Unit
2 AQA AS ICT
Specification
section
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Questions
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Answers
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11.1 Data Capture
Describe methods of data capture and identify appropriate
contexts for their use.
Understand the concept of data encoding.
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11.2 Verification and Validation
Understand the distinction between accuracy of information
and validity of data.
Explain possible sources and types of error in data
capture, transcription, transmission and processing.
Describe methods of preventing and reducing such errors.
Describe appropriate validation techniques for the
various stages
within an ICT system, from data capture to report generation.
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11.3 Organisation of Data for Effective Retrieval
Describe the nature and purpose of a relational database
and how it
works.
Understand that data needs to be organised in a relational
database to
allow for effective updating and retrieval.
Understand how data can be retrieved to produce meaningful
information.
Recall the relevant advantages of relational databases
over flat file
information storage and retrieval systems.
Select and justify appropriate file and relational
database structures for
particular applications.
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11.4 Software: Nature, Capabilities and Limitations
Describe the need for interfacing with peripherals
storage devices,
input and output devices and display devices.
Describe the need for printer and other peripheral
drivers.
Nature and types of software
Describe the distinction between systems software and
applications
software.
Describe the purposes of operating systems.
Describe the nature of package software, generic and
specific, and of
bespoke software.
Describe the general characteristics of generic packages
and the
integration of objects and facilities for processing
data protocols and
standards.
Describe the functionality offered by software which
provides access
to the Internet.
Capabilities of software Describe the desirable features of packages that would
be appropriate to particular users and activities such as; links to
other packages; search facilities; macro capabilities; application generators;
editing capabilities; ability to change or extend data and record structures;
short access times; data portability and upgrade paths.
Upgradability Explain the technical and human implications of package
change/upgrade.
Reliability Explain the difficulties of thoroughly testing complex
software.
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11.5 Manipulation and/or Processing
Describe the different modes of operation: batch, interactive,
transaction and real-time, identifying appropriate
contexts for use.
Describe the characteristics of processing data in
the form of text,
pictures, numbers and sound.
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11.6 Dissemination/Distribution
Describe the need for suitable output formats and orderings
to communicate the results of data interrogation and undertake report
generation.
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11.7 Hardware: Nature, Capabilities and Limitations
Describe the broad characteristics, capabilities and
limitations of
current input, storage, communications, processing
and output
devices, identifying appropriate contexts for use by
each device.
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11.8 Security of Data
Understand the importance of, and the mechanisms for,
maintaining
data security, describing the distinction between security
and privacy.
Understand simple processes that protect the integrity
of data against
malicious or accidental alteration, e.g., standard
clerical procedures,
passwords, levels of permitted access, write protect
mechanisms,
backup procedures, restoration and recovery procedures.
Backup systems Understand the need for regular and systematic backup
and procedures for recovery.
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11.9 Network Environments
Describe the characteristics and relative advantages
of network and
stand-alone environments.
Describe the difference between a Local Area Network
(LAN) and a
Wide Area Network (WAN).
Describe the required elements of network environments
including
hardware, software, communications and topology.
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11.10 Human/Computer Interface
Understand the need to facilitate an effective dialogue
between
humans and machines.
Explain the need to design systems which are appropriate
to users at
all levels and in different environments, e.g. the
impact of clarity of
structure and layout.
Describe how the user-interface can be designed for
effective
communication with the user.
Describe the advantages of common user interfaces between
different
generic application packages.
Describe the advantages and limitations of a natural
language
interface.
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Topic 11.1 and 11.7
A village store has just installed
an Electronic Point-Of-Sale (EPOS) System
including a bar code reader.
(a) Describe two advantages that
the store gains from using the
EPOS system. (4 marks)
(b) Describe one disadvantage to the store of the EPOS system. (2 marks)
Topic 11.1
1. State three ways of entering text into a document when using a word processor. 3 marks
Topic 11.2
Topic 11.3
A system contains several flat
files that are to be replaced by a relational
database.
