3

2 (a) State what is meant by the term USB.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[1]

(b) Describe two benefits of using USB connections between a computer and a device.

1 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

2 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

© UCLES 2015 2210/11/M/J/15 [Turn over

 7

5 Five storage devices are described in the table below.

In column 2, name the storage device being described.

In columns 3, 4, or 5, tick () to show the appropriate category of storage.

1 2 3 4 5

Name of Category of storage

Description of storage device
storage device Primary Secondary Off-line
optical media which use one spiral
track; red lasers are used to read
and write data on the media surface;
makes use of dual-layering technology
to increase the storage capacity
non-volatile memory chip; contents of
the chip cannot be altered; it is often
used to store the start up routines in a
computer (e.g. the BIOS)
optical media which use concentric
tracks to store the data; this allows
read and write operations to be carried
out at the same time
non-volatile memory device which
uses NAND flash memories (which
consist of millions of transistors wired
in series on single circuit boards)
optical media which use blue laser
technology to read and write data on
the media surface; it uses a single
1.1 mm polycarbonate disc

[10]

© UCLES 2015 2210/11/M/J/15 [Turn over

 10

7 (a) One of the key features of von Neumann computer architecture is the use of buses.

Three buses and three descriptions are shown below.

Draw a line to connect each bus to its correct description.

Bus Description

this bus carries signals used

address bus to coordinate the computer’s
activities

this bi-directional bus is used

to exchange data between
control bus
processor, memory and input/
output devices

this uni-directional bus carries

signals relating to memory
data bus
addresses between processor
and memory
[2]

© UCLES 2015 2210/11/M/J/15

 11

(b) The seven stages in a von Neumann fetch-execute cycle are shown in the table below.

Put each stage in the correct sequence by writing the numbers 1 to 7 in the right hand column.
The first one has been done for you.

Sequence
Stage
number
the instruction is then copied from the memory location contained
in the MAR (memory address register) and is placed in the MDR
(memory data register)

the instruction is finally decoded and is then executed

the PC (program counter) contains the address of the next instruction

to be fetched 1
the entire instruction is then copied from the MDR (memory data
register) and placed in the CIR (current instruction register)

the address contained in the PC (program counter) is copied to the

MAR (memory address register) via the address bus

the address part of the instruction, if any, is placed in the MAR

(memory address register)

the value in the PC (program counter) is then incremented so that it

points to the next instruction to be fetched

[6]

© UCLES 2015 2210/11/M/J/15 [Turn over

 12

8 An alarm clock is controlled by a microprocessor. It uses the 24 hour clock. The hour is represented
by an 8-bit register, A, and the number of minutes is represented by another 8-bit register, B.

(a) Identify what time is represented by the following two 8-bit registers.

A B
128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1 128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1

0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 : 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 1

Hours ............................................ Minutes .........................................

[2]

(b) An alarm has been set for 07:30. Two 8-bit registers, C and D, are used to represent the
hours and minutes of the alarm time.

Show how 07:30 would be represented by these two registers:

C D

Hours Minutes

[2]

(c) Describe how the microprocessor can determine when to sound the clock alarm.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[3]

© UCLES 2015 2210/11/M/J/15

 13

(d) The LCD (liquid crystal display) on the clock face is back-lit using blue LEDs (light emitting
diodes). The brightness of the clock face is determined by the level of light in the room. The
amount of light given out by the LEDs is controlled by a control circuit.

Describe how the sensor, microprocessor and LEDs are used to maintain the correct
brightness of the clock face.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[3]

(e) Modern LCD monitors and televisions use LED back-lit technology.

Give two advantages of using this new technology compared to the older cold cathode
fluorescent lamp (CCFL) method.

1 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

2 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

© UCLES 2015 2210/11/M/J/15 [Turn over

 3

2 The majority of mobile phones use touch screens. Three common technologies are used by
different mobile phone manufacturers.

Choose one of the following mobile phone technologies:

• resistive
• capacitive
• infrared

Chosen technology ..........................................................................................................................

(i) Describe how your chosen technology works to allow a user to make selections by touching
the screen.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[2]

(ii) Give one benefit and one drawback of your chosen technology when used on mobile phone
touch screens.

Benefit

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Drawback

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

© UCLES 2015 2210/12/M/J/15 [Turn over

 4

3 Four input devices, four descriptions and four applications are shown below.

Draw a line to connect each input device to its correct description. Then connect each description
to its correct application.

Input device Description Application

copies paper documents and

voice
barcode reader converts the text and pictures
recognition
into a computer-readable form

reads labels containing parallel

microphone dark and light lines using laser reading
light or LEDs; the width of each passports
line represents a binary code

detects changes in acidity

automatic stock
pH sensor levels; data is often in
control
analogue form

device that allows audio

signals to be converted into
monitor soil in a
scanner electric signals; these can be
greenhouse
interpreted by a computer after
being converted into digital form
[6]

© UCLES 2015 2210/12/M/J/15

 10

7 (a) Street lighting is controlled automatically. A light sensor and a microprocessor are used to
decide when to switch each street light on or off.

Describe how the sensor, microprocessor and light interact to switch the street light on or off.

Include in your answer how the microprocessor stops the street lights being frequently
switched on and off due to brief changes in the light intensity.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[5]

(b) Name three different sensors (other than light and pH) and describe an application for each
of these sensors.

A different application is needed for each sensor.

Sensor 1 ...................................................................................................................................

Application ................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Sensor 2 ...................................................................................................................................

Application ................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Sensor 3 ...................................................................................................................................

Application ................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[6]

© UCLES 2015 2210/12/M/J/15

 2

1 Some software can be described as free, freeware or shareware.

Tick (✓) the appropriate boxes in the table below to show which features apply to these three
types of software.

Software feature Free Freeware Shareware

Software source code can be freely accessed and

modified as required

All the features of the full version of the software

are not made available; the full version needs to be
purchased first

The original software is subject to all copyright laws

It is possible to distribute modified versions or

copies of the software to friends and family

[3]

2 Hexadecimal codes are used in MAC addresses.

(a) State what is meant by the term MAC.

...............................................................................................................................................[1]

(b) Explain what the hexadecimal code in a MAC address represents.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[3]

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 3

3 (a) Five sensors and five applications are shown below.

Draw a line to link each sensor to its most appropriate application.

Sensor Application

Light
Monitor the pollution levels in a river
sensor

Moisture Control the switching off and on of

sensor street lights

Gas Detect intruders breaking into a

sensor building

pH Monitor the amount of water left in

sensor clothes in a dryer

Pressure Monitor acidity levels in the soil in a

sensor greenhouse
[4]

(b) Automatic doors in a building are controlled by the use of infrared sensors and a
microprocessor.

Describe how the sensors and the microprocessor are used to automatically open a door as
a person approaches.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[4]

© UCLES 2016 2210/11/M/J/16 [Turn over

 4

4 (a) Nikita wishes to print out some documents and connects her printer to the computer using
one of the USB ports.

(i) Identify what type of data transmission is being used.

.......................................................................................................................................[1]

(ii) Give three reasons for using a USB port.

1 .......................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

2 .......................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

3 .......................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[3]

(iii) The printer runs out of paper while it is printing the documents. A signal is sent to the
processor to request that the problem is dealt with.

Name this type of signal.

.......................................................................................................................................[1]

(b) State one suitable application for each printer below. A different application must be given for
each printer.

Inkjet printer ..............................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

3D printer ..................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

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 5

(c) Name another type of printer and describe one way in which it is different from the printers
named in part (b).

Give an application for this printer.

Type of printer ...........................................................................................................................

Description ................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Application ................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[3]

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 12

11 (a) Four examples of optical storage media are:

• DVD-RW
• DVD-RAM
• CD-ROM
• Blu-ray disc

The table below shows four features of optical storage media.

Tick (✓) the appropriate boxes in the table to indicate which of the features apply to each
example of optical storage media.

Many Blue laser Red laser

Single track concentric used to read/ used to read/
tracks write data write data

DVD-RW

DVD-RAM

CD-ROM

Blu-ray disc

[4]

(b) Solid state drives (SSD) are replacing hard disc drives (HDD) in some computers.

(i) Give three reasons why this is happening.

1 .......................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

2 .......................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

3 .......................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[3]

(ii) Explain why many web servers still use hard disc drive (HDD) technology.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................[2]

© UCLES 2016 2210/11/M/J/16

 13

12 (a) Name the following type of barcode:

...............................................................................................................................................[1]

(b) The barcode in part (a) contains the denary value 2640
Convert this value to hexadecimal.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Write the value as a 12-bit binary number.

[4]

(c) An airport uses the type of barcode shown in part (a) to advertise local places of interest.

