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Information and Communication Technology

Commonly asked theory questions

Basics:
Q1. Ways in which personal data could be misused with prevention:
Ans. Ways in which it could be misused:
 Hackers may read the data and pass it on
 Hackers may delete the data
 Hackers may amend the data Ways in which it can be prevented:

 Username/ Passwords
 Do not connect to network
 If connected to network use dedicated lines
 Physical security: use locks on computer room doors
 Firewall

Q2. Advantages and disadvantages of using standalone laptop computers

compared to using networked desktop computers.
Ans. Advantages:
 Laptops can be transported from room to room
 Can use the laptops at home
 Have smaller footprint
 Less susceptible to hacking
 Less susceptible to virus
 When network is down cannot use network computers/can still use laptops
Disadvantages
 Cannot share resources
 Cannot use the Internet/email together
 More fragile
 Desktops have more memory/bigger hard disc
 Laptops may be more expensive to repair/buy than network stations
 Difficult to use keyboard/mouse on laptop
 Laptops need recharging from time to time

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Q3. Advantages and disadvantages of using CD ROM over book:

And. Advantages:
 Quicker to search information
 Can have sound
 Can have video/animation
 Easier to download information
 Less waste of paper
Disadvantages:
 Difficult to skim read
 More difficult to see one whole page at a time
 Need of optical drive and screen/can’t read anywhere
 More difficult to highlight passages/annotate data

Q4. Advantages and disadvantages of video conferencing:

Ans. Advantages:
 Workers can use own office so documents do not get lost in transit/bulky
documents/equipment do not have to be carried around
 Company can call meeting at short notice
 Employees can work from home
 Company does not have to pay travelling expenses
 Company does not have to pay hotel expenses
 Company does not have to pay for conference room facilities
 Travelling time is saved
 Might be dangerous to fly/travel
 Disabled people may find it difficult to travel
Disadvantages:
 Takes time to train employees
 Difficult to call international meetings because of time differences
 Initial cost of hardware
 Equipment can break down
 Strength of signal/bandwidth/lip-sync can be a problem/connection can be lost/power cuts
 Loss of personal/social contact
 Takes time for workers to learn new technology
 Can’t sign documents

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Q5. Advantages of using chip and pin systems over a magnetic stripe system.
 Data more difficult to copy
 Extra layer of security with pin number
 Even if stolen card cannot be used unless thief knows PIN number
 Larger amount of information can be stored
 Disabled people may find it easier than signing
 Reduces disputes at checkouts over validity of signature/saves time at checkouts
 Not affected by magnetic fields

Q6. Why pen drives are preferred over CDs:

 Pen drives have greater storage capacity
 Pen drives are more portable
 Not all machines have CD drives
 Faster access to data
 More robust
 More secure are biometric data can be incorporated
 Don’t need specialist hardware/software for pen drives

Q7. Advantages of graph plotter:

 Printouts are continuous
 There may be need of different colours for different variables
 High quality
 Huge

Q8. Advantages of light pen:

 Space may be limited
 Easier to keep clean than other devices
 Surgeons-gloves would make it difficult to control other devices

Q9. Use of the following:

1. RAM: So that users are able to make changes to the data they are working on/to store the
program or data they are currently using
2. ROM: So that programs/coding/software can be stored permanently/cannot be changed
3. Backing storage: So that users can have a permanent copy of the work they are doing/can
have a copy of their work when the computer is switched off

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Q10. Advantages of using mobile phones to speak with other people rather than
sending emails using a laptop:
 You can get immediate feedback/interaction/you can ask questions immediately based on
feedback
 You know you have the right address/number
 Laptop is not as portable as phone
 Laptop is difficult to use ‘on the move’
 Less impersonal/less risk of upsetting recipient/can detect emotions
 Can make yourself understood more easily
 Can be easier to get a connection