(a) Describe two problems that
can occur when data is stored in flat
files. (4 marks)
(b) Give three features that would
be available when using relational
database management software for the updating and retrieval of data. (3 marks)
Topic 11.3
The human resources department
in a business stores details of its staff in two flat files. One file is used
to keep the staff details, and the other file is used to keep records of training
undertaken by members
of staff. The file structures are as shown below:
Staff file
(Staff_number, Forename, Surname, Address, Home_phone_no, Start_date,
Department,
Extension_no)
Training File
(Staff_number, Forename, Surname, Department, Training_course, Training_date)
Underlined fields are key fields in each file.
(a) Describe, using examples from
the above two files, two problems that could occur when using these
file structures. (6 marks)
(b) Design an efficient database structure for the above data. (4 marks)
Topic 11.2
Items stored in a computerised
stock control system are identified uniquely by a product code. The
format of the product code is XX9999, where:
X – Capital letter (A, B or C)
9 – Digit
The product code has a range from AA1000 to CC9999.
Name and describe three validation checks that could be used on this product
code.
6 marks
Topic 11.4
All spreadsheet packages allow
users to format the contents of cells.
State four formats that can be applied to the contents of cells. (4 marks)
Topic 11.5
Manipulation and/or Processing
State three different forms that
data can take, and illustrate your answer with
an example of each.(6 marks)
Topic 11.5
State three formatting facilities
that are offered by word processing software.
3 marks
Topic 11.4 and 11.6
The head of a company.s IT services
department is to give the company.s
computer users a presentation about the facilities offered by operating
systems.
(a) State four facilities offered
by operating systems that should be
included in the presentation.(4 marks)
(b) He decides to develop a computer-based
presentation to be
displayed using an LCD (data) projector rather than creating
overhead projection transparencies.
(i) State three functions of the
presentation software that are
available for use with the LCD (data) projector (but cannot be
used with overhead projection transparencies).(3 marks)
(ii) Give four factors that should be considered when designing an effective presentation.(4 marks)
Topic 11.4
What type of software would normally
be used for the following tasks?
(a) Creating a directory, or folder, on a computer.
(b) Writing a report.
(c) Viewing a website.
(d) Creating an electronic mark book.
(One word answers are acceptable for this question.)
(4 marks)
Topic 11.5
A theatre booking system uses interactive
transaction processing.
Explain what is meant by the terms interactive processing and transaction
processing.
(4 Marks)
Topic 11.7
A school has decided that the four
printers on its Local Area Network need
replacing.
(a) For one type of printer that
the school might consider purchasing:
(i) name the type of printer; (1 mark)
(ii) give one capability of the named type of printer; (1 mark)
(iii) give one limitation of the named type of printer. (1 mark)
(b) For another type of printer
that the school might consider purchasing:
(i) name the type of printer; (1 mark)
(ii) give one capability of the named type of printer; (1 mark)
(iii) give one limitation of the named type of printer. (1 mark)
(c) Should the school purchase
four new printers of the same type, or
should it purchase two different types of printer? What would your
recommendation be and why? (2 mark)
Topic 11.7
A new scanner is supplied with
a set of drivers. These drivers are provided
on a CD-ROM, together with Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
software for use with the scanner.
(a) State three functions of a scanner driver. (3 marks)
(b) Give one reason why the drivers are not provided on a floppy disk. (1
mark)
(c) Give one other method of providing the scanner drivers. (1 mark)
(d) Describe one advantage of using OCR software. (2 marks)
Topic 11.8
A file containing sensitive data
is stored on a computer system. Access to
this file is managed by the use of passwords, entered at a keyboard, and by
setting levels of permitted access.
(a) Explain what is meant by
(i) password. (2 marks)
(ii) levels of permitted access.
(2 marks)
(b) Give two other possible methods of managing access to the contents of
this file. (2 marks)
Topic 11.8
Passwords, entered at a keyboard,
are often used as a method of protecting
data against malicious or unauthorised access.
Give two other methods of preventing access to data. (2 marks)
Topic 11.8
An international airport is open
twenty-four hours a day for every day of the year. Its computer-based
flight information system is essential to the smooth running of the airport.