Describe how a visitor landing at the airport could use these barcodes to help plan their visit.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[3]

© UCLES 2016 2210/11/M/J/16

 2

1 Complete the following by writing either compiler, interpreter or assembler in the spaces
provided.

..................................................................... – translates source code into object code.

...................................................................... – translates low-level language into machine code.

...................................................................... – stops the execution of a program as soon as it

encounters an error.
[3]

2 Motion sensors are used in a security system to detect intruders.

Name three other sensors that could be used in the following applications.

Give a different type of sensor for each application.

Application Sensor

controlling street lights

monitoring a river for pollution

controlling traffic lights

[3]

© UCLES 2016 2210/12/M/J/16

 5

5 Six descriptions and six devices are shown below.

Draw a line to link each description to the correct device.

Description Device

Allows a user to write on a surface

using a pen; text and drawings are
then captured electronically and Digital Light Projector
stored for later use.

Converts sound into an electrical

Inkjet printer
signal/voltage.

Uses thermal bubble and piezoelectric

Interactive whiteboard
technology to produce a hard copy.

Uses a bright white light source and

micro mirrors (on a chip) to produce Laser printer
an image to be shone onto a wall or
screen.

Converts a hard copy document into

an electronic form to be stored as a Microphone
file on a computer.

Uses negatively charged images on a

rotating drum and positively charged Scanner (2D)
toner to output a hard copy.

[5]

© UCLES 2016 2210/12/M/J/16 [Turn over

 6

6 Signals are sent to and from the components of a processor using buses.

Identify and describe the purpose of two different buses.

Bus 1 ....................................................................

Purpose ............................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

Bus 2 ....................................................................

Purpose ............................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................
[6]

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 8

8 Complete the paragraph by choosing six correct terms from the list.

• Optical
• On-line
• RAM
• HDD
• Primary
• SSD
• Secondary
• ROM
• Off-line

A computer has two different types of memory. .................................... memory is not directly

accessed by the CPU, but it allows a user to store data that can easily be accessed by applications.

Two examples of this type of memory are .................................... and .................................... . The

second type of memory is .................................... memory. This memory is directly accessed by

the CPU. It allows the processor to access data and instructions that are stored in this memory.

Two examples of this memory are .................................... and .................................... .

[6]

© UCLES 2017 2210/11/M/J/17

 9

9 A supermarket has a system that allows customers to check out their own shopping.

Identify and describe the purpose of two input devices and one output device used in this system.

Input device 1 ...................................................................................................................................

Purpose ............................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

Input device 2 ...................................................................................................................................

Purpose ............................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

Output device 1 ................................................................................................................................

Purpose ............................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................
[6]

10 (a) Complete the truth table for the NOR gate.

A
X
B

A B Output (X)

0 0

0 1

1 0

1 1
[1]

© UCLES 2017 2210/11/M/J/17 [Turn over

 11

12 The processes in a chemical factory are monitored by sensors connected to a microprocessor.

(a) Identify two different sensors used in this application. Give an example of how each sensor
could be used in the chemical factory.

Sensor 1 ...................................................................................................................................

Use ...........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Sensor 2 ...................................................................................................................................

Use ...........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[4]

(b) Describe how the sensors and a microprocessor are used to monitor a process.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................. [5]

© UCLES 2017 2210/11/M/J/17 [Turn over

 2

1 Name three different buses that are used in the fetch-execute cycle.

Bus 1 ................................................................................................................................................

Bus 2 ................................................................................................................................................

Bus 3 ................................................................................................................................................
[3]

2 Give two examples of primary, secondary and off-line storage.

Primary

Example 1 ........................................................................................................................................

Example 2 ........................................................................................................................................

Secondary

Example 1 ........................................................................................................................................

Example 2 ........................................................................................................................................

Off-line

Example 1 ........................................................................................................................................

Example 2 ........................................................................................................................................
[6]

© UCLES 2017 2210/12/M/J/17

 3

3 The diagram shows five output devices and five descriptions.

Draw a line between each output device and its description.

Output Device Description

Flat panel display that uses the light modulating

Inkjet printer
properties of liquid crystals.

Flat panel display that uses an array of

LCD screen
light‑emitting diodes as pixels.

2D cutter Droplets of ink are propelled onto paper.

Electrically charged powdered ink is transferred

LED screen
onto paper.

Laser printer High powered laser that uses the x‑y plane.

[4]

© UCLES 2017 2210/12/M/J/17 [Turn over

 6

6 Airline boarding passes can be read from a smartphone instead of a printout.

Back Boarding Pass

TSA Pre
Passenger Webb / Alan
Boarding
Group B 15 Boarding
Position
Flight 683
JFK – LAX
Date Thursday, November 10, 2016
Departs 8.15 pm
Gate C4
Time, gate and terminals may change - check monitors

Fly Rewards Conf# BC123D

Fly Rewards# 12345678

Identify what type of barcode A is an example of. Explain how the data stored in this type of
barcode is read.

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................................[4]

© UCLES 2017 2210/12/M/J/17

 8

(c) A computer includes an Integrated Circuit (IC) and a Universal Serial Bus (USB) for data
transmission.

Describe how the computer uses these for data transmission, including the type of data
transmission used.

IC ..............................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

USB ..........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[4]

© UCLES 2017 2210/12/M/J/17

 10

9 A cold store is kept at a constant low temperature using a sensor, a microprocessor and a cooling
unit.

Explain how the sensor and microprocessor will maintain a constant low temperature.

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................................[6]

© UCLES 2017 2210/12/M/J/17

 5

5 Six components of the Von Neumann model for a computer system and six descriptions are given.

Draw a line to match each component to the most suitable description.

Component Description

Immediate Holds data and instructions when they are

access store loaded from main memory and are waiting
(IAS) to be processed.

Holds data temporarily that is currently

Register
being used in a calculation.

Control unit Holds data or instructions temporarily

(CU) when they are being processed.

Accumulator Manages the flow of data and interaction

(ACC) between the components of the processor.

Arithmetic logic
Carries out the calculations on data.
unit (ALU)

Pathway for transmitting data and

Bus
instructions.
[5]

© UCLES 2018 2210/11/M/J/18 [Turn over

 8

8 A supermarket uses a barcode scanner to read the barcodes on its products.

(a) Describe how the barcode scanner reads the barcode.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[4]

(b) Explain how the barcode system could help the supermarket manage its stock.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[3]

(c) An infrared touch screen is used to view and navigate the supermarket stock system.

Explain how the infrared touch screen detects a user’s touch.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[4]
© UCLES 2018 2210/11/M/J/18
 9

(d) The supermarket uses secondary storage and off-line storage to store data about its stock.

Explain what is meant by secondary storage and off-line storage.

Secondary storage ...................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Off-line storage .........................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[4]

9 A business wants to use a biometric security system to control entry to the office.

The system will use a biometric device and a microprocessor.

Explain how the biometric security system will make use of the biometric device and the
microprocessor to control entry to the office.

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................
[6]

© UCLES 2018 2210/11/M/J/18 [Turn over

 6

6 Kelvin correctly answers an examination question about the Von Neumann model.

Eight different terms have been removed from his answer.

Complete the sentences in Kelvin’s answer, using the list given.

Not all items in the list need to be used.

• accumulator (ACC)
• address bus
• arithmetic logic unit (ALU)
• control unit (CU)
• data bus
• executed
• fetches
• immediate access store (IAS)
• memory address register (MAR)
• memory data register (MDR)
• program counter (PC)
• saved
• transmits

The central processing unit (CPU) ....................................................................................

the data and instructions needed and stores them in the

.................................................................................... to wait to be processed.

The .................................................................................... holds the address of the next

instruction. This address is sent to the .................................................................................... .

The data from this address is sent to the .................................................................................... .

The instruction can then be decoded and .................................................................................... .

Any calculations that are carried out on the data are done by the

.................................................................................... . During calculations, the data is temporarily

held in a register called the .................................................................................... .

[8]

© UCLES 2018 2210/12/M/J/18

 8

8 Dimitri is writing a computer program in a high-level language.

He needs to send just the machine code for the program to his friend, electronically.

It is important that the program is executed as quickly as possible.

Identify which translator will be most suitable for Dimitri to use. Explain your choice.

Type of translator .............................................................................................................................

Explanation ......................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................
[4]

9 An advertisement in a magazine displays this barcode:

(a) Identify this type of barcode.

.............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) Explain how the data stored in this barcode is read.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................. [4]
© UCLES 2018 2210/12/M/J/18
 9

10 Alexandra has a new mobile device.

It has a touch screen that uses capacitive technology.

(a) Describe how a capacitive touch screen registers Alexandra’s touch.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................. [4]

(b) Alexandra is wearing gloves because it is cold.

