ICT IGCSE:

Comprehensive
Advantages and
Disadvantages
Guide
Based on examination of past papers
and mark schemes

Introduction
This comprehensive guide presents the
advantages and disadvantages of various
ICT topics as required by the IGCSE ICT
syllabus. The content has been carefully
compiled based on analysis of multiple
past papers and mark schemes to identify
the most frequently tested points. This
resource is specifically designed to help
you prepare for Paper 1 questions that ask
you to discuss, compare or evaluate
different technologies and concepts.

Paper 1 frequently includes questions

asking for advantages/disadvantages,
benefits/drawbacks, or comparisons
between different technologies. Being able
to articulate these points clearly is
essential for scoring high marks.

Table of Contents
1. Types of Computer Systems

2. Operating Systems and User Interfaces

3. Input and Output Devices

4. Storage Devices and Media

5. Networks and Communication

6. Cloud Computing

7. Internet Usage

8. Security and Authentication

9. Health and Safety

10. ICT Applications

11. Database Types

12. System Implementation Methods

13. File Formats

14. Verification and Validation

Click on any topic to jump to that section.

1. Types of Computer
Systems
Desktop Computers vs. Mobile
Computers

Advantages of Desktop
Computers

Higher performance and

processing power
Easier to upgrade individual
components
Usually more cost-effective than
mobile computers
Larger screens and better
ergonomics for extended use
Better cooling systems allow for
more intensive tasks
More ports for connecting
peripherals

Disadvantages of Desktop
Computers

Not portable
Require more physical space
Higher power consumption
Multiple peripherals needed
(keyboard, monitor)
Set up in a fixed location

Laptop Computers

Advantages of Laptop Computers

Portable and can be used

anywhere
All-in-one design (screen,
keyboard, touchpad)
Built-in battery for use without
constant power
Smaller physical footprint than
desktop
Can be carried in a bag/case

Disadvantages of Laptop
Computers

More expensive than comparable

desktop computers
Limited upgradeability
Smaller screen size
Often less powerful than desktop
equivalents
More prone to theft due to
portability
Harder to repair if components fail

Tablet Computers vs.

Smartphones

Advantages of Tablet Computers

Easier to connect devices onto a

tablet
Larger screen to see content
Larger onscreen keyboard to enter
data
Better software suited for certain
tasks
Good for media consumption and
browsing
Usually have longer battery life
than laptops

Advantages of Smartphones

More portable and can be carried

in a pocket
People are more likely to have
them available
If cameras are needed, it's easier
to use a camera with a
smartphone
Always connected for
communication
Combines multiple functions in
one device

Note: When answering comparison questions,

remember to include both similarities and
differences to achieve full marks, as required in
the mark schemes.

2. Operating Systems and

User Interfaces
Command Line Interface (CLI)

Advantages

Requires less system resources

compared to GUI
More efficient for experienced
users who know commands
Allows faster execution of routine
tasks through scripting
Offers greater control over the
operating system
Can be used remotely with
minimal bandwidth

Disadvantages

Steep learning curve for new

users
Requires memorization of
commands
Less intuitive than GUI interfaces
No visual representation of tasks
More difficult to perform multiple
tasks simultaneously

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Advantages

User-friendly and intuitive

Visual representation makes
navigation easier
Requires minimal training for basic
operations
Suitable for multitasking with
multiple windows
Easier for beginners to learn
Provides visual feedback for
actions

Disadvantages

Requires more system resources

than CLI
May slow down older/less
powerful computers
Can be less efficient for routine
tasks that could be scripted
Limited to pre-programmed
options in the interface
Can be distracting with
unnecessary visual elements

Dialogue Based Interface

Advantages

Allows for hands-free control

Safer than using a standard
interface in some contexts
More useful for physically disabled
users
Can be operated while performing
other tasks

Disadvantages

Limited access due to the number

of commands stored
More expensive to develop
May not operate reliably due to
background noise
Issues with speech
impediments/accents
May need to be 'trained' by the
user
Can be distracting if commands
are not understood

