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Revision Workbook
O Level & IGCSE Computer Science
P1: Theory of Computer Science
Inqilab Ruknuddin Patel

Lesson at a
Glance

Brief Notes

Topical Past Paper

Questions

Revision
Checklist
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Syllabus content & assessment at a glance
Sections Topics
Section 1 Theory of Computer Science
1.1 Data representation
1.1.1 Binary systems
1.1.2 Hexadecimal
1.1.3 Data storage
1.2 Communication and Internet technologies
1.2.1 Data transmission
1.2.2 Security aspects
1.2.3 Internet principles of operation
1.3 Hardware and software
1.3.1 Logic gates
1.3.2Computer architecture and the fetch-execute cycle
1.3.3 Input devices
1.3.4 Output devices
1.3.5 Memory, storage devices and media
1.3.6 Operating systems
1.3.7High- and low-level languages and their translators
1.4 Security
1.5 Ethics
Section 2 Practical Problem-solving and Programming
2.1 Algorithm design and problem-solving
2.1.1 Problem-solving and design
2.1.2 Pseudocode and flowcharts
2.2 Programming
2.2.1 Programming concepts
2.2.2 Data structures; arrays
2.3 Databases

Assessment at a glance
Components Weighting
Paper 1 Theory 1 hour 45 minutes 60%
This written paper contains short-answer and structured questions. All
questions are compulsory.
No calculators are permitted in this paper. 75 marks
Externally assessed.
Paper 2 Problem-solving and Programming 1 hour 45 minutes 40%
This written paper contains short-answer and structured questions. All
questions are compulsory. 20 of the marks for this paper are from questions
set on the pre-release material. 1
No calculators are permitted in this paper. 50 marks
Externally assessed.
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Revision Checklist

Have Revised
Have Read
To Revise
S

Prepared
To Read
Learning Outcome
No

1.1.1: Binary systems

1 Recognize the use of binary numbers in computer systems
2 Denary-to-binary and binary-to- denary conversion
3 Concept of a byte and how the byte is used to measure memory size
Use binary in computer registers for a given application (such as in robotics, digital
4
instruments and counting systems)
1.1.2: Hexadecimal
5 Represent integers as hexadecimal numbers
6 Reasons for choosing hexadecimal to represent numbers
7 Convert positive hexadecimal integers to and from denary
8 Convert positive hexadecimal integers to and from binary
9 Represent numbers stored in registers and main memory as hexadecimal
Identify current uses of hexadecimal numbers in computing, such as defining
10 colours in Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Media Access Control (MAC)
addresses, assembly languages and machine code, debugging
1.2.1: Serial and parallel data transmission
11 Show understanding of what is meant by transmission of data
12 Distinguish between serial and parallel data transmission
13 Distinguish between simplex, duplex and half-duplex data transmission
14 Reasons for choosing serial or parallel data transmission
15 Show understanding of the need to check for errors
16 Explain how parity bits are used for error detection
Show understanding of the use of serial and parallel data transmission, in
17
Universal Serial Bus (USB) and Integrated Circuit (IC)
1.2.3: Internet principles of operation
18 Show understanding of the role of the browser and Internet server
19 What is meant by hypertext transfer protocol (http and https) and HTML
20 Distinguish between HTML structure and presentation
Show understanding of the concepts of MAC address, Internet Protocol (IP)
21
address, Uniform Resource Locator (URL) and cookies
1.3.1: Logic gates
22 use logic gates to create electronic circuits
Understand and define the functions of NOT, AND, OR, NAND, NOR and XOR
23 (EOR) gates, including the binary output produced from all the possible binary
inputs (all gates, except the NOT gate, will have 2 inputs only)
24 Draw truth tables and recognise a logic gate from its truth table
25 Produce truth tables for given logic circuits,
26 Produce a logic circuit to solve a given problem or to implement a given written
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Have Revised
Have Read
To Revise
S

Prepared
To Read
Learning Outcome
No

logic statement
27 Write down logic statement of given logic circuit
28 Simplify the logic circuit
29 Boolean algebra
30 Solving past paper questions
1.3.2: Computer architecture and the fetch-execute cycle
Show understanding of the basic Von Neumann model for a computer system and
31 the stored program concept (program instructions and data are stored in main
memory and instructions are fetched and executed one after another)
32 Describe the stages of the fetch-execute cycle
1.3.3: Input devices
Describe the principles of operation (how each device works) of these input
devices: 2D and 3D scanners, barcode readers, Quick Response (QR) code readers,
33
digital cameras, keyboards, mice, touch screens, interactive whiteboard,
microphones
Describe how these principles are applied to real-life scenarios, for example:
34 scanning of passports at airports, barcode readers at supermarket checkouts, and
touch screens on mobile devices
Describe how a range of sensors can be used to input data into a computer
35 system, including light, temperature, magnetic field, gas, pressure, moisture,
humidity, ph and motion
Describe how these sensors are used in real-life scenarios, for example: street
36 lights, security devices, pollution control, games, and household and industrial
applications
1.3.4: Output devices
Describe the principles of operation of a range of output devices, including: inkjet,
laser and 3D printers; 2D and 3D cutters; speakers and headphones; actuators;
37
flat-panel display screens, including Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and Light-Emitting
Diodes (LED); and LCD projectors and Digital Light Projectors (DLP)
Describe how these principles are applied to real-life scenarios, for example:
38 printing single items on demand or in large volumes; use of small screens on
mobile devices
1.3.5: Memory, storage devices and media
Show understanding of the difference between: primary, secondary and off-line
storage and provide examples of each, such as, primary: Read Only Memory
39 (ROM), and Random Access Memory (RAM) secondary: hard disk drive (HDD) and
Solid State Drives (SSDs); off-line: Digital Versatile Disks (DVDs), Compact Disks
(CDs), Blu-ray, USB flash memory and removable disks
Describe the principles of operation of a range of types of storage devices and
40
media including magnetic, optical and solid state
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Have Revised
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To Revise
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Prepared
To Read
Learning Outcome
No

Describe how these principles are applied to currently available storage solutions,
41
such as SSDs, hard disk drives, USB flash memory, DVDs, CDs and Blu-ray
42 Calculate the storage requirement of a file
1.1.3: Data storage
43 File formats sound (music), pictures, video, text and numbers
Identify and describe methods of error detection and correction, such as parity
44
checks, check digits, checksums and Automatic Repeat requests (ARQ)
45 Concept of (MIDI) files, jpeg files, MP3 and MP4 files
File compression (lossless and lossy compression algorithms) applied to
46
music/video, photos and text files
1.3.6: Operating systems
Describe the purpose of an operating system
• the idea of system software as different from applications software
• general tasks and facilities of an operating system – for processor management,
it is helpful to demonstrate Windows Task Manager
47 • the role of the operating system (OS) in file management
• how peripheral devices, such as keyboards and printers, must be controlled and
responded to by the operating system
• how communication between the computer and peripherals must be controlled
and errors detected.
Show understanding of the following terms and the need for interrupts
• buffer
• polling
48
• interrupts
• handshaking
• checksum.
Discuss the main differences between command line interfaces CLIs and graphical
49
user interfaces GUIs and their respective advantages and disadvantages.
1.3.7: High- and low-level languages and their translators
50 Show understanding of the need for both high-level and low-level languages
Show understanding of the need for compilers when translating programs written
51
in a high-level language
52 Show understanding of the use of interpreters with high-level language programs
53 Need for assemblers when translating programs written in assembly language
54 Solving past paper questions
1.2.2: Security aspects
Show understanding of the security aspects of using the Internet and understand
55
what methods are available to help minimise the risks
Show understanding of the Internet risks associated with malware, including
56
viruses, spyware and hacking
57 Explain how anti-virus and other protection software helps to protect the user
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Have Revised
Have Read
To Revise
S

