INTERNATIONAL SECONDARY CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION

NOVEMBER 2023

COMPUTER STUDIES: PAPER II

MARKING GUIDELINES

Time: 3 hours 150 marks

These marking guidelines are prepared for use by examiners and sub-examiners, all
of whom are required to attend a standardisation meeting to ensure that the
guidelines are consistently interpreted and applied in the marking of candidates'
scripts.

The IEB will not enter into any discussions or correspondence about any marking
guidelines. It is acknowledged that there may be different views about some matters
of emphasis or detail in the guidelines. It is also recognised that, without the benefit
of attendance at a standardisation meeting, there may be different interpretations of
the application of the marking guidelines.

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SECTION A

QUESTION 1

1.1 D

1.2 B

1.3 A

1.4 C

1.5 B

1.6 D

1.7 C

1.8 B

1.9 A

1.10 C

QUESTION 2

2.1 2.1.1 Upgrade (Accept update, service pack)

2.1.2 Wildcard (Accept asterisk “*”, do not accept question mark “?”)

2.1.3 BIOS (Accept ROM)

2.1.4 Multitasking

2.1.5 Macro

2.2 2.2.1 N 2.2.6 J

2.2.2 L 2.2.7 M

2.2.3 E 2.2.8 K

2.2.4 I 2.2.9 O

2.2.5 D 2.2.10 C

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SECTION B

QUESTION 3 SYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES

3.1 3.1.1 (a) GHz (Do not accept hertz)

(b) GB (Do not accept bytes)

(c) TB (Accept GB)

(d) inch

3.1.2 (a) Primary memory (RAM) holds (stores) the data and instructions
(temporarily) that the CPU is currently working on OR that is
currently being processed.

(b) Any TWO differences: (not including the function mentioned in

Question 3.1.2 (a))

Primary memory Secondary memory

Volatile Non-volatile
Temporary Permanent
Directly accessible by the Not directly accessible by the
CPU CPU
Expensive Cheaper
Semiconductor chips Magnetic, optical
RAM, ROM, cache Hard disks, SSDs, flash drives
Faster speeds Slower speeds
Smaller size Larger size

3.2 3.2.1 USB 3.0 is the data transfer technology USB Type-C is the type of
connector OR shape of the connector OR more modern connector

3.2.2 HDMI
The high-definition standard for connecting external video devices OR
video and audio transmission
OR
Audio
Audio transmission OR to connect headphones or speakers
OR
Ethernet
Transmitting wired network connections OR connect to routers to
allow Internet capabilities
OR
DisplayPort
High-quality / 4K transmission OR audio and video transmission
OR
SD card reader
Receives and transmits data stored on an SD card OR stores pictures
or videos

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3.3 3.3.1 An embedded operating system is designed for a single purpose,

compared to Windows 11, a desktop operating system that performs
various tasks.

3.3.2 A company owns proprietary software; they own the source code, and
you pay for a licence to use the software OR source code cannot be
modified.
Open-source software is freely available OR allows you to access and
modify the source code.

3.3.3 (a) Any TWO activities:

• Creating and deleting files and folders.
• Backing up files.
• Locating files and folders.
• Modify files or names of files and folders.
• Assigning and changing file attributes, e.g. last modified
date, date created, location on disk, hidden, read-only.
• Assigning a program to open a file.
• Copy/paste/move files and folders.
• View, sorting and grouping files and folders.
• Compressing and decompressing files and folders.
(Only accept file management activities related to operating
systems, not utility programs)

(b) Any TWO benefits:

• Represents documents independent of application
software, hardware, and operating system.
• Adobe Reader/PDF editors are free to read PDF documents
OR can be opened using a web browser.
• Much smaller in size and therefore transfers quicker.
• Software is readily available to export to PDF format.
• Can be encrypted to secure the document with a password
or a certificate.
• Cannot be edited without the right software.
• Format stays consistent.

QUESTION 4 INTERNET AND NETWORK TECHNOLOGIES

4.1 Streaming is when your device receives video constantly (in real-time OR live).
Downloading is when you copy a video from a device or the Internet to your
computer or phone, i.e., copy the file on your device OR in the cloud.