She presses an icon on her touch screen but her action is not registered.

(i) Explain why the touch screen will not register her touch.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) Alexandra does not want to remove her gloves.

Explain how Alexandra could use her mobile device whilst still wearing gloves.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................... [2]

© UCLES 2018 2210/12/M/J/18 [Turn over

 10

11 A factory uses a security system to control a security light. The system uses a sensor and a
microprocessor.

Explain how the security system makes use of the sensor and the microprocessor to control the
security light.

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................................... [6]

© UCLES 2018 2210/12/M/J/18

 2

1 Hexadecimal is used for MAC addresses.

Part of a MAC address is given:

97 – 5C – E1
Each pair of digits is stored as binary in an 8-bit register.

(a) Show what the binary register stores for each pair of the given digits.

97

5C

E1
[6]

(b) Explain what is meant by a MAC address.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [4]

(c) Give two other examples where hexadecimal can be used.

Example 1 .................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Example 2 .................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

© UCLES 2019 2210/11/M/J/19

 4

3 Five descriptions of different input or output devices are given in the table.

Complete the table by stating the name of each input or output device.

Description Name of device

This is an input device that works by shining a light

onto the surface of a document. The light source is
automatically moved across the document and the ...................................................
reflected light is captured by mirrors and lenses.

This is an input device where a laser or a light source is

moved across an object. The width, height and depth of
...................................................
the object are measured to allow a model to be created.

This is a large input device that is usually fixed to a

wall. A user can calibrate the device to make sure the
sensors align with a projected image. The user can use ...................................................
either their finger or a special pen to make selections.

This is an output device that uses many small mirrors to

reflect light towards a lens. This will display an image. ...................................................

This is an output device that creates an object by

building layer upon layer of material. ...................................................

[5]

© UCLES 2019 2210/11/M/J/19

 6

(b) Lola is also concerned that the data she stores could be subject to accidental damage or
accidental loss.

(i) State three ways that the data Lola stores could be accidentally damaged or accidentally
lost.

1 ........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

2 ........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

3 ........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[3]

(ii) Give two methods that Lola could use to help keep her data safe from accidental damage
or accidental loss.

1 ........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

2 ........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[2]

© UCLES 2019 2210/11/M/J/19

 8

6 A law company holds a lot of sensitive data about its clients.

(a) It currently requires employees to enter a username and a password to log-in to an account.
Each password must be 8 letters.

The company wants to increase the security of the log-in system.

Identify two improvements the company could use to make the log-in system more secure.

Explain how each improvement increases security.

Improvement 1 ..........................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Explanation ...............................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Improvement 2 ..........................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Explanation ...............................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[4]

(b) The law company wants to purchase a new file server.

The company can purchase a server with either solid state storage or magnetic storage. After
discussion, it decides to purchase a file server with magnetic storage.

Explain why the company chose magnetic storage rather than solid state storage.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [4]

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 9

(c) The law company also uses optical storage.

Give three different examples of optical storage.

1 ................................................................................................................................................

2 ................................................................................................................................................

3 ................................................................................................................................................
[3]

7 Annie writes a paragraph of text as an answer to an examination question about programming

languages.

Using the list given, complete Annie’s answer by inserting the correct six missing terms. Not all
terms will be used.

• Assembly
• Converter
• Denary
• Hexadecimal
• High-level language
• Low-level language
• Machine Code
• Source Code
• Syntax
• Translator

The structure of language statements in a computer program is called the

....................................................................... . A programming language that uses natural

language statements is called a ....................................................................... . When programs

are written in this type of language they need a ....................................................................... to

convert them into ....................................................................... .

A programming language that is written using mnemonic codes is called a

....................................................................... . An example of this type of language is

....................................................................... language.
[6]

© UCLES 2019 2210/11/M/J/19 [Turn over

 2

1 Input and output devices are often connected to a personal computer.

(a) Identify three input devices that can be connected to a personal computer.

1 ................................................................................................................................................

2 ................................................................................................................................................

3 ................................................................................................................................................
[3]

(b) Identify three output devices that can be connected to a personal computer.

1 ................................................................................................................................................

2 ................................................................................................................................................

3 ................................................................................................................................................
[3]

2 A finance company uses off-line storage to archive their accounts.

(a) Explain what is meant by off-line storage.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) The computers in the finance company use both primary and secondary storage.

(i) Give one example of primary storage.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Give two examples of secondary storage.

1 ........................................................................................................................................

2 ........................................................................................................................................
[2]

© UCLES 2019 2210/12/M/J/19

 3

3 Vanessa writes a paragraph as an answer to an examination question about the central processing
unit (CPU).

Use the list given to complete Vanessa’s answer by inserting the correct six missing terms.
Not all terms will be used.

• Components
• Data
• Decoded
• Executed
• Fetched
• Instructions
• RAM
• ROM
• Secondary storage

The CPU processes ........................................................ and ........................................................ .

An instruction is ........................................................ from ........................................................

into the CPU where it is then ........................................................ . Once this has taken place the

instruction is then ........................................................ .

[6]

© UCLES 2019 2210/12/M/J/19 [Turn over

 4

4 (a) Marley wants to store a video he has created for his school project.

He considers using a DVD or a Blu-ray to store the video.

Explain two differences between a DVD and a Blu-ray.

1 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

2 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

(b) (i) Marley also needs to store ten 8-bit colour images in a file for his project.

Each image is 500 pixels wide and 300 pixels high.

Calculate the total file size in megabytes (MB) for all Marley’s images.

Show all your working.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

File size ....................................................... MB

[3]

© UCLES 2019 2210/12/M/J/19

 5

(ii) Marley prints the images for his project using an inkjet printer.

Describe how the inkjet printer prints an image.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [4]

5 A music company wants to send a new music file to many radio stations. It will send the music file
the day before the release date so that the radio stations can store the file ready for release.

The music company does not want the radio stations to be able to open the music file until 09:00
on the release date.

Identify two security measures and describe how each measure can be used to make sure the
music file cannot be opened until the release date.

Security measure 1 ..........................................................................................................................

Description .......................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

Security measure 2 ..........................................................................................................................

Description .......................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................
[4]

© UCLES 2019 2210/12/M/J/19 [Turn over

 8

7 (a) An office has an automated lighting system. When movement is detected in the office the
lights are switched on. If movement is not detected for a period of 2 minutes the lights are
switched off. The system uses a sensor and a microprocessor.

Describe how the automated lighting system uses a sensor and a microprocessor.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [6]

(b) A microprocessor uses ROM.

Explain what is meant by ROM.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

© UCLES 2019 2210/12/M/J/19

 2

1 An image of a smartphone is shown.

(a) Identify one input device that is part of the smartphone.

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) Identify two output devices that are part of the smartphone.

1 ................................................................................................................................................

2 ................................................................................................................................................
[2]

(c) All smartphones have a MAC address.

(i) State what is meant by the term MAC address.

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Describe the structure of a MAC address.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

© UCLES 2020 2210/11/M/J/20

 3

(d) A smartphone needs both RAM and ROM.

State why a smartphone needs RAM and ROM.

RAM ..........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

ROM .........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

(e) Modern smartphones can be secured with a biometric system that is built into the phone.

(i) Identify two biometric systems that would be suitable for securing a smartphone.

1 ........................................................................................................................................

2 ........................................................................................................................................
[2]

(ii) Explain why modern smartphones are secured with a biometric system.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

© UCLES 2020 2210/11/M/J/20 [Turn over

 5

3 Carla’s computer has a USB port.

Carla uses the USB port to connect her mobile device to her computer, to transfer her photos.

(a) Give three benefits of using a USB port to connect the mobile device to the computer.

Benefit 1 ...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Benefit 2 ...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Benefit 3 ...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[3]

(b) State the type of data transmission used when transferring data using a USB port.

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(c) Carla wants to reduce the file size of the photos she has transferred to her computer.
She does not want the quality of the photos to be reduced, so she uses lossless compression.

Describe how lossless compression reduces the file size of the photos.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [4]

© UCLES 2020 2210/11/M/J/20 [Turn over

 9

8 Benny is a photographer and prints his photos using an inkjet printer.

(a) Benny is printing some photos and the paper gets jammed in the printer.

A signal is sent to alert the computer about the paper jam.

State the name of this type of signal.

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) Identify one benefit and two drawbacks of Benny using an inkjet printer, instead of a laser
printer, to print his photos.

Benefit ......................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Drawback 1 ...............................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Drawback 2 ...............................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[3]

(c) Four statements are given about printers.

Tick (✓) to show whether the statement applies to an Inkjet printer or a Laser printer.