Prepared
To Read
Learning Outcome
No

from security risks (this also links into section 1.4 of the syllabus)
1.4 Data integrity and security
Show understanding of how data are kept safe when stored and transmitted,
including:
○ use of passwords, both entered at a keyboard and biometric
○ use of firewalls, both software and hardware, including proxy servers
58 ○ use of security protocols such as Secure Socket Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer
Security (TLS)
○ use of symmetric encryption (plain text, cypher text and use of a key) showing
understanding that increasing the length of a key increases the strength of the
encryption
Show understanding of the need to keep online systems safe from attacks
59
including denial of service attacks, phishing, pharming
Show understanding of the need to keep data safe from accidental damage,
60
including corruption and human errors
Show understanding of the need to keep data safe from malicious actions,
61
including unauthorised viewing, deleting, copying and corruption
Describe how the knowledge from 1.4.1, 1.4.2 and 1.4.3 can be applied to real-life
62
scenarios including, for example, online banking, shopping
1.5: ethics
63 Show understanding of computer ethics, including copyright issues and plagiarism
64 Distinguish between free software, freeware and shareware
Show understanding of the ethical issues raised by the spread of electronic
65 communication and computer systems, including hacking, cracking and
production of malware
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1.1 Data representation
Chapter at a glance:
The basic building block in all computers is the binary number system.
A binary digit is commonly referred to as a BIT; 8 bits are usually referred to as a BYTE.
The byte is the smallest unit of memory in a computer.
It should be pointed out here that there is some confusion in the naming of memory sizes.
The unit was established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in 1998, has
been accepted for use by all major standards organizations, and is part of the International System
of Quantities. The kibibyte was designed to replace the kilobyte in those computer science contexts
in which the term kilobyte is used to mean 1024 bytes. The interpretation of the kilobyte to denote
1024 bytes, conflicting with the SI definition of the prefix kilo (1000), is still common, mostly in
informal computer science contexts.
The IEC convention is now adopted by some organisations. Manufacturers of storage devices often
use the denary system to measure storage size. For example:
1 kilobyte = 1000 byte
1 megabyte = 1000000 bytes
1 gigabyte = 1000000000 bytes
1 terabyte = 1000000000000 bytes and so on.
The IEC convention for computer internal memories (including RAM) becomes:
1 kibibyte (1 KiB) = 1024 bytes
1 mebibyte (1 MiB) = 1048576 bytes
1 gibibyte (1 GiB) = 1073741824 bytes
1 tebibyte (1 TiB) = 1099511627776 bytes and so on
Example Question: A company advertises its backup memory device as having 500 GB of
storage. A customer wishes to know how many 8 MB files could be stored on the device. The
company claimed that up to 62 500 files (assuming each file is 8 MB) could be stored. The
customer calculated that 64 000 files could be stored.
Explain the difference between these two storage values. Show any calculations you use in
your explanation.
......................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................
–company calculation is based on 1 GByte = 1000 Mbyte – so (500 × 1000)/8 = 62 500 files
– customer calculation based on 1 GByte = 1024 Mbyte – so (500 × 1024)/8 = 64000 files
– giving the difference of 1500 files [3]
Binary-to-Decimal & Denary-to-Binary Conversion –use binary notation (place values) i.e. 128,
64, 32, 16, 8, 4, 2, 1.
For Binary-to-Hexadecimal conversion firstly groups of 4 bits are made from right to left and each
group is converted separately using 8, 4, 2, 1 notation.
For Hexadecimal-to-Binary conversion each hex digit is separated by other and then each hex digit
is converted separately using 8 4 2 1 notation.
For Denary-to-Hexadecimal conversion LCM of the denary number is taken.
For Hexadecimal-to-Denary conversion hexadecimal notation (place value) is used eg. 4096 256
16 1
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Memory Dump is display of memory contents and address in hexadecimal on screen or printed on
paper. It is powerful fault-tracing tool for expert programmers.
Hexadecimal are used in HTML to represent colour codes (RGB Model). For example: # ff0000 for
bright red and #980000 for darker red.
MAC Addresses are unique number of NIC (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth. or wired connection i.e. Ethernet).
They are 48 bit long, but converted into 12 hexadecimal digits (in 6 pairs) making them short and
easier to understand. For 00-1C-2A-FF-01. 1st 3 pairs represent manufacturer while the other
represent serial number of product.
48 bit long address means there are 281,474,976,710,656 possible MAC addresses in the world.
UAA (Universally Administered MAC Address) are most common. These are the MAC addresses
set by manufacturer
LAA (Locally Administered MAC Addresses) are changed locally to bypass firewall, or to assign
MAC address of specific format.
URL encoding:
Web addresses can be written using hexadecimal rather than denary. Hexadecimal codes are
preceded by a % sign. For example, the word “www.ruknuddin.com” is written as:
r u k n u d d i n
in hex %72 %75 %6B %6E %75 %64 %64 %69 %6E

w w w . r u k n u d d i n . c o m
%77 %77 %77 %2E %72 %75 %6B %6E %75 %64 %64 %69 %6E %2E %63 %6F %6D

Some characters are not allowed in URL. URL encoding converts characters into a format that can
be transmitted over the Internet.
For example
➢ %20 – is used in URL in place of <space> not allowed in a URL, %20 is the coding for a space (32 in denary)
➢ ? – separates the URL from all parameters or variables
e.g. for query to search Inqilab patel in Google
https://www.google.com.pk/search?q=inqilab%20patel
here “q” is variable for query “?” separates it from URL
“https://www.google.com.pk/search”

while“%20”is used for the space between “inqilab” and “patel”

?to separate %20 code for space

Variable from URL

Machine code and Assembly code are examples of low-level languages and are used by software
developers when producing, for example, computer games. They look difficult but they have many
advantages at the development stage of software writing (especially when trying to locate errors in
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the code). Using hexadecimal makes it much easier, faster and less error prone to write code
compared to binary.
Character: Any text, number or symbol.

Why compress on the Internet?

The Internet can be slow at times, especially in it’s early days relying on early 56Kbps modems as
opposed to the 3-4 Mbps average. Therefore if you could compress the files that were being sent on
the Internet, then you sent smaller files, and smaller file sizes meant faster downloads. It also frees up
the network and avoids clogging up the bandwidth.

Compression: The method of reducing file size.

Lossy Compression: The file is reduced in size for transmission and storage; by permanently
removing some redundant information from the file

Lossless Compression: The file is reduced in size for transmission and storage; it is then put back
together again later producing a file identical to the original

MIDI: A MIDI file consists of a list of commands that instruct a device like an electronic organ, how to
produce a particular sound or musical note.
Examples of MIDI commands include:
• note on/off: this indicates that a key has been pressed/released to produce/stop producing a
musical note
• key pressure: this indicates how hard the key has been pressed (this could indicate loudness
of the music note or whether any vibrato has been used, and so on).
The whole piece of music will have been stored as a series of commands but no actual musical
notes. Their size, compared with an MP3 file, is considerably smaller. MIDI is essentially a
communications protocol that allows electronic musical instruments to interact with each other.
The MIDI protocol uses 8-bit serial transmission with one start bit and one stop bit, and is therefore
asynchronous. MIDI is essentially a communications protocol that allows electronic musical
instruments to interact with each other.

MP3: File compression system for music which does not noticeably affect the quality of the sound.
This is done using file compression algorithms which use PERCEPTUAL MUSIC SHAPING; this
essentially removes sounds that the human ear can’t hear properly.

For example, an 50 megabyte music CD can be reduced to 5 megabytes.

50 MB x 90/100= 45 MB reduced. 50 MB x 10/100=5 MB new file size.
MP3 technology reduces the size of a normal music file by about 90 per cent.

MP4: MPEG-4 (MP4) format allows the storage of multimedia files rather than just sound. Music,
videos, photos and animation can all be stored in the MP4 format. Videos, for example, could be
streamed over the internet using the MP4 format. It uses lossy compression.
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JPEG: File compression format designed to make photo files smaller in size for storage and for
transmission. It uses lossy compression and compresses a file between factor of 5 to 15.
For example 2000 pixels wide and 2000 pixels
high image will have 2000 × 2000= 4,000,000
pixels. This is often referred to as a 4-megapixel
image. A raw bitmap can often be referred to as a
TIFF or BMP image (file extension .TIF or .BMP).
The file size of this image is determined by the
number of pixels. In the previous example, a 4-
megapixel image would be 4 megapixels × 3
colours(RGB) =12 megabytes.
This image will be compressed at factor of 5 Compressed image,
Uncompressed raw (12/5=2.5 mb) to factor of 15 (12/15= 0.8mb). after applying factor
image Text and number file formats: Text and of 5
numbers are usually stored in an ASCII format.
Text files are also compressed. Lossless compression method is used for
text and numbers. These use complex algorithms that work on redundancy or repeated sections of
words (e.g. OU in yOUr, cOUntry or mOUntain).

THIS Repeated words, such as 1 SECTION

SECTION ‘THIS’ could be put into a data S2S Y3 2 1
SHOWS YOU dictionary and be replaced by W3LD WORK
HOW THIS ‘1’. Repeated word sections,
WOULD such as ‘HOW’ and ‘OU’ could
WORK’ be replaced by the numbers
‘2’ and ‘3’. Our phrase then
becomes

The following section shows, in very simple terms, how this could work:
.
Algorithm: step-by-step set of instruction to solve a problem.
Register: Immediate access store in the processor. It can store small piece of data.

Topical Past Paper Questions

Summer 15 P11)
Q1) An alarm clock is controlled by a microprocessor. It uses the 24 hour clock. The hour is
represented by an 8-bit register, A, and the number of minutes is represented by another 8-bit
register, B.
(a) Identify what time is represented by the following two 8-bit registers.

Hours ............................................Minutes ......................................... [2]

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(b) An alarm has been set for 07:30. Two 8-bit registers, C and D, are used to represent the hours
and minutes of the alarm time. Show how 07:30 would be represented by these two registers:

Hours Minutes [2]

(c) Describe how the microprocessor can determine when to sound the clock alarm
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................... [3]
Marking Scheme
a) Hours 18___________ Minutes: 53______________ [2]

b)
c) Any three from:
– reads values in registers “C” and “D”
– and checks the values against those stored in registers “A” and “B”
(NOTE: the first two statements can be interchanged, i.e. “A” and “B” read first)
– If values in corresponding registers are the same
– the microprocessor sends a signal to sound alarm/ring [3]
(d) Any three from:
– uses a light sensor
– sends signal/data back to microprocessor
– signal/data converted to digital (using ADC)
– value compared by microprocessor with pre-set/stored value
– if value < stored value, signal sent by microprocessor …
– … to the voltage supply (unit)
– … “value” of signal determines voltage supplied/brightness of LED [3]

Summer 15 P12)
Q2) Letters from the alphabet are represented in a computer by the following denary (base 10)
values:
A = 97 G = 103 I = 105 L = 108 N = 110
The word “A L I G N” is stored as: 97 108 105 103 110
(a) Convert each of the five values to binary. The first one has been done for you.[2]

Letter Binary value

A (97): 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1
L(108):
I (105):
G (103):
N (110):
(b) An encryption system works by shifting the binary value for a letter one place to the left. “A” then
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becomes:

This binary value is then converted to hexadecimal; the hexadecimal value for “A” will be: C 2. For
the two letters “L” and “G”, shift the binary values one place to the left and convert these values into
hexadecimal: [4]

Marking Scheme

Winter 15 P12)
Q3a) (i) Convert the following two hexadecimal numbers into binary:

[4]
(ii) Now perform the AND (logic) operation on each corresponding pair of binary bits in the two
numbers from part (i).

