processing does not start until all data collected
reference to JCL
no need for user interaction
example:payroll system , electricity/gas/water (etc.) billing cheque processing [2]
(c) modem
modulator-demodulator
converts digital/data to analogue (and vice versa)/converts binary into sound
allows communication over telephone lines
(NOT a converter, device)
example:surf/connect to the net [2]
(d) virus
program/software
which replicates/copies itself
damages files/corrupts files/corrupts boot sector
corrupts memory
stops computer working, stops proper functioning = 0
examples:
worms, Trojan horse, time bomb, logic bomb [1 example only] [2]
(e) interrupt
a signal/request generated by a device/program
causes a break in the execution of a program/stops the program
two devices=0
example:reference to printer [2]
2005
1 Explain, using examples where appropriate, the meaning of these computer terms.
(a) buffer
temporary
storage area/memory
to compensate for speed difference of device with CPU
for data being transferred between components of a computer system
allows other functions to take place while waiting
e.g. printer, keyboard, disk drive [2]
(b) gateway
link between systems
that uses telecommunications/telephones
and converts data passing through
allows a computer in a LAN to communicate with a computer in a WAN
device/software translates - between a LAN and a WAN or another LAN [2]
(c) validation
Check on data input
detect any data that is incomplete/unreasonable or mistyped
e.g. type, format, range, length, presence, control total, check digit [2]
(d) polling
testing a station/terminal/device in a multi-access system
in a sequential order/in turn
to establish whether it is holding data for transmission/collection
to allow time sharing
e.g. checking source of interrupt [2]
(e) data-logging
automatic capturing/sampling/gathering
and storing of data readings/to be processed later
from sensors over a period of time e.g. weather forecasting, temperature, rainfall, wind speed, wind direction, pressure, CO2 [2]
1 (a) Expert System
contains/programmed with the knowledge of human experts
knowledge base
inference engine
uses rules/rule base
man/machine interface
ability to “add to its knowledge”/learn from previous experience
examples: chess, medical diagnosis, mineral prospecting, car diagnostics,
tax calculations, etc. [2]
(b) Electronic scabbing
allows managers to switch …
word processing/computer processing duties …
from striking clerks in one country/location to non-striking clerks in another [2]
(c) Top down design
breaking larger tasks
into (successively) smaller tasks
step-wise refinement
examples allows use of modules, allows several programmers to work on task [2]
(d) Interrupt
a signal/message
generated by a device/operating system/hardware/software
which causes a break in the execution of a program/stops running of program
examples: overflow errors, disk full error, printer out of paper error etc.[2]
(e) Buffer
temporary
store/memory
holds data being transferred between devices
often used to compensate for different speeds of devices
examples printer, disk, etc.[2]
2006
(a) smart card
integrated chip card
data held in tiny silicon chip
replaces the need for magnetic stripes
harder for criminals to copy/change data
used by banks, mobile phones, satellite TV receivers [2]
(b) relational database
contents of files are linked/data held in a number of interrelated files or relations
linked by common fields uses tables [2]
(c) read-only memory (ROM)
non volatile memory
used to store systems software
read from but not written to
cannot change [2]
(d) de-skilling
skilled/semi skilled labour
replaced by microprocessor-controlled systems e.g. manufacturing [2]
(e) top down design
breaking down the problem/task/program
into sub problems/smaller tasks/modules, stepwise refinement [2]
1 (a) Verification
any two points from:
check on input for errors
on screen checking/checked by human
comparing input/use of second operator/by double entry
examples: password entry, email entry[2]
(b) Video conferencing
any two from:
meeting between two or more participants (at different sites)
using computer network/WAN/Internet
to transmit/receive audio and video data
each participant has a video camera/webcam/microphone/speaker
images appear in real time (on a window on the participant’s monitor)[2]
(c) Handshaking
any two from:
exchange of signals/protocols
to establish communication/readiness (to send and receive)
between two devices/computers
examples: printer and computer, modem and computer[2]
(d) Simulation
any two from:
studying the behaviour of a system