Inkjet Laser
Statement
(✓) (✓)
Uses a rotating drum to transfer the image to the paper
Uses powdered toner
Uses nozzles to spray droplets on to the paper
Uses a print head mechanism that moves side to side
[4]

© UCLES 2020 2210/11/M/J/20 [Turn over

 2

1 A Von Neumann model for a computer system has a central processing unit (CPU) that makes
use of registers.

(a) Identify three registers that may be used.

Register 1 .................................................................................................................................

Register 2 .................................................................................................................................

Register 3 .................................................................................................................................
[3]

(b) The CPU is responsible for processing instructions.

One stage of processing instructions is the decode stage.

(i) Identify the two other stages of processing instructions.

Stage 1 ..............................................................................................................................

Stage 2 ..............................................................................................................................
[2]

(ii) Identify the component of the CPU that is responsible for decoding instructions.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

2 Both an interpreter and a compiler can be used when writing a program in a high-level language.

(a) Explain why a programmer would make use of both an interpreter and a compiler.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [4]

© UCLES 2020 2210/12/M/J/20

 6

6 Six statements are given about touch screen technology.

Tick (3) to show if the statement applies to Capacitive or Resistive touch screen technology.

Capacitive Resistive
Statement
(3) (3)

Needs pressure to be applied to create a circuit

May not register a touch if the user is wearing gloves

More commonly used in smartphones

More responsive to a touch

Needs an electrical field to be changed to register a touch

Cheaper to manufacture

[6]

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 8

8 Leonard has a new laser printer to print letters for his business.

Leonard connects his printer to his computer using the USB port.

(a) Give three benefits of using the USB port to connect the printer to the computer.

Benefit 1 ...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Benefit 2 ...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Benefit 3 ...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[3]

(b) State two benefits and one drawback of Leonard using a laser printer, instead of an inkjet
printer, to print the letters.

Benefit 1 ...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Benefit 2 ...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Drawback ..................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[3]

(c) An interrupt signal is sent from the printer to the computer.

(i) Give two examples of when a printer would generate an interrupt signal.

Example 1 .........................................................................................................................

Example 2 .........................................................................................................................
[2]

(ii) Many devices send interrupt signals.

Identify the software in the computer that will receive and manage all interrupt signals.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

© UCLES 2020 2210/12/M/J/20

 9

9 (a) Six statements are given about storage devices.

Tick (3) to show if the statement applies to hard disk drive (HDD) storage or
solid state drive (SSD) storage.

Some statements can apply to both.

HDD SSD
Statement
(3) (3)

It has a limited number of read/write cycles

It uses magnetic properties to store data

It has moving parts

It is non-volatile storage

It can be used as an external storage device to back up data

It uses flash memory to store data

[6]

(b) Optical storage is another type of storage.

Give two examples of optical storage.

Example 1 .................................................................................................................................

Example 2 .................................................................................................................................
[2]

© UCLES 2020 2210/12/M/J/20 [Turn over

 2

1 Benedict has a computer that is assigned an Internet Protocol (IP) address. The IP address is:

198.167.214.0

The IP address is represented as denary values.

(a) Convert the denary values 167 and 214 from the IP address to 8-bit binary.

167

214

Working space

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

(b) Benedict’s computer is also assigned a Media Access Control (MAC) address.

(i) Identify one similarity between an IP address and a MAC address.

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Identify two differences between an IP address and a MAC address.

Difference 1 .......................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

Difference 2 .......................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[2]

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 3

2 Julia inputs personal data into her computer.

She stores three copies of the data using a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD) and a
USB flash memory drive.

(a) Identify three devices Julia can use to input personal data into her computer.

Device 1 ....................................................................................................................................

Device 2 ....................................................................................................................................

Device 3 ....................................................................................................................................
[3]

(b) Six statements are shown about HDDs, SSDs and USB flash memory drives.

Tick (✓) to show which statements apply to each type of storage. Some statements can apply
to more than one type of storage.

USB flash
memory
Statement
HDD SSD drive
(✓) (✓) (✓)

it has no moving parts

it is non-volatile

it can use NAND gates to store data

it uses magnetic properties to store data

it has the smallest physical size

it has the slowest read/write speeds

[6]

© UCLES 2021 2210/11/M/J/21 [Turn over

 4

(c) Julia uses a USB connection to transfer data onto her USB flash memory drive.

(i) One benefit of using a USB connection is that it is a universal connection.

State two other benefits of using a USB connection.

Benefit 1 ............................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

Benefit 2 ............................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[2]

(ii) Identify the type of data transmission used in a USB connection.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

© UCLES 2021 2210/11/M/J/21

 7

5 Jamelia has a greenhouse that she uses to grow fruit and vegetables. She needs to make sure
the temperature in the greenhouse stays between 25 °C and 30 °C (inclusive).

A system that has a temperature sensor and a microprocessor is used to maintain the temperature
in the greenhouse. The system will:

• open a window and turn a heater off if it gets too hot

• close a window and turn a heater on if it gets too cold.

Describe how the system uses the temperature sensor and the microprocessor to maintain the
temperature in the greenhouse.

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................................................................... [8]

© UCLES 2021 2210/11/M/J/21 [Turn over

 3

2 Data storage can be magnetic, solid state or optical.

(a) Six statements are given about data storage.

Tick (3) to show if the statement applies to magnetic, solid state or optical storage. Some
statements may apply to more than one type of storage.

Magnetic Solid state Optical

Statement
(3) (3) (3)
no moving parts are used to store data

pits and lands are used to store data

data is stored on platters

flash memory is used to store data

parts are rotated to store data

data can be stored permanently

[6]

(b) (i) Give one example of magnetic storage.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Give one example of optical storage.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(iii) Identify which type of storage would be the most suitable for use in a web server and
justify your choice.

Type of storage ..................................................................................................................

Justification ........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[3]

(c) Describe the operation of USB flash memory and how it stores data.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

© UCLES 2021 2210/12/M/J/21 [Turn over

 7

5 A security light system is used by a factory. The light only comes on when it is dark and when
movement is detected. The light will stay on for 1 minute before switching off.

Sensors and a microprocessor are used to control the security light system.

(a) Identify two sensors that would be used in the security light system.

Sensor 1 ...................................................................................................................................

Sensor 2 ...................................................................................................................................
[2]

(b) Describe how the sensors and the microprocessor control the security light system.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [8]

© UCLES 2021 2210/12/M/J/21 [Turn over

 2

1 Jack has an MP3 file stored on his computer.

(a) (i) Tick (3) to show which type of data is stored in an MP3 file.

Tick (3)

Video

Sound

Image
[1]

(ii) Tick (3) to show whether the MP3 file is a lossy compressed file or a lossless compressed
file or not a compressed file.

Tick (3)

Lossy compressed file

Lossless compressed file

Not a compressed file

[1]

2 A computer is designed using the Von Neumann model for a computer system.

The computer has a central processing unit (CPU).

(a) Data is fetched from primary storage into the CPU to be processed.

(i) State the name of the primary storage from where data is fetched.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) The CPU performs a cycle to process data. Fetch is the first stage in this cycle.

State the names of the second and third stages in the cycle.

Second stage ....................................................................................................................

Third stage ........................................................................................................................

[2]

(iii) Identify two components within the CPU that are used in the fetch stage of the cycle.

Component 1 .....................................................................................................................

Component 2 .....................................................................................................................
[2]

© UCLES 2022 2210/11/M/J/22

 3

3 Three types of storage media are magnetic, optical and solid state.

(a) One example of solid‑state storage is a Solid State Drive (SSD).

Identify one other example of solid‑state storage.

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) Optical storage uses a laser to store and read data from a disk.

Explain how the laser is used to store and read data from the disk.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

(c) A business is creating a new mobile device that has an SSD as secondary storage.

(i) Give three reasons why an SSD is the most suitable secondary storage for their mobile
device.

Reason 1 ...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

Reason 2 ...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

Reason 3 ...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[3]

(ii) Identify two examples of software that can be stored on the SSD.

Example 1 .........................................................................................................................

Example 2 .........................................................................................................................
[2]

© UCLES 2022 2210/11/M/J/22 [Turn over

 11

11 (a) The paragraph describes the process of printing a document using an inkjet printer.

Complete the paragraph using the most appropriate terms from the list. Not all of the terms in
the list need to be used.

• binary
• buffer
• drum
• information
• interrupt
• laser
• liquid
• nozzles
• operating system
• powder
• thermal bubble
• toner

Data is sent from the computer to the printer. The data is held in a print

........................................................................ that is temporary storage until the data is

processed to be printed.

Inkjet printers operate by having a print head that moves

........................................................................ side to side across the page. These

spray ........................................................................ ink droplets onto the page. These ink

droplets can be created using piezoelectric or ........................................................................

technology.