[2]
(iii) Convert your answer in part (ii) into hexadecimal.
........................................................................................................................................ [2]
Page |13

(b) (i) The following code shows HTML ‘tag’ pairs on either side of the text stating the colour that
each creates.
<font color “ # F F 0 0 0 0 “ > RED </font>
<font color “ # 0 0 F F 0 0 “ > GREEN </font>
<font color “ # 0 0 0 0 F F “ > BLUE </font>
<font color “ # X “ > YELLOW </font>
<font color “ # Y “ > MAGENTA </font>
<font color “ # Z “ > CYAN </font>
Yellow is a combination of red and green, magenta a combination of red and blue and cyan a
combination of green and blue.
State what 6-digit hexadecimal values should replace X, Y and Z in the above code.
X ........................................................................................................................................
Y ........................................................................................................................................
Z .....................................................................................................................................[3]
(ii) Describe how other colours, such as a darker shade of blue, are created.
...........................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................[2]
(c) 1A – 16 – C5 – 22 – FF – FF is an example of a MAC address.
(i) Identify what the first six and last six hexadecimal digits represent.
First six digits ....................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
Last six digits .....................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................... [2]
(ii) State why MAC addresses are used.
...........................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................ [1]
Marking Scheme
Q3a i)

(iii) 2 marks if all correct, 1 mark for 2 correct conversions – Follow through
D 2 6 [2]
(b) (i) (X) FF FF 00
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(Y) FF 00 FF
(Z) 00 FF FF [3]
(ii) – hex values between 0 to F are combined together to create a hex code
– different combinations in hex codes will create different shades/tones/colours [2]
(c) (i) First six digits: manufacturer code/manufacturer ID
Last six digits: serial number/serial ID of device/product [2]
(ii) Allows all devices to be uniquely identified [1]

Winter 15 p13
Q4b) The information from seven sensors is sent to an engine management system in the car. The
status of each sensor is stored in an 8-bit register; a value of 1 indicates a fault condition

For example, a register showing 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 indicates:

• temperature too high
• fuel pressure too low
• voltage too low
(i) Identify the fault condition(s) that the following register indicates:

.......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[2]
(ii) The system uses odd parity.
Write the correct parity bit in each register.

[2]
(iii) A car has a faulty airbag and the CO level is too high.
Write what should be contained in the 8-bit register.

(iv) Give the hexadecimal value of the binary number shown in part (iii).
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[1]

Winter 15 P11)
Q5a) Convert the hexadecimal number B5 into binary:
Page |15
...........................................................................................................................................
Convert the binary number 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 into hexadecimal:
........................................................................................................................................[2]
(b) Give two examples where hexadecimal numbers are used in computer science.
1: .........................................................................................................................................
2: ..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................[2]
(c) State two benefits of using hexadecimal numbers in computer science.
1: .........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
2: .....................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................[2]
Q6) A CD is being used to store music. Each minute’s worth of recording takes up 12 megabytes.
a The CD contains nine tracks which are the following length (in minutes): 3, 5, 6, 4, 5, 2, 7, 8, 8.
How much memory would these nine tracks occupy on the CD?
b If the CD was downloaded to a computer and then all the tracks were put through an MP3
compression algorithm, how much memory would the nine tracks now occupy (you may assume a
90 per cent file reduction size)?
c Find the average size of each of the MP3 tracks, and then estimate how many MP3 files could be
stored on an 800 megabyte CD.
................................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................. [3]
Q7 a) Nicolae made the following statement:
“data input is validated by typing it in twice”
State why this statement is incorrect.
................................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................... [1]
(b) Nicolae needs to send 30 photos to a friend and he chooses to send all 30 together as a single
email attachment. Each photo is 1.8 MB in size, but the maximum possible attachment size is only
20 MB.
State how Nicolae can solve this problem.
................................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................... [1]
Q8) Characters can be represented in a computer by a numerical code.
The following list shows 16 characters with their numerical codes in denary:
a = 97 d = 100 h = 104 m = 109 t = 116
b = 98 e = 101 i = 105 o = 111 u = 117
c = 99 g = 103 k = 107 r = 114 w = 119
. = 46 (code for the full stop)
Web addresses can be written using hexadecimal rather than denary. Hexadecimal codes are
preceded by a % sign. For example, the word “c a g e” is written as:
either 99 97 103 101 (in denary)
or %63 %61 %67 %65 (in hexadecimal)
(a) Complete the conversion of the following web address into hexadecimal: [3]
W W w . c i e . o r g . u K
%77 %77 %77
Page |16

b) Complete the web address from the given hexadecimal codes: [3]
%77 %77 %77 %2E %72 %6F %63 %6B %69 %63 %74 %2E %63 %6F %6D
W W w

Summer 2016 2210_0478 qp 11_13

Q9) Hexadecimal codes are used in MAC addresses.
(a) State what is meant by the term MAC.
...............................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) Explain what the hexadecimal code in a MAC address represents.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[3]
Q10) Each seat on a flight is uniquely identified on an LCD above the seat. For example, seat 035C is shown
as:

The first three characters are digits that represent the row.
The fourth character is the seat position in that row. This is a single letter, A to F, that is stored as a
hexadecimal value.
Each of the four display characters can be stored in a 4-bit register. For example, 0 and C would
be represented as:

(a) Show how the 4-bit registers would store the remaining two characters, 3 and 5. [2]

(b) Identify which seat is stored in the following 4-bit registers. [2]

Q11) (a) Name the following type of barcode:

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...............................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) The barcode in part (a) contains the denary value 2 6 4 0
Convert this value to hexadecimal.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
Write the value as a 12-bit binary number. [4]

(c) An airport uses the type of barcode shown in part (a) to advertise local places of interest.
Describe how a visitor landing at the airport could use these barcodes to help plan their visit.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[3]
Marking Scheme
Q9) (a) media access control [1]
(b) Any three from:
– hardware/physical address
– unique address/number associated (with network card in) a device/computer
– usually 48/64 bits (12/16 hex digits)
– first 6/8 digits = manufacturer code/ID of device (NIC)
– last 6/8 digits = serial number of device (NIC) [3]
Q10a)

b)

Q11(a) QR (quick response) Code [1]

(b) – A 5 0 (1 mark)

(c) Any three from:

- visitor scans the QR code with (the camera on) the mobile device
- App is used to read/interpret the QR code
- links to a website/opens a document …
Page |18
- … to access local tourist information
- can store the QR code to refer to again for the information [3]

Summer 2016 2210_0478 P12

Q12)(a) Convert the following hexadecimal number into 12-bit binary:

4AF [3]

(b) The 2016 Olympic Games will be held in Rio de Janeiro. A timer that counts down to the
opening of the Games is shown on a microprocessor-controlled display.
The number of hours, minutes and seconds until the Games open are held in three 8-bit
registers.
The present register values are:

The timer will count down in seconds.

(i) Show the values in each 8-bit register 30 seconds after the time shown above: [3]

(ii) Write the hexadecimal value of the minutes register from part (b)(i).
.......................................................................................................................................[1]

Winter 15 p13
Q13) MP3 file compression reduces the size of a music file by 90%.
(a) A music track is 80 MB in size.
Calculate the file size after compression.
...................................................................................................................................................
How many MP3 files of the size calculated above could be stored on an 800 MB CD?
...................................................................................................................................................[2]
(b) (i) Explain how MP3 files retain most of the original music quality.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
Page |19
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) State the type of file compression used in MP3 files.

...................................................................................................................................... [1]
(iii) Name another file compression format.
...................................................................................................................................... [1]
Marking Scheme
(a) 8MB
100 [2]
(b) (i) Any two from:
– removes sounds human ear can’t hear very well
– if two sounds played at same time, softer sound removed
– uses perceptual music shaping [2]
(ii) Lossy [1]
(iii) One from, for example:
– jpeg
– MP4
– zip
– gif [1]

Q14) (a) Describe what is meant by lossy and lossless compression when applied to files.
Lossy: .................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
Lossless: ............................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................[2]
(b) Name and describe one type of file that uses lossy compression.
Name: .................................................................................................................................
Description: .........................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................[2]

Summer 16 P12

Q15) Convert the following hexadecimal number into 12-bit binary:

4AF [3]

(b) The 2016 Olympic Games will be held in Rio de Janeiro. A timer that counts down to the opening
of the Games is shown on a microprocessor-controlled display.
The number of hours, minutes and seconds until the Games open are held in three 8-bitregisters.
The present register values are:
Page |20
0 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 105 Hours

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 32 Minutes

0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 20 Seconds

The timer will count down in seconds.

(i) Show the values in each 8-bit register 30 seconds after the time shown above:[3]

0 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 Hours

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 Minutes

0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 Seconds

(ii) Write the hexadecimal value of the minutes register from part (b)(i).
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
Q 16) Nigel wants to send a large text file electronically to Mashuda.
(a) Describe how the size of the text file can be reduced.
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................[3]
(b) This file will be transmitted to Mashuda as an email attachment. Mashuda then stores it on her
computer.
Explain how checksums can be used to verify that the file has not been corrupted during
transmission or data storage.
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
Page |21
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................[4]

Marking Scheme
Q15) (a) 1 mark for each nibble
0100 1010 1111 [3]
(b) (i) 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 105 hours 1 mark
0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 31 minutes 1 mark
0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 50 seconds 1 mark [3]
(ii) 1F [1]
Q16) (a) Any three from:
– The file can be compressed
– The compression that is used is lossless (not lossy)
– use of a compression algorithm
– repeated words can be indexed
– repeated word sections (e.g. “OU”) can be replaced by a numerical value
– reference to zip files
– save file as a pdf/convert to pdf [3]
(b) Any four from:
– the checksum for the bytes is calculated
– this value is then transmitted with the block of data
– at the receiving end, the checksum is re-calculated from the block of data received
– the calculated value is then compared to the checksum transmitted
– if they are the same value, then the data was transmitted without any error
– if the values are different, then an error has been found
– if the values are different, then a request is sent for the data to be re-transmitted [4]

Winter 16 p12
Q17 8 Identify whether the four statements about file compression are correct by writing TRUE or
FALSE in the following table. [4]
Statement TRUE or FALSE
MIDI files store the actual music notes in a compressed format
JPEG files are examples of lossless file compression
MP3 files are, on average, 90% smaller than the music files
stored on a CD
MP4 files are examples of lossy file compression