3. Input and Output

Devices
Touch Screen

Advantages

Direct manipulation of on-screen

elements
Quick to select options
Intuitive for many users
Eliminates need for separate input
device
Small footprint/space efficient
Improved hand/eye coordination
Allows gestures like zoom and
pinch

Disadvantages

Screen can get smudged with

fingerprints
Less precise than mouse for some
tasks
Can cause arm fatigue (gorilla arm
syndrome)
May be difficult for users with
larger fingers
Not suitable for extended
typing/data entry
More expensive than traditional
input methods

Recognition Systems
Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) vs.
Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

Similarities

Both read/scan data using optical

methods
Both use direct data entry
Both are input devices
Both read data from printed
documents
Both input large amounts of data
Both read data very quickly

Differences

OMR does not need to read

characters, only marks
OMR is unable to recognise
machine or hand-printed
characters
For OMR to read, marks need to
be within a specified area
OCR is more accurate at reading
detailed data
Data read from OCR can be
manipulated by word processing
software
OCR requires manual intervention
to change scanned words

OMR Applications

Lottery tickets
Multiple Choice forms/Questionnaires
Attendance registers
Exam papers

Card Readers
Magnetic Stripe Reader vs. Chip and
PIN Reader

Similarities

Both readers are in direct contact

with the card
Both readers can cause wear and
tear on the cards
Both are input devices

Differences

With chip and PIN readers, the

user needs to know the PIN
The chip and PIN reader is
susceptible to shoulder surfing
The chip and PIN reader prompts
the user to enter a PIN
Chip and PIN is more secure as a
PIN is needed
In the magnetic stripe reader, the
card can be used by anyone as no
PIN is needed
The transaction is faster using a
magnetic stripe reader
Less data entry errors using a
magnetic stripe reader as no
manual input

4. Storage Devices and

Media
Solid State Drives (SSD) vs.
Hard Disk Drives (HDD)

Advantages of SSD

Much faster read/write speeds

than HDD
No moving parts, more resistant to
physical shock
Silent operation
Lower power consumption
Faster boot and application
loading times
The seek time in SSD is smaller
The data transfer rate is
better/smaller
Less chance of data corruption
while being moved
More portable and smaller/thinner

Disadvantages of SSD (compared

to HDD)

Higher cost per GB than HDD

Limited write cycles (though
improving)
More difficult to recover data if
drive fails
More expensive to increase
capacity
Lower maximum capacity options

Optical Storage (CD/DVD/Blu-

ray)

Advantages

Relatively inexpensive media

Good for distribution of
software/media
Long shelf life when properly
stored
Difficult to alter (good for archival)
Can be read on many devices

Disadvantages

Limited capacity (especially

CD/DVD)
Slower access times than
HDD/SSD
Susceptible to physical damage
(scratches)
Requires optical drive to
read/write
Becoming obsolete as streaming
services grow

Typical Use Cases

SSD Use

To store the operating system/games

Reason:
Faster loading of the operating
system/games
The game/OS runs faster

HDD Use

To store
apps/software/data/files/movies

Reason:
Can store more files
Can store larger files

5. Networks and
Communication
Network Types
Bridge vs. Router

Bridge: Connects two LANs that use

the same protocol; creates a single
LAN from separate parts
Router: Allows data packets to be sent
to LAN/WAN; connects a LAN to a
WAN

Extranet

Is a network controlled by a company

Restricted/private network
Allows access for
partners/vendors/suppliers
Allows access for authorized customers

Wi-Fi vs. Bluetooth

Similarities

Both use wireless communications

Both use radio frequencies for
communication
Both allow several devices to be
connected
Both use security when sending
data

Differences

Wi-Fi has a faster data transfer

rate
Wi-Fi has a greater range of
transmission
Wi-Fi uses key matching
encryption
Bluetooth uses WEP and WPA
security together
Wi-Fi can be broadcast
Wi-Fi connects more devices
Bluetooth has a lower frequency
than Wi-Fi

Electronic Conferencing

Advantages

No travel costs
No time wasted traveling
Reduced carbon footprint
Can join from anywhere with
internet connection
Can record meetings for future
reference
Allows screen sharing and
collaboration

