is more likely to have a mobile phone with them at all times
it is easier to use a mobile phone while on the move than the other devices
Disadvantages
expensive to use if WiFi ‘hot spot’ not available
the displays on mobile phones are smaller than the other devices – this makes it more diff cult to
read web pages
keyboards are very small – it is therefore more diff cult to type messages or navigate web pages
not all websites are mobile-friendly; therefore not all websites may be accessible
signal less likely to be stable or reliable as a wired system (used by PCs and laptops)
b Advantages
laptops are more mobile than desktops but heavier and less portable than tablets or mobile phones
touch pads on laptops are not as easy to use as a mouse when navigating web pages; but much
easier than mobile phones
the keyboards on laptops are not as easy to use as a desktop but are much better than those on a
mobile phone
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Disadvantages
although the screen size is usually bigger than a mobile (and some tablets) they are not usually as
large as those on desktops
to allow laptops to use phone networks requires expensive ‘dongles’
processors used in laptops are not usually as powerful as those used in desktops – so access speed
is not as quick
c
Advantages
tend to have more powerful/faster processors than other devices
usually have more stable and more reliable internet connection since they are use a wired system
rather than WiFi
all web pages are accessible due to larger screen size than other devices
use of full-sized keyboard and pointing devices, such as a mouse, make web page navigation
much easier
Disadvantages
to allow a desktop to access the phone network requires an expensive ‘dongle’
because the parts are all separate and because of the large size, desktop computers
are not very portable
[9 marks]
5
Traditional faxes
Emails
• more likely to be intercepted or read by ‘the • more secure system since documents are
wrong people’
password-protected
• signatures on received documents can be
accepted as legal documents
• documents are usually of a higher quality
• received documents can be more easily
modif ed or used in other documents
• can be a delay in sending documents if
telephone line is busy
• easier and quicker to send to multiple
recipients
[7 marks]
6 information on the internet more likely to be up to date
easier to f nd information using a search engine
vast amounts of information which is easier to locate than using several textbooks
however, information can be inaccurate or biased
risk of information overload when using search engines
security issues (viruses etc.)
risk of plagiarism
risk of undesirable websites
[5 marks]
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7 a Webcams
very large monitors/TVs
microphones
speakers
CODEC software
echo cancellation software
hardware drivers
[3 marks]
b Potential issues
lag in responses
expensive to set up/buy equipment
time zones can give problems when setting up meetings
need to train users, which is both costly and time consuming
relies on good internet connections
Advantages
easier to access key documents or ‘bring in’ experts as required at each video conference venue
can hold a meeting at short notice
reduced travelling costs and accommodation costs
doesn’t take people away from their work for several days (due to travelling) which can be
expensive in terms of salary
reduced risk – f ying, terrorist attacks and so on
[4 marks]
8 a Webinars
web conferencing (often referred to as a webinar) uses the internet to permit conferencing to
take place
with webinars multiple computers are used all connected over the internet
as with video conferencing, it is carried out in real time, and allows the following to take place:
• business meetings to discuss new ideas
• making presentations
• carrying out online education or training
the only requirement is a computer and a high speed, stable internet connection
to carry out web conferencing, each user either downloads an application or logs on to a website
from a link supplied in an email from the conference organiser
delegates can leave or join the conference as they wish
the organiser can decide who can speak at any time using the control panel on their computer
if a delegate wishes to speak, they raise a f ag next to their name
at any time, a delegate can post a comment using instant messaging for all delegates to see
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some of the main features include:
• slide presentations using presentation software which can be posted on the conference
website in advance of the meeting
• it is possible for any delegate to draw or write on a ‘whiteboard’ using the keyboard or
mouse on their own computer
• it is possible to transmit images or videos using the webcam throughout the conference
• documents can be shared by f rst uploading them onto the website before the conference
begins
b Phone conferencing
audio conferencing refers to meetings held between two people using audio (sound) equipment
the equipment used can be the telephone, a computer (with built-in microphones and speakers)
or an internet phone.
audio conferencing can be done over the telephone network (often referred to as a phone
conference).
the following procedure needs to be carried out when doing a phone conference:
• the organiser of the phone conference is given two PINs by the phone company. One PIN is
the personal PIN given to the organiser and the second PIN is the participant’s PIN
• the organiser contacts all of the participants and informs them of their PIN and the data and
time of the phone conference
• when the phone conference is about to start, the organiser dials the conference phone
number and once they are connected, they key in their personal PIN
the participants then call the same conference number to join in – once they get through they
each input the PIN given to them by the organiser; without this PIN, it will be impossible to join
the phone conference
it is possible to hold an audio conference using a computer provided a microphone and speakers
are connected
this makes use of Voice over internet Protocol (VoIP)
it is also possible to hook up an internet telephone which usually plugs into the router or other
internet device
using VoIP allows an organiser to create a group of people to take part in the conference call
the group is created by dragging and dropping user names and telephone numbers into the group
when the conference is to take place, the organiser clicks on the required group and the
conference is initiated
using VoIP allows communication using voice, instant messaging and video (by using an attached
webcam)
if some of the users don’t have an internet connection or don’t have access to a computer,
it is possible to add actual telephone numbers (landline or mobile) to the created
group
[8 marks]
9 a Data Protection Act
b anti-virus software
c holographic image (hologram)
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d authentication
e Bluetooth
f
WAP or hot spot
g spread-spectrum frequency hopping
[7 marks]

[7 marks]
10 Banded response question

Level 3 (6–7 marks)