Describe four factors that the airport must consider when designing backup
and recovery procedures for this system
(8 Marks)
Topic 11.9
The term used to describe the arrangement of computers in a network is
topology.
Name two different Local Area Network (LAN) topologies and
draw a
diagram to illustrate each one. (2 marks)
Topic 11.9
The term used to describe the arrangement of computers in a network is topology.
(a) Name, and draw diagrams to illustrate, two different Local Area Network
(LAN) topologies. (4 marks)
(b) State one different advantage for each topology that you have chosen.
(2 marks)
Topic 11.10
A common human/computer interface
is a Graphical User Interface (GUI).
State three features of a GUI and, for each one, describe how it provides
an
effective method of communication between the user and a computer system.
(6 marks)
Topic 11.10
Describe the characteristics of
a natural language interface.
Illustrate your answer with two different examples of use of this type of
interface.
(4 marks)
Topic 11.10
Describe, with the aid of examples,
three ways in which the interface between a computer and a human
can be designed to provide an effective dialogue. (9 marks)
Topic 11.1 Data Capture
Topic 11.7 . Hardware; nature capabilities and limitations
(a)
? Automatic input (1) avoids errors e.g. audible signal if bar code
misread, check digit to ensure bar code read correctly (1)
? Greater productivity (1) Saves time spent in looking up (NOT keying
in) prices (1)
? Ease of pricing/changing prices (1) without pricing/re-pricing stock
items (1)
? Ability to link to another system (1) e.g. stock control, electronic
reordering (1)
? Stock reports /Management Information (1) e.g. to help prevent out of
stock items, over stocking etc (1)
Any 2 x (2, 1, 0)
(b)
? problems if system goes down. (1) need alternative method e.g...(1)
? item does not have bar code or bar code is not readable (1) need to be
entered by key pad etc (1)
? keeping system up to date (1) e.g. entering new products (1)
? cost or time taken for training (1) e.g. double staffing at till etc
Any 1 x (2, 1, 0) 2
Topic 11.1
NB question is STATE
• Keyboard/touch screen
• Optical character recognition /OCR (NOT JUST SCANNING)
• Voice recognition
• Copy/cut and paste from another source/text file insertion/import
Max 3 3
(allow one word answers)
Topic 11.2
• Format/picture/type check
(1) and description (1)
• Range check (1) and description (1)
• Uniqueness check (1) and description must include on entry of a new
code (1)
• Length check (1) and description (1)
• Presence/required field check (1) and description (1)
• (File) lookup check (1) check that the code is that of an existing
product (1)
• ‘Duplication’ check (1) warning given if same code entered
twice in succession(1)
DESCRIPTIONS SHOULD APPLY TO THE PRODUCTCODE
Any 3 × (2, 1, 0) 6
Topic 11.2 . Verification
and Validation
Topic 11.3 . Organisation of Data for Effective Retrieval
(a)
duplication of data (1) reference to Pat/ Susan Smith (1) name,
address .phone number (1)
inconsistency of data(1) reference to Susan Smith.s phone number (1)
Max 4
(b)
date field (1) problems with Pat.s date/should have used a format
check(1)
name field (1) only one field Pat.s surname/last name not entered (1)
theme of cake field (1) left blank/should have used a presence check
(1)
Any 2 x (2, 1, 0)
(c)
Customer name field(1) needs splitting e.g. (1)
Address field(1) needs splitting(1)
Order Number field required (1) uniquely identifies order (1)
Customer Number field required (1) uniquely identifies customer (1)
Cake Number field required (1) uniquely identifies cake (1)
ALLOW any reasonable field (1) and supporting reason (1)
Any 2 x (2, 1, 0) 4
(d)
Tables/Relations
e.g. Customer/Order/types of cake
Primary Key
E.g. Customer no, cake no
Relationships/links e.g.