If the paper jams in the printing process, the printing stops and an

........................................................................ is sent to the computer.

[5]

(b) A printer is one example of an output device.

Give three other examples of output devices.

Example 1 .................................................................................................................................

Example 2 .................................................................................................................................

Example 3 .................................................................................................................................
[3]

(c) Give three examples of input devices.

Example 1 .................................................................................................................................

Example 2 .................................................................................................................................

Example 3 .................................................................................................................................
[3]
© UCLES 2022 2210/11/M/J/22 [Turn over
 11

7 Cassie stores data for her business every day. She stores the data using optical data storage.

(a) Identify three examples of optical data storage.

Example 1 .................................................................................................................................

Example 2 .................................................................................................................................

Example 3 .................................................................................................................................
[3]

(b) Six statements are given about the operation of three different types of storage.

Tick (3) to show which statements apply to each type of storage. Some statements may
apply to more than one type of storage.

Type of storage
Magnetic Optical Solid state
Statement
(3) (3) (3)

this storage has no moving parts

this storage uses a laser to read and write data

this storage uses a read/write head

this storage burns pits onto a reflective surface

this storage uses NAND and NOR technology

this storage stores data in tracks and sectors

[6]

© UCLES 2022 2210/12/M/J/22 [Turn over

 4

3 The flowchart on the opposite page shows what happens when the barcode on a product is
scanned at the checkout in a supermarket. The barcodes are used in an automatic stock control
system.

Several of the statements in the flowchart are missing.

Using item number only from the list below, complete the flowchart.

Item
Statement
number

1 Add flag to product record to indicate re-order made

2 Any more barcodes to scan?

3 Has the scanned barcode been found in the file?

4 Has the re-order flag already been added to the product record?

5 Is number of product in stock <= re-order level?

6 Number of product in stock is reduced by 1

7 Output an error message

8 Automatically send out order for new product

© UCLES 2015 2210/12/O/N/15

 8

5 A security system uses sensors, a camera and a microprocessor to capture images of each person
entering a large shopping mall.

(a) Describe how the sensors, camera and microprocessor interact to identify certain people
entering the mall.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[5]

(b) Each image taken requires 1 MB of storage. If the camera captures an image every 5 seconds
over a 24 hour period, how much storage is required?

Give your answer in gigabytes and show all your working.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

(c) The shopping mall has over 100 cameras. At the end of each day all these cameras send
their images, captured over the last 24 hours, to a central computer.

Explain why the mall uses dedicated fibre optic cable rather than transmitting the data over
the local broadband network.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

© UCLES 2015 2210/12/O/N/15

 11

(b) When data are transmitted from one device to another, a parity check is often carried out on
each byte of data. The parity bit is often the leftmost bit in the byte.

(i) If a system uses even parity, give the parity bit for each of the following bytes:

parity bit

1 1 0 0 1 1 0

parity bit

0 0 0 0 0 0 1
[2]

(ii) A parity check can often detect corruption of a byte.

Describe a situation in which it cannot detect corruption of a byte.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................[1]

8 The steps to print a document using a laser printer are shown in the table below.

Put each step in the correct order. The first step has been done for you.

Step Order
As the printing drum rotates, a laser scans across it; this removes the
positive charge in certain areas
The printing drum is coated in positively-charged toner; this then sticks to the
negatively-charged parts of the printing drum
The paper goes through a fuser which melts the toner so it fixes permanently
to the paper
The printer driver ensures that the data is in a format that the laser printer
can understand 1

A negatively-charged sheet of paper is then rolled over the printing drum

Data is then sent to the laser printer and stored temporarily in the printer
buffer
The toner on the printing drum is now transferred to the paper to reproduce
the required text and images

The printing drum is given a positive charge

Negatively-charged areas are then produced on the printing drum; these

match exactly with the text and images to be printed

[8]
© UCLES 2015 2210/12/O/N/15 [Turn over
 12

9 A remote-controlled model car contains RAM, ROM and a solid state drive. The car receives
radio signals from its remote control. It can only receive radio signals of a certain frequency. The
manufacturer sets this frequency and the owner cannot change it. The owner of the model car can
input their own sequence of movements from an interface underneath the car.

(a) Describe the purpose of each of the three types of memory supplied with the car.

RAM ..........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

ROM .........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Solid state drive ........................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[3]

(b) The owner needs to be able to enter their own sequence of movements for the model car.

Name a suitable input device.

Input device ..............................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Give a reason for your choice of device.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

(c) Explain why the model car uses a solid state drive rather than another type of secondary
storage.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

Permission to reproduce items where third-party owned material protected by copyright is included has been sought and cleared where possible. Every
reasonable effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items requiring clearance have unwittingly been included, the
publisher will be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity.

To avoid the issue of disclosure of answer-related information to candidates, all copyright acknowledgements are reproduced online in the Cambridge International
Examinations Copyright Acknowledgements Booklet. This is produced for each series of examinations and is freely available to download at www.cie.org.uk after
the live examination series.

Cambridge International Examinations is part of the Cambridge Assessment Group. Cambridge Assessment is the brand name of University of Cambridge Local
Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which is itself a department of the University of Cambridge.

© UCLES 2015 2210/12/O/N/15

 4

2 Sensors and a microprocessor monitor a car exhaust for high temperature and high carbon
monoxide (CO) levels.

(a) Describe how the sensors and microprocessor are used to monitor the temperature and CO
levels and warn the driver if either is out of range.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[5]

(b) The information from seven sensors is sent to an engine management system in the car. The
status of each sensor is stored in an 8-bit register; a value of 1 indicates a fault condition:

parity bit CO level voltage airbag

too high too low fault
temperature fuel pressure oil pressure brake pads
too high too low too low too thin

For example, a register showing 01011000 indicates:

• temperature too high

• fuel pressure too low
• voltage too low

© UCLES 2015 2210/13/O/N/15

 6

3 A section of computer memory is shown below:

Address Contents
1000 0000 0110 1110
1000 0001 0101 0001
1000 0010 1000 1101
1000 0011 1000 1100

1000 1100
1000 1101
1000 1110
1000 1111

(a) (i) The contents of memory location 1000 0001 are to be read.

Show the contents of the Memory Address Register (MAR) and the Memory Data
Register (MDR) during this read operation:

MAR

MDR

[2]

(ii) The value 0111 1001 is to be written into memory location 1000 1110.

Show the contents of the MAR and MDR during this write operation:

MAR

MDR

[2]

© UCLES 2015 2210/13/O/N/15

 7

(iii) Show any changes to the computer memory following the read and write operations in
part (a)(i) and part (a)(ii).

Address Contents
1000 0000 0110 1110
1000 0001 0101 0001
1000 0010 1000 1101
1000 0011 1000 1100

1000 1100
1000 1101
1000 1110
1000 1111
[1]

(b) Name three other registers used in computers.

1 ................................................................................................................................................

2 ................................................................................................................................................

3 ................................................................................................................................................
[3]

(c) The control unit is part of a computer system.

What is the function of the control unit?

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................. [3]

© UCLES 2015 2210/13/O/N/15 [Turn over

 10

5 A security system records video footage. One minute of video requires 180 MB of storage. The
recording system can store several hours of video footage.

(a) Name and describe a suitable storage device for this recording system.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) Calculate how much storage would be needed for 2 hours of video footage.

Show your working and give the answer in Gigabytes (GB).

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................. [2]

© UCLES 2015 2210/13/O/N/15

 12

7 Name a suitable output device for each of the following applications. A different device should be
used for each application.

Application Suitable output device

Production of one-off photographs of

very good quality ..................................................................................

High volume colour printing of

advertising flyers ..................................................................................

Production of an object, which is built up

layer by layer; used in CAD applications ..................................................................................

Converting electrical signals into sound

..................................................................................

Showing enlarged computer output on a

wall or large screen ..................................................................................

[5]

© UCLES 2015 2210/13/O/N/15

 13

8 Four input devices are shown in the table below.

Give an application which makes use of each device and state a reason why the device is
appropriate for that application.

Your application must be different in each case.

Input device Application and reason

Application .............................................................................................

Reason ..................................................................................................
Light sensor
................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................

Application .............................................................................................

Reason ..................................................................................................
Keyboard
................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................

Application .............................................................................................

Reason ..................................................................................................
Barcode reader
................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................

Application .............................................................................................

Reason ..................................................................................................
Touch screen
................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................

[8]

© UCLES 2015 2210/13/O/N/15 [Turn over

 6

(e) Describe the problems that could be caused if the original binary number in part (a) is shifted
five places to the right.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[2]

6 Four computer terms and eight descriptions are shown below.

Draw lines to connect each computer term to the correct description(s).