Statement TRUE or FALSE

MIDI files store the actual music notes in a compressed format FALSE
JPEG files are examples of lossless file compression FALSE
MP3 files are, on average, 90% smaller than the music files TRUE
stored on a CD
MP4 files are examples of lossy file compression TRUE
Page |22
1.2 Communication and Internet technologies
Chapter at a glance:
A network is defined as a collection of computers and peripheral devices (such as printers)
connected together.
Generally, a network over short distances is called a local area network (LAN) while those over
great distances are wide area networks (WAN).
Network adapters: These adapters (also called network interface cards or NICs) connect
computers to a network so that they can communicate.
Network hubs and switches: Hubs and switches connect two or more computers to an Ethernet
network.
Routers connect computers and networks to each other (for example, a router can connect your
home network to the Internet).
Modem: Hardware device that converts signals from analogue to digital and vice versa; typically
used to convert signals sent over the public service telephone network.
A WEB BROWSER is software which allows a user to display a web page on their computer screen.
Web browsers interpret or translate the HTML code from websites and show the result of the
translation.
SIMPLEX DATA TRANSMISSION: sending data in one direction only (i.e. from sender to receiver)
Example: data being sent from a computer to a printer, from keyboard to processor etc.
HALF-DUPLEX DATA TRANSMISSION: Sending data in both directions but only one at a time (i.e.
data can be sent from ‘A’ to ‘B’ or from ‘B’ to ‘A’ along the same line, but not at the same time).
Example: a walkie-talkie, fax machine, reading or burning on cds, dvds.
FULL-DUPLEX DATA TRANSMISSION: Sending data in both directions simultaneously (i.e. data
can be sent from ‘A’ to ‘B’ and from ‘B’ to ‘A’ along the same line, both at the same time). Example: a
phone line, video recording and playing at the same time from DVD-RAM.
SERIAL DATA TRANSMISSION is when data is sent, one bit at a time, over a single wire or
channel
Bit: It is short of binary digit. It is the smallest unit of data in computer. It consists of a 0 or an 1.
Bit rate: the rate of transmitting data
Serial Transmission: transfer of data bit by bit using single wire (bits are sent one after the other in
a single stream).
Parallel Transmission: transfer of data in groups of bits using multiple wires.
ASYNCHRONOUS DATA TRANSMISSION refers to data being transmitted in an agreed bit pattern.
Data bits (1s and 0s) are grouped together and sent with CONTROL BITS means START bit and
STOP bit.
Discussion forums and email are two examples of how asynchronous communication
SYNCHRONOUS DATA TRANSMISSION is a continuous stream of data (unlike
asynchronous data which is sent in discrete groups). The data is accompanied by timing signals
generated by an internal clock. This ensures that the sender and receiver are synchronized with
each other. Chat rooms and online conferences are good examples of synchronous communication.
Page |23

The UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS (USB)is an asynchronous serial data transmission method. It has
quickly become the standard method for transferring data between a computer and a number of
devices.
INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER (ISP); these are companies that provide the user with access to
the internet.
Each device on the internet is given a unique address known as the INTERNET
PROTOCOL (IP) ADDRESS. This is a 32-bit number
HYPERTEXT MARK-UP LANGUAGE (HTML) is used when writing and developing web pages.
Interference: disturbance that occur in the signals when sending data that may corrupt it.
ISP (Internet Service Provider): Company that provides individual’s access to the Internet and
other services such as webhosting and emails
MAC Address: Hardware identification number that uniquely identifies each device on a network; it
is manufactured into every network card and cannot be altered
They are 48 bit long, but converted into 12 hexadecimal digits (in 6 pairs) making them short and
easier to understand. For 00-1C-2A-FF-01. 1st 3 pairs represent manufacturer while the other
represent serial number of product.
UAA (Universally Administered MAC Address) are most common. These are the MAC addresses
set by manufacturer
LAA (Locally Administered MAC Address)are changed locally to bypass firewall, or to assign
MAC address of specific format.
Cascade style sheet:
IP Address: Location of a given computer/device on a network; can be a static or dynamic value. IP
addresses are 32 bit long converted into 4 groups of denary numbers. IP address starts from 0.0.0.0
and ends at 255.255.255.255.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator): The standard format for referring to are source on the Internet;
also called Uniform Resource Indicator (URI); made up of:
●the protocol, e.g. http
●the domain name, e.g. ruknuddin.com
●the filename e.g. computer.html
URL encoding:
Web addresses can be written using hexadecimal rather than denary. Hexadecimal codes are
preceded by a % sign. For example, the word “www.ruknuddin.com” is written as:
r u k n u d d i n
in hex %72 %75 %6B %6E %75 %64 %64 %69 %6E
Page |24

w w w . r u k n u d d i n . c o m
%77 %77 %77 %2E %72 %75 %6B %6E %75 %64 %64 %69 %6E %2E %63 %6F %6D

Some characters are not allowed in URL. URL encoding converts characters into a format that can
be transmitted over the Internet.
For example
➢ %20 – is used in URL in place of <space> not allowed in a URL, %20 is the coding for a space (3
2 in denary)
➢ ? – separates the URL from all parameters or variables
e.g. for query to search Inqilab patel in Google
https://www.google.com.pk/search?q=inqilab%20patel
here “q” is variable for query “?” separates it from URL
“https://www.google.com.pk/search”

while“%20”is used for the space between “inqilab” and “patel”

Browser: Software application used to locate, retrieve and display content on the World Wide Web
e.g. URL ?to separate
web pages, videos and other files %20 code for space
Variable from URL
HTML: Authoring language used to create documents on the World Wide Web; uses tags and
attributes
HTML uses <tags> which are used to bracket a piece of code;
Some Common HTML tags:
Tag Description
<a> Defines an anchor
<b> Defines bold text
<body> Defines the document's body
<br /> Defines a single line break
<div> Defines a section in a document
<form> Defines an HTML form for user input
<h1> to <h6> Defines HTML headings
<head> Defines information about the document
<hr /> Defines a horizontal line
<html> Defines the root of an HTML document
<img /> Defines an image
<input /> Defines an input control
<li> Defines a list item
<p> Defines a paragraph
<script> Defines a client-side script
<table> Defines a table
Page |25
<td> Defines a cell in a table
<th> Defines a header cell in a table
<title> Defines a title for the document
<tr> Defines a row in a table
HTML Structure
Presentation describes how elements must be rendered on screen.

HTML Presentation:
HTML presentation is format of webpage.
CSS is used to define presentation for web pages, including the design and variations in display for
different devices and screen sizes.

When a browser reads a style sheet, it will format the HTML document according to the information
in the style sheet.

Web Server: The computers which host web sites.

Checksum: Technique used in data transmission to validate data by sending a block of data
calculated from the contents of preceding blocks. The following algorithm is used to calculate check
sum:
1. Calculate file size
2. If file size<256 then
3. Checksum=file size
4. Else
5. Checksum=file size MOD 256
6. Endif

Parity Check: Technique used in data transmission to validate data by sending an additional bit
determined by the contents of the preceding bits to make the total number of 1s odd or even.
Parity Block: A parity check carried out on a sequence of bytes. The parity block is an additional
byte where the bits are computed from the preceding data bytes. The bytes are arranged in a grid
and each parity byte bit is calculated from the bits in the column above.
Page |26
Check digit: Validation technique that involves calculating an additional digit from the ones that
proceed it. Following two Methods are used to calculate check digit

Modulo-11 Method:

Modulo-10 Method (ISBN-13):

Modulo-10 method is used in check digit calculation in ISBN 13, where the 13th digit of the ISBN
code is calculated using the following algorithm.
1 Add all the odd numbered digits together, excluding the check digit.
2 Add all the even numbered digits together and multiply the result by 3.
3 Add the results from 1 and 2 together and divide by 10.
4 Take the remainder, if it is zero use this value, otherwise subtract the remainder from 10 to find the
check digit.

Using the ISBN above 9 7 8 0 3 4 0 9 8 3 8 2 without its check digit:

1 9 + 8 + 3 + 0 + 8 + 8 = 36
2 3(7 + 0 + 4 + 9 + 3 + 2) = 75
3 (36 + 75)/10 = 11 remainder 1
4 10 – 1 = 9 the check digit.
AUTOMATIC REPEAT REQUEST (ARQ) is another method used to check whether data has been
correctly transmitted.
It uses an ACKNOWLEDGEMENT (a message sent by the receiver indicating that data has been
received correctly) and TIMEOUT (this is the time allowed to elapse before an acknowledgement is
received).
If an acknowledgement isn’t sent back to the sender before timeout occurs, then the message is
automatically resent.
With ECHO CHECK, when data is sent to another device, this data is sent back again to the sender.
The sender compares the two sets of data to check if any errors occurred during the transmission
process.
Page |27
Sample Question:
a) A web page offers a link for users to request another web page. The requested web page
contains HTML code.
Put each statement in the correct sequence by writing the numbers 1 to 5 in the right-hand column.