Candidate will discuss at least four or f ve reasons why the internet should be policed. The discussion
will include both sides of the argument. Some form of conclusion/reasoned argument regarding
policing of the internet will be evident.
Level 2 (3–5 marks)
Candidate will discuss only two or three reasons why the internet should be policed. The discussion will
tend to be rather imbalanced with perhaps only one side of the argument being made. A conclusion
may be made but is unlikely to be supported by the facts given.
Level 1 (0–2 marks)
Very few arguments in favour of or against the statement likely to be made. Many of the points given
will conf ict. No attempt at making a conclusion.
Marking points:
Arguments in favour of some form of control
• it would prevent illegal material being posted on websites (e.g. racist/prejudice, pornographic,
terrorist activities, etc.)
• people f nd it much easier to discover information which can have serious consequences (e.g. how to
be a hacker, how to make bombs, etc.); although most of this can be found in books, it is much easier
to f nd the information using a search engine
• some form of control would prevent children and other vulnerable groups being subjected to
undesirable websites
• some form of control would stop incorrect information being published on websites
Arguments against some form of control
• material published on websites is already available from other sources
• it would be very expensive to ‘police’ all websites and users would have to pick up the bill
• it would be diff cult to enforce rules and regulations on a global scale
• it can be argued that policing would go against freedom of information
• many topics/comments posted on websites are already illegal and laws currently exist to deal with
the perpetrators

● ● 5 The effects of using ICT

1 a i
=IF(B2>69,”A”,IF(B2<40,”C”,”B”))
=IF(B3>69,”A”,IF(B3<40,”C”,”B”))
=IF(B4>69,”A”,IF(B4<40,”C”,”B”))
[3 marks]
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ii =IF((B2+D2+F2)>179,”Class 1”,IF((B2+D2+F2)<130,”Class 3”,”Class 2”))
=IF((B3+D3+F3)>179,”Class 1”,IF((B3+D3+F3)<130,”Class 3”,”Class 2”))
=IF((B4+D4+F4)>179,”Class 1”,IF((B4+D4+F4)<130,”Class 3”,”Class 2”))
b add two additional columns for each subject ….
[3 marks]
for example, Maths, columns B and C would be term 1, D and E would be term
2 and F and G would be term 3
formulae to work out which class a student goes into would need modifying to
take into account marks from all three terms
class formulae may need average mark for each subject over three terms
or formula altered as follows: Class 1 over 540 marks etc.
[3 marks]
c
produce graphs/charts to compare progress in each subject
graphs/charts can be used to show student progress e.g. ‘rolling averages’ or trend lines
use of conditional formatting (e.g. worsening performance shown in red and improved
performance shown in green)
use functions such as sorting or averages to allow students to see how well they are doing
spreadsheet data can be used to help teachers produce reports for parents [4 marks]
2 a
Statement
(✔)
Redundancy payments to dismissed workers can be expensive
✔
Items produced are not made to a consistent standard

Robots are unable to think for themselves and can repeat errors

Robots don’t take any strike action (removal of labour)

Robots are expensive to buy and to maintain

✔

✔
Robots don’t make any errors
Remaining workers will need to be paid higher wages
[3 marks]
b creation of network manager/technician jobs
creation of website designer jobs
creation of systems analysis/programmer jobs
leads to a better environment/safer workplace
need for engineers to build and maintain robots
training jobs in use of the new system
removal of physical, hard work
[3 marks]
3 a A = part time
B = f exi-time
C and D = job sharing
E = compressed hours
[4 marks]
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b contented work force more likely to stay in job
reduced recruitment and training costs since reduced staff turnover
company can stay open longer if they adopt f exi-time
job sharing allows more than one person to have required skills set
compressed hours allow staff to be more focused on their work
varied work patterns give more f exibility during busy times and during staff sickness
[3 marks]
4 a microwave ovens
ovens
smart fridges/freezers
automatic washing machines
automatic dishwashers
robotic vacuum cleaners
bread-making machines
[3 marks]
b Advantages
no longer a need to stay home whilst cooking food/washing clothes
more time for leisure activities, shopping and socialising
can control ovens (etc.) using an App on mobile phones away from home
smart fridges and freezers can lead to healthier life styles (can automatically order fresh food)
and also prevent food wastage
Disadvantages
can lead to an unhealthy life style (e.g. reliance on ready-made meals)
tend to make people lazy as they rely on labour-saving devices
people can become less f t as they lie around the house letting devices do all the work
loss of certain skills as devices do the tasks
[3 marks]
5 a alarm clocks
televisions
air con/central heating
games consoles/toys
b Advantages
[3 marks]
save energy since devices are more eff cient and can even switch themselves off when inactive for
a while
easy to program devices to do tasks (e.g. QR codes to automatically set correct cooking times etc.)
Disadvantages
more wasteful society – no longer cost effective to repair goods and easier to just throw them away
many people are not comfortable with such devices and f nd them complex to operate
leaving devices on stand-by is wasteful of energy
[4 marks]
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● ● 6 ICT applications
1 a paper-based advertising
easy to print out and distribute using their own computers and printers
easier to target required group of people
recipient can read f yer/brochure wherever they want
hard copies are permanent copies
no need to rely on computer skills
computer-based advertising
can add multimedia to advertising
can use hotspots/hyperlinks
easier to use ‘hit counters’ to see how many people visited website
audience can be global
not possible to deface adverts
much easier/quicker to amend or update adverts
multi-media advertising in local shopping mall
use of sound, animation, video and music
can be interactive
use of transition effects in presentations
more f exible – links to websites, cloud storage, etc. can be used
b
[9 marks]
Term
(✔)
✔
Tweening
Morphing
✔
Tags
Rendering
Vector graphics
✔
Formatting
[3 marks]
c i Voice over Internet Protocol
allows people to talk to each other using the internet
uses discrete digital packages sent to the destination address over the internet
ii microphone
speakers
headset/headphones
iii Advantages
usually free/low cost
can allow a webcam to be used so visual as well as sound
no need for special equipment (can use built-in microphone and speakers)
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Disadvantages
poor quality of sound/drop-out
needs good internet connection
poor video quality from most webcams used
[6 marks]
2 a
Application
Measurement
Control
Monitoring the pollution levels in a river
✔
Burglar alarm system (detection of intruders)
✔
Maintaining the correct temperature and light conditions
in a greenhouse
Automatic oven cooking food at correct temperature
✔