Use Cake no in Order/Use Customer no in Order
As a foreign key
NOT QUERY/FORM/REPORT/MACRO
max 4
Topic 11.3 - Organisation of data for effective retrieval
(a)
Data is inconsistent (1)
has different values in different files (1)
Data is unnecessarily redundant (1)
more than one copy kept /duplicated/repeated (1)
Form of data is dependent on the program using it (1)
same item can be stored in different formats (1)
would not be able to normalise the data (1)
Max 4
(b)
Queries
QBE
SQL
Forms
Reports
Tables/Relations
Relationships/links
Enforcing referential integrity
Cascaded updates/deletion
Use of foreign keys
ALLOW use of macros
Allow examples
max 3
Topic 11.3
(a)
• Unnecessarily duplicated/repeated/redundant data (1) forename /surname/
department/
Training_date (1) repeated in both files/training records (1)
• Inconsistency of data (1) forename and surname (and department) /
Training_date (1) can
be different in files/training records/ files have to be updated separately
(1)
Any 2 × (3, 2, 1, 0)
6
(b)
• Staff table/entity
• Training table/entity /Training Course Table and Staff Training table
• Removal of forename/ surname /department from Training table or Staff
Training table
• Inclusion of training code
• Leaving staff number in Training table or Staff Training table
• Conversion of staff number to foreign key
• ALLOW mention of conversion to tables if specific tables not mentioned
E.g.
Staff Table
(Staff Number, Forename, Surname, Address, Home_phone_no, Start_date, Department,
Extension_no)
Training Table
(Training Code, Staff Number, Training_course, Training_date)
or Training Course Table and Staff Training Table
(Training Code, Training_course, Training_date) and (Training Code, Staff
Number)
Max 4
Topic 11.4
Software; nature capabilities and
limitations
NB QUESTION IS STATE
Alignment Allow e.g. left, centre
(type of) font Allow e.g. Arial, Times New Roman
size (of font) Allow e.g. 12 point
style (of font) Allow e.g. italic, bold
colour (of font) Allow e.g. red, blue
contents as number
currency
date
time
percentage
fraction
scientific
(no of) decimal places
contents as text
locked
hidden
conditional
custom
ALLOW background or border
Max 4
Topic 11.4
(a) operating system/file management
utility
(b) word-processing (package)/word-processor, DTP
(c) (web)browser
(d) spreadsheet (package) ALLOW database management system
Jan 06
Topic 11.5
Manipulation and/or Processing
Interactive processing
Dialogue between user and system/ALLOW description of
dialogue
System responds to each input straight away
Transaction Processing
Each item of data is dealt with as it is submitted
Each transaction is completed
Before the next is begun
Max 4 (Max 3 if only one term is explained) 4
Topic 11.5
• Text/Alphanumeric/Character/String
(1) example (1)
• Number/Integer/Real (1) example ALLOW currency as example (1)
• Graphics/Pictures/Video (1) example (1)
• Sound (1) example (1)
• Boolean/logical (1) example (1)
• Date/time (1) Example (1)
Need form before allowing example
3 x (2,1,0)
(6 marks)
Topic 11.5
Manipulation and/or processing
NB QUESTION IS STATE
• Columns
• Tables
• Headers/footers
• Margins/Indents
• Justification e.g. textwrap, centre
• Borders
• Shading
• Colour
• Font style e.g. italic, bold, underline etc
• Font type e.g. Times New roman
• Font size e.g. 12pt
• Font effect e.g. subscript, strike through, ALLOW WordArt
• Paper size
• Orientation/landscape/portrait
• Bullet points/numbering
• Line spacing
• Picture formatting e.g. watermark
• Use of templates
Max 3
Topic 11.7
Hardware: Nature, Capabilities and Limitations
(a) (i)
(colour) laser printer /inkjet printer/dot matrix/thermal wax
(transfer)/dye sublimation NOT LASERJET NOT DESKJET but
allow marks for (ii) and (iii)
(ii) capability
laser printer fast printing, good quality printouts, can purchase models
that print on large paper e.g. A3, etc
inkjet printer good quality printouts, low initial costs, can purchase
models that print on large paper e.g. A3, can print on a greater variety
of media etc
dot matrix production of multiple copies
thermal wax/dye sublimation production of very high quality images
(iii) limitation
inkjet slow printing, can saturate paper, special paper for inkjet
printers is required/more costly, high cost of consumables/ink etc
laser printer, large footprint, high cost of consumables toner/drum etc
thermal wax high cost of purchase, consumables etc
dye sublimation high cost of consumables etc
dot matrix, noisy, poor quality of printing etc
NB BOD marks allowed for cost issues this year because this is first year
that the question has referred to capabilities and limitations rather than
advantages and disadvantages
2 (1 for any reasonable capability
and 1 for any reasonable
limitation)
(b) (i)
Different printer must be different type or have different functionality
e.g. b/w laser for (a) colour laser for (b)
(ii) and (iii)
2 (1 for any reasonable capability and 1 for any reasonable
limitation)
(c)
either same type or different type MUST BE SUPPORTED
BY REASON
same type . e.g. can buy consumables/ink/toner in bulk don.t
have to keep stocks of each type, no problems if a printer
.goes down. can manage with others/ may obtain discount on
purchase price.