Q11. PCs come with a hard disc drive. Why are each of the following also used
with PCs:
1. Magnetic tape: To make backups
2. CD R: To transfer data/programs from computer to computer/to save user data
3. DVD ROM: For companies to distribute software/movies/For users to install software/view
multimedia

Q12. Why are the following used with PCs:

1. Pen drives: So that users can transfer data from one computer to another/back up
files/security dongle
2. Blu-ray: To enable large high definition/quality video files to be recorded
3. Fixed hard disc drives: So that users can have quick access to their data/software/so that
software can be stored

Q13. Advantages of email over fax:

 Less likely to go to the wrong address
 Personal data unlikely to be intercepted by another office worker
 Quicker/easier to transmit message/received quicker by person addressed to
 Attached documents are better quality
 Multimedia attachments can be sent
 You can send from anywhere there is an internet connection
 Easier to send several recipients at the same time
 Email has lower running costs
 Email more environmentally friendly
 Email attachments can be edited by recipient easier than fax
 More people have access to email than fax machines

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Q14. The main memory in computers is becoming very large. Why is backing
storage still need?
 Data in the main memory can be lost if computer shuts down
 Data in the main memory can be corrupted
 Data in the main memory can be accidently deleted
 Data/software may need to be switched from machine to machine

Q15. Describe the role of a proxy server when a LAN is connected to the internet:
 Can act as web server
 Can act as buffer(b/w internet and LAN)
 Server passes on requests to the internet
 Passes the requested pages to individual computers
 Can cache/store the webpages
 Subsequent requests for that/those web page(s) are responded more quickly
 Can be used to monitor internet usage
 Can block certain sites

Q16. Describe each input method and give examples:

1. OMR: Optical mark recognition/pen or pencil marks are read by scanner or reader/position of
marks are identified-Exam papers/school registers/lottery/MCQs
2. OCR: Optical character recognition/text is read by scanner/image compared with characters
stored in computer/converted to text for use with other software-Utility bill/turnaround
documents/word processors/mail/passports/id cards/car number plates
3. MICR: Magnetic ink character recognition/characters read by magnetic reader/characters
compared with characters stored in computer/converted to text for entry into system-Bank
cheques

Q17. Difference between CLI and GUI:

 GUI has icon to help user identify applications/folders
 GUI has a system of menus to choose options
 GUI has windows to enable user to multitask
 GUI has pointer/pointing device to help navigate around the screen/to click to open
files/software
 CLI only allows you to type in commands
 With CLI syntax needs to be precise
 Commands difficult to edit once entered
 Have to learn commands exactly/have to be familiar with commands

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Q18. What do the following terms mean?

1. Spyware: Software that gathers data from computers without the user realizing/it monitors
and records all key presses/it sends this information back to the hacker who sent it out
2. Spam: Electronic junk mail/sending of unsolicited emails/sent to everybody on a mailing
list/many emails sent at once/can slow down networks/can fill up the receiver’s mail box and
therefore hard disc
3. Social networking site: Online communities of like-minded users/enables users to share
photos /enables users to communicate with each other/enables users to organize meeting

Networks:
Q1. Advantages and disadvantages of having computers networked:
Ans. Advantages:
 Share hardware/software
 Share data/information
 Electronic communication
 Users can be more effectively controlled/monitored
Disadvantages:
 Work can be misused more easily
 Viruses more easily spread
 Printer queues
 Slower access to the internet
 If server crashes all computers are affected
 Increased security risk

Q2. Describe the advantages and disadvantages to the shops from shopping from
home using the internet.
Ans. Advantages:
 Fewer staff needed/less spent on wages
 Fewer shops needed/less spent on rates/rent
 Less actual cash handled/fewer robberies
 Less money spent on security staff
 Potentially larger customer base
Disadvantages:
 Initial outlay on computers is expensive
 Need to retrain staff
 Less customer loyalty/loss of customers due to lack of personal touch
 Costs of system maintenance
 Greater costs due to more delivery staff