4.2 4.2.1 Any TWO: (Must relate to uses for the lecturers)
• The lecturers could use video conferencing to communicate online
with their students in groups.
• Tutorials could be held in groups with tutors.
• Lecturers could collaborate with colleagues in remote locations.
• Lecturers could organise remote field trips with their students.

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4.2.2 Any ONE valid video conferencing applications:

Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, Google Hangouts, Bluejeans Meetings,
GoToMeeting, Cisco Webex Meetings, Dialpad Meetings, TrueConf
Online, FreeConference, Lifesize Go, Slack video calls, Facebook
Live, YouTube Live, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace,
TeamViewer Meeting

4.2.3 Any TWO:

Camera, webcam, microphone, headphones or speakers, screen,
smartphone

4.3 4.3.1 VPN (Virtual Private Network)

4.3.2 All data is routed through an encrypted virtual, private, and secure
channel. IP address is disguised, making its location invisible.

4.4 4.4.1 Any THREE facts: (Must relate to the university)

• Host learning management systems (LMS), e.g. Moodle, to create
a central hub for educational resources.
• Use cloud-based collaboration tools, e.g. Google Workspace, for
file sharing and communication among lecturers and students.
• Use the available cloud infrastructure to handle busy times for
lecturers and students.
• Use cloud storage to store educational resources and
assignments for easy access for lecturers and students.
• Use cloud providers' advanced security features to protect
sensitive lecturer and student data.
• Implement cloud-based backup to ensure the safety of data.
• Provide a dedicated cloud allocated to the university for lecturers
and students to access the online servers.

4.4.2 Microsoft 365 Google Workspace

More feature-rich and more Basic functions and less
complex functions. complexity.
Installed desktop software with Web-based with offline
less powerful web-based capabilities.
versions.
Works on most browsers and Works on most browsers on any
client apps for different operating operating system, with mobile
systems. apps.
Subscription-based per user. More affordable, easily add more
users.
Includes programs OneDrive, Includes programs Drive, Gmail,
Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, Docs, Sheets, Calendar, Forms,
PowerPoint, Teams, OneNote. Classroom, Meet, Slides, Sites.

4.5 4.5.1 The number of search engine results for a specific query. (Do not
accept the number of user visits)

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4.5.2 Any THREE ways:

• State exactly what you want to find
• Identify keywords
• Place phrases in quotation marks
• + or – in front of keywords
• Advanced search
• Alternative words or synonyms
• Boolean operators AND, OR, NOT
• Correct spelling
• Filetype, InTitle, Define, site, inurl

QUESTION 5 INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

5.1 Any ONE: password, fingerprint (biometric) scanner, screen-lock pattern, PIN
code, passcode (Do not accept OTP (One-Time PIN), text, SMS).

5.2 Single-step authentication grants the user access after entering their
username and password.
Multi-step verification is when there is more than one stage involved in
authenticating a user, making your online data more secure, e.g., one-time
pin, fingerprint scan or answers to pre-determined questions.
(Do not accept CAPTCHA)

5.3 Any TWO: fingerprint scanner, face identification scanner (any biometric
scanner), smartphone, security key or token, smart card, smartwatch, RFID
(Do not accept CAPTCHA)

5.4 Any CORRECT answer that explains input, processing, and output.

INPUT PROCESSING OUTPUT

If approved, a one-time
Enter your username Your password is
pin is sent via SMS to
(Accept account checked against your
your smartphone.
number, ID) and username.
OR
password. OR
The user is granted
The first authentication
access to the banking
step is approved or
website.
denied if the username
and password match.

5.5 Any suitable justification OR accept TWO facts:

• Transfer or pay accounts online instead of withdrawing cash.
• Bank admin, e.g., request account statements after hours instead of
visiting the bank during office hours.
• Keep track of your transactions and balances instead of visiting the bank
to get a printout of your statement.
• Fast and efficient as money can be transferred worldwide instead of
visiting the bank.
• Fraudulent activity or threats to your accounts can be immediately picked up
instead of waiting to visit the bank.
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QUESTION 6 SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS

6.1 6.1.1 Any TWO benefits of remote work for employees:

• Flexible working hours.
• Learn new skills, such as time management, prioritisation, effective
teamwork, etc.
• Ability to work from anywhere.
• No dress code; you can wear whatever is comfortable.
• No travel costs for commuting.