Statement Sequence No
The requested web page is displayed on the client computer
The user clicks on the hyperlink and the web page is requested from the web
server
The requested web page content is transmitted to the client computer
The client computer processes the html code using the web browser software
The web server locates the requested web page

b) HTML code for a website is given below:

(a) Which lines in the webpage script are related to presentation (style) code?
………………………………………………………………………………………………[1]
(b) By studying the web page script and its use, what is the use in HTML of:
(i) the <h1> tag?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………[1]
(ii) the <p> tag?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………[1]

Summer 15 P11)
Q1 (a) State what is meant by the terms:
Parallel data transmission:
................................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................
Page |28
Serial data transmission:
................................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................... [2]
(b) Give one benefit of each type of data transmission.
Parallel data transmission Benefit:
................................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
Serial data transmission Benefit:
................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................... [2]
(c) Give one application of each type of data transmission. Each application must be different.
Parallel data transmission Application:
................................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
Serial data transmission Application:
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................... [2]
2 (a) State what is meant by the term USB.
................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................... [1]
(b) Describe two benefits of using USB connections between a computer and a device.
1: .........................................................................................................................................
2: ........................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................... [2]
Marking Scheme
1 (a) parallel
any one from:
– 8 bits/1 byte/multiple bits sent at a time
– using many/multiple/8 wires/lines (1 mark)
serial
any one from:
– one bit sent at a time
– over a single wire (1 mark) [2]
(b) parallel
– faster rate of data transmission (1 mark)
serial
any one from:
– more accurate/fewer errors over a longer distance
– less expensive wiring
– less chance of data being skewed/out of synchronisation/order (1 mark) [2]
(c) parallel
any one from:
– sending data from a computer to a printer
– internal data transfer (buses) (1 mark)
serial
– connect computer to a modem (1 mark) [2]
2 (a) – universal serial bus
– description of USB [1]
Page |29
(b) Any two from:
– devices are automatically detected and configured when initially attached
– impossible to connect device incorrectly/connector only fits one way
– has become the industry standard
– supports multiple data transmission speeds
– lots of support base for USB software developers
– supported by many operating systems
– backward compatible
– faster transmission compared to wireless [2]
Summer 15 P12)
Q2) Parity checks are often used to check for errors that may occur during data transmission.
(a) A system uses even parity.
Tick (✓) to show whether the following three bytes have been transmitted correctly or incorrectly.
Received byte Byte transmitted correctly Byte transmitted
incorrectly
11001000
01111100
01101001

(b) A parity byte is used to identify which bit has been transmitted incorrectly in a block of data.
The word “F L O W C H A R T” was transmitted using nine bytes of data (one byte per character). A
tenth byte, the parity byte, was also transmitted.
The following block of data shows all ten bytes received after transmission. The system uses even
parity and column 1 is the parity bit.

(i) One of the bits has been transmitted incorrectly. Write the byte number and column number of
this bit:
Byte number ......................................Column number ...................................................[2]
(ii) Explain how you arrived at your answer for part (b)(i).
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................. [2]
(c) Give the denary (base 10) value of the byte: 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 0
................................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................... [1]
Page |30

(d) A parity check may not identify that a bit has been transmitted incorrectly.
Describe one situation in which this could occur.
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................ [1]
Marking Scheme
Q2a)
Received byte Byte transmitted Byte transmitted
correctly incorrectly
11001000 ✓
01111100 ✓
01101001 ✓

(b) (i) byte number: 7

column number: 6 [2]
(ii) Any two from:
- letter “A”(byte 7) transmitted as odd parity (three 1s)
- column 6 has odd parity (seven 1s)
- intersection of byte 7 and column 6 indicates incorrect bit value [2]
(c) 190 [1]
(d) Any one from:
- 2 bits interchanged (e.g. 1 → 0 and 0 → 1) that won’t change parity value
- even number of bits/digits are transposed
- If there are multiple errors in the same byte/column, that still produce the same parity bit, the error
will not be detected [1]

Winter 15 P12)
Q3) (a) Check digits are used to ensure the accuracy of input data.
A 7-digit code number has an extra digit on the right, called the check digit.

Digit position 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Digit – – – – – – – –

The check digit is calculated as follows:

• each digit in the number is multiplied by its digit position
• the seven results are then added together
• this total is divided by 11
• the remainder gives the check digit (if the remainder = 10, the check digit is X)
(i) Calculate the check digit for the following code number. Show all your working.
4241508…
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
Check digit ........................................................................................................................ [2]
(ii) An operator has just keyed in the following code number:
3240045X
Has the operator correctly keyed in the code number?
...........................................................................................................................................
Page |31
Give a reason for your answer.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................... [3]

(b) When data are transmitted from one device to another, a parity check is often carried out on
each byte of data. The parity bit is often the leftmost bit in the byte.
(i) If a system uses even parity, give the parity bit for each of the following bytes:
parity bit [2]
1 1 0 0 1 1 0

parity bit
0 0 0 0 0 0 1

(ii) A parity check can often detect corruption of a byte.

Describe a situation in which it cannot detect corruption of a byte.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[1]

Q4) a) Explain what is meant by HTML.

................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................... [3]
(b) HTML uses both structure and presentation.
Describe what is meant by the two terms.
Structure:
................................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
Presentation:
................................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
(c) Explain the function of a web browser.
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................[3]

Marking Scheme
Q3 (a) (i) 1 mark for correct check digit and 1 mark for showing the calculation
(4 × 1) + (2 × 2) + (4 × 3) + (1 × 4) + (5 × 5) + (0 × 6) + (8 × 7)
= 4 + 4 + 12 + 4 + 25 + 0 + 56 = 105
105/11 = 9 remainder 6
check digit is: 6 [2]
Page |32
(ii) 1 mark
– No/incorrect check digit
2 marks
– Total is 78
– 78/11 …
– … gives 7 remainder 1
– check digit should be 1 [3]
(b) (i) 1 mark for each correct parity bit
parity bit
0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0

parity bit
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

(ii) Any one from:

– an even number of digits are changed
– a transposition error(s) has occurred [1]
Q4) (a) Any three from:
– hypertext mark-up language
– used to create/develop/author webpages
– translated by a browser to display webpages
– uses (opening and closing) tags to display/format content [3]
(b) Structure:
– instructs how the layout of the content is displayed
Presentation:
– instructs how the content will be formatted e.g. colour/style/CSS [2]
(c) Any three from:
– displays web page
– interprets/translates the HTML document
– interprets/translates embedded scripting, for example JavaScript
– provides functions, such as bookmarks and history
– identifies protocols, such as https, SSL [3]
Q5) A company selling CDs uses a unique 6-digit identification number for each CD title. The
rightmost digit (position 1) is a check digit.
For example,

The validity of the number and check digit is calculated as follows:

• multiply each digit by its digit position
• add up the results of the multiplications
• divide the answer by 11
• if the remainder is 0, the identification number and check digit are valid.
Page |33
(a) Show whether the following identification numbers are valid or not. You must show how you arriv
ed at your answer.
Identification number 1: 4 2 1 9 2 3
working:...................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................
Valid or not valid?..........................................................................................................
Identification number 2: 8 2 0 1 5 6
working:...................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................
Valid or not valid?.......................................................................................................... [3]

(b) Find the check digit for this identification number.

5 0 2 4 1 __
working: ..................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................
Check digit .......................................................................................................... [2]
(c) Describe, with examples, two different types of data entry errors that a check digit would detect.
1.......................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
2 .......................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................... [2]

(b) When data are transmitted from one device to another, a parity check is often carried out on each
byte of data. The parity bit is often the leftmost bit in the byte.
(i) If a system uses even parity, give the parity bit for each of the following bytes:

[2]
(ii) A parity check can often detect corruption of a byte.
Describe a situation in which it cannot detect corruption of a byte.
................................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................... [1]
Page |34
Winter 15 p11)

Q6) Six computer terms and six descriptions are shown below.
Draw a line to link each term to its appropriate description.[5]

Signal sent to a processor which may cause a

Browser break in execution of the current routine,
according to priorities

Company that provides individual’s access to

HTML the Internet and other services such as
webhosting and emails

Software application used to locate, retrieve and

Internet service display content on the World Wide Web e.g.
provider web pages, videos and other files

Hardware identification number that uniquely

Interrupt identifies each device on a network; it is
manufactured into every network card and
cannot be altered

Authoring language used to create documents

IP address on the World Wide Web; uses tags and
attributes

Location of a given computer/device on a

MAC address network; can be a static or dynamic value

Q6)Parity checks are used to check for errors during data transmission. A system uses odd parity.
(a) Complete the following two bytes of data so that they both have odd parity:
1 1 1 1 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 1 1 1
(b) Name and describe another method which can be used to check whether data has been correctly
transmitted.
Name of method: .................................................................................................................
Description: ........................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................... [2]
Page |35
2210_0478_16w_qp_11_13

Q7) Five computer terms and seven descriptions are shown below.
Draw a line to connect each computer term to its correct description. [5]
Computer term Description
Serial, simplex data Several bits of data sent down several
transmission wires, in both directions, but not at the
same time

Several bits of data sent down several

wires, in both directions, at the same
time
Parallel, half-duplex
data transmission
An even or odd number of bits set to 1
in a byte, used to check if the byte has
been transmitted correctly

One bit sent at a time, over a single

wire in one direction only
Parity check
An additional digit placed at the end of
a number to check if the number has
been entered correctly
Automatic repeat
request (ARQ)
A value transmitted at the end of a
block of data; it is calculated using the
other elements in the data stream and
is used to check for transmission errors

Checksum An error detection method that uses

response and time out when
transmitting data; if a response is not
sent back to the sender in an agreed
amount of time, then the data is re-sent

Q8 c) A microprocessor regularly samples the output, X. Each sample value is stored in an 8-bit
register as shown below. One bit of this register is reserved as a parity bit.
Five consecutive output values of 1 indicate a fault condition.
Identify which of the following registers shows a fault condition.

Parity bit

1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 Register Y

0 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 Register Z

Register .............................................[1]
Page |36
(d) When eight bytes of data have been collected, they are transmitted to a computer 100km
away. Parity checks are carried out to identify if the data has been transmitted correctly. The
system uses even parity and column 1 is the parity bit.
The eight bytes of data are sent together with a ninth parity byte:
parit
column column column column column column column
y
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
bit
byte 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
byte 2 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1
byte 3 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0
byte 4 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 1
byte 5 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 1
byte 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
byte 7 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0
byte 8 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0
parity
1 0 1 1 0 1 1 1
byte

(i) Identify which of the eight bytes contains an error.

byte ............................................................................................................................... [1]
(ii) Identify which column contains an error.
column ........................................................................................................................... [1]
(iii) The incorrect bit is indicated where the byte number and column cross.
Give the corrected byte. [1]

(iv) Calculate the denary value of the corrected byte.

