GCSE Information Technology Paper 2
June 2005
Foundation Tier - Grades G to C

1 Place a tick in the correct column to show whether each device is used for Input or Output. [5]
 
Device Input Output
Scanner    
Printer    
Keyboard    
Digital camera    
Monitor    
 
   
 
2(a) Complete the following sentences using the words below:

Mainframes          Palmtops          Microcomputers

 
(i) .............. are used by pupils at home and in school; [1]
   
(ii) .............. are sometimes used by delivery men to record signatures to confirm that a parcel has been received; [1]
   
(iii) .............. are computers which are used by large companies to control online shopping. [1]
   
(b) Name two devices that contain embedded computers (microprocessors). [2]
   
 
3. Complete the blank cells in the following table, using the most appropriate items from the list below

Kilobyte         Gigabyte         1000000      Gb       10      Mb        Byte

Name  Approx. size in bytes  Abbreviation
  1000 Kb
Megabyte    

[3]
     
     
4. LANs are networks which can be found in most schools and offices.  
(a) Write down what LAN stands for. [1]
   
(b) A computer network can be arranged as a ring network. In the space below, draw and label a diagram of a ring network. Show the position of the fileserver, workstations and printer on your diagram. [4]
     
(c) Other than a ring network, name one other type of computer network topology. [1]
   
(d) Give two advantages of a network over standalone computers. [2]
   
(e) Networks have security problems. Give one way in which a network can be protected from each of the following  
  (i) Loss of data;  
   
  (ii) Unauthorised access. [2]
   
(f) Encryption can be used to protect data. What do you understand by the term encryption? [1]
   
     
5. (a) Place a tick in the correct column to show whether each task is carried out by the operating system or an application program.
Task Operation system  Application Program
Writing an essay    
Calculating someone's pay    
Finding space in RAM for a program    
Controlling traffic lights    
[4]
     
(b) Most computers have a Graphical User Interface (GUI). Name four different features of a GUI. [4]
   
(c) Give one application for each of the following systems. [3]
  (i) Real time processing (process control)  
   
  (ii) Batch processing  
   
  (iii) Real time (transaction processing)  
   
     
6. A firm keeps its customer details on computer. Part of this file is shown below.
Order Number Customer Name Delivery Date Delivery Address Cost (£)
9877 P.Smith 12/09/04 10 High Street 300.50
2334 W.Evans 23/01/05 6 Hilltop 50.00
 
(a) Place a tick in the correct column to show whether each task is a method of validation or verification..
Task Validation Verification
Check that the customer name has been typed in correctly.    
Check the Order Number is within the correct range.    
Check the delivery date is in the correct format.    
[3]
     
(b) A variety of data types can be found in this file. Give the most suitable data type for:  
  (i) Cost (£)  
   
  (ii) Delivery Address [2]
   
     
7. The Data Protection Act (DPA) was introduced because people were concerned about personal data being stored on computers.  
(a) Give three requirements of the Data Protection Act. [3]
   
(b) Give one organisation or type of data that is exempt from the Data Protection Act. [1]
   
     
8. An architect makes use of CAD software when designing a house.  
(a) Write down what CAD stands for. [1]
   
(b) State three specific features of CAD software that would help the architect design a house. [3]
   
     
9. Hospitals make use of computers for control. Give two uses of computer control in patient care within hospitals. [2]
   
     
10. A school has hired a systems analyst to produce a computerised system to help with its administration.  
(a) List the stages that the systems analyst would follow to produce a computerised system. The first one has been done for you.
  1. analysis
  2.  
  3.  
  4.  
 [3]
   
(b) Name two different ways a systems analyst can collect data during the analysis stage. [2]
   
(c) The new system stores pupil records in a computer file. The file stores the pupil's name, address and telephone number.  
  (i) In addition to these fields, give a suitable key field for use in the pupil's record. [1]
   
  (ii) List four other fields which could be included in the pupil's record. [4]