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Q3. Describe the advantages and disadvantages to the customers from shopping
from home using the internet.
Ans. Advantages:
 Less danger of mugging
 Don’t have to waste time travelling (long distances to shops)
 Elderly/Disabled people don’t have to travel/leave home to shop
 Don’t have to spend money on travelling expenses
 Greater choice of goods
 Can shop when shops are closed
 Easier to search what you are looking for
Disadvantages:
 Lack of socialising/social contacts
 Customers must have a computer/internet access/(basic) computer skills
 Hackers may intercept data and defraud customer
 Deprived of personal touch
 Phone bills can increase
 Without broadband other household members cannot use phone
 Cannot see/feel goods in reality
 More vulnerable to phishing
 Goods sometimes don’t arrive/substitute goods may be sent/take longer to arrive
 Must have credit/debit card if COD not available
 Shipping charges may be added

Q4. Differences between internet and intranet:

 Internet is INTERnational NETwork
 It’s WAN
 Can access from anywhere
 Greater amount of information available
 Unlimited access
 Intranet is INTernal Restricted Access NETwork
 Usually LAN
 Password controlled pages
 Behind a firewall
 Restricted access

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Q5. Difference b/w WAN and LAN:

 WAN is wide area network
 WAN covers a large geographical area/worldwide
 The internet is a WAN
 LAN is local area network
 LAN covers a small area such as one building/a school network is a LAN
 A WAN consists of connected LANs
 More difficult to share peripherals using a WAN

Q6. Use of the following in a home network:

1. Router: So that data can be transferred from one network to another/stores information about
which computer is connected to which network/receives data packets from an individual
computer/it passes data packet to appropriate switch/to reduce data collisions/it can connect
LANs to the internet
2. Browser: To access the world wide web/view web pages/surf the net
3. Email: So that messages can be sent to people outside the network/home
4. ISP: In order to access the internet/email/to provide internet service

Q7. Ways to evaluate the reliability of information found on a website:

 Check the last part of the URL/.gov, .ac, .ed, .sch should be reliable/.org, .co, .com are less
reliable
 See if responsible bodies have endorsed the site e.g. NGFL
 Check the date of last update
 Are any advertisements present
 Are there links to and from the website to and from known reliable websites?
 Checking the author’s credentials

Q8. Features of the following:

1. Blog: Usually a single author/readers can add comments but not edit blog/reverse
chronological structure/usually personal/external links
2. Wiki: Usually many authors/structure determined by content and users/usually
objective/internal and external links/contributors can edit entries

Q9. Disadvantages of bluetooth for creating networks:

 Very slow data transfer speeds
 Short distance of coverage/limited signal strength
 Greater risk of interception of data/less secure
 Supports limited number of devices in a network

Q10. Name and describe network devices:

 Hub: Broadcasts data packets to computers in a LAN
 Router: Connects LANs to a WAN/Internet
 Switch: Directs data packets to specific computers
 NIC: Enables computers to be connected to a network
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 Bridge: Connects networks/LANs together/Directs data packets to specific networks

 Proxy server: Stores web pages for faster re-use by computers/can act as a firewall
 Modem: Modulates data and demodulates phone signals

Expert systems/Computer modelling/Systems designed by programmers:

Q1. Reasons why some situations need to be modelled:
Ans. Real thing may be:
 Too dangerous
 Too expensive
 Too large a time scale required
 Wasteful of materials
 Too vast a scale

Q2. Items in technical documentation:

Ans: Purpose: Help programmers/analysts make improvements to system/repair system/maintain
system
 Program listing
 Programming language
 Flowchart/algorithm
 List of variables
 File structure
 Purpose of system/program
 Input and output format
 Hardware and software requirements
 Sample runs
 Known bugs
 Validation rules

Q3. Items in user documentation:

Ans: Purpose: Help users how to use the system/overcome problems
 How to load software/run software
 How to save a file
 How to search
 How to sort
 How to print
 How to add records
 How to delete/edit records
 Error handling
 Troubleshooting guide/contact details/help line/FAQs

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Q4. Describe how a new system is evaluated.