...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(v) Considering the fault condition given in part (c), explain why it is very important that the
incorrect bit is located and corrected.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................... [2]

Winter 16 P12
Q9 (a) Explain what is meant by:
(i) Serial data transmission
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[2]
(ii) Parallel data transmission
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[2]
Page |37
(b) A computer in a factory is connected to a printer. The printer is located in an office 1km away
from the factory.
Identify which data transmission method would be most suitable for this connection.
...................................................................................................................................................
Give two reasons for your choice.
1 ................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
2 ................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................... [3]
Q10) Nine bytes of data are transmitted from one computer to another. Even parity is used. An
additional parity byte is also sent.
The ten bytes arrive at the destination computer as follows:
parity bit bit 2 bit 3 bit 4 bit 5 bit 6 bit 7 bit 8
byte 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0
byte 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
byte 3 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0
byte 4 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
byte 5 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 0
byte 6 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1
byte 7 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 1
byte 8 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 0
byte 9 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1
parity
0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
byte

One of the bits was corrupted during the data transmission.

(a) Circle the corrupt bit in the corrupt byte in the table above. [1]

(b) Explain how the corrupted bit was found.

...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[2]

Q11) A computer uses an 8-bit register.

The 8-bit register contains binary integers.
(a) Write the denary (base 10) value represented by:

128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1
0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0

...............................................................................................................................................[1]
Page |38
(b) All the bits in the register are shifted one place to the right as shown below.

Write the denary number that is represented after this shift.

...............................................................................................................................................[1]
(c) State the effect the shift to the right had on the original denary number from part (a).
...............................................................................................................................................[1]
(d) The original number in part (a) is shifted three places to the right.
(i) Show the new binary number: [1]

(ii) Write the equivalent denary number.

.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(e) Describe the problems that could be caused if the original binary number in part (a) is shifted five
places to the right.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[2]
Marking Scheme
Q9)
(a) (i) Any two from:
serial
– one bit sent at a time // bits sent sequentially
– over a single wire
– synchronous or asynchronous [2]
(ii) Any two from:
parallel
– several bits / a byte sent at a time
– using many / multiple wires
– synchronous [2]
(b) – serial
Any two from:
– serial data transmission more reliable over long distances
– less likely for the data to be skewed/out of synchronisation
– less interference as only a single wire
– it is a cheaper connection as only single wire needed // cheaper to set up
– a fast connection is not required as a printer is limited by its printing speed [3]
Page |39
Q10) (a) Intersection of Row 7 and column 4 circled [1]
(b) – Row (byte number) 7 has an odd number of 1s (five 1s)
– Column (bit number) 4 has an odd number of 1s (five 1s) [2]
Q11) (a) 112 [1]
(b) 56 [1]
(c) divided by 2 // value 112 was halved // multiplied by 0.5 [1]
(d) (i)

(ii) 14 [1]
(e) Any two from:
– run out of places to the right of register / at the end of register
– right-most 1 would be lost
– number would become 3 instead of 3.5
– loss of precision [2]
0478-2210 Summer 2016P12

Q12 (a) Three descriptions of data transmission are given below. [6]
Tick (✓) the appropriate box in each table to show the:
• type of transmission
• method of transmission
Description 1:
Data is transmitted several bits a ta time down several wires in both directions simultaneously.
Tick
Type
(✓) Tick
Method
simplex (✓)
half-duplex serial
full-duplex parallel
Description 2: Data is transmitted in one direction
only, one bit at a time, down a single wire.
Tick
Type Tick
(✓) Method
(✓)
simplex
serial
half-duplex
parallel
full-duplex
Description 3:
Data is transmitted one bit at a time down a single wire; the data is transmitted in both directions but
not at the same time.
Tick Tick
Type Method
(✓) (✓)
simplex serial
half-duplex parallel
full-duplex
(b) Give two reasons why serial transmission, rather than parallel transmission, is used to connect
devices to a computer.
1 ..........................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
Page |40
2 ..........................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................[2]

Q10) 11 Describe the use of structure and presentation in a HTML document.

................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................. [4]

Winter 16 P12
Q11 (a) Describe what is meant by HTML.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[3]
(b) The following URL is typed in:

http://www.cie.org.uk/ComputerSciencePapers

This URL is composed of three parts.

State the part of this URL that is the:
File name ..................................................................................................................................
Protocol ....................................................................................................................................
Web server name ................................................................................................................... [3]

Marking Scheme

Q11 (a) Any three from:

– hyper text mark-up language
– uses both structure and presentation
– web-authoring language/software // used to create websites/webpages
– uses tags to define e.g. colour / font / graphics / layout [3]
(b)
File name: ComputerSciencePapers
Protocol: http(://)
Web server name: www.cie.org.uk [3]
Page |41
1.3.1 Logic gates
Logic gates are basic components used to construct a logic circuit.
They are used by implementing Boolean algebra. Logic gates have two or more input and one output
except NOT Gate which has one input and one output.
Truth tables
A truth table is used to show the output of a logic gate or circuit for all possible combinations of input
values; we usually use the binary values, 1 and 0, as shorthand for True and False.
The truth table for a two-input gate needs four rows.
INPUT OR AND NAND NOR XOR
A B

X=a+b X=a.b
0 0 0 0 1 1 0
0 1 1 0 1 0 1
1 0 1 0 1 0 1
1 1 1 1 0 0 0
Logic ‘building blocks’
One very common ‘building block’ is the NAND gate. It is possible to build up any logic gate, and
therefore any logic circuit, by simply linking together a number of
NAND gates. For example, the AND, OR and NOT gates can be built from these gates as shown
below:
NOT Gate:

AND Gate:

OR Gate:

Simplification Logic Circuit:

Simplification means reducing the number of components in a logic circuit. As a result of
simplification the cost of production can be less. This can also improve reliability and make it easier
to trace faults if they occur.

Q20) Show by drawing a truth table which single logic gate or what else has the same function as
the logic circuit drawn in
a)
Page |42

b)

c)

d)

What could replace the whole logic circuit?

Half Adder”
The half adder adds two single binary digits A and B. It has two
outputs, sum (S) and carry (C). The carry signal represents an
overflow into the next digit of a multi-digit addition.
The simplest half-adder design, pictured on the right,
incorporates an XOR gate for S and an AND gate for C. With the
addition of an OR gate to combine their carry outputs, two half
Page |43
adders can be combined to make a full adder

Inputs Outputs
A B C S
0 0 0 0
1 0 0 1
0 1 0 1
1 1 1 0

A power station has a safety system controlled by a logic circuit. Three inputs to the logic circuit
determine whether the output, S, is 1. When S =1 the power station shuts down.
The following table describes the conditions being monitored.

Output, S, will generate a value of 1, if:

either
gas temperature > 160°C AND water temperature <= 120°C
or
gas temperature <= 160°C AND reactor pressure > 10 bar
or
water temperature > 120°C AND reactor pressure > 10 bar

Summer 15 P1)
Q1a) Complete the truth table for the following logic circuit:
Page |44

A B C Workspace X
1 1 1
1 1 0
1 0 1
1 0 0
0 1 1
0 1 0
0 0 1
0 0 0

(b) Draw a logic circuit which corresponds to the following logic statement:
X = 1 if ((A is NOT 1 OR B is 1) AND C is 1) OR (B is NOT 1 AND C is 1)

(c) Write a logic statement which corresponds to the following logic circuit:

................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................[3]
Page |45
Summer 15 P12)
Q2)A gas fire has a safety circuit made up of logic gates. It generates an alarm (X = 1) in response
to certain conditions.

Input Description Binary value Conditions

1 gas pressure is correct
G gas pressure
0 gas pressure is too high
1 carbon monoxide level is correct
C carbon monoxide level
0 carbon monoxide level is too high
1 no gas leak is detected
L gas leak detection
0 gas leak is detected

The output X = 1 is generated under the following conditions:

gas pressure is correct AND carbon monoxide level is too high
OR
carbon monoxide level is correct AND gas leak is detected
(a) Draw a logic circuit for this safety system. [5]

(b) Complete the truth table for the safety system. [4]

G C L Workspace X
1 1 1
1 1 0
1 0 1
1 0 0
0 1 1
0 1 0
0 0 1
0 0 0
Page |46
(c) Complete the truth table for the XOR gate:

Marking Scheme
a)

b)

G C L Workspace X
1 1 1 0
1 1 0 1
1 0 1 1
1 0 0 1
0 1 1 0
0 1 0 1
0 0 1 0
0 0 0 0

c)
Page |47

Q3) The following three logic statements define the light sequence:
• R = 1 IF (A is NOT 1)
• G = 1 IF (B is 1 AND C is 1)
• Y = 1 IF (A is 1 AND NOT (B is 1 AND C is 1))
Draw the logic circuit that directly combines ALL three of these logic statements and
produces three outputs R, G and Y. [5]

outputs
A B C A B C
0 0 0
0 0 1
0 1 0
0 1 1
1 0 0
1 0 1
1 1 0
1 1 1
Page |48
Q4) Four sensors (numbered 1 to 4) produce binary output which controls the lights at a rock
concert. The diagram shows how the sensors are connected:

(a) Complete the truth table for this logic circuit. [4]
inputs outputs
sensor 1 sensor 2 sensor 3 sensor 4 A B C
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 1
0 0 1 0
0 0 1 1
0 1 0 0
0 1 0 1
0 1 1 0
0 1 1 1
1 0 0 0
1 0 0 1
1 0 1 0
1 0 1 1
1 1 0 0
1 1 0 1
1 1 1 0
1 1 1 1
Page |49

1.3.2Computer architecture and the fetch-execute cycle

Von Neumann Architecture
The idea about how computers should be built was proposed by
John von Neumann in 1945. This idea is called the von Neumann
Architecture or Model. This is still the basis for computers today.
Using these four components, a von Neumann computer will execute
a series of instructions, called a program, which are stored in the
computer's memory. This is called the “stored program concept”.
The components of von Neumann Architecture is:
1. Input/output (I/O)
2. Memory
3. A Control Unit
An Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Register:
Registers are Immediate Access Store (IAS) located on the CPU, and used temporarily for storing
data. Because the registers are close to the ALU, they are made out of fast memory, efficiently
speeding up calculations.
There are 14 registers. Some examples are

a) Program Counter (PC) - an incrementing counter that keeps track of the next memory address
of the instruction that is to be executed once the execution of the current instruction is completed.
b) Memory Address Register (MAR) - the address in main memory that is currently being read or
written
c) Memory Buffer/Data Register (MBR/MBR) - a two-way register that holds data fetched from
memory (and ready for the CPU to process) or data waiting to be stored in memory
d) Current Instruction register (CIR) - a temporary holding ground for the instruction that has just
been fetched from memory
e) Accumulator Register (ACC)is used for storing data for ALU to process and the results those
are produced by the ALU.

