Paper 1 - Theory (Chapter 4 2014)

Exam Questions and Answers

Paper 1 - Theory
11/O/N/14

Describe what is meant by a LAN

• LAN is a Local Area Network

• LAN covers a small area/one building
• A school network is a LAN

Describe what is meant by a WAN

• WAN is a wide area network

• WAN covers a large geographical area/worldwide
• The Internet is a WAN
• A WAN consists of connected LANs

Name an item of hardware that would be used to connect a LAN to a WAN.

• Router/modem/cable
Paper 1 - Theory
11/O/N/14

To prevent the customers’ bank details being read by

hackers, the bank uses encryption.

Explain what is meant by encryption.

• Causes data to be scrambled/encoded

• Requires an encryption key/software to encrypt
• Requires a decryption
key/encryption/key/software to decrypt
• Results in data which is not
understandable/readable
• Protects sensitive data… from being understood if
it falls in to the wrong hands
Paper 1 - Theory
12/O/N/14

A number of schools have Local Area Networks (LANs) in their buildings. The
LANs are used to share software and for students to save their work.

Describe two ways that students can prevent the work they save from being
edited by others.

• Make their file/work read only

• Password encrypt their file/work
• Grant people access to their file/work without permission to edit
• Make their file/work hidden

The schools want to connect their LANs to the Internet. Name the device they
will need.

• Modem/router

As a result of all the schools having access to the Internet, students will be able
to communicate with students at other schools in a number of ways. Give two
examples of these ways:

• Email, Instant messaging, VOIP, Video conferencing

Paper 1 - Theory
12/O/N/14

The head teachers of the schools will want to send confidential data to each
other.
Give one advantage and one disadvantage of encryption

Advantage:

• Unauthorised users won’t be able to understand data/only

person/computer with key can understand data

Disadvantage:

• The data can still be deleted/if the person encrypting the data accidentally
deletes the encryption key the data will be unreadable

If hackers get into the system, they may plant spyware. Describe what is
meant by spyware.

• Software that gathers data from computers without the user realising
• It monitors and records all key presses
• It sends this information back to the hacker who sent it out
• Used to gain personal details of users
Paper 1 - Theory
11/O/J/14

Most school computer networks have a router and

switches.

(a) Explain what is meant by a switch

• Switched hub
• Has many computers connected to it
• Can learn/store addresses of each computer in
that part of the network
• Can direct data to specific computers/devices

(b) Describe the purpose of a router.

• Connects network/computers to the internet

• Uses IP addresses
• Transfers data between networks
• Connects LANs/networks together
Paper 1 - Theory
11/O/J/14

Banks keep their customer account records on their file servers. Describe three ways in which hackers
could misuse this data.
• Hackers may read the data and pass it on/find out embarrassing details and pass it on
• Hackers may delete the data/remove accounts
• Hackers may amend the data/change how much money they have in their account
• Hackers may create new accounts to defraud the bank
• Transfer money from customer’s accounts to hacker’s own account
Describe the purpose of three different authentication techniques.

• Usernames identify the customer to the system/Passwords – customers can’t access the system if
they don’t know the password/unauthorised users will not know the password/memorable data
• Biometric methods are used because they are unique to each customer so only customer with
specific biometric features can access that account
• TAN – only customers with the phone that the TAN has been sent to and know the password can
access the account
• Two factor authentication – only people with device, card and PIN can access the account
• Magnetic stripe/smart card/Dongle/card with chip – prevents people without
cards/readers/dongle accessing system
Paper 1 - Theory
11/O/J/14

A school wants to buy some new computers. Some of the computers they
buy will be networked and others will be standalone computers which will
not be networked.

Describe two advantages of using networked computers.

• Fewer printers are needed

• Fewer scanners are needed
• Can access work from any computer
• Data can be shared between computers/data can be accessed by one
computer from another more easily
• Software can be shared/updated more easily
• All computers can access the internet /through one connection

Describe three disadvantages of using networked computers.