6.1.2 Any TWO benefits of remote work for organisations:

• Increased productivity; fewer breaks and distractions from
colleagues.
• Increase in the talent pool; companies can hire people worldwide.
• Flexibility builds loyalty.
• Lower costs as office spaces are not required.
• Time-saving as employees will not need to travel.

6.2 6.2.1 The difficulty in making effective decisions when there is too much
information about the issue.
OR
A state of being overwhelmed by the amount of data presented that
requires the reader's attention and is expected to process the
information.

6.2.2 Any TWO consequences of information overload in remote

communication (Name: Discuss)
• Impaired judgement or limited decision-making – more likely to
make mistakes as sifting data is time-consuming.
• No time for other activities – too many social networking sites.
• Decreased productivity – wasting time sifting through numerous
data sources.
• Health and well-being – limited time can affect mental and physical
health.
• Team disconnection – team communication and collaboration are
essential to promote a healthy company culture – information might
be clustered in team silos or scattered and disorganised.

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QUESTION 7 SOLUTION DEVELOPMENT

7.1 StudNo

7.2 ANY TWO: Input Mask, Validation Rule, Combo Box

(Do not accept Yes/No, Boolean or checkbox)

7.3 7.3.1 Report

7.3.2 =COUNT (*)

OR =COUNT([Helper]) (Accept any field name)
(Must be in the format that it would appear in the footer)

7.4 7.4.1 Export OR Import (Do not accept copy/paste)

7.4.2 (a) Column OR line OR bar chart

(b) A visual representation of data easier to read than text.

OR
Results can be seen briefly instead of reading text.
OR
Easier to see trends and patterns compared to text

7.5 7.5.1 Any ONE website design package: Notepad, Wordpad, Notepad++,
Wix, Adobe Dreamweaver, WordPress, Sublime, Weebly.

7.5.2 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CC"><img

src="cc.jpg"></a>

(a) Error 1: <a> bracket should appear after the URL

(b) Error 2: image should be img (Accept image as it works)

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SECTION C

QUESTION 8 INTEGRATED SCENARIO

8.1 Virtual reality is a completely immersive experience that replaces a real-life

environment with a simulated one.
Augmented Reality creates an effect of digital content interacting with the
world by overlaying projected images on top of a pair of see-through glasses.
OR when using the camera on a smartphone.

8.2 8.2.1 Physical objects with sensors, processing ability, software, and other
technologies that connect and exchange data with other devices and
systems over the Internet.
(Accept a suitable example for 1 mark)

8.2.2 Any TWO examples of IoT to improve lives in Africa:

• Connected appliances, e.g., fridge, TV, lamp, washing machines.
• Smart home security systems.
• Autonomous farming equipment or cars.
• Wearable health monitors.
• Smart home temperature system.
• Smart agriculture to boost maximum yields and minimum wastage.
• Access to clean water by predicting pump malfunctions.
• Improving service delivery and disaster management.
• Fighting crime using smart cameras.
• Smart thermostats to save energy costs.
• Smart taps to reduce water wastage activated with or without
touch.
• Smart lightbulbs connected via Wi-Fi for each activation.
• Smart clothing to monitor health vitals.

8.3 8.3.1 (a) Any TWO benefits of 5G:

• Can connect more devices to the Internet per square km.
• 20 times faster data speeds.
• Less latency or delay.
• Less interference.
• Safer than public Wi-Fi.
• More stable connection.

(b) Any TWO advantages of fibre-optic cables:

• Greater/stronger bandwidth/signal.
• High speeds.
• Longer distances OR wider area coverage.
• High-level security.
• Immune to temperature changes OR resistant to
electromagnetic interference (EMI) OR power surges.
• Strong metal fibres.
• Thin and lightweight.

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8.3.2 Any THREE: with reason

CPU: High clock speed, i7 chips, 3D manipulation and rendering
programs will require fast processing speeds.
GPU: A powerful graphics card is critical; keep up with the high
resolution and frame rate for a good VR experience.
RAM: At least 16 GB RAM to have plenty of space for applications.
SSD: High speed allows a quick system boot-up and quick launch of
programs, and media loads much faster than traditional hard drives.