by using a model/represents real life/mathematical representation
results can be predicted
examples: flight simulator, hazardous applications, training[2]
(e) Batch processing
any two points from:
processing does not start until all data collected
reference to JCL
no need for user interaction
output is not time sensitive
examples: payroll system, electricity/gas/water (etc.) billing, cheque processing[2]
2007
1 (a) virus any two points from:
program/software worm = 0
which replicates/copies itself trojan horse = 0
alters/damages files/alters files or data name of virus = 0
e.g. examples of the effect of a virus bomb = 0 [2]
(b) verification
check on input for errors/checking before & after transfer
by double entry proof reading = 0
on screen checking
comparing input/use of second operator
e.g. password typed in twice [2]
(c) interrupt
a signal/request generated by a device/program power cut = 0
causes a break in execution of a program/stops program
e.g. printer out of paper [2]
(d) simulation
studying behaviour of a system games = 0
by using a model/represents real life/mathematical representation
results can be predicted
e.g. flight/other simulator, modelling hazardous chemical reaction [2]
(e) electronic scabbing
allows managers to switch …
word processing/computer processing duties …
from striking clerks in one country to non-striking clerks in another [2]
1 (a) byte
any two points from:
fixed number of bits/8 bits
represents a character
unit of memory/storagee.g. 11010001 [2]
(b) CD-ROM
any two points from:
(secondary/portable) storage medium
can be read only (memory)
cannot change data
e.g. used to store programs/data/pictures/films, etc. [2]
(c) interrupt
any two points from:
a signal/request generated by a device/program
causes a break in execution of a program/stops the program
e.g. printer out of paper, pressing break key [2]
(d) buffer
any two points from:
temporary store/memory
allows speed of CPU/devices to be matched
to hold data being transferred between peripherals and CPU
e.g. pages stored waiting to be printed [2]
(e) virtual reality
any two points from:
3D world
computer simulation
needs special input devices to interact – (data) goggles/gloves
e.g. design of chemical plants [2]
2008
Explain, using examples where appropriate, the meaning of these computer terms.
(a) batch processing
(processing) doesn't start until all data collected
any reference to JCL
no need for human interaction
uses computer during "quiet" time/overnight
examples
payroll system, billing, cheque processing [2]
(b) interrupt
a signal generated by a device/program
causes a break in execution of the program
examples
e.g. printer out of paper, keypress [2]
(c) top down design
break down problem/task/program
into sub-problem/smaller tasks/modules
stepwise refinement
examples/benefits
allows several programmers to work on same large task
each module can easily be tested/debugged separately [2]
(d) laptop computer
portable computer system/can be used anywhere
has integrated keyboard/screen/pointing device
uses a battery/mains power not required
examples
can do internet/work/emails away from home/on train/on plane [2]
(e) trackerball
pointing device
input device
examples
used to choose options from menus/screen icons
used in selecting objects on plant control/monitoring screens [2]
Explain, using examples where appropriate, the meaning of these computer terms.
1 Generally, one mark per valid point. Two examples can gain two marks.
(a) mouse
pointing device/controls cursor
input device
allows user to select options from a menu
used in windows environment
uses buttons/scroll wheels(s)/touch pad [2]
(b) search engine
used on the Internet
to locate web sites/web pages/other links
based on input of certain key phrases/words [2]
(c) buffer
temporary memory/storage area
compensates for speed differences of device and CPU
for data being transferred/downloaded between components of a computer system
allows other functions to take place at same time examples, printer, keyboard [2]
(d) RAM
random access memory
memory that can be read from and written to
temporary storage/volatile/memory lost on switching off computer
holds user work/programs/data [2]
(e) download
transfer/copy a file/data/program
from a central computer/host computer/server
to a smaller computer/remote station/user’s computer [2]
2009
Explain, using examples where appropriate, the meaning of these computer terms.
(a) batch processing
data collected together
during time period
processed all at once/in one go
ref to JCL
no need for human intervention
done at night/off peak
e.g. cheques, utility billing [2]
(b) data logging
automatic capture/sampling/gathering ….