 Comparing the solution with original task requirements
 Identifying any limitations to the system
 Identifying any necessary improvements
 Evaluating the users’ responses to using the system
 Comparing test results of new system with old system results
 Comparing the performance of the new system with performance of the old

Q5. Explain the verification checks:

1. Data is entered twice/By two people/Data versions are compared by computer/If versions are
different, typist is alerted
2. Data on screen or in system/is visually compared with/that data on original copy

Q6. Difference between verification and validation check:

 Validation is checking data entered. It is acceptable/reasonable/within a given range
 Verification is checking versions of data have been entered identically/is checking data has
been copied correctly from one medium to another

Q7. Name the different validation checks:

 Range check
 Check digit
 Control total
 Hash total
 Invalid character check/type check
 Picture/format check/input mask
 Presence check
 Existency check
 Length check

Q8. Describe how an expert system for diagnosing diseases will be created
andevaluated:
 Doctors interviewed for requirements
 Data is collected from experts
 Knowledge base is designed/created
 Rule base is designed/created
 Interfence engine is designed/created
 Output format is designed/created
 Input Screen is designed/created
 Ailments with known diagnosis are used to test the system and results valuated
 Does new system match original system specification
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 Interviewing experts in that field about effectiveness of system

Q9. Where are expert systems usually used?

 Medical diagnosis
 Car engine fault diagnosis
 Mineral/oil prospecting
 Tax
 Careers
 Chess games
 Animal/plant/rock classification/identification

Q10. Describe features that would help a user navigate between input forms.
 Button to close form
 Button to first record/form
 Button to end file/new record
 Button to previous record/form
 Button to next record/form
 Submit/continue button
 Space to enter required record number
 Search facility/engine
 Button to go to sub forms

Q11. Examples of computer modelling:

 Flight/pilot stimulation/training
 Large scale chemical experiments
 Design of fairground rides
 Design of large buildings/bridges
 Traffic control
 Building fire stimulation
 Car driving stimulations
 Drug trials

Q12. Examples of microprocessor controlled labour saving devices:

 Microwaves
 Ovens
 Washing machines
 Dish washers etc.

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Q13. Effects of microprocessor controlled labour saving devices on a person’s

lifestyle:
 They do much of housework
 Do not need to do many things manually
 Do not need to be in house when food is cooking
 Do not need to be in house when clothes are being washed
 Can leave home to go shopping/work any time of the day
 Greater social interaction/more family time
 More time to go out/more leisure time/more time to do other things/work
 Can lead to unhealthy eating due to dependency on ready meals
 Can lead to laziness/lack of fitness
 Can encourage a healthy lifestyle cause of smart fridges analysing food constituents
 Microprocessor controlled burglar alarm provides sense of security
 Do not have to leave home to get fit
 Manual household skills are lost

Q14. Describe the inputs, outputs and processing involved in a house burglar
alarm system.
Ans. Inputs:
 Pressure pad
 Light sensors
 Temperature sensors
 Contact switches/push switch
 Input keypad
 Pass number input to keypad
 Zones selected
 Sound sensor
 Infrared sensor/proximity sensor
 Motion sensor/movement sensor
 Digital/video camera
Processing:
 Microprocessor continually monitors sensors
 If light sensor beam interrupted:
 If movement sensor activated:
 If contact switch activated:
 If pressure sensed by processor is greater than pre-set value:
 If temperature sensed by processor is greater than pre-set value:
 Microprocessor sends signals to output device
Output:

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 Alarm light flashes/lights come on

 Alarm sound
 Signal automatically sent to police

Q15. Give four ways of analysing/researching current system with advantages:

1. Interview: Can change script to suit circumstances/more likely to get truthful responses
2. Observation: Can gain broader overview of processes
3. Examining documents: Can follow data flow more easily/informs input/output format design
4. Questionnaires: Better for busy people/don’t have time to prearrange appointments/quicker
to get every employee’s response

Q16. Items which would need to be designed as part of file structure:

 Field name/type/length
 Key field
 Validation check/rules

Q17. Evaluation strategies with purpose:

 S: Compare the solution with the original task requirements/design belief
 P: To ensure that requirements have been met
 S: Identify any limitations/necessary improvements to the system
 P: So that system works without problems
 S: Collect data from the users on the new system
 P: To see how well they are coping with the new system/to see how well the new system
works
 S: Analyse/evaluate the users’ responses to the results of testing/using the system
 P: So that users needs re taken into account

Q18. Features of a well deigned screen input form:

 Data fills screen
 Clearly defined input area for each field
 Tick boxes/radio buttons to enter choices
 Drop down menus to select data options
 Appropriate spacing for each filed
 An easy to read font/font size
 A sensible font colour/background colour
 Easy to follow instructions for completing screen/help icon
 No overlapping items

Q19. Name and describe test data:

1. Normal: Data within a given range and appropriate for that data type
2. Abnormal: Data on the outside of the range and/or of the wrong data type
3. Extreme data: Data on the boundaries of the range

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Q20. Why pilots are trained using flight simulators rather than by flying real
aircrafts:
 If airplane crashed you wouldn’t need to replace it saving money
 If the airplane crashed nobody is injured
 It is easy to recreate extreme weather conditions
 It is easy to recreate unusual flying conditions
 Can recreate mechanical/computer failure from previous real situations
 Cheaper fuel costs

Q21. Describe actions which might need to be taken as a result of testing a

system:
 Data files may need to be amended/improved
 Validation rules may need to be amended/improved
 Input methods may need to be amended/improved
 Output formats may need to be amended/improved
 Errors in processing/calculations may need amending/correcting
 Errors may mean that parts of system need amending/correcting
 If system does not work at all may need to restart at the design system

Q22. What items in a system need to be tested?

 Data/file structures
 Validation routines
 Input methods/data entry screens
 Output formats/reports
 Error messages
 Processing/calculations

Q23. Items found in both technical and user documentations:

 Purpose of system
 Limitations of system
 Hardware and software requirements
 Contact details of manufacturer/support network

Q24. Describe what is meant by live data and how it is used to test a system:
 Data that has already been used I the previous system
 Data that has known result
 A table of expected results drawn up
 Live data is input to the system
 Actual results are recorded
 The results are compared
 Any resulting differences will highlight limitations of the system

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Q25. Items present in technical but not user documentation:

 Program coding
 Program flowcharts
 System flowcharts
 File structures
 List of variables
 Validation routines

Q26: Benefits and drawbacks of computer modelling:

Benefits:
 Real thing may be too expensive to build
 Real thing requires too large a time scale
 Real thing would be too wasteful of materials
 Real thing is too vast a scale
 Easier to change data/variables
 Costs less to change data/variables
 The real thing may be impossible to access/create
 Real thing may be too dangerous
 You can test predictions more easily/model can make predictions more accurately
 You can ask many whatif questions which would be impractical in real life
Drawbacks:
 Can never allow for all eventualities
 Difficult to exactly recreate a lifelike situation
 Hardware and software may be expensive
 Workers will need to be trained to use the system

Q27. Why is setting a field length such an important part of computer modelling?
 If field length is too long storage space is wasted...
 Greater memory requirements increases cost
 Takes longer to type in data
 If it’s too short not all data within the field will be entered
 If it’s too short abbreviations would be needed making the field contents difficult to interpret