Computer term Description

Data can be read but not altered

Arithmetic and logic

unit (ALU) Carries out operations such as
addition and multiplication

Stores bootstrap loader and BIOS

Control unit
Fetches each instruction in turn

Carries out operations such as

Random access AND, OR, NOT
memory (RAM)
Stores part of the operating system
currently in use

Read only memory Stores data currently in use

(ROM)

Manages execution of each

instruction

[4]

© UCLES 2016 2210/12/O/N/16

 11

11 A security system is installed in a house. A hexadecimal number is entered to activate or deactivate

the alarm.

(a) The alarm code is set to hexadecimal number 2 A F

Show how this number would be stored in a 12-bit binary register.

[3]

(b) Identify two sensors that the security system could use to detect intruders.

Describe how each sensor could be used in the security system.

Sensor 1 ...................................................................................................................................

Description ................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Sensor 2 ...................................................................................................................................

Description ................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[6]

© UCLES 2016 2210/12/O/N/16 [Turn over

 2

1 To process an instruction, a central processing unit (CPU) goes through a cycle that has three
main stages.

Name each stage in this cycle.

Stage 1 ................................................................................

Stage 2 ................................................................................

Stage 3 ................................................................................
[3]

2 Name each of the potential security issues described in the five statements below:

Statement Security issue

The act of gaining unauthorised access to

a computer system ..................................................................................

Program code that can replicate itself with

the intention of deleting or corrupting files
stored in a computer ..................................................................................

A small file sent by a web server to a web

browser; every time the user visits the
website, data about user preferences is
collected ..................................................................................

The act of illegally changing the source

code of a program so that it can be
exploited for another use ..................................................................................

Malicious code installed on a user’s hard

drive or a web server which redirects
the user to a fake website without their
knowledge ..................................................................................

[5]

© UCLES 2016 2210/13/O/N/16

 9

6 High-level or low-level languages can be used when writing a computer program.

State two advantages of using a high-level language and two advantages of using a low-level
language.

High-level language advantage 1 ....................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

High-level language advantage 2 ....................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

Low-level language advantage 1 .....................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

Low-level language advantage 2 .....................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................
[4]

7 Modern Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) monitors use Light-Emitting Diode (LED) backlit technology.

Give four benefits of using LED technology.

1 .......................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

2 .......................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

3 .......................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

4 .......................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................
[4]

© UCLES 2016 2210/13/O/N/16 [Turn over

 11

9 A security light is controlled by sensors and a microprocessor.

Describe how the sensors and microprocessor interact to switch on the security light when an
intruder is detected.

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................................[6]

© UCLES 2016 2210/13/O/N/16 [Turn over

 13

(c) At the end of the flight, all of the data are sent to the aeroplane engine manufacturer using the
Internet.

The computer in the aeroplane has a MAC address and an IP address.

State what is meant by these two terms.

MAC address ............................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

IP address .................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

(d) When sending this data, security is very important. Data are sent over the Internet using
Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol.

Name the two layers that make up TLS.

1 ................................................................................................................................................

2 ................................................................................................................................................
[2]

© UCLES 2016 2210/13/O/N/16 [Turn over

 3

2 Storage devices and storage media can be categorised as primary, secondary or off-line.

Write primary, secondary or off-line next to each storage device or medium to indicate its most
suitable category.

HDD ....................................................................................................................................

RAM ....................................................................................................................................

ROM ....................................................................................................................................

CD-ROM ....................................................................................................................................

SSD ....................................................................................................................................

DVD-RAM ....................................................................................................................................
[6]

3 (a) Explain the differences between the binary number system and the denary number system.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[4]

(b) Explain the process of converting the binary number 1010 into a denary number.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[5]
© UCLES 2017 2210/12/O/N/17 [Turn over
 9

8 (a) A computer has 2048 MB of RAM.

How many GB of RAM does the computer have?

Show your working.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

..............................GB [2]

(b) Describe one item that is stored in RAM.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[2]

(c) Explain three ways that RAM is different to ROM.

1 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

2 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

3 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[3]

© UCLES 2017 2210/12/O/N/17 [Turn over

 10

9 Anna has a farm that grows fruit.

She has a system that monitors the conditions for growing the fruit.

Sensors are used in this system.

(a) Explain what is meant by the term sensor.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[2]

(b) State two sensors that could be used in this system and describe how they could be used.

Sensor 1 ...................................................................................................................................

Use ...........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Sensor 2 ...................................................................................................................................

Use ...........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[6]

© UCLES 2017 2210/12/O/N/17

 2

1 A washing machine has a small display screen built into it.

One use of the display screen is to show an error code when a problem has occurred with a
washing cycle.

(a) State whether the display screen is an input, output or storage device.

...............................................................................................................................................[1]

(b) The display screen shows a hexadecimal error code:

E04
This error code means that the water will not empty out of the washing machine.

Convert this error code to binary.

[3]

(c) State why hexadecimal is used to display the error code.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[1]

(d) Identify three sensors that could be used in the washing machine.

State what each sensor could be used for.

Sensor 1 ...................................................................................................................................

Use ...........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Sensor 2 ...................................................................................................................................

Use ...........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Sensor 3 ...................................................................................................................................

Use ...........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[6]
© UCLES 2017 2210/13/O/N/17
 4

4 Six components of a computer system and six descriptions are shown.

Draw a line to match each component with the most suitable description.

Component Description

Used to connect together

Arithmetic Logic
the internal components
Unit (ALU)
of the CPU.

Used to carry out

Buses
calculations on data.

Used to temporarily hold

Control Unit
data and instructions
(CU)
during processing.

Immediate Access Used to allow interaction

Store (IAS) with the computer.

Used to hold data and

Input/Output instructions before they
are processed.

Used to manage the flow

Registers
of data through the CPU.

[5]

© UCLES 2017 2210/13/O/N/17

 10

9 (a) Optical storage media can be used to store data.

Describe how the data is read from a Compact Disc (CD).

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[4]

(b) Kamil wants to store a 16-bit colour image file. The image size is 1000 pixels.

Calculate the size of the file.

Give your answer in bytes. Show your working.

Working .....................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Answer ............................... bytes

[2]

(c) Describe the differences between primary and secondary storage.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[4]

© UCLES 2017 2210/13/O/N/17

 3

(ii) Give three other uses of hexadecimal notation in computer science.

1 .........................................................................................................................................

2 .........................................................................................................................................

3 .........................................................................................................................................
[3]

(iii) State two benefits of using hexadecimal notation to represent binary values.

Benefit 1 ............................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

Benefit 2 ............................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[2]

2 A computer uses RAM and ROM to store data.

(a) The table contains three statements about RAM or ROM.

Tick (✓) to show whether each statement describes RAM or ROM.

RAM ROM
Statement
(✓) (✓)

Stores the programs and data that are currently in use

Used to boot up the computer when power is turned on

Contents are retained when power is turned off

[3]

(b) Circle the storage category that includes both RAM and ROM.

Primary Secondary Off-line

[1]

(c) Explain what is meant by off-line storage.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[2]

© UCLES 2018 2210/12/O/N/18 [Turn over

 6

(b) Karina correctly answers another examination question about some more output devices.

Five different terms have been removed from her answer.

Complete the sentences in Karina’s answer, using the list given. Not all terms in the list need
to be used.

• 3D
• digital light projector
• inkjet
• interactive whiteboard
• laser
• rotating
• scanning
• sliding
• speaker
• thermal bubble

An ................................................................................................... allows a user to write on a

surface using a pen, the text and drawings can then be captured and stored for later use.

An ................................................................................................... printer produces a hard

copy of a document using ................................................................................................... and

piezoelectric technology. A ...................................................................................................

printer uses a .............................................................................................. drum, and positive

and negative charges, to produce a hard copy of a document.

[5]

© UCLES 2018 2210/12/O/N/18

 11

10 A system uses pH sensors and a microprocessor to help monitor pollution in a river.

The pH of the water should be between 6 and 8. The system outputs an alert if the pH of the water
is not in this range.

Explain how the system uses the pH sensors and the microprocessor to help monitor the pollution.

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................................[5]

© UCLES 2018 2210/12/O/N/18

 2

1 There are six output devices and six descriptions shown.

Draw a line to connect each output device to the most appropriate description.

Device Description

Uses a high-intensity beam

of light shone through three layers
of changing pixels
Laser Printer

Uses millions of micro mirrors to

reflect light through a lens
LCD Projector

Uses plastic, resin or

Digital Light Projector powdered metal to generate a
(DLP) physical output

Uses a static electric charge

Inkjet Printer on a rotating drum to
generate a physical output

3D Printer
Uses liquid ink to generate
a physical output

2D Cutter
Uses a high-power laser to
generate a physical output

[5]

© UCLES 2018 2210/13/O/N/18

 8

8 Alice enters a URL into a web browser to access a webpage.

(a) State what URL represents.