Buses: ''The set of wires used to travel signals to and from CPU and different components of
computer is called Bus.''
Bus is a group of parallel wires that is used as a communication path. As a wire transmits a
single bit so 8-bits bus can transfer 8 bits (1 byte) at a time and 16-bits bus can transfer 16 bits (2
bytes) and so on. There are three types of buses according to three types of signals, these are:
a) Data Bus: ''The buses which are used to transmit data between CPU, memory and peripherals are called Data
Bus.''
b) Address Bus: ''The buses which are connecting the CPU with main memory and used to identify
particular locations (address) in main memory where data is stored are called Address Buses.''
Page |50
c) Control Bus: The wires which are used to transmit the control signals (instructions) generated by
Control Unit to the relevant component of the computer.

d)
e) The diagram above shows a simplified form of processor architecture.
Name the three buses labelled A, B and C.
A .....................................................................................................................................
B ....................................................................................................................................
C ............................................................................................................................... [3]

Summer 15 P11)
(a) One of the key features of von Neumann computer architecture is the use of buses.
Three buses and three descriptions are shown below.
Draw a line to connect each bus to its correct description.

This bus carries signals used to

Address bus coordinate the computer’s activities

Control bus This bi-directional bus is used to

exchange data between processor,
memory and input/ output devices

Data bus
This uni-directional bus carries signals
relating to memory addresses between
processor and memory
Page |51

(b) The seven stages in a von Neumann fetch-execute cycle are shown in the table below. Put each
stage in the correct sequence by writing the numbers 1 to 7 in the right hand column. The first one
has been done for you.

Stage Sequence
number
the instruction is then copied from the memory location contained in the
MAR (memory address register) and is placed in the MDR (memory
data register)
the instruction is finally decoded and is then executed
the PC (program counter) contains the address of the next instruction to 1
be fetched
the entire instruction is then copied from the MDR (memory data
register) and placed in the CIR (current instruction register)
the address contained in the PC (program counter) is copied to the
MAR (memory address register) via the address bus
the address part of the instruction, if any, is placed in the MAR (memory
address register)
the value in the PC (program counter) is then incremented so that it
points to the next instruction to be fetched

Marking Scheme
This bus carries signals used to
Address bus coordinate the computer’s activities

Control bus This bi-directional bus is used to

exchange data between processor,
memory and input/ output devices

Data bus
This uni-directional bus carries signals
relating to memory addresses between
processor and memory

Stage Sequence
number
the instruction is then copied from the memory location contained in the 3
MAR (memory address register) and is placed in the MDR (memory
data register)
the instruction is finally decoded and is then executed 7
the PC (program counter) contains the address of the next instruction to 1
be fetched
the entire instruction is then copied from the MDR (memory data 4
register) and placed in the CIR (current instruction register)
the address contained in the PC (program counter) is copied to the 2
MAR (memory address register) via the address bus
the address part of the instruction, if any, is placed in the MAR (memory 6
Page |52
address register)
the value in the PC (program counter) is then incremented so that it 5*
points to the next instruction to be fetched

The incrementation of the program counter can appear at any stage after 2. All other
stages must be in the correct given order.

Winter 15 p13
Q2 ) A section of computer memory is shown below:
Address Content
1000 0000 0110 1110
1000 0001 0101 0001
1000 0010 1000 1101
1000 0011 1000 1100
`

1000 1100
1000 1101
1000 1110
1000 1111

(a) (i) The contents of memory location 1000 0001 are to be read.
Show the contents of the Memory Address Register (MAR) and the Memory Data Register (MDR)
during this read operation:

[2]
(ii) The value 0111 1001 is to be written into memory location 1000 1110.
Show the contents of the MAR and MDR during this write operation:

[2]
Page |53
(iii) Show any changes to the computer memory following the read and write operations in part (a)(i)
and part (a)(ii). [1]

Address Content
1000 0000 0110 1110
1000 0001 0101 0001
1000 0010 1000 1101
1000 0011 1000 1100
`

1000 1100
1000 1101
1000 1110
1000 1111
(b) Name three other registers used in computers.
1 .........................................................................................................................................
2 .........................................................................................................................................
3 ................................................................................................................................... [3]
(c) The control unit is part of a computer system.
What is the function of the control unit?
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................... [3]
Marking Scheme
(a) (i)
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1

[2]
(ii)
1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0

0 1 1 1 1 0 0 1

[2]
(iii)
Address Contents
1000 0000 0110 1110
1000 0001 0101 0001
1000 0010 1000 1101
1000 0011 1000 1100

1000 1100
Page |54
1000 1101
1000 1110 0111 1001
1000 1111

[1]
(b) – CIR (Current Instruction Register)
– PC (Program Counter)
– Acc (Accumulator) [3]
(c) – Controls operation of memory, processor and input/output
– Instructions are interpreted
– Sends signals to other components telling them “what to do” [3]

Winter 15 p11)
Q3) (b) Two features of Von Neumann architecture are the use of registers and the use of buses.
Give the names of two registers and two buses.
Registers
1: .......................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
2: .........................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................

Buses
1 ..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
2: .........................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................[4]

Detailed description of Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle

To better understand what is going on at each stage we'll now look at a detailed description:

The contents of the Program Counter, the address of the next instruction to be executed, is placed
into the Memory Address Register
Page |55

The address is sent from the MAR along the address bus to the Main Memory. The instruction at that
address is found and returned along the data bus to the Memory Buffer Register. At the same time
the contents of the Program Counter is increased by 1, to reference the next instruction to be
executed.

The MBR loads the Current Instruction Register with the instruction to be decoded by decoder of
control unit or the MBR loads Accumulator with the data to be executed.

Activity
Complete the following diagrams showing each step of the fetch decode execute cycle:
Page |56

At a particular point in a program, the program counter (PC) contains the value 200.State the
expected value contained in the PC after the instruction held at location 200 has been fetched.
Explain your answer.
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................... [1]
Page |57

Winter 16 P12
Four computer terms and eight descriptions are shown below.
Draw lines to connect each computer term to the correct description(s). [4]

Computer term Description

Arithmetic and logic Data can be read but not altered
unit (ALU)

Carries out operations such as addition

and multiplication
Control unit
Stores bootstrap loader and BIOS

Fetches each instruction in turn

Random access
memory (RAM)
Carries out operations such as AND, OR,
NOT

Stores part of the operating system

currently in use

Read only memory Stores data currently in use

(ROM)

Manages execution of each instruction

Marking Scheme
Page |58

1.3.3 Input devices

1.3.4 Output devices
1.3.5 Memory, storage devices and media

Input Devices: Input devices allow us to enter raw data into a computer.
• Scanners
• Barcode readers/scanners
• Quick response (QR) code readers
• Digital cameras
• Keyboards
• Pointing devices (such as a
mouse)
• Microphones
• Touchscreens
• Sensors
• Interactive whiteboards.
Two-dimensional scanners
2D scanner or an image scanner—often abbreviated to just scanner, is a device that optically
scans images, printed text, handwriting, or an object, and converts it to a digital image. The image is
converted into an electronic form which can be stored in a computer.
The steps of scanning a document:
1 Cover is raised
2 Document is placed in on glass panel and cover is closed
3 A bright light illuminates the documents lamp like xenon which produce very
bright white light
4 A scan head moves across the document. An image is produced.
5 The image is sent to a lens using series of mirrors. The lens focuses the
document image.
6 The focused image fall onto a charge couple device (CCD) which consists of
number of ICs
7 CCD is made up of light-sensitive elements (pixels).
Each element of CCD creates an electric charge when light falls on it and the
scanned image is converted into digital form.
8 Software produces digital image from electronic form
Optical character recognition (optical character reader) (OCR)
Scanner scans the document and then OCR converts it into
machine readable form i.e. text file format. These can be further
edited using text editors like MS Word.
It is widely used as a form of data entry from printed paper data
records.