Disadvantages

More difficult to carry out projects

as individuals are working on their
own
Difficult to form relationships with
staff
Requires a good/fast/reliable
internet connection
Requires specialist
hardware/software
Time zone differences may be an
issue
Communication issues causing lip
syncing/lagging
Background noise/echo could be
distracting

6. Cloud Computing

Advantages

The cloud has greater storage

capacity
Data could be sent directly to/from
the cloud from any
computer/device
Storage capacity can be increased
without adding additional physical
devices
Many people can share the data
The organization would only pay
for the storage used
There is an automatic backup of
data
Access data from any internet-
connected device
Documentation can be shared
with team members
Documents can be synced across
devices
Lower hardware costs for
organizations

Disadvantages

More security issues as multiple

copies of the data are stored
The organization loses control
over the storage of data
Cloud storage has an ongoing
cost
Users must have a reliable
internet connection to store data
Users must have an internet
connection to access data
Data privacy and security
concerns
Dependency on service provider
reliability
Risk of data loss if provider goes
out of business

Cloud Usage Examples

Team members can log into the cloud
Members can open the documentation
Members can update the
documentation
Documentation is synced automatically
Changes can be tracked by the owner
of the document

7. Internet Usage
Internet Banking

Advantages

Reduces the number of journeys

to and from the bank
Saves money as fewer journeys
are made
Reduces the time wasted
travelling to the bank/waiting in
queues
The interest rates may be better
using internet banking
Easier to shop around for better
bank accounts
24/7 banking
No physical robberies of
customers
Automatic payment scheduling

Disadvantages

Security is an issue as
transactions are carried out over
the internet/unsecured networks
The user needs a reliable internet
connection
More risk of
pharming/phishing/fraud
Easier to make errors whilst using
internet banking e.g. incorrect
input
If the internet connection drops
during a transaction, then there
may be issues
Device needed for two-factor
authentication
Physical money/cash cannot be
deposited or withdrawn using
online banking

Media Streaming

Benefits

Instant access to the media

Saves time rather than
downloading/going to the shops
No need for storage space as
there is no copy
Cheaper than buying physical
media
Access to a large library of content

Drawbacks

Requires an internet connection

Requires a good
internet/bandwidth connection
otherwise buffering
Don't get to keep the product
Online security issue related to the
subscription
Technology could fail in the middle
of the stream
If media is downloaded it is time
locked

Search Engines
Advantages of using search engines:

Fast to find the information needed

More relevant websites are at the top of
the list
The amount of information found is
reduced making it easier to find
relevant information

8. Security and
Authentication
Password Security

Benefits of Strong Passwords

Hard to crack
More secure
Password is long therefore
shoulder surfing is reduced
Does not contain personal
information so harder to crack
Complex combinations prevent
brute force attacks

Drawbacks of Complex Passwords

Easy to forget as it has many

different characters
Even though it is still strong it is
easy for a computer to crack
The user would have to look at the
keyboard when entering the
password
The user may have to write it
down to remember it
Letters and numbers could be
confused (e.g., 1 and I, 2 and Z, 5
and S)
As it is long/complex it could be
mis-typed

Common Password Problems

Password is not strong
It is easy to guess
The letters and numbers are in
sequence on the keyboard
Easy to shoulder surf
Using the same password across
multiple accounts (if someone finds the
password for one of the
systems/accounts other
systems/accounts are compromised)

Authentication Methods
Biometric Authentication

Retina scan
Fingerprint/thumbprint
Iris scan
Facial recognition
Voice recognition

Other Security Methods

Digital Certificate - guarantees a

website is authentic
Encryption - scrambles data so it
cannot be understood
Firewall - hardware device that filters
information coming through the internet
connection
Two-factor authentication - additional
security layer

Malware Protection

Virus Effects

Pop-up messages can appear on

the computer screen
Causes the computer processing
to slow down
Causes the computer to crash
Deletes/corrupts
files/programs/data