different types . e.g. can have variety of paper sizes, just use
colour printers for pictures/graphics saving on costs.
0, 2
Topic 11.7
(a)
• Provides interface/communication between the operating
system/computer/application package and the scanner
• Making the scanner recognisable to the operating
system/computer
• Translates images into a form that the computer can display
• Stores page set-up/configuration
• Error messaging e.g. scanner not ready etc.
Any 3 x 1
(b)
• Files too large to go on single floppy disk
• Floppy disk can be easily damaged
• Not all computers have a floppy drive
Max 1
(c)
• Downloaded (from web site)
• E-mailed to customer
• Flash memory allow other terms e.g. memory stick, pen drive
etc.
• DVD
• Already provided with operating system
Max 1
(d)
• Faster /more accurate than retyping (1) e.g. existing letters,
reports (1)
• Document stored as text not image (1) e.g. can edit, takes less
storage space etc (1)
Max 2
Topic 11.8 . Security of data
(a) (i)
characters/letters/numbers/letters and numbers/words/codes
linked to a specific ID
known only to the user/kept secret
security method/device
Max 2
(a) (ii)
restricts the type of access to the file/ idea of different types
of access
example of what those types of access could be e.g. full
access or read/write, read only/view, append, no access or
who would have different types of access
Allow two different types of access
Max 2
(b)
Biometric passwords e.g. retina scan, thumb print, voice
recognition
Removal/safe storage of disks
Swipe cards/keys for access to system e.g. for keyboard
Users not leaving the file open/leaving workstation
unlocked/automatic logout
Firewall
Encryption
File stored on a computer/workstation that cannot be
physically accessed e.g. data stored on a standalone computer
in a locked room
Max 2
Topic 11.8
Security of data
• Biometric passwords e.g. retina scan, thumb print, voice
recognition
• Removal/safe storage of disks
• Swipe cards/keys for access to system e.g. for keyboard
• Access rights/levels
• Users not leaving the computer logged on/leaving
workstation unlocked/automatic logout
• Firewall
• Encryption
• Data stored on a computer/workstation that cannot be
physically be/ accessed e.g. data stored on a standalone
computer in a locked room
Max 2
Topic 11.8
1. Testing of recovery plan (1)
e.g. by testing that the backups have worked (1)
2. Training of staff to cope (1) ensuring that trained staff are always available/on
call (1)
3. Recovery plan that includes both staff (1) equipment (1) location (1) data/software
(1) any
two
4. Frequency of backup (1) must be continuous (1)
5. Backup media/system suitable for large online system (1) e.g. mirroring/RAID
(1)
6. Location (1) e.g. off-site, if on-site needs to be bomb proof! (1)
7. Availability (1) e.g. fast comms link needs to be instantly available (1)
8. Security of backup (1) security of location NOT FIRE PROOF SAFE/LOCKED
DRAWER (1)
9. ALLOW consequences of failure (1) discussion relevant to flight information
system (1)
4 × (2, 1, 0) NB candidates must include points 1 and/or 2 for full
marks 8
Topic 11.9 .