U ........................................... R ........................................... L ........................................... [1]

(b) Explain how the web browser uses the URL to access the webpage.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[4]

9 Describe two differences between Read Only Memory (ROM) and Random Access Memory
(RAM).

Difference 1 .......................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

Difference 2 ......................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................
[4]

© UCLES 2018 2210/13/O/N/18

 10

(b) Draw a logic circuit corresponding to the logic statement:

X = 1 if ((A is 1 AND B is 1) AND (A is 1 OR C is NOT 1)) OR (B is 1 AND C is NOT 1)

B X

[6]

11 The fetch-execute cycle make use of registers.

(a) Describe the role of the Program Counter (PC).

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[2]

(b) Describe the role of the Memory Data Register (MDR).

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[2]

© UCLES 2018 2210/13/O/N/18

 2

1 Computer memory size is measured in multiples of bytes.

Four statements about computer memory sizes are given in the table.

Tick (✓) to show if the statement is True or False.

True False
Statement
(✓) (✓)
25 kB is larger than 100 MB
999 MB is larger than 50 GB
3500 kB is smaller than 2 GB
2350 bytes is smaller than 2 kB
[4]

2 The Von Neumann model for a computer system uses several components in the fetch-execute
cycle. One component that is used is the Control Unit (CU).

Identify four other components that are used in the Von Neumann model for a computer system.

1 .......................................................................................................................................................

2 .......................................................................................................................................................

3 .......................................................................................................................................................

4 .......................................................................................................................................................
[4]

3 The data from a sensor must be converted from analogue to digital to be processed by a computer.

(a) State what is meant by analogue data.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) State what is meant by digital data.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

© UCLES 2019 2210/12/O/N/19

 5

6 Touch screen technologies can be described as resistive or capacitive.

Six statements are given about resistive and capacitive technology.

Tick (✓) to show if the statement applies to Resistive or Capacitive technology.

Resistive Capacitive
Statement
(✓) (✓)
This touch screen has multi-touch capabilities
This touch screen cannot be used whilst wearing gloves
This touch screen is made up of two layers with a small
space in between
This touch screen uses the electrical properties of the
human body
This touch screen is normally cheaper to manufacture
This touch screen has a quicker response time
[6]

7 Gerald uses a keyboard to enter a website address into the address bar of his browser.

(a) Describe how Gerald’s key presses on his keyboard are processed by the computer.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [4]

© UCLES 2019 2210/12/O/N/19 [Turn over

 8

9 Maisey purchases a new router and attaches it to her computer. The connection she sets up uses
duplex data transmission.

(a) Five statements are given about duplex data transmission.

Tick (✓) to show if the statement is True or False.

True False
Statement
(✓) (✓)
Duplex data transmission can be either serial or
parallel
Duplex data transmission is when data is transmitted
both ways, but only one way at a time
Duplex data transmission is always used to connect
a device to a computer
Duplex data transmission is when data is transmitted
both ways at the same time
Duplex data transmission automatically detects any
errors in data
[5]

(b) Maisey’s computer uses an integrated circuit (IC) for data transmission that sends multiple
bits at the same time.

State whether the IC uses serial or parallel data transmission.

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(c) Maisey purchases a new printer and connects it to her computer using the USB port.

Explain two benefits of using a USB connection.

Benefit 1 ...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Benefit 2 ...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[4]

© UCLES 2019 2210/12/O/N/19

 10

11 Robert has a mobile device that uses RAM, ROM and an SSD.

(a) State what the RAM, ROM and SSD are used for.

RAM ..........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

ROM .........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

SSD ..........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[3]

(b) Give two reasons why an SSD, rather than a HDD, is used in the mobile device.

Reason 1 ..................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Reason 2 ..................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

© UCLES 2019 2210/12/O/N/19

 2

1 A library has a system that allows customers to check out the books that they want to borrow.

Each book has a barcode that can be used to identify the book.

(a) (i) Identify two input devices that may be used in the library’s system.

Input device 1 ....................................................................................................................

Input device 2 ....................................................................................................................

[2]

(ii) Identify two storage devices that may be used in the library’s system.

Storage device 1 ...............................................................................................................

Storage device 2 ...............................................................................................................

[2]

(iii) Identify two output devices that may be used in the library’s system.

Output device 1 .................................................................................................................

Output device 2 .................................................................................................................

[2]

(b) The data stored by the library is archived at the end of each day. The archive is held on a
server in the library office.

The data is encrypted with an 8-bit key. As some of the data is confidential, the library wants
to make the encryption more secure.

(i) State how the library could make the encryption more secure.

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) The term used to describe data before it is encrypted is plain text.

State the term used to describe encrypted data.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

© UCLES 2019 2210/13/O/N/19

 4

(ii) Videos on the library website show customers which books the library will soon have
in stock.

The library wants the file size of a video to be as small as possible.

Identify and describe a method the library could use to reduce the file size of a video as
much as possible.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [4]

(d) The library often holds events that introduce new authors.

At the events, the library has a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen that displays data,
including an image and information about the author.

Describe how an LCD screen operates to display this data.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

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............................................................................................................................................. [5]

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(d) For the fourth question, he writes the answer:

“This is when a person copies another person’s computer program and tries to claim it as his
own.”

State what Jesse is describing.

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(e) For the fifth question, he writes the answer:

“This is the legal protection that a person can obtain, to provide protection against his work
being stolen.”

State what Jesse is describing.

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

7 The Von Neumann model for a computer system has several components that are used in the
fetch-execute cycle.

(a) One component is main memory.

(i) Describe what is meant by main memory and how it is used in the Von Neumann model
for a computer system.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

(ii) State two other components in the Von Neumann model for a computer system.

1 ........................................................................................................................................

2 ........................................................................................................................................
[2]

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 7

(b) Alessandro uses an SSD to store his data.

Describe what is meant by an SSD and how it operates to store data.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [4]

(c) Alessandro also uses off-line storage to store his data.

Three examples of off-line storage are Blu-ray, CD and DVD.

Six statements are given about off-line storage.

Tick (✓) to show if each statement applies to Blu-ray, CD, or DVD.

Some statements apply to more than one example of off-line storage.

Blu-ray CD DVD
Statement
(✓) (✓) (✓)

A type of optical storage

Has the largest storage capacity

Can be dual layer

Read using a red laser

Has the smallest storage capacity

Stores data in a spiral track

[6]

© UCLES 2020 2210/12/O/N/20 [Turn over

 9

5 Tammy is buying a new computer that has an LED display.

(a) Five statements about LED displays are given.

Tick (✓) to show if each statement is True or False.

True False
Statement
(✓) (✓)

It is a flat panel display

It creates images using red, green and blue diodes

It is not very energy efficient and gives off heat

It can be used in mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets

It is a front-lit display
[5]

© UCLES 2020 2210/12/O/N/20 [Turn over

 2

1 Five hardware devices are given.

Tick (3) to show if each device is an Input, Output or Storage device.

Input Output Storage

Device
(3) (3) (3)
Solid state drive (SSD)

Headphones

2D cutter

LCD projector

Microphone
[5]

2 Paige has a computer that has a central processing unit (CPU) based on the Von Neumann model
for a computer system.

(a) Identify the component within the CPU that controls the flow of data.

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) Identify the component within the CPU where calculations are carried out.

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(c) Identify the component within the CPU that stores the address of the next instruction to be
processed.

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(d) Identify the register within the CPU that holds an instruction that has been fetched from
memory.

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(e) Identify the register within the CPU that holds data that has been fetched from memory.

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

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5 Arjun uses a scanner to create digital versions of some printed documents.

The scanner is attached to his computer using a USB connection.

(a) Tick (3) to show if the USB connection uses Parallel or Serial data transmission.

Describe your chosen method of data transmission.

Parallel

Serial

Description

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[3]

(b) Give three benefits of a USB connection.

Benefit 1 ...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Benefit 2 ...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Benefit 3 ...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[3]

(c) Arjun uses the Internet to send the digital documents to his friend. He wants to make sure the
documents are sent securely.

Identify two protocols that can be used to transfer data securely.

Protocol 1 .................................................................................................................................

Protocol 2 .................................................................................................................................
[2]

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8 Edith is buying a new computer monitor that displays images using LCD technology.

(a) Explain what is meant by LCD technology.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

(b) State three benefits of LCD technology.

Benefit 1 ...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Benefit 2 ...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Benefit 3 ...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[3]

9 Elle uses both CDs and DVDs to store her school projects.

(a) Give three similarities between a CD and a DVD.