… and storing/recording of data/readings
data from sensors
devices contain ROM and RAM type memories
e.g. weather conditions, temperature readings in an experiment [2]
(c) video conferencing
form of electronic comms using the Internet/WAN/ISDN link
requires webcam/microphone/speakers
image taken by webcam appears on window in participant’s monitor
uses video compression software
use of codec (analogue-digital translation)
e.g. meetings that include delegates at different locations [2]
(d) virtual reality
computer simulation
in a 3D world
uses special interactive devices such as goggles, data gloves, suits,…
makes user “feel as if they were actually there”
operates in real time
e.g. viewing houses, inside chemical plants, flight simulators, games [2]
(e) virus
program/software
which copies itself/replicates
created to corrupt/do damage to files/system/boot sector/data
spread through email attachments/floppy disks/CDs/USB drives [2]
1 Explain, using examples where appropriate, the meaning of these computer terms.
(a) interrupt
signal sent from a device....
temporary break ……
…. in (CPU normal) execution of instructions
to allow it to handle request from a device/peripheral/program
caused by external event
can be hardware or software generated
e.g. printer out of paper, <BREAK> key pressed, error in program [2]
(b) icon
picture/small symbol/graphic on the screen
used as a short cut to click on/launch an application
window reduced in size for later use (toolbar) [2]
(c) ROM
read only memory
can be read from/can’t write to/can’t change
non-volatile memory/keeps contents on switching off
used to store systems software e.g. bios [2]
(d) buffer
temporary …..
… memory/storage (area)
to compensate for speed difference of device and CPU
used in transfer of data between computer and components
allows CPU to carry out other functions while printing (etc.)
e.g. printer buffer, keyboard buffer [2]
(e) validation
check on data input into the computer ….
… to find out if it is incomplete/unreasonable/sensible
check carried out by the computer
e.g. range check, length check, presence check, check digit [2]
2010
1 (a) video conferencing
– meeting between 2 or more participants
– using computer networks/Internet
– to transmit audio/video data in real time
– pictures appear in a window on a monitor in real time
– reference to hardware (webcams, speakers, microphones)
– reference to software (communications, compression) [2]
(b) simulation
– studying the behaviour of a system
– by using a model/mathematical representation
– results can be predicted
– e.g. flight (or other) simulator, modelling hazardous chemical processes
– e.g. 10-pin bowling computer game [2]
(c) interrupt
Any two points from:
– a signal/request generated by a device/program
– which causes a break in the execution of a program/stops the program
– e.g. printer out of paper, <BREAK> key pressed, disk full [2]
(d) batch processing
– processing doesn’t start until all data is collected
– JCL (any reference to Job Control Language)
– no need for user interaction
– processed all in one go
– done at “quiet” times
– output not time sensitive
– e.g. billing, payroll, cheque processing [2]
(e) expert system
– computer system that emulates/simulates human knowledge/contains knowledge of
human expert
– uses an inference engine
– contains a knowledge base
– made up of rule base
– reference to expert system shell
– outputs probability of diagnosis given being correct/produces reasoned conclusions
– uses “Yes/No”, multichoice interface
– e.g. medical diagnosis, chess, prospecting, financial modelling, diagnostics [2]
1 (a) buffer
– temporary …
– … storage/memory
– compensates for the difference in speed of peripherals and CPU
– e.g. printer (buffer) [2]
(b) batch processing
– processing doesn’t start until all data is collected
– JCL (any reference to Job Control Language)
– no need for user interaction
– processed all in one go
– done at “quiet” times
– e.g. billing, payroll, cheque processing [2]
(c) e–commerce
– electronic commerce
– buying and selling products/services …..
– ….. using the internet/computer networks
– reference to B2B (business to business)
or B2C (business to consumer/customer)
– e.g. on-line shopping, commodity exchanges, Internet/online banking [2]
(d) simulation
– studying the behaviour of a system
– by using a model/mathematical representation
– results can be predicted
– e.g. flight (or other) simulator, modelling hazardous chemical processes
– e.g. 10-pin bowling computer game [2]
(e) email
– electronic mail
– sending messages from one device to another using computer networks/Internet
– world wide form of electronic communication
– can send file attachments
– e.g. sending a letter without use of traditional mail service [2]
DFD
System Flowchart
Program Flowchart
Gantt Charts
CPM Pert Chart
Modular Diagram
Forms Layout
Report Layout
Algorithm/Pseudo Code Writing Techniques