• Greater risk of hackers

• Greater risk of viruses
• The significant cost of extra equipment
• When the network is down, cannot use network computers/can still use
standalones
• Print queues can be long
Paper 1 - Theory
11/O/J/14

Eventually the school will use sets of networked Wifi laptops and
cabled desktop computers which will also be networked.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using these laptop

computers compared with using cabled desktop computers.

Advantages
• Laptops can be transported from room to room more easily
• Safer – won’t trip over loose cables
• Can use laptops outside the classroom if required
• Can be used even if there’s a power cut

Disadvantages
• Laptops may be more expensive than network PCs.
• Display is smaller
• Laptops will need recharging periodically
• Have to be in range of a network point
• One mark available for reasoned conclusion
• Must have at least one advantage and disadvantage to gain full
marks
Paper 1 - Theory
12/M/J/13

A small business wishes to set up a Local Area Network (LAN). The manager
is not sure whether to use cables to connect the computers or use wireless
technology.

Give three disadvantages of using wireless technology.

• Limited area of network
• Strength of signal is weaker
• Easier to hack into/less secure
• Physical obstacles can interfere with signal/can cause disconnection
Describe four differences between an intranet and the Internet
• Internet is network of networks (Public)
• Internet is global
• Intranet is within one organisation (Private)
• Intranet is private/Internet is public
• Intranets tend to be policed/managed
• Intranet has an extra layer of security
• Data found in an intranet is likely to be more reliable/relevant than that
found on the Internet
• Internet has more information than an intranet
Paper 1 - Theory
13/M/J/13

School networks often contain a router and a proxy server.

(a) Describe the role of a proxy server in such a network.

• Can act as a web server

• Can act as a buffer (between Internet and LAN)
• Server passes on requests to the Internet
• Passes the requested web pages to individual computers
• Can cache/store the webpages
• Subsequent requests for that/those web page(s) are responded to
more quickly
• Can be used to monitor Internet usage
• Can block certain sites

Explain the purpose of a router

• Connects a LAN to a WAN

• Connects a LAN to the Internet
• Forward data packets to the individual computers on a network
• Hold the addresses of each computer on the network
Paper 1 - Theory
11/O/N/12

Explain how a firewall could be used to secure the data in a computer connected to the
internet.

• Monitors and controls incoming and outgoing data traffic

• Helps to prevent malware getting into computer/from the internet
• Prevents computer accessing undesirable/unauthorised sites
• Prevents unauthorised computers using the internet accessing the computer
• Keeps a list of undesirable sites/IP addresses
• Keeps a list of acceptable sites/IP addresses
• Warns you regarding threats/allows you to accept/reject downloaded programs
Paper 1 - Theory
11/O/N/12

Aftab owns a company which has a small number of computers. He wants to connect the computers
into a network. He does not wish to connect the computers to the internet but he does want the
workers to be able to communicate within the company.
(a) Name a network device used to connect the computers together.
Hub/switch/bridge
(b) Name an item of software used to send messages between the computers.
Email software/IM software

(c) What is the name given to this type of network?

LAN/intranet

(d) Give three reasons why Aftab may not want his workers to access the internet

• They may waste time playing games/going on social network sites/updating their blog/ online
• shopping/banking/surfing
• They could access undesirable sites
• They could download viruses/malware
• Could make the company susceptible to hackers
Paper 1 - Theory
13/O/N/12

Aftab owns a company which has a small network of computers.

(a) Give two advantages of having computers networked.
• Only one printer is needed
• Only one scanner is needed
• Data can be shared between computers/data can be accessed by one computer
• from another more easily
• Software can be shared/updated more easily
• All computers can access the internet through one connection
• He wants to connect the computers to the internet.
(b) Name the device he would need to be able to do this
Router/modem
(c) Give two benefits and two drawbacks of connecting to the internet.