Protection Methods

Download/use up-to-date anti-virus

software
Regularly scan the computer for
viruses
Only open email attachments from
people you trust
Scan all portable storage media
before downloading files/software

Social Media Safety

Block/report unwanted users
Do not arrange to meet online
strangers face to face
Do not meet people you do not know
alone
Do not disclose personal data
Do not use your real name for the
social media name
Do not post images that can link
directly to you
Do not post inappropriate images
Do not use inappropriate language
Respect people's confidentiality/privacy
Set status to private

9. Health and Safety

Physical Safety Issues
Electrocution - from spilling drinks
near electrical equipment and touching
live cables
Fire - from sockets being overloaded or
equipment overheating
Tripping - over trailing cables
Heavy equipment falling - and injuring
people

Health Problems and Solutions

Health Problems

Using a mouse for a long period of

time: Repetitive strain injury
Sitting for too long in one position:
Back problems
Looking at screens for extended
periods: Eye strain, headaches

Possible Solutions

Use a wrist rest

Take regular breaks
Use a trackerball/an ergonomic
mouse
Hand exercises
Voice activated software
Use a foot rest
Walk around/stand up
Use an ergonomic/adjustable chair
Sit with correct posture/with
straight back

Impact of Microprocessor-
controlled Devices

Positive Effects

Reduces the amount of time it

takes to complete a task, giving
the user more leisure time
The user does not need to be
present when the device is
working, giving more free time
Allows the user to use interactive
games devices to help improve
their fitness
Can control the heating from your
smartphone so that you come
home to a warm house
Smart TVs allow programs to be
recorded remotely
Money saving due to reduced
utility bills as heating is only
turned on when needed
Increased sense of security in the
home due to monitoring CCTV
remotely

Negative Effects

When the device does all the

work, it makes the user lazy
Users are not doing as much
manual work, which can cause
physical health issues
Using computers/gaming
machines/devices for long periods
can cause various health issues
May reduce physical activity as
users rely on devices
Can lead to social isolation if
overused
Privacy concerns as devices
gather data about home activities

10. ICT Applications

Online Booking Systems

Advantages

Bookings can be made last minute

24/7 booking availability
The bookings can be easily
checked on the internet
Faster to cancel/change a booking
The patient/customer
cancels/changes their own
appointment which ensures it has
been done
Multiple bookings can be made for
different services
Email/text reminders can be sent
automatically
More convenient – can book from
any device/on the move
Automatic confirmation of the
booking
Less time spent on the phone
therefore freeing up staff
The bookings can be planned
easily in advance
Repeat appointments can be
made automatically therefore
saving time
Frees up staff to do other things

Disadvantages

Concerns about the

privacy/security of the data
If the system goes down the ability
to book an appointment is lost
Some people prefer to talk to a
person
Medical emergencies may be
overlooked
Internet connected device
required by the user
Computer skills required
Administration staff may lose their
jobs
Elderly people may struggle to use
the system

Expert Systems
Key components of expert systems:

Inference engine
Knowledge base
Rules base
User interface
Explanation system

Examples of how expert systems work:

Interactive user interface asks

questions about the route
The user answers the questions with
Yes/No answers
The towns and areas visited/start/end
point are typed/entered into the
interactive user interface
Answers lead to other questions
The inference engine searches the
knowledge base and uses the rules
base
The knowledge base is searched for
suitable routes between two points
Suggested/probable routes and
schedules are displayed

Electronic Publications
(ePublications)

Features (compared to print)

Audio
Ability to change to different
languages
Ability to change text flow left-to-
right and right-to-left
Text to speech
Accessibility features
Video
Animation
Turning pages automatically
Interactivity

Design for Younger Audience

Bright colors
Animations
Videos
Sounds/sound effects
Cartoons
More pictures than text
Simple wording/short sentences
Large text fonts for easier reading
Use of white space to break up text
Games/activities for content

Automatic Number Plate

Recognition (ANPR)

Benefits

Saves time in having to check the

number plates manually
Less errors as the recognition
system is automatic
Saves money as there is no need
to check the number plates
manually
Secure system as it only allows
stored vehicles

