CP2 Computing June 2004

1(a)

The following diagram shows a typical directory structure for the hard drive on a personal computer.

(i)

What name is given to this type of "tree" file structure?

[1]

a hierarchical tree structure

(ii)

Explain why this type of structure is used.

[1]

if data is properly organised then it is easier and faster to find files

(b)

Many application packages are distributed only on compact disc (CD). Why is this the case?

[1]

A CD can store a lot of data and is portable.

(c)

Flash memory sticks can store large amounts of data and can be plugged into a personal computer. Describe a situation where they would be useful.

[1]

A pupil can save unfinished work on it, take it home load it onto his home computer and carry on with it.

2 (a)

A primary school teacher sends letters home to parents requesting permission for the pupils to travel on a school trip. The teacher has the email address of many parents and intends asking their permission using email.

(i)

Describe two features of email that the teacher could make use of when contacting the parents.

[2]

one letter can be sent to a number of different email addresses
the teacher could ask for notification of when an email has been read by the parent.

(ii)

Describe one problem that may arise as a result of using email rather than conventional post.

[1]

not every parent may have a computer

(b)

The teacher uses a spreadsheet package to store the marks of the end of term tests. Describe two features of a spreadsheet package that the teacher might use when analysing the results.

[2]

formulae may be used - eg working out the average test mark
data may be sorted into descending order of test mark

A small firm of solicitors is about to install a networked computer system.

(i)

Give two reasons why a networked system should be used rather than standalone computers.

[2]

hardware such as a printer may be shared
data may be shared - a central database of clients may be accessed by all the solicitors on the network

(ii)

The firm decides to also install a limited number of standalone computers. Give one reason why these should be used.

[1]

security reasons - it avoids possible hacking by unauthorised users

David has a milk round in a small town. He stores details of his customers and their orders in a book that he keeps in his milk van. Customers frequently change their orders and David often forgets to write down the changes and finds it time consuming to check the book. This leads to customer dissatisfaction when wrong orders are delivered.

(i)

State the type of software package that David could purchase and briefly describe hardware that would be most suitable for this system.

[2]

he needs a database
..and a laptop

(ii)

Explain how this new computer system could help solve the problems with his current system.

[2]

he could carry round the laptop with him in the van, making a note of any changes of customer orders...
..and he could sort the orders and display them in the same order as his daily round.

5 (a)

Real-time mode of operation is used for the operating system that controls an aeroplane. Explain what is meant by real-time and explain why this is the most suitable method.

[2]

the system responds immediately to any inputs.
there must be no delay between an input from the pilot and action being taken or it would be difficult to fly the plane.

(b)

When a bank updates the master file with the day's transaction file the mode of operation used is batch processing. Explain what is meant by batch processing and explain why this is the most suitable method.

[2]

Similar jobs are collected and run together as a batch
There is no need for any user interaction and the update can be done at an off-peak time such as at night.

(c)

Operating systems ensure that the computer's resources are used as effectively as possible. Describe two functions of an operating system when managing a computer's resources.

[2]

memory management - when programs or data are loaded into memory the operating system decides where to store them
peripheral management - data must be sent to the correct output device.

(d)

Operating systems are necessary to enable people to use computers. Describe two functions of an operating system from the user's point of view.

[2]

the operating system will load and run programs
security - it will only allow the user access to data for which he is authorised.

6. (a)

Draw diagrams to illustrate the difference between a bus network and a star network.

[2]

(b)

Explain why it is important to adopt network standards.

[1]

so that computers on different networks can communicate with each other

A gas company uses a computer system to store data on customers and staff.

(i)

The company stores meter readings in a transaction file. The records in this file are stored in serial order. Explain why this type of file organisation is the most suitable.

[1]

transaction records can be added onto the end of the file as they occur.

(ii)

The company's payroll file is stored in sequential order. Explain why this type of file organisation is the most suitable.

[1]

the file is sorted and so it can be processed in order. For example payslips can be printed in alphabetical order making it easier to find a particular one.

(iii)

The company stores customer data in a file. Using typical data from this file as examples describe the terms field and record.

[4]

A record consists of all the data concerning one customer and will consist of a number of fields such as...
a key field eg. customer number
customer name, address, amount of gas used, etc..

(iv)

Describe three ways in which the Data Protection Act affects the company

[3]

the company must collect the data lawfully
the data must be kept up-to-date
the data will need to be kept secure

NileBooks sells books on the Internet. Customers order on-line by typing information into a form. Customers have to enter the details of the books they wish to order and their personal details. Some validation is carried out as the data is entered.

Using examples of both valid and invalid data describe a validation check that could be carried out on the following fields. A different validation check must be used in each case.

(i)

Quantity of books required.

[2]

the data must be a positive integer
valid : 3
invalid : -1

(ii)

Year of birth.

[2]

the data must be four digits
valid : 1967
invalid : 19967

Four processors P1, P2, P3 and P4 are used to add up a series of numbers as shown below

(i)

State the name for this type of processing.

[1]

parallel processing

(ii)

Give one advantage of using this type of processing.

[1]

processing is much faster

10 a)

Web page designers often try to make their pages more interesting by incorporating pictures, video and sound. When creating the web pages a keyboard, mouse and scanner are used for input. Describe two other input devices and briefly explain how the designers could use them for input.

[2]

digital camera -
could be used to take photos and insert them into a web page
microphone -
could be used to record sound or music to play when the web page is opened

(b)

Describe why an analogue to digital converter is sometimes required during input.

[1]

some measurements are analogue (eg sound) but computers can only process digital data so it needs to be converted

(c)

Explain why an interface card is required when connecting speakers to a computer.

[1]

to provide a suitable socket for connecting the speakers to the computer so that the computer can control output to the speakers.

11.

Many people are now managing their credit card accounts using the Internet. Customers can access these accounts, view statements, make payments and transfer money using the Internet.

Using examples from the data stored by the credit card company:

(i)

describe what is meant by the term malicious damage. Explain how the credit card company could prevent malicious damage to the data stored in these accounts;

[2]

a hacker may access unauthorised data and change it. For example a user may access the amount of credit field of his account and increase it.
prevention would be by using a system of passwords for access to account data.

(ii)

describe what is meant by the term accidental damage. Explain how the credit card company could prevent accidental damage to data stored in these accounts.

[2]

data such as an account number may be accidentally altered by a computer when it is performing other tasks.
the data's attributes should be made read-only which means it cannot be altered.

12.

In the following question, additional credit (up to 3 marks) will be given if your answer demonstrates skill in written communication.

A mobile telephone company requires a new call centre that will employ hundreds of operators who will deal with customer enquiries. The operators will enter the customer's details into the computer system and try to answer their questions. The company proposes to open the call centre in a location where several factories have recently closed.

Discuss the effect the call centre opening would have on the local workforce. Describe possible health concerns over the prolonged use of computers and explain what actions the company could take to reduce the risk to the employees.

[7+3]

As nearby factories have closed there will be a number of people looking for employment. However, they may not have the skills to operate in a call centre and will need to be trained to operate the computer equipment.

There is a risk of certain health problems for people who use computers for long periods. Eye strain can be a problem and workers will need to take regular breaks. Workers may suffer from back and neck strain if their seats are not properly adjusted.

Another problem for people who work long hours at computers is Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). The company will need to make sure that the workers have a variety of different jobs which they can rotate in turn, and that adequate medical provision is available should problems start to occur.