Advantages Disadvantages
• Can communicate with other companies by email • Workers may access undesirable sites
• Can use the internet to place orders • Workers may waste time playing games/going on
• Can use the internet to buy materials social network sites/updating their blog/
• Can hold video conferences • online shopping/banking
• Can create own website to publicise company • Viruses/malware could be downloaded
• Could make the company susceptible to hackers
Paper 1 - Theory
13/O/N/12

11 Many banks offer internet banking. To access this online service customers have
to log on
to the system.

(a) Explain why authentication techniques are necessary.

• Authentication techniques such as user names and passwords identify the user
to the system
• Without authentication anybody would be able to access data
• Hackers would be able to amend/delete data without being prevented
• Would have to rely on other methods such as firewalls to prevent unauthorised
access.

(b) Customer data is encrypted. Explain what encryption is and why it is used.

• Causes data to be scrambled/encoded

• Requires an encryption key/software to encrypt
• Requires a decryption key/encryption software to decrypt
• Results in data which is not understandable/readable
• Protects sensitive data… from being understood if it falls in to the wrong hands
Paper 1 - Theory
13/O/N/11

John and his family have three computers in their home. He wants to connect the computers into a
network which will also connect to the internet.

Give two advantages of doing this.

• All machines can access internet at the same time

• Only one printer is needed
• Only one scanner is needed
• Data can be shared between computers/data can be accessed by one computer
• from another more easily
• Software can be shared
• All computers can access the internet through one connection
• Network games can be played

Give two disadvantages of doing this.

• Greater risk of hackers

• Greater risk of viruses
• Internet usage by children could be more difficult to monitor
• The significant cost of extra equipment
Paper 1 - Theory
13/O/N/11

The use of computer networks can lead to problems of keeping data secure and confidential. Two
methods of overcoming this are the use of authentication techniques and data encryption.
Describe two authentication techniques.
• User ID and one of password/PIN/memorable data
Password has to be entered before access is gained/password can be changed frequently to avoid
hackers guessing them/unsuccessful logins can throw you out of the system
• Magnetic stripe/smart card/electronic key/bar code system/ID card/Dongle
Prevents people without cards accessing system
• Biometric data
Fingerprint/retina/iris/face/voice recognition used as input/biometric data is difficult to replicate/is
unique

Describe data encryption

• Key needed to encrypt
• Data is jumbled up
• Key must be known to decrypt it
• Prevents people from understanding data/reading data
Paper 1 - Theory
12/M/J/10

Aftab and his family have three computers in their home. He wants to connect the computers into a
network. Explain why he would need:

• A router – so that data can be transferred from one network to another

• A browser – to access the (world wide) web /view web pages/surf the net
• Email – so that he can send messages to people outside the network/home
• An ISP – in order that he can access the internet/email/to provide internet service
Paper 1 - Theory
11/O/N/13

As well as PCs, mobile phones (cellphones) can be used to access the Internet.

Give two advantages of using a PC rather than a mobile phone for this purpose.

• Less likely to lose it

• May have stronger signal
• Display is larger/keyboard is larger
• Content is not as limited
• Can be faster to access internet
• No problem with batteries running out
• Has a mouse so is easier to navigate/use

Give two disadvantages of using a PC rather than a mobile phone for this purpose.

• Don’t always have access to PC/there may be a power cut

• Difficult to carry/not very portable/mobile phone is portable/Cannot access internet except in
the house
• You have to buy extra hardware/router
Paper 1 - Theory
11/O/N/13

Describe encryption and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using it to make data secure.

• Causes data to be scrambled/encoded

• Requires an encryption key/software to encrypt
• Requires a decryption key/encryption software to decrypt
• Results in data which is not understandable/readable

Benefits:

• Protects sensitive data…

• …from being understood if it falls in to the wrong hands
• Only user/computer with key can understand data

Drawbacks

• Data can still be deleted from system

• Criminals can use encryption to keep incriminating material secure
Paper 1 - Theory
11/O/N/10

A large company has two separate sites both of which have a LAN. The manager of the company
wants to connect the LANs to form a WAN.