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Steps questions:
Q1. Describe how the computer will automatically identify overdue books and
send out letters to the borrowers. It is 27th May today.
1. Computer reads a record from the book file
2. Compares with date due back
3. With 27th May
4. If date due back is less/earlier than 27th May
5. Using the borrower number
6. Reads the corresponding record from borrowing file
7. Address is read from record
8. Mail merged letter/email is generated
9. Otherwise reads next record and repeats above
10. Until end of file

Q2. The bar code number is scanned into the computer system when the item is
sold. Describe the computer processing that would then take place in order for
the number in stock to be updated.
Ans. The bar code field in the data file is read/record by record/until a match is found with the bar
code entered/the corresponding number in stock is read/one is subtracted from this number/written
back to file/no. in stock checked with reorder quantity/if <= reorder quantity/then reordered or
flagged.

Q3. When a customer pays for an item, chip and pin technology may be used.
Describe the steps involved in a customer transaction.
 PIN is entered
 Pin read from chip
 Numbers compared
 If identical, transaction is authorised
 If not identical, transaction is refused
 Customer bank contacted by computer/automatically
 Card details checked for not stolen
 Account checked for sufficient funds
 If card stolen or insufficient funds then transaction is rejected
 If card not stolen and sufficient funds then transaction is authorised
 Money deducted from customer account
 Money credited to supermarket account
 Items receipt printed out

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Q4. POS procedure:

1. The barcode on the product is read by the barcode reader
2. The barcode field in the data file is read record by record
3. Until a match I found with the entered barcode
4. The number in stock of the matching record is read
5. One is subtracted from the number is stock
6. The number in stock is compared with the re-order number
7. If equal to re-order number more goods are automatically re-ordered
8. The new value of number in stock is written back to file

Q5. Batch processing of bank cheques:

 Cheques are collected together
 During the course of the day
 Cheques are then processed all at once
 Cheques are processed overnight
 Bank accounts updated following morning
 No human intervention

Q6. Navigation buttons on screen input:

 Back/previous record button/arrow/facility
 Forward/net record button/arrow/facility
 New record button/arrow/facility
 Submit/save button/facility
 Last record button/facility
 Exit button/return to homepage button/facility
 Move to top of page if long button
 Search facility

Q7. Describe the online processing of data, using the booking of airline tickets as
an example:
 User/customer is in direct contact with the main computer/CPU
 Appears that nobody else can access system at that point/processing is almost immediate
 Computer asks customer for details of flight
 Computer asks for personal details of passengers
 Computer searches for matching flights
 Computer may display list of seats available
 Computer may ask customer to select a seat
 (Customer selects seat from those available and) computer flags seat as booked
 Computer asks customer to complete payment details
 Computer checks details are valid by communicating with customer’s bank
 Computer checks if sufficient funds
 Airline’s database is updated immediately
 Number of seats available reduces by number booked
 Prevents double booking
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 Confirmation/e-ticket may be sent to customer by email

Health and safety of self and data:
Q1. Health problems by prolonged use of computers with prevention:
1. Headaches: Use anti-glare screens/take regular breaks
2. Eyestrain: Use anti-glare screens/take regular breaks
3. RSI: Use ergonomic keyboard/wrist rests/take regular breaks
4. Backaches: Use straight backed chair/take regular breaks

Q2. Safety problems due to computers with what happens and prevention:
1. Electrocution: By touching loose wires/spilling liquids on electrical contacts-RCB
installed/cable insulation
2. Trailing cables: Tripping and falling-Create ducts/cover cables with carpets
3. Heavy equipment falling: Physical injury to feet/legs-Sturdy/large tables
4. Fire: Too many plugs in multisocket and thereby overheating/overheating of equipment-
appropriate type of extinguisher/regular maintenance of equipment/ventilation

Q3. Define encryption in detail:

 Causes data to be scrambled/encoded
 Requires encryption key/software to encrypt
 Requires decryption key/encryption software to decrypt
 Results in data which is not understandable/readable
 Protects sensitive data from being understood if falls into wrong hands