✔
Monitoring patient’s vital signs in a hospital
✔
[5 marks]
b rainfall
temperature
wind speed
wind direction
air pressure
humidity
[3 marks]

[2 marks]
c i ADC (analogue to digital converter)
ii DAC (digital to analogue converter)
d
Sensor
Application
Oxygen/carbon dioxide
• environmental monitoring/pollution
• safety applications e.g. in a spacecraft
• greenhouse/glasshouse environment
Light
• automatic doors
• control switch on/off of street lighting
• burglar/intruder alarm system
Infra-red
• counting people entering/leaving a building
• traff c control systems
Pressure
• burglar/intruder alarm system
• detection of objects in a production line
• burglar/intruder alarm system
Acoustic/sound
• detecting liquids leaking from pipes
• any application where sound can be used (e.g. monitoring sound
levels at airport perimeter)
pH
• pollution monitoring (rivers, air, etc.)
• acid levels in soil in a greenhouse/glasshouse
• chemical reaction monitoring/control
[6 marks]
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3 a infra-red sensor
temperature sensor
[2 marks]
b infrared sensor sends data to computer
when Al panel detected, computer compares sensor data with pre-stored data
if panel detected, signal sent to robot …
… to begin assembly/gluing process
temperature sensor sends data to computer
computer compares readings from sensor with pre-stored data
if sensor reading < pre-stored value, signal sent to heater ….
…. to switch on heater
if sensor reading > pre-set value, signal sent to switch off heater
if sensor reading = pre-set value, no action is taken
process continues until system re-set
[6 marks]
4 PENDOWN

FORWARD 10

LEFT 90
LEFT 90
REPEAT 3
FORWARD 40

RIGHT 90
REPEAT 3
FORWARD 30

RIGHT 90
ENDREPEAT

FORWARD 30

LEFT 90
ENDREPEAT

FORWARD 10

LEFT 90
FORWARD 30

PENUP
PENUP
FORWARD 10

PENDOWN
[6 marks]
5 a count number of vehicles passing junction in all directions
need to collect data at different times of the day
also need to collect on different days of the week
consider effects on timing of slow/er vehicles
consider if any pedestrian crossings near by
other factors such as f ltering, left turns and so on
[3 marks]
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b less expensive than having to build the real thing
often safer to run a computer model
much easier to try out various scenarios
often impossible to try out some tasks in real life (e.g. outer space, under the sea, nuclear
reactors, crash testing cars, etc.)
time scales are reduced (actual application could take years such as climate changes,
population growth, ozone layer depletion, etc.)
[3 marks]
c
Cost of building the real thing is too
expensive
Car driving simulation
Some real situations are too
dangerous to humans
Climate change simulation
Model the loading on a new
bridge
It takes too long to get results back
from the real thin
Chemical reaction involving toxic
chemicals
Almost impossible to do the tasks
for real
Easier and safer to make changes to
a model rather than the real thing
Under-sea exploration
[5 marks]
6
Reasons
Disadvantage?
Robots have difficulty in doing ‘one off’ tasks

Management can move factories anywhere in the world

Using robots can lead to unemployment

✔
Robots manufacture more items per hour than humans

All items produced using robots are identical

The set up and maintenance of robots is expensive

✔
[2 marks]
7 a bank account details are first read from chip on the debit card
the ATM then checks the validity of the card (i.e. has it been stolen, has it been blocked, is it
within expiration date)
the first thing the customer is asked on international accounts is to choose their language option
they are then asked to key in their 4-digit PIN
the keyed-in PIN is now compared to the PIN stored on the chip
…. if they match up, the customer is taken to the next step
…. if they don’t match up, the customer is asked to re-enter their PIN
…. if three failed attempts are made at entering PIN, the transaction is terminated and the card is
retained
the customer will now be shown a number of options
if the customer chooses balance they will then be asked ….
…. whether they want balance on screen or a print out
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computer sends data back to the ATM and the balance is shown on screen/printed out
customer will be asked if they want another service ….
…. if not, the card will be returned to them
[4 marks]
b the bank’s computer checks whether the debit card is stolen or blocked
bank’s computer then checks if the account number on the card is a valid account number
if it is, a search is made in the database to locate the customer’s record using the account number
as the key f eld
when the record has been found, the balance f eld is read
the value of the balance is then sent back to the ATM

8 a account number
[3 marks]

[3 marks]