8.4 8.4.1 A numeric label assigned to each device connected to a computer

network so that the device can communicate on the Internet.
(No mark if the candidate expands the acronym Internet Protocol)

8.4.2 Any ONE comparison:

IPv4 IPv6
32 bits 128 bits
4 sets of 8 bits separated by 8 sets of 16 bits separated by
dots colons
decimal system hexadecimal system
4.3 billion addresses 3.4 × 1038 addresses
Less secure More secure
(Do not accept any opposite answers other than security)

8.4.3 Shortage of IPv4 addresses IPv6 rollout required to connect all the IoT
devices.

8.5 8.5.1 Any TWO methods of processing data:

• Filtering
• Sorting
• Calculating
• Recording
• Organising
• Modifying
• Publishing
• Deleting
• Destroying

8.5.2 Information is processed data that is meaningful and useful.

Knowledge is a combination of information, experience, insight and
understanding.
OR
Information is refined data knowledge is valuable information.

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QUESTION 9 INTEGRATED SCENARIO (continued)

9.1 9.1.1 Any TWO benefits of an online survey:

• Data can be collected electronically.
• Surveys can be automated.
• Faster to email than a physical collection of data.
• Cheaper to email than pay people to run a survey physically.
• More accurate as participants enter their responses.
• Data is quick to analyse as it is recorded in real-time.
• More honest as participants prefer online surveys.
• More flexible as questions can be changed or tailored to each
participant's needs.
• Target a specific audience.

9.1.2 (a) An array of black and white squares set in a grid that can store
data to be read.
OR
takes the user to a website.

(b) Hardware – smartphone with a camera (Accept camera)

Software – Any ONE: a QR code scanning app, a web browser

9.1.3 Any ONE:

• Enhancing creativity and imagination
• Travelling the world without moving

9.1.4 Any TWO methods: add a title, legend, colour code data points, and a
y-axis (vertical) label.

9.2 9.2.1 A 3D character representing a real person in the virtual world OR a

virtual icon.

9.2.2 (a) =C2*$D$5 (correct cell references multiplication absolute cell

reference) (Accept renaming the cells)

(b) Sort OR filter

(c) Cryptocurrency OR virtual/digital currency

9.3 9.3.1 Any ONE service: keep track of errands through digital reminders,
personal organisers to coordinate a busy schedule, personal trainers
to motivate their owners to exercise, virtual housekeepers, providing
home cleaning services and maintain their homes, take care of
children by allowing parents to check in on their children.

9.3.2 Any TWO examples of Digital Virtual Assistants: Siri, Google

Assistant, Cortana, Alexa, Bixby, Google Home, Amazon Echo,
Samsung Sam, Google Voice, ChatGPT.

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9.4 9.4.1 Organise data to make it meaningful OR easier to find the information
you are looking for OR keep your data consistent and accurate OR
insight into the content OR authenticates your data.
9.4.2 Any TWO examples of metadata (could relate to files, photos, images,
website, blog posts, emails):
• Date and time created or modified
• Title and description
• Author/source/reference/Bibliography
• Size
• Type
• Filename
• Settings
• Table of contents
• Index
• Page numbers
• Tags
• Geotagging/location
• Word count

9.4.3 The primary focus is on data/metadata/user data, which are the

building blocks of the metaverse, than the 3D or virtual world, which is
also part of the metaverse.

9.5 Any TWO examples of 3D printing in the metaverse:

• Creating 3D interactive models for customers to view products.
• 3D printed buildings, which are more resistant than conventional
buildings.
• Reconstructing ancient artefacts in archaeology.
• Reconstructing bones and body parts in forensic pathology.
• 3D food printing for special dietary requirements.
• 3D printed shoes that can be worn in real life and the metaverse.
• Prototyping of headsets and other devices required in the metaverse.
• 3D printing can save on waste brings environmental benefits.
• Creating 3D virtual showrooms or houses for viewing in the metaverse.
• Virtual design of products to view in the metaverse.

Total: 150 marks

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