Name three network devices which could be found in a LAN that is not connected to a WAN
• Hub
• Switch
• Bridge

The manager wants to buy a router to connect the LANs. Describe the function of a router.
• It stores information about which computer is connected to which network
• It receives data packets from an individual computer
• It passes the data packets to the appropriate switch
• To reduce data collisions
• It can connect the LANs to the internet
Paper 1 - Theory
11/O/N/10

The company’s workers are concerned that their data may not be secure.

Name three authentication techniques and for each one explain how it will help to prevent illegal
access to the data.

User name and password

• It is very difficult for hackers to guess passwords/if you don’t know password cannot gain
• Access to system/data/need to know both username and password to gain access

Biometric data –
• Retina scan, fingerprints/handprints, voice recognition etc.
• Each of these is unique/very difficult to replicate

Magnetic stripe card

• For entry into company premises
• Difficult to replicate security information on stripe

PIN
• For entry to company premises
• It is very difficult for hacker to guess PIN
Paper 1 - Theory
11/O/N/10

A small office consists of three rooms each of which has a PC with devices connected to it using
cables. The office manager thinks the cables are a safety hazard and wants to remove them.

Name three devices which could be connected to a PC using Bluetooth.

Mouse, Keyboard. Printer, Mobile phone, PDA, Headphones, Webcam, Camera, Microphone, Laptop,
Scanner, Graphics tablet, Modem

The manager wants to connect the PCs to form a WLAN. Give two disadvantages of this compared to
using cabling

• Increased risk of hacking

• Limited range of connection
• Likelihood of interference
• Reduced speed of connection (compared to cabled networks)
Paper 1 - Theory
11/O/N/10

The company’s workers are concerned that their data may not
be secure. Name and describe three methods, other than
authentication techniques, which would help to keep the data
more secure.

Encryption
• Data becomes indecipherable to unauthorised users

Firewall
• Prevents unauthorised computers having access to the
network

Anti spyware
• Removes spyware from computers

Keylogging detection
• Enables user to delete software which hacker has planted

Antivirus
• Removes viruses from storage media
Paper 1 - Theory
0417/13/O/N/10

A small office has four standalone computers. The office manager wants to connect the computers
together to form a LAN.
(a) Name a network device which would have to be present in each computer before they could be
networked
Network Card
Give two reasons why a WLAN would be preferable to a cabled LAN.
• Reduced cost of cabling
• Safer – won’t trip over wires
• Easier to connect other devices to the network
• Some situations make it impossible to use wired networks
• Makes the computer portable as long as it’s within range of the wireless access point/use it
Give two reasons why the manager should not use Bluetooth technology to create the
network.
• Very slow data transfer speeds
• Short distance of coverage/limited signal strength
• Greater risk of interception of data/less secure
• Supports a limited number of devices in a network
Paper 1 - Theory
0417/13/O/N/10

The company’s workers are concerned that their payroll data may not be secure as a result of the
computers being networked. Explain why the workers are concerned.

• They are worried that unauthorised users may get into the network
• Introduction of viruses/malware … which could result in data being deleted
• Spyware could be used to logs key presses to get passwords to access the system
• Personal data could be deleted by hackers
• Accidental deletion/corruption of data - loss of payroll data would mean workers would not be
paid
• Data could be amended by hackers - changing payroll data might result in lower wages being paid
• Data could be copied by hackers and passed on to other people/workers…
• … worker could be embarrassed about other workers knowing their pay

Give three actions that the office manager could take to ensure data security.

• Use Biometrics
• Have usernames and passwords
• Encrypt data
• Install a virus checker/anti virus/anti spyware
• Introduce firewall(s)
• Use an intranet/don’t connect network to internet