Network Environments
bus (1) structure must be diagram
and match name (1)
star (1) structure must be diagram and match name (1)
ring (1) structure must be diagram and match name (1)
marks awarded for correct diagram
Topic 11.9
(a) Bus (allow line), star or ring
must be diagram (allow other topologies if correct e.g. mesh,
hybrid etc)
• Name
• Structure (only one mark if name contradicts structure)
2 × (2, 1, 0) 4
(b) NB: STATE
• Bus – cost effective in certain installations/easy to install/easy
to add stations to
• Ring – very fast transmission rates possible/fault tolerant
• Star – speed of transmission does not degrade under load/fault
tolerant/extra computers
can be added without disturbing the network
• Other – suitable advantage must be clear
2 × (1, 0) 2 must match (a) if not labelled use same order 2
Topic 11.10
Human/Computer Interface
icons/shortcuts (1) expansion
explaining effectiveness (1)
menus (1) expansion explaining effectiveness (1)
pointers (1) expansion explaining effectiveness (1)
windows (1) expansion explaining effectiveness (1)
Help (1) expansion explaining effectiveness (1)
Drag and drop (1) expansion explaining effectiveness (1)
Popup...(1) expansion explaining effectiveness (1)
Toolbars (1) expansion explaining effectiveness (1)
Taskbar (1) expansion explaining effectiveness (1)
Any 3 x (2, 1, 0)
Topic 11.10
Human/Computer Interface
• Special commands do not need to be remembered
• Words used from ?normal vocabulary??..
• ??to identify information required
• A user can just type in a question/instruction
• Problems with vague/ambiguous/complex statements
• Example 1 e.g. search engine/can google*, context sensitive
help, AI, expert systems etc allow specific example e.g.
medical diagnosis
• Example 2 must be different to Example 1
* ALLOW use of the verb to google
Max 4
Topic 11.10
Topic 11.10 – Human/Computer
Interface
• Feature (F) (1) example (E) (1) why it is effective (W) (1)
The following are only examples there could be many other responses:
• Inclusion of heading/headings (1) example (1) clear idea of process
occurring (1)
• Screen design in same order as data entry form (1) example (1) allows
logical procedure
for user
• Sufficient space left for data entry (1) example (1) less chance of
error as can be easily
checked
• Navigation buttons clearly included (1) example (1) quick/easier movement
between
screens (1)
• Use of colour (1) example (1) clarity/ good for frequent use/good
for colour-blind users
etc
• On-line help (1) e.g. tool tip (1) instant aid (1)
• Similar to other popular interface styles (1) e.g. (1) easier to understand
(1)
• Automated data entry (1) e.g. combo box (1) clear choices help to
prevent errors (1)
Also any of the items below:
• windows, icons, pointers, short cuts, voice recognition, touch screens,
sound, different
languages etc
Any 3 × (3, 2, 1, 0) 9
Topic 11.4 . Software:
Nature, Capabilities and Limitations
Topic 11.6 . Dissemination/Distribution
(a)
? Manages (loads, runs, terminates) all the other programs in a
computer
? Manages user communication with the computer
? Hides the complexity of the hardware from the user
? Handles input/output from attached hardware devices/peripheral
control NB includes external communications
? Management of security
? Resource allocation and scheduling
? Memory management
? Backing Store management
? Management of multitasking/transfer of data between programs
? Interrupt handling
? Power Management
? Reboot
? Provision of user interface
? Install/uninstall software
? Provision of error messages/error logging
Max 4
(b)(i)
? Automation of presentation/automatic slide changing
? Availability of transitions between slides
? Use of video
? Animation
? Sound
? Ability to change or update information instantly
? Importing of live information from other packages
? Pack and go/creation of stand-alone presentations
Max 3
(b) (ii)
? appropriate to venue
? content appropriate to intended audience
? style of presentation use of appropriate