1 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

2 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

3 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[3]

(b) State one difference between a CD and a DVD.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

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 9

11 A theme park has a game where a player tries to run from the start to the finish without getting wet.

The system for the game uses sensors and a microprocessor to spray water at a player as they
run past each sensor.

Describe how the sensors and the microprocessor are used in this system.

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................................................................... [6]

12 Warner says that he has a very good Internet Service Provider (ISP) that provides several services.

Five statements about ISPs are given.

Tick (3) to show if each statement is True or False.

True False
Statement
(3) (3)
Provides access to the Internet for customers

Can determine the maximum bandwidth available for customers

Monitors the volume of data downloaded by customers

Can provide an IP address for the customer

Stores the content for all web pages available on the Internet
[5]

© UCLES 2020 2210/13/O/N/20 [Turn over

 4

3 (a) Six statements are given about methods of data transmission.

Tick (✓) to show if each statement applies to serial simplex, parallel simplex, parallel
half-duplex or serial duplex data transmission. Some statements may apply to more than one
data transmission method.

Serial Parallel Parallel Serial

Statement simplex simplex half-duplex duplex
(✓) (✓) (✓) (✓)

bits are transmitted along a single wire

data is transmitted in both directions

it is only suitable for distances less

than 5 metres
bits from the same byte are
transmitted one after the other
data may not arrive in the correct
sequence
data is transmitted in both directions,
but only one direction at a time
[6]

(b) A Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection can be used to transmit data from a mobile device
to a computer.

Give three benefits of using a USB connection for this purpose.

Benefit 1 ...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Benefit 2 ...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Benefit 3 ...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[3]

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4 The paragraph explains the operation of different touch screen technologies.

Complete the paragraph using the list of terms. Not all terms in the list need to be used.

• capacitive
• change
• circuit
• conductive
• coordinates
• grid
• heat
• infra-red
• insulating
• light
• manufacture
• pressure
• resistive

In ............................................................................ touch screen technology, an electrostatic field

is present on the surface of the touch screen. The ............................................................................

properties of a user cause a ............................................................................ in the field. The

............................................................................ of the user’s touch can be calculated.

In ............................................................................ touch screen technology, a user pushes the

top layer of the screen and makes it connect with the bottom layer to complete a

............................................................................ .

This type of touch screen is cheaper to ............................................................................ .

[7]

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 8

7 Five statements are given about devices.

Tick (✓) to show if each statement applies to a 3D scanner, barcode reader or a Quick Response
(QR) code reader. Some statements may apply to more than one type of device.

3D Barcode QR code
Statement scanner reader reader
(✓) (✓) (✓)
uses position and alignment markers for orientation
when scanning

scans the shape and appearance of an object

uses reflected light from a laser to convert

a black-and-white pattern into binary
can often be built into an Electronic Point Of Sale
(EPOS) terminal, for example, a supermarket checkout

it is an example of an input device

[5]

8 An electronic game has three square mats that are coloured red, green and blue.

The player will see a colour displayed on a screen and has 1 second to hit the mat that matches
the colour. If the player hits the correct mat, within 1 second, a counter is incremented. When a
player hits an incorrect mat, the game ends.

The game uses sensors and a microprocessor to determine if the player hits the correct mat within
1 second.

Explain how the game uses sensors and a microprocessor to count the number of times a player
hits a correct mat within 1 second.

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

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.................................................................................................................................................... [7]

9 Padma opens an application on her computer.

An interrupt is generated to inform the Central Processing Unit (CPU) that the application has
been opened.

(a) Give three other examples of when an interrupt signal could be generated.

1 ................................................................................................................................................

2 ................................................................................................................................................

3 ................................................................................................................................................
[3]

(b) State what would happen if interrupt signals were not used in a computer.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

10 Jermain uses the Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol for secure transmission when sending data
using the internet.

(a) Explain how the SSL protocol secures the data for transmission.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) Identify an alternative protocol that could be used for secure transmission of data using the
internet.

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(c) Give two ways that a user can identify if a website uses secure data transmission.

1 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

2 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]
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 2

1 A bus station has a ticket machine.

A customer can use the ticket machine to select and pay for their ticket.

One input device built into the ticket machine is a touch screen.

(a) Identify two other input devices that could be built into the ticket machine.

Input device 1 ...........................................................................................................................

Input device 2 ...........................................................................................................................

[2]

(b) The ticket machine has a help icon that a user can touch to contact customer support.

The ticket machine has an output device that allows the user to hear the customer support
person.

Identify an output device that would be used for this purpose.

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(c) The touch screen for the ticket machine uses resistive technology.

(i) Describe how resistive touch screen technology operates to recognise a user’s touch.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

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..................................................................................................................................... [4]

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(ii) Give two benefits of using resistive touch screen technology for the ticket machine.

Benefit 1 ............................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

Benefit 2 ............................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[2]

(iii) Give two drawbacks of using resistive touch screen technology for the ticket machine.

Drawback 1 .......................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

Drawback 2 .......................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[2]

(iv) Identify one other touch screen technology that could have been used.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(d) The computer in the ticket machine uses the stored program concept.

Describe the stored program concept.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

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 6

2 An automated water tap system uses a sensor and a microprocessor to operate. Water flows
from the tap when a person’s hands are placed underneath the tap. Water stops flowing when the
person’s hands are removed from underneath the tap.

(a) Explain how the water tap system uses a sensor and a microprocessor to operate.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [6]

(b) Three descriptions are shown of different systems.

Identify the most suitable sensor that could be used in each system.

Description of system Sensor

it checks the air is dry enough in a garage that spray paints cars

it automatically switches on the headlights on a car when it is dark

it checks that the soil in a greenhouse has the correct level of acidity

[3]

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4 A company wants to manufacture a mobile phone.

(a) The company needs to decide which touch screen technology to use.

State one type of touch screen technology that you recommend the company use.

Justify your choice.

Touch screen type ....................................................................................................................

Justification ...............................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[4]

(b) The mobile phone uses Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM).

RAM and ROM are both examples of the same type of storage.

Identify this type of storage and justify your answer.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

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(c) The mobile phone has a USB port to allow a USB connection to a computer.

(i) Describe how data is transmitted using a USB connection.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) One benefit of a USB connection is that the cable can only be inserted into the port one
way, so an incorrect connection cannot be made.

Give three other benefits of using a USB connection to connect a mobile phone to a
computer.

Benefit 1 ............................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

Benefit 2 ............................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

Benefit 3 ............................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[3]

(d) When a user is reading a text on the mobile phone, they may also get a telephone call on the
mobile phone. An interrupt signal is generated that results in an output to inform the user that
a person is calling them.

Describe how the interrupt signal is processed to inform the user that a person is calling
them.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [4]

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 8

6 A museum has Quick Response (QR) codes that allow visitors to view videos for extra information
about items in the museum.

The visitor is given a portable device with a display screen, that they can use to read each QR
code.

(a) Describe how the QR code is read and processed to display the video for the visitor.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [4]

(b) Tick (✓) to show whether the videos are MP3 files, MP4 files or MIDI files.

Tick (✓)

MP3 files

MP4 files

MIDI files
[1]

(c) The video files are compressed using lossy compression.

Give two benefits of using lossy compression to compress the video files.

Benefit 1 ...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Benefit 2 ...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

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(d) The portable device has a Light‑Emitting Diode (LED) display screen to allow the visitor to
watch a video.

Describe how the LED screen operates to display the video.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [4]

© UCLES 2022 2210/13/O/N/22 [Turn over

 10

7 The paragraph explains how an instruction is processed by the Central Processing Unit (CPU).

Complete the paragraph using the list of terms. Not all terms in the list need to be used.

• address bus
• Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
• calculations
• data bus
• decoded
• execute
• fetched
• interrupt
• Memory Address Register (MAR)
• Memory Data Register (MDR)
• Program Counter (PC)
• protocol
• ROM
• stored

An instruction is .................................................................... from RAM into the CPU, where

it is temporarily stored in the .................................................................... . The instruction is

then sent along the .................................................................... to the Control Unit (CU) to be

.................................................................... . The ....................................................................

will then perform any .................................................................... and logic operations that are

required to .................................................................... the instruction.

[7]

© UCLES 2022 2210/13/O/N/22

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8 A computer can have both a Media Access Control (MAC) address and an Internet Protocol (IP)
address.

(a) Give two similarities between a MAC address and an IP address.

Similarity 1 ................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Similarity 2 ................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

(b) Give two differences between a MAC address and an IP address.

Difference 1 ..............................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Difference 2 ..............................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

9 A system uses parity checks and Automatic Repeat reQuests (ARQ) to detect and correct errors
in the transmission of data.

Describe how parity checks and ARQ operate together to detect and correct errors.

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................................................................... [6]

© UCLES 2022 2210/13/O/N/22 [Turn over