bank sort code

cheque number
b the shop presents the cheque to their bank
the bank sends the cheque to a central clearing house
at the clearing house, the cheque passes through a reader/sorter which reads:
• amount on cheque
• the account number, sort code and cheque number
using the sort code, the cheque is ready to send to exchange centres
the cheque is also given a digital signature so that the receiving bank can be sure it hasn’t been
interfered with
the cheque now goes to an exchange centre and is then passed on to Hodder Bank
Hodder Bank has its own clearing centre
digital signatures are checked and then the cheque is passed through their own reader/sorter
the sort code is used to sort the cheques into branch order
the bank now checks to see if the customer has suff cient funds
it also checks to see if the cheque is signed and dated correctly
if everything checks out OK, then funds are sent to the shop’s account
if not enough money, not signed/dated correctly or if cheque appears fraudulent it is
returned to the shop’s bank unpaid
[5 marks]
c i it is easier to forge cheques if they use barcodes/QR codes
magnetic ink characters are also human-readable
if magnetic ink is over-written (e.g. by a signature) it can still be read by the MICR device
ii magnetic ink would use MICR to scan/read the cheque
MICR would read magnetic signal given out by magnetic ink characters on the cheque
every character has a unique signal/signature
barcode would be read by barcode reader or by camera (QR)
• if a normal barcode, the barcode would be looked up in a database to f nd customer’s
account details
• if QR codes used, image would bring up all of the customer account details
automatically
[6 marks]
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9 a prosthetics
tissue engineering
heart/artery grafts
blood vessels/arteries
medical tools and equipment
[3 marks]
b 3-D printer can produce a solid object showing exact internal organs etc.
surgeons can show the patient exactly what is wrong ….
…. and then show the patient what procedure is required
they can show an exact model of the f nal outcome
helps surgeon plan surgical procedure ….
…. since they can see exactly what is required in advance of the operation
allows for patient engagement which would be missing from traditional methods
reduces the chance of errors when actual procedure carried out
[5 marks]
10 a components are:
knowledge base
rules base
explanation system
inference engine
[4 marks]
b interactive user screen appears
system asks engineer a series of yes/no questions regarding TV fault
engineer types in answers to questions
system then asks questions based on previous responses
inference engine compares answers to questions with facts stored in knowledge base using the
rules base
system suggests probability of possible fault being identif ed
explanation system explains how the expert system arrived at its conclusions
it will then produce possible ways to f x the TV fault(s)
c diagnosing patient illnesses/medical diagnosing
diagnosing faults in car/aero engines
[4 marks]
prospecting for oil/minerals
tax and f nancial calculations
strategy games (e.g. chess)
identif cation of plants, animals, chemical compounds, etc.
road scheduling for delivery vehicles/logistics companies
d obtain real data with known diagnostics/results
expert enters a series of answers to E/S questions
…. and checks E/S output against expected output
changes are made to E/S until it shows 100% correct known predictions
[3 marks]
[2 marks]
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11 a automatic number plate recognition
b correct order: 4, 1, 6, 9, 2, 8, 3, 5, 7
[1 mark]
[9 marks]
12 emergency services use GIS to read closest emergency personnel to a location
environmentalists use GIS to protect animal and plant life in certain vulnerable areas
teachers can use GIS in their geography, science or engineering lessons
[3 marks]
13
Statements
True
False
The sat nav in the car sends signals to the GPS satellites giving the car’s
location
✔
If the maps are not up to date, the driver can be given incorrect instructions ✔
The satellites move round the Earth keeping track of all the cars
✔
✔
The sat nav system installed in the car has state-of-the-art timing systems
The system can estimate the time of arrival of the car at its destination
✔
Paper maps have been scanned in so that the route shows up on the sat nav
screen in the car
✔
[6 marks]
14 a MICR magnetic ink character recognition/reader
b OCR optical character recognition/reader
c OMR optical mark recognition/reader
d RFID radio frequency identif cation (reader)
e EPOS electronic point of sale
f
MRI
magnetic resonance imaging
g ATM automatic teller machine
h DAC digital to analogue converter
i
j
SIM
subscriber identity module
VoIP voice over internet protocol
[10 marks]

[8 marks]
15 Banded response question
Level 3 (6–8 marks)
Candidate will discuss at least six or seven points regarding the booking system. The discussion will
include both positive and negative sides of the online method. Some form of conclusion/reasoned
argument, based on the given facts, regarding the suitability of the online booking system will be given.
Level 2 (3–5 marks)
Candidate will discuss only three or four points regarding the booking system. The discussion will
include some positive and some negative aspects of the online method. Some form of conclusion/
reasoned argument regarding the suitability of the online booking system will likely be present but the
discussion leading up to the conclusion will probably not support it.
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Level 1 (0–2 marks)
Very few aspects of the online system are likely to be made. Many of the points given will conf ict. No
attempt at making a conclusion.
Marking points:
• customer clicks on the f lm they wish to see
• required date and time typed in
• required number of seats chosen
• seating display of cinema is shown on screen
• user selects 4 seats he wants by highlighting them on the seating plan and conf rms his choice
• database is searched to check availability of the seats or selected seats shown in red/green on the
plan
• once seats chosen, total cost is given OR all seats not available message
• customer conf rms his choice
• customer enters personal details
• payment method selected and payment made
• database updated to show seats no longer available on that date/time
• f nal details on screen and customer conf rms all details correct
• email sent to customer as proof of purchase (e tickets) or sent to mobile phone App

● ● 7 Systems life cycle

1
ANALYSIS
Design
Development and
testing
Implementation
DOCUMENTATION
Evaluation
[4 marks]
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2
Name of fact
Description of fact
Advantages of method
Disadvantages of method
f nding method f nding method
Observation
This method involves
• the analyst obtains
reliable data
• people are generally
uncomfortable being
watched and may work in a
different way
watching personnel
using the existing
system to fnd out
exactly how it works
• it is possible to see
exactly what is being
done
• ifworkers perform tasks that
violate standard procedures,
they may not do this while
being watched!!
• this is a relatively
inexpensive method
Questionnaires
This method
• the questions can be
answered quite quickly
• it is often the case that
the number ofreturned
questionnaires is low
involves sending out
questionnaires to the
work force and/or to
customers to fnd out
their views about the
existing system and
fnd out how some
ofthe key tasks are
carried out
• it is a relatively
inexpensive method
• the questions are rather
infexible since they have to
be generic
• individuals can remain
anonymous ifthey
want
• there is no immediate way to
clarify a vague or incomplete
answer to a question
• this method allows
quick analysis ofthe
data
Interviewing
This method involves
a one-to-one question
and answer session
between the analyst
and the employee/
customer. It is a good
method ifthe analyst
wants to probe deeply
into one specifc
• it gives the opportunity • it can be a rather time-
to motivate the
consuming exercise
interviewee into giving
open and honest
answers to the analyst’s
questions
• it is relatively expensive (use
ofanalyst’s time)
• the interviewee can’t remain
anonymous with this method
• the method allows the
analyst to probe for
more feedback from
the interviewee (it
is easier to extend a
question)
aspect ofthe existing
system
• it is possible to modify
questions as the
interview proceeds and
ask questions specifc
to the interviewee
• this method allows
information to be
obtained which wasn’t
possible by any ofthe
other methods
Looking
at existing
paperwork
This method allows
the analyst to see
how the paper fles
are kept, look at
• it can be a very time-
consuming exercise
• because ofthe analyst’s time
needed, it is a relatively
expensive method to use
operating instructions
and training manuals,
check the accounts
etc. This allows the
analyst to get some
idea ofthe scale ofthe
problem, memory size
requirements, type of
input/output devices
needed, etc.
• the analyst can see
for themselfhow the
paper system operates
[12 marks]
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3 DFD
shows data fows, input/output requirements
shows processing done and types ofdata storage needed
identifes problems with current system
identifes user and information requirements for new system
identifes and justifes suitable hardware and software for new system
System fowchart
shows how data fows through a system and how decisions are made
makes use ofspecial symbols that represent input, output, processing, decisions and data storage
gives an overall view ofthe proposed system
shows how processes are carried out and where various hardware devices are used in the system
[4 marks]
4 a i
heading
instructions on how to fll in the form
use oftext boxes to limit amount ofinformation and make form easier to complete
use ofcharacter boxes for data such as names, addresses
use oftick boxes to make choices easier
suffcient space to answer question
clear fonts and clear text colours to make form easier to read
[5 marks]
[3 marks]
ii sample page (many other possibilities exist)
Car ownership form
Name:
Address:
Car Reg
No:
Make and
model:
Paint
colour:
Date
bought:
Car bought new
Or used
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b i text boxes
on screen help (buttons)
drop-down/combo boxes where choices are limited
radio buttons and tick boxes where possible
automatic validation of data entries
control buttons (e.g. next page, last page, save, etc.)
double entry boxes to verify data such as passwords
ii sample page (many other possibilities exist)
[5 marks]
[4 marks]
Online car ownership form
Name:
Look up
address
Address:
Look up
reg no.
Reg No:
Colour:
New
used
Date of purchase:
Last
page
Next
page
SUBMIT
CLEAR
5 a
Activity
Analysis stage
Design stage Evaluation stage
Interviewing users of the existing system
✔
Planning the validation and verif cation
routines/ rules
✔
Deciding on the required f le structures
✔
Interviewing users of the new system
✔
Examining existing documentation used in
the booking system
✔
[5 marks]
b
Changeover
method
Description of changeover method
Direct
With this method the old system is stopped overnight and the new system introduced
immediately
Parallel
With this method, the old and new systems are run side by side for a time before the
new system takes over altogether
Pilot
With this method, the new system is introduced into one part of the company (e.g. into
a warehouse of a supermarket) and its performance assessed
Phased
With this method, only part of the new system is introduced and only when it proves
to work satisfactorily is the next part introduced, and so on, until the old system is fully
replaced
[6 marks]
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c
Items
Technical
User
Both types
Program listing/coding

How to print out data

Hardware requirements

Software requirements

Sample runs (with results)

Validation routines

Systems f owcharts
✔
✔
✔

✔
✔

✔
How to add/delete/amend
f les
Meaning of possible error
messages
✔

✔
✔
Troubleshooting guide
[6 marks]
6
Data item
Normal
Abnormal
Extreme
41
✔
–1
✔

✔
50
✔

✔
thirty
1
[5 marks]
7 a
Field name
Validation check
Data type
(cd_title)
none
(alphanumeric)
bar_code
check digit/length check
range check
integer
reorder_level
(integer)
(last_ordered_date)
ordered
range check/format check
character check
alphanumeric/integer
Boolean/logic
[6 marks]

[4 marks]

b visual – compare entered data manually with original document

double entry – data typed in twice and computer compares both sets of data
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8 (These are examples only – there are several possibilities.)
Field name
Validation check
Example of data item that
would PASS validation check
Example of data item that
would FAIL validation
check
credit card number
length check
1234567891234567
123456
character check
format check
1234567891234567
33ABCD44
123ABCDE4567FGHI
5DEPT513
order code

colour
look-up check
red
orange
character check
red
S
green
XM
size
look-up check

format check

character check
XL

M
LX

SX
[8 marks]

[8 marks]
9 Banded response question

Level 3 (6–8 marks)

Candidate will discuss at least six or seven points regarding the evaluation system. The discussion will
include what methods are used and what actions come from the results. Some form of conclusion/
reasoned argument, based on the given facts, regarding the evaluation methods described.
Level 2 (3–5 marks)
Candidate will discuss only three or four points regarding the evaluation system. The discussion will
include some of the methods adopted and how they would be acted on. Some form of conclusion/
reasoned argument regarding the evaluation methods described but the discussion leading up to the
conclusion will probably not support it.
Level 1 (0–2 marks)
Very few aspects of the online system are likely to be made. Many of the points given will conf ict. No
attempt at making a conclusion.
Marking points:
• compare f nal solution with original task
• identify any limitations of the system
• identify any necessary improvements that need to be made
• evaluate user’s responses to using the new system
• compare test results from the new system with results from old system
• compare performance of new system with performance of old system
• observe users performing set tasks (compare old with new)
• measure time taken to complete tasks (compare old with new)
• give out questionnaire to gather responses about the ease of use of new system
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• evaluation may lead to:
• update of hardware due to feedback from users or new hardware comes on the market or
changes in company require upgrading
• update of software due to feedback from users, changes to company structure or changes in
legislation

● ● 8 Safety and security

1 a
Health risk
Description
Elimination
• adjustable chairs
• foot rests to reduce posture problems
• take regular breaks
caused by sitting in front of a
computer monitor for long periods
of time in the same position
back and neck
pain/strain
• use tiltable screens to ensure head is at the correct
height
• wrist rests on keyboard
• take regular breaks
damage to f ngers and wrists
repetitive strain caused by continuous use of
keyboard or repetitive clicking of
a mouse
• use ergonomic keyboards
injury (RSI)
• use voice-activated software to reduce amount of
typing
• use LCD screens to reduce f icker
• take regular breaks and focus on objects at long
distance
caused by staring at a computer
monitor for long periods of time
eyestrain
• use anti-glare screens
• have eye tests on a regular basis
• use anti-glare screens and make sure ambient
light is OK
caused by incorrect lighting, screen
ref ections and f ickering screens
• take regular breaks
headaches
• have eyes tested regularly
• proper ventilation to remove ozone and toner
particulates
• should house printer in its own room
caused by laser printers producing
ozone and toner particles in the air
ozone irritation
• change to another type of printer wherever
possible
[9 marks]
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b
Safety risk
Description
Elimination
• use an RCB (residual current breaker)
caused by incorrect maintenance
and by allowing drinks next to a
computer
• check and maintain equipment on a regular basis
electrocution
• don’t allow drinks to be brought into the computer
room
• use cable ducts
caused by having trailing wires
on the foor
tripping hazard
• cover wires or tuck them away under desks etc.
• use wireless connections wherever possible
• use proper, sturdy computer desks designed for the
task
heavy
equipment
falling
caused by having inadequate
desks, allowing equipment to fall
and injure people
• never place equipment near the edge ofa desk
• use ofcarbon dioxide extinguishers
• never cover vents on computer equipment
• maintain equipment on a regular basis
• have good ventilation in the room
caused by breakdown of
insulation, overloading electric
sockets and overheating
equipment
risk offre
• never overload sockets; use more wall sockets
• use low voltage hardware wherever possible
[6 marks]
2 a safety when using the internet i.e. keeping personal data safe
[1 mark]
b don’t give out any personal information to people unknown to you
don’t send people photos ofyourselfunless the person is known to you
maintain privacy settings which allow the user to control which cookies are stored or allow you to
decide ‘who sees what’ on social networking sites
when accessing the internet, make sure websites can be trusted (use ofhttps and green padlock)
when using search engines, ensure it is set to ‘safe search’
only open emails/attachments from known sources
ensure unknown emails are placed in a ‘spam box’
when sending emails or photos never include name ofyour school or send photos with you
wearing your uniform
block/report anybody acting suspiciously online
don’t enter private chat rooms – stay public
always respect confdentiality
be careful with language used online
use nicknames and not your real name
use complicated email addresses which are almost impossible to guess
[5 marks]
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3 a hacking
b cracking
c
spyware/key logging software
d virus
e spam
f
moderated forum
g cookies
[7 marks]
4 a phishing
the creator sends out legitimate-looking emails to target users;
as soon as the recipient clicks on a link in the email or attachment, they are sent to a fake website
or they are fooled into giving personal data in response to the email
the email often appears to come from a trusted source such as a bank or well-known service provider
the creator of the email can gain personal data such as bank account data or credit card numbers
from the user
this can lead to fraud or identity theft
b pharming
this is malicious code installed on a user’s computer or on a web server;
the code will re-direct the user to a fake website without their knowledge (the user doesn’t have
to take any action, unlike phishing)
the creator of the malicious code can gain personal data such as credit/debit card details from
users when they visit the fake website
usually the website appears to be that of a well-known and trusted company
pharming can lead to fraud or identity theft
[4 marks]
5
Task
Carried out by a frewall (✔)
Firewalls can control employee misconduct or carelessness, preventing
them divulging passwords
Firewalls can examine traff c between a user’s computer and the public
network (e.g. internet)
✔

✔
Firewalls can help to prevent viruses or hackers entering the user’s
computer or computer network
Firewalls can be used to log all incoming and outgoing traff c to allow
later interrogation by a network manager
Firewalls can prevent individuals on internal networks from using their
own modems to by-pass the f rewall
Firewalls warn the user if software on their computer is trying to access
an external data source (e.g. automatic software update)
✔
[4 marks]
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6 a i SSL
secure sockets layer
protocol that allows data to be sent and received securely over the internet
SSL encrypts data
use of https or padlock
ii TLS
transport layer security
form of protocol that ensures security and privacy of data between devices communicating
over the internet
has two layers:
• record protocol (contains data being transferred over the internet with or without encryption)
• handshake protocol (permits website and user to authenticate each other and make
use of encryption algorithms)
[5 marks]
b it is possible to extend TLS by adding new authentication methods
TLS makes use of session caching thus improving overall performance compared to SSL
TLS separates handshaking process from the record protocol
[2 marks]
[5 marks]
c
order: C, E, B, A, D
7 a makes data meaningless unless the recipient has a decryption key
uses both encryption and decryption keys
doesn’t prevent hacking, but makes hacked data almost unreadable
b A = encryption key
[2 marks]

[2 marks]

[4 marks]

B = cypher text
c
i COMPUTER SCIENCE IS FUN
ii 3MU4IN1G34M G2X5M4O4TB J52HG34M
8 a pair of f les stored on a user’s computer
includes a public key and a private key
it is essentially an electronic ‘passport’ that enables exchange of information securely
over the internet
[1 mark]
b sender’s email address
name of digital certif cate owner
public key (to encrypt message)
serial number
expiry date
digital signature of certif cate authority (CA) e.g. VeriSign
[3 marks]
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9
Biometric
technique
Comparative accuracy
Input devices required
What can interfere with
biometric technique?
High (✔)
Medium (✔)
Fingerprinting
✔
fngerprint scanner
damaged fngers (e.g. cuts)
Retina scans
✔
digital camera
microphone
eye irritation/infection
Voice recognition
✔

✔
background noise or
something which affects the
user’s voice
facial hair or wearing of
glasses
Face recognition
digital camera
[6 marks]

[6 marks]
10 Banded response question

Level 3 (5–6 marks)

Candidate will discuss at least four or fve points regarding the security ofcloud storage. Some form of
conclusion/reasoned argument, based on their two sides ofthe argument will be given. The conclusion
will follow on correctly from the points made.
Level 2 (2–4 marks)
Candidate will discuss only two or three points regarding the cloud storage system. Some form of
conclusion/reasoned argument based on some ofthe facts will be evident but the discussion leading up
to the conclusion will probably not support it.
Level 1 (0–1 mark)
Very few aspects ofcloud storage security will be given. Many ofthe points given will confict. No
attempt at making a conclusion.
Marking points:
Data security
• companies who transfer vast amounts ofconfdential data from their own systems to a cloud service
provider are effectively relinquishing control oftheir own data security
• this raises a number ofquestions:
• what physical security exists regarding the building where the data is housed?
• how good is the cloud service provider’s resistance to natural disasters or power cuts?
• what safeguards exist regarding personnel who work for the cloud service company; can they use
their authorisation codes to access confdential data for monetary purposes?
Data loss
• there is a risk that important and irreplaceable data could be lost from the cloud storage facilities
• actions from hackers (gaining access to accounts or pharming attacks for example) could lead to loss
or corruption ofdata
• users need to be certain suffcient safeguards exist to overcome these potentially very harmful
risks
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Security examples
• In late September 2014, three breaches of security involving two of the largest cloud service
providers showed why many of the above fears are making people a little nervous about using this
facility to store their important f les:
• the XEN security threat which forced several cloud operators to reboot all their cloud servers;
this was caused by a problem in the XEN hypervisor (a hypervisor is a piece of computer
software, f rmware or hardware that creates and runs virtual machines)
• a recent case where a large cloud service provider permanently lost data during a routine back-
up procedure
• the celebrity photos cloud hacking scandal where over 100 ‘interesting’ photos of celebrities
were leaked; hackers had gained access to a number of cloud accounts which enabled them
publish the photos on social networks and to sell them to publishing companies
Conclusion
• all of the above reasons have made individuals and companies a little nervous about using these
cloud service providers
• a ‘game’ between hackers and owners of online service companies continues to rage
• provided users are vigilant in their use of any device connected to the internet then the possibility of
being a victim of cybercrime is considerably reduced

● ● 9 Audiences
1 a age of the target group
experience of the audience
audience expectation
knowledge of the audience
[3 marks]
b interview cross-section of the target group to f nd out how to engage the audience
give out questionnaires to people in the target group to f nd out their background,
interests, etc.
carry out market research which involves in-depth analysis of the data received
[3 marks]

[1 mark]
2 a illegal copying of software
b use of product key which is supplied with original copy of the software which indicates its
authenticity and can be checked online
user is asked to click ‘OK? I agree’ or put an ‘X’ in a box to agree to a licence agreement before
software continues to install
original software package comes with a sticker informing the purchaser it is illegal to make
copies; often a hologram label is used to indicate a genuine copy
some software needs a dongle (which includes important f les) before it will work, stops illegal
copies from working
[3 marks]
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3 a no vulgarity or use of inappropriate language which would offend
only use technical terms with experienced/technical audiences
b use of sound/animation to keep audience attention
complicated items better explained using graphics etc.
c
young audience quickly bored!
long presentations require engagement of the audience to maintain interest
d asking questions or getting audience to try out things (audience participation)
always be aware that not everyone likes audience participation
e remember audience when giving examples (e.g. alcohol is illegal in some countries,
vegetarians don’t like reference to meat products, etc.)
[5 marks]
4
This refers to attitudes, values and practices shared by a society or
group of people
Legal

Morality

Ethics
This covers the law, whether a person’s action is punishable by law
This governs professional interactions, codes of behaviour practised
by a society or group of people
This governs the private and personal interactions between people
and is usually determined by the person concerned
Culture
[4 marks]
5
Statement
Unethical
Immoral
Illegal
Sergey uses some of the software routines from ✔
✔
his day job when writing his games software
Sergey claims that all the software routines he
uses from his day job were written by himself
✔
✔

✔
Sergey has some of his software written
overseas, but only pays the writers a very low
wage
Sergey writes some of his computer games
using the powerful computer systems available
to him during his day job
✔
To help advertise his games, Sergey hires a
‘hacker’ who breaks into websites so that
popups appear which advertise his games free
of charge
✔
Some of the games software written by
Sergey make fun of people who have certain
disabilities
Some of the games Sergey writes collect
information from the user’s computer, where it
is installed. This data is sent back to Sergey for
various uses
✔

✔
✔
[7 marks]
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● ● 10 Communication
1 a senders of emails are required to obtain ‘opt in’ permissions before the emails are sent out
emails must not be sent out with false or misleading subject lines
valid postal address must accompany emails from companies/ organisations
most countries don’t allow companies/organisations to harvest email addresses
companies must provide subscribers with a very clear way to unsubscribe or opt out
from their listings
[3 marks]
b Passive
involves release of email material to other users without their consent
Active
involves modif cation of user’s messages or even denial of service (i.e. overloading of
the system); can include viruses or phishing attacks
[3 marks]
c
easier to send out multiple emails if the addresses are all grouped together under a single name;
this group name can then be pasted into the ‘TO’ box
companies/organisations can group people together for marketing purposes e.g. according to
age, ethnicity, hobbies, etc.
‘spammers’ create email groups by buying addresses of users from certain organisations or from
software ‘raids’ on address books; this allows several thousand people to be targeted by a single step
companies use email groups to set up meetings (e.g. for video conferencing) to ensure all the
right people are invited to attend; with individual emails it would be easy to miss somebody out
[3 marks]
2 a
Feature
Internet
Intranets
Information available to users is specif c to a
particular company or organisation only
✔
Requires passwords and user ids to be entered to
gain access to the network
✔

Allows public access to information on a global scale

✔

Sits behind a f rewall to give protection from

hackers and from viruses
By using an ISP account it is possible to access the
network from anywhere in the world
[5 marks]
b A = external users
B = f rewall
C = extranet server
[3 marks]
c safer since less chance of external hacking or viruses
much easier to block certain websites
easier to send out sensitive/private messages in the knowledge they will stay within the company
network
better bandwidth therefore number of bits transmitted per second is much higher
[3 marks]
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3 a i public cloud
ii private cloud
iii hybrid cloud
b Advantages
[3 marks]
data can be accessed at any time from any device anywhere in the world
no need for customer/client to carry an external storage device with them
provides user with remote backup which helps alleviate data loss/disaster recovery
cloud storage automatically recovers data if customer/client system has hard disk failure
almost unlimited storage capacity available
Disadvantages
security issues of shared data access
if internet access is lost or slow data transfer rate, then it will be diff cult or impossible to gain
access to the data
costs can be high for large data storage capacity
it is possible for cloud storage provider to go out of business which poses risk of loss of
important/sensitive data
[4 marks]
4 a https or green padlock
[1 mark]

[4 marks]
b i
Meaning
(✔)
hypertext transfer program
hypertext transfer protocol
✔
hybrid text transaction protocol
handshaking text transfer protocol
ii
Meaning
(✔)
f xed type protocol
format testing prof le
faster transfer protocol
f le transfer protocol
✔
iii
Meaning
(✔)
protected document format
portable document format
principal document format
portable document f le
✔
iv
Meaning
(✔)
uploading remote language

user router locator

uniform resource locator

uniform remote linker

✔
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c
home page
ability to store user’s favourite websites/web pages
keep a history of websites visited
ability to go back and forward through websites opened
hyperlinks to allow users to navigate between web pages
[3 marks]

[3 marks]

d http:// protocol
www.hoddereducation.co.uk/ website address
ICT_books/2017 path/f le name
5 ftp means f le transfer protocol
http means hypertext transfer protocol
http is used to access websites
http transfers contents of a web page to browser for viewing by user
http uploading is used for smaller f les
ftp is used to download f les from f le servers whereas http downloads data from web servers
ftp is used when f les are very large [4 marks]
6 a
Feature
Blogs
Wikis
Updated on a regular basis by the author only
✔
Anyone can edit, delete or modify the content
Organised in reverse chronological order
Can only be updated and edited by the author
Can be easily edited using a web browser
✔
✔
✔
✔
[5 marks]
b each member has free web space
each member can build their own private and public prof les
possible to write on ‘each other’s walls’
can upload text, images, photos, video to their own area
free instant messaging and video chatting
can email each other within the community
can invite other members to become friends
members have control over who can access their private or personal data
[4 marks]
c i
ISP
an internet service provider (ISP) is a company that provides users with access to the internet
it is normal to pay a monthly fee for this service
when a user registers with an ISP, an account is set up and they are given login details which
includes a user id and password
an ISP has the equipment and telecommunications line access required to have internet access
- usually broadband connections which use copper cables or, more recently, f bre optic cables
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ii netiquette
netiquette is a shortened form of the phrase interNET etIQUETTE
this refers to the need to respect other user’s views and displaying common courtesy when
posting views in online discussion groups or when sending out emails
it is always very important to consider what you write since the reader can’t see your facial
expressions or body language
what may have been intended to be humour, may offend somebody since they misunderstood
your message and drew the wrong conclusions
iii VPN
VPN is a network that is constructed by using public wires - usually the internet - to connect to
a private network, such as a company’s internal network/extranet
there are a number of systems that allow the creation of networks using the internet as the
medium for the transportation of data
iv microblog
microblogs are similar to blogs but are most often used on social networking sites to make
short, frequent posts
the posts can be done using instant messaging, emails or use other social networking vehicles
(e.g. Twitter)
social networking sites use microblogs to allow members to update, for example, their
personal prof les
[6 marks]
7 Advantages
tends to be more up to date since it is easier to amend than books
internet has vast, almost limitless, amounts of information
research using search engines is quicker and easier
no need to travel to a library to do research
information is usually free of charge
pages on the internet often have multi-media elements making learning more interesting
Disadvantages
the internet is not regulated; anything can be posted on a website and information may be biased
or inaccurate
there is always a risk of accessing inappropriate websites when using search engines
it is too easy to be distracted e.g. by computer games and social networking sites
there is a risk of information overload when using search engines
huge risk of plagiarism; since it is easier to cut and paste than copy information from books
some research skills are lost since search engines do all of the work for you
usual risk of viruses etc.
[6 marks]
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8 Banded response question

Level 3 (5–7 marks)

[7 marks]
Candidate will discuss at least fve or six points regarding the reliability ofinformation found on
the internet storage. Some form ofconclusion/reasoned argument, based on their two sides ofthe
argument will be given. The conclusion will follow on correctly from the points made.
Level 2 (2–4 marks)
Candidate will discuss only two or three points regarding the use ofthe internet to fnd information.
Some form ofconclusion/reasoned argument based on some ofthe facts will be evident. But the
discussion leading up to the conclusion will probably not support it.
Level 1 (0–1 mark)
Very few aspects ofusing the internet to fnd information will be given. Candidate will probably spend
most oftheir time discussing viruses and hacking. No attempt at making a valid conclusion.
Marking points:
• anybody can set up a website, so all information is not necessarily accurate or true
• many commercial websites are biased (due to advertising for products)
• ifwebsite has excessive advertising, it is likely to be unreliable (due to advertising pressures)
• it is possible to use the last part ofthe URL to identify website’s reliability e.g. .ac and .gov tend to
be reliable sites
• always compare information from other websites and also cross-check with books
• check ifresponsible bodies have endorsed the website
• ifthe website has testimonials this can indicate reliability
• ifthe website has links to reliable and trusted websites, the information can usually be trusted
• ifthe last update was a long time ago, information is likely to be out ofdate or unreliable
• ifthe author has good credentials then it is more likely for the website contents to be trusted/reliable
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Cambridge IGCSE ICT Theory Workbook
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