Q4. Actions that break the copyright law of software:

 Giving software copies to others without the owner’s permission
 Making a copy of a disk without the owner’s permission
 Selling copies of the software without the owner’s permission
 Using the software on a network when the licence does not allow it
 Renting out the software on a network when the licence does not allow it
 Renting out the software/sharing software with others without the owner’s permission
 Using the copyright name on another software
 Amending the software/using parts of code in own programs without permission
 Buying pirated software

Q5. Describe some authentication techniques and give benefits and drawbacks of
each:
 User ID and password
 Benefit – each user ID could be unique/only user will know the password/data can only be
accessed by person who knows the password/Password can be changed frequently to avoid
hackers guessing them/Unsuccessful logins can throw you out of the system
 Drawback – user might forget password/keylogging software can be used to intercept it
 Biometrics

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 Benefit – each user has unique biometrics

 Drawback – equipment is expensive to buy/may be difficult or expensive to get equipment to
user
 Magnetic/chip card with PIN
 Benefit – Hacker needs to have the card and know the PIN
 Drawback – can lose the card/can forget PIN
 TAN
 Benefit – Always changing so a hacker would not be able to use it even if they intercepted it
when user typed it in.
 Drawback – need to have card and remember PIN and use it within a short period of time.

Q6. What is software copyright?

Ans. It is lawful protection given to authors and publishers which relates to the software the
author/publisher created/published. It prevents purchaser from making unlimited copies/lend it to
others/change the software/sell it without the company’s permission.

Q7. How software manufacturers attempt to prevent copyright being broken:

 Alteration of the code which is included to block copying
 Digital signature on the CD/DVD itself which prevents writers from copying exactly
 Encryption of the execution code requires a key to run
 Use of a dongle
 Registration system requiring the typing in of a registration code
 “Guards” are hardware or software modules that monitor the running program and ensure
that it has not been tempered with in any way
 Activation code which can be used only on a limited number of machines

Q8. Meaning of:

1. Phishing: It is using emails pretending to be the target’s bank/fake email to get personal
details
2. Pharming: It is installing malicious code on a PC server to redirect to fake
websites/redirecting users to websites which look authentic to get personal details
3. Spam: It is the sending/receiving of unsolicited/junk mails

Q9. What’s a computer virus?

Ans. A piece of programming software/code which replicates itself and corrupts/deletes files/data. It
can corrupt or erase the contents of the hard disc/can completely fill the hard disc/memory. It is
transmitted through email attachments/portable media.

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Q10. What is meant by hacking?

 Gaining unauthorised access to a computer system
 May lead to illegally copying data from a system
 May lead to illegally amending data in a system
 May lead to illegally deleting data form a system
 Gaining unauthorised access to a system but exceeding their authority

Q11. Security methods school can use so all students don’t have access to
everything/sites with undesirable content:
 Proxy server: The proxy server can restrict the web sites students can access/can block access
to sites with objectionable material
 Firewall: Limits the computers (using IP address) that can access the system/that can be
accessed from within the school
 Applying parental guidance settings: Can block undesirable topics

Q12. Why are authentication techniques necessary?

 Authentication techniques such as user names and passwords identify the user to the system
 Without authentication anybody would be able to access data
 Hackers would be able to amend/delete data without being prevented
 Would have to rely on other methods such as firewalls to prevent unauthorised access.
Others:
Q1. Robotics are now used in the production of motor cars. Describe the effects
this had on the workers who used to manually produce cars.
 Increased unemployment
 Have had to retrain
 Increased employment(Introduction of new jobs in the IT field)
 Less noise/more pleasant environment
 Safer environment
 Less heavy lifting/healthier work
 Workers can be deskilled
Disadvantages:
 Takes time to train employees
 Difficult to call international meetings because of time differences
 Initial cost of hardware
 Equipment can break down
 Strength of signal/bandwith/lip-sync can be a problem/connection can be lost/power cuts
 Loss of personal/social contact