Application of 2D scanners at an airport

Passengers fly into an airport from other countries. The airport has a security system that uses:
• computers
• scanners
Page |59
• digital cameras
To gain entry to the country, each passenger must have a passport or identification (ID) card. This
must contain a recent photograph and other personal data.
➢ Passport or ID card is placed on a scanner that reads machine-
readable characters and scans the photograph
➢ Camera takes an image of the passenger’s face
➢ Facial recognition software/ biometric software used to scan face
➢ Face image converted to digital format/ data by the camera
➢ Digital image formed from scanned photo/ biometric data stored in
passport
➢ Key features of the face are checked/ compared

The face shows several of the positions used by the face recognition
software. Each position is checked when the software tries to compare
two facial images. Data such as:
➢ distance between the eyes
➢ width of the nose
➢ shape of the cheek bones
➢ length of the jaw line
➢ shape of the eyebrows
are all used to identify a given face.
When the image from the passport and the image taken by the camera are compared, these key
positions on the face determine whether or not the two images represent the same face.
Tomography is a technique for displaying a representation of a cross
section through a human body or other solid object using X-rays, radio
frequencies, gamma imaging or ultrasound.
CT (COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC) Scanners are used to create a 3D
image of a solid object.
Steps:
1. At first a series of 2D images of thin slices of object are taken.
2. Each ‘slice’ is then stored as a digital image in the computer
memory.
3. Then these 2D ‘slices’ are combined to form a 3D image of object.
Bar Code Reader/Scanner
A barcode is an optical machine-readable representation Left side code Digit Right side code
of data relating to the object to which it is attached in the
0001101 0 1110010
form of a series of dark and light parallel lines of varying
thickness. Bar codes store code number and serial number. 0011001 1 1100110
In UPC (Universal Product Code) the actual left-hand and 0010011 2 1101100
right-hand sides of the barcode have specific codes. 0111101 3 1000010
A barcode is an optical machine-readable representation 0100011 4 1011100
of data relating to the object to which it is attached in the 0110001 5 1001110
form of a series of dark and light parallel lines of varying 0101111 6 1010000
thickness. 0111011 7 1000100
0110111 8 1001000
0001011 9 1110100
Page |60

The steps of scanning bar code

1 The barcode is first read by a red laser or red LED (LIGHT EMITTING DIODE).
2 Light is reflected back off the barcode; the dark areas reflect little or no light which allows the
bars to be read.
3 The reflected light is read by sensors (photoelectric cells).
4 As the laser or LED light is scanned across the barcode, a pattern is generated which is
converted into digital data – this allows the computer to understand the barcode.
5 For example: the digit ‘3’ on the left generates the pattern L D D D D L D (where L = light and
D = dark); this has the binary equivalent of 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 (where L = 0 and D = 1).
6 If barcode are not scanned correctly the bar code number is types in manually using
keyboard
When barcode has been read, then what happens?
• The barcode number is looked up in the stock database (the barcode is known as the KEY
FIELD in the stock item record); this key field uniquely identifies each stock item.
• When the barcode number is found, the stock item record is looked up.
• The price and other stock item details are sent back to the checkout (or POINT OFSALE
TERMINAL (POS)).
• The number of stock
items in the record is
reduced by one each
time the barcode is
read.
• This new value for
number of stock items is
written back to the stock
item record.
• The number of stock
items is compared to the
re-order level; if it is less
than or equal to this
value, more stock items
are automatically
ordered.
• Once an order for
more stock items is
generated, a flag is
added to the record to
stop re-ordering every
time the stock item
barcode is read.
• When new stock
Page |61
items arrive, the stock levels are updated in the database.
• The following flowchart shows how barcodes are used at the point of sale in an automatic
stock control system.
• Select statements from the list below, using numbers only, to complete the flowchart.
• Q2: Winter2011 P11
• The following flowchart shows how barcodes are used at the point of sale in an automatic stock control system.
• Select statements from the list below, using numbers only, to complete the flowchart.

Quick response (QR) codes

QR code (abbreviated from Quick Response Code) is the trademark for
a type of matrix barcode. A QR code uses four standardized encoding
modes (numeric, alphanumeric, byte/binary, and kanji) to efficiently store
data; extensions may also be used.
A bar code can store up to 30 characters while in QR code 7000 digits
can be stored.

How keyboard works

Each individual key is a switch. When a key is pressed it
generates a specific binary code, based on ASCII.
For example:
➢ Pressing A key produces binary code 01100001, representi
ng lower case letter a,
➢ This binary code is sent to processor.
So processor recognises which key is pressed

Principle of operation of laser mouse:

S No Step
1 laser/light shines onto a surface through a (polished) ring at the base
2 the light is reflected from the surface through the ring
3 sensor detects reflected light
4 capturing details/photograph of surface (under the ring) at about 1500 times
per second
5 as the mouse moves the sensor detects changes in the surface
detail/photograph
6 These changes are translated into movement (change of x and y co-ordinates)
7 the computer/software updates the position of the cursor on the screen

Microphone:

Microphones are a type of transducer - a device which converts energy from one form to another.
Microphones convert acoustical energy (sound waves) into electrical energy (the audio signal).
Microphones have diaphragms.
When a microphone picks up sound, a diaphragm vibrates producing an electric signal. This signal
goes to a sound card and is converted into digital values and stored in the computer.
Page |62

How inkjet printers work:

S No Step
1 Printer driver translates data into a suitable format for the printer
2 Printer receives data from the computer and stores the data in the
printer's buffer
3 Paper feed stepper motor activated; sheet of paper fed from paper tray
4 The print head moves across page; ink is sprayed each time the print
head pauses for a fraction of a second
5 Paper feed stepper motor advances paper a fraction of a cm after each
complete head pass
How Laser Printers work:
S
Step
No
1 The printer driver ensures that the data is in a format that the laser printer can
understand
2 Data is then sent to the laser printer and stored temporarily in the printer buffer
3 The printing drum is given a positive charge
4 As the printing drum rotates, a laser scans across it; this removes the positive
charge in certain areas
5 Negatively-charged areas are then produced on the printing drum; these match
exactly with the text and images to be printed
6 The printing drum is coated in positively-charged toner; this then sticks to the
negatively-charged parts of the printing drum
7 A negatively-charged sheet of paper is then rolled over the printing drum
8 The toner on the printing drum is now transferred to the paper to reproduce the
required text ad images
9 The paper goes through a fuser which melts the toner so it fixes permanently to the
paper

How to create a solid object using a 3D printer

The following describes some of the features of 3D printing:
• Various types of 3D printers exist; they range from the size of a microwave oven up to the size of a
small car.
• 3D printers use ADDITIVE manufacturing (i.e. the object is built up layer by layer);
• Direct 3D printing uses inkjet technology; a print head can move left to right as in a normal printer.
However, the print head can also move up and down to build up the layers of an object.
• Binder 3D printing is similar to direct 3D printing. However, this method uses
two passes for each of the layers; the first pass sprays dry powder and then on the second pass a
Page |63
binder (a type of glue) is sprayed to form a solid layer.
• Newer technologies are using lasers and UV light to harden liquid polymers; this further increases
the diversity of products which can be made.
There are a number of steps in the process of producing an object using these 3Dprinters. The steps
are summarized here

Monitoring & Control System

Sensors and actuators
Sensors and actuators are devices that are used for automatic input and control in real-time
systems.
Sensors are electronic devices which generate signals in the response of an event like if
temperature increases beyond of a certain set limit temperature sensor generate signals and send to
processor. The signals generated by sensors are generally in analogue form and need to be
converted into digital form so as processor can understand it. ADC (Analogue-to-Digital Converter)
is used to convert these analogue signals into digital signals.
Actuators are parts of machine which are controlled by processor. The processor sends digital
signals, which are converted into analogue signals using DAC (Digital-to-Analogue Converter) so
as actuator can act upon it.
Page |64
1.3.5 Memory, storage devices and media
Storage Media & Devices
The device that actually holds the data is
known as the storage medium (‘media’ is the
plural). The
device that saves data onto the storage
medium, or reads data from it, is known as the
storage device.
Storage Device: The machine which stores data
on storage medium.
Storage Media: The physical material in
which a devices stores data.

A computer holds programs and data in three sorts

of device:
1. Primary — limited-capacity and rapid-access during processing
2. Secondary — larger-capacity and slower-access to keep data/programs for future use. They
remain inside computer.
3. Off-line — portable, they are removed after read/write data.

Measuring the size of memory

4 bits = 1 nibble, 8 bits=1 byte, 210 Bytes = 1024 bytes= 1 Kilo Byte
220 Bytes = 1024 KB= 1 Mega Byte, 230 Bytes = 1024 MB= 1 Giga Byte,
240 Bytes = 1024 GB= Tera Byte 250 Bytes = 1024 TB= 1 Peta Byte

Differences between SRAM & DRAM

SRAM DRAM
does not need to be refreshed as the requires data to be refreshed periodically in
transistors hold the data as long as the order to retain the data
power supply is on
requires less power consumption requires higher power consumption which is
significant when used in battery-powered
devices
has more complex circuitry Has simpler circuitry
used predominantly in cache memory of
processors where speed is important

Differences between RAM and ROM

RAM ROM
What does it Operating system, programs and A program used to start the computer
contain? data which are currently being called the ‘boot program’ or BIOS.
used.
Can the contents Yes. No.
be changed? (Is it The contents of the RAM are The contents of ROM cannot normally
volatile?) changed all the time while the be changed.
computer is running.
Page |65
How big is it? Typically 3-4Gb. Typically 1 -2Mb.
The larger the better because Small because it only needs to store
this means that the computer the boot program.
can run more programs at the
same time.

Summer 15 P11)
Q1) Five storage devices are described in the table below.
In column 2, name the storage device being described.
In columns 3, 4, or 5, tick (✓) to show the appropriate category of storage.
1 2 3 4 5
Description of storage device Name of Category of storage
storage device Primary Secondary Off-line
optical media which use one spiral
track; red lasers are used to read and
write data on the media surface;
makes use of dual-layering
technology to increase the storage
capacity
non-volatile memory chip; contents of
the chip cannot be altered; it is often
used to store the start up routines in a
computer (e.g. the BIOS)
optical media which use concentric
tracks to store the data; this allows
read and write operations to be
carried out at the same time
non-volatile memory device which
uses NAND flash memories (which
consist of millions of transistors wired
in series on single circuit boards)
optical media which use blue laser
technology to read and write data on
the media surface; it uses a single 1.1
mm polycarbonate disc

(d) The LCD (liquid crystal display) on the clock face is back-lit using blue LEDs (light emitting
diodes). The brightness of the clock face is determined by the level of light in the room. The amount
of light given out by the LEDs is controlled by a control circuit.
Describe how the sensor, microprocessor and LEDs are used to maintain the correct brightness of
the clock face.
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................[3]
(e) Modern LCD monitors and televisions use LED back-lit technology.
Page |66
Give two advantages of using this new technology compared to the older cold cathode fluorescent
lamp (CCFL) method.
1........................................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................................
2 ........................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................... [2]