Drawbacks

All vehicles need to be added to

the database
If the number plate is
obscured/dirty it is difficult to read
Some number plates cannot be
read due to odd font/sideways
Data needs to be kept up to date
Expensive to setup/maintain the
system

11. Database Types

Relational Database vs. Flat
File Database

Advantages of Relational
Database

Uses data integrity which means

no discrepancies in the data
Less memory used in the
computer
Data is not unnecessarily
duplicated
Queries can be created using
many tables/Complex queries can
be created
Reports can be created using
many tables/Complex reports can
be created
Only have to input the data once
into a relational database
therefore it saves time

Key Concepts

Primary Key: It is unique, cannot be

a null value, identifies a record
Foreign Key: Is needed to act as a
link in relationships, it is only present
in relational databases, it is a primary
key in another table

12. System
Implementation Methods
Direct Changeover vs. Parallel
Running

Advantages of Direct Changeover

Benefits are immediate whereas

with parallel running it takes time
for the new system to be fully
running
With direct they only have to pay
for one set of staff therefore saves
costs
Costs are saved as only one
computer system is needed
With direct the maintenance is
cheaper as there is only one set of
computers
Data is only entered once so
saves duplication of data
The new system is checked
thoroughly before implementation

Disadvantages of Direct
Changeover

Staff have to be trained and be

fully ready to use the new system
before it is implemented
Staff cannot be trained on the new
system whereas in parallel both
systems are running
If there is a problem, then all the
data can be lost; this could be
disastrous for the company
whereas in parallel there is the
original system
With direct staff cannot be trained
gradually
High risk if system fails
No fallback option

13. File Formats

Image File Formats

GIF

Uses: Animated/moving images,

icons/simple logos

Characteristics:
Graphics Interchange Format
Supported by all web browsers
Can be animated images
Supports 8-bit colors/256
colors/limited
Features background transparency
Image quality never degrades with
resaves

JPG

Uses: Photographic images, graphics

with complex colors and gradients

Characteristics:
Joint Photographic (Experts)
Group
Supports 24-bit colors/16.7 million
colors
Image quality degrades slightly
when resaved
Uses lossy compression
No background transparency
Enlarging the image can cause
pixelation
Image quality is better (than GIF
for photos)

PDF Files
Disadvantages of PDF files:

More difficult to edit the PDF

PDFs sometimes render incorrectly
Need PDF editor software to edit/Need
PDF viewer

File Size Reduction Methods

Change the resolution/quality of the
image
Reduce the color/bit depth
Change the compression
method/Compress the file
Reduce layers

14. Verification and

Validation
Data Verification Methods

Similarities

Both are used to check that data

has been entered correctly
Both ensure that the data has been
transferred correctly
Both are used to check the data
against the original data

Differences

In visual verification the user

compares the data
Data is compared with the original
data source
In double data entry the computer
compares the data
In double data entry the data is
compared with the previously
entered data
In double data entry data is
entered twice by the user(s)

Validation Methods
Format check - verifies that the data
matches a specified format
Length check - ensures data is not too
short or too long
Range check - ensures data is within
acceptable limits
Type/character check - verifies the
data contains the correct type of
characters
Presence check - checks that data has
been entered into the field

Conclusion
This comprehensive guide has covered
the key advantages and disadvantages of
various ICT topics as required by the
IGCSE ICT syllabus, with a focus on the
most frequently tested concepts in Paper
1. Understanding these points is essential
for success in examination questions that
require you to discuss, compare, or
evaluate different technologies.

Remember that exam questions often ask

you to apply these concepts to specific
scenarios, so practice analyzing how
these advantages and disadvantages
would apply in different contexts. Also,
consider how to structure your answers to
show balanced evaluation when
discussing both sides of an issue.

For comparison questions, always include

both similarities AND differences to
achieve full marks. For
advantage/disadvantage questions,
ensure you cover both sides adequately.

Made with Genspark

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ICT IGCSE Study Guide - Created for

examination preparation
Based on Cambridge IGCSE Information and
Communication Technology (0417) syllabus