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 Takes time for workers to learn new technology

 Can’t sign documents

Q2. Put formula in cell(s) without typing when it is already present in one cell:
 Highlight the cell in which the formula is/copy/highlight range of cells in which you want the
formula/paste
 Highlight the cell in which the formula is/using fill handle or little black cross or cross in
bottom right hand corner of a cell/drag down till required cell
 Highlight the cell in which the formula is/highlight range of cells in which you want the
formula/click on fill/click on down

Q3. Advantages of one relational database over several flat files:

 Data does not have to be typed in twice/referential integrity
 Quicker to enter new data
 So fewer errors are likely
 So less memory/storage capacity is used
 So it is easier to edit data

Q4. Features of a relational database which are not found in a flat file:
 More than on table/file
 Tables are linked
 Primary keys
 Foreign keys
 Less duplication of data
 Data from more than one table can be used in the same report

Q5. Define the following:

1. File: It is a collection of records/all the students names, addresses, phone numbers and dates
of birth
2. Field: It is one item of information/name/address/phone number/DOB
3. Record: It is all the information about one student/name, address, phone number and DOB of
one student

Q6. Advantages and disadvantages of using mobile phones to access internet

over a PC:
Advantages:
 Usually have mobile phone in your possession
 Easy to carry/are portable
 Can access internet almost anywhere
Disadvantages:
 Easily lost
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 May have poorer signal

 Display is smaller/keyboard is smaller
 Content is more limited
 Batteries may run out
 No mouse so can be more difficult to navigate

Q7. How can two flat files be combined to form a relational database?
 The personal details file and test results would be saved as separate tables
 Primary key/key field(s)/foreign key would be identified
 The primary key would be used to link the two tables together

Q8. Features of presentation software not in printed copy with use (school
presentation):
1. Animation: To move images or text
2. Video: Video of school plays/performances/sports events
3. Sound: Background music/school concerts/voiceovers/sound effects when changing/opening
slide
4. Hyperlinks: To link to other slides
5. Slide transitions: To keep the viewer’s attention

Q9. Explain the use of the $ symbol in the spreadsheet:

Ans. Absolute cell referencing is being used. When formulae are replicated some cell references
must remain unchanged. This makes sure they will stay consistent when replicated.

Q10. Describe how use of robots on car production lines has affected the nature
of employment in the car industry:
 Car workers have been made unemployed
 Car workers have had to be retrained
 Car workers have become deskilled
 More technical staff have been employed
 Work areas are cleaner
 There is a healthier environment
 Workers have a safer environment
 Fewer manual tasks

Q11. Features of a spreadsheet:

 Uses text and numbers
 Performs automatic recalculation
 Performs whatifs
 Replicates formulae
 Formulae/functions
 Can have absolute and relative cell references/named cells or ranges
 Graphs/charts

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Q12. Use of check digit:

 Computer calculates check digit from numbers in bar code number
 Compares calculated check digit with that recorded in bar code number
 If same, proceeds with transaction, otherwise sounds warning signal/issues error message

Q13. Benefits of social networking sites:

 Easy to keep in immediate contact with friends/make new friends
 Easy to communicate to more than one friend/to communicate with people overseas
 Can search for people who you’ve fallen out of touch with
 Easy to arrange meetings/visits to cinemas/theatre
 Can share photographs/videos/images/opinions/views

Q14. Difference between measurement and control:

Ans. Measurement is the monitoring of physical variables without the microprocessor taking action.
Control is when the microprocessor takes action depending on sensor readings.

Q15. Advantages to bank customers of using ATMs rather than going to the bank:
 No embarrassment of not having sufficient funds
 Less time spent queuing
 Can get money any time of day or night
 Own bank may be further to travel to than nearest ATM
 Can use most ATMs/does not have to be own bank
 Have choice of languages so is easier to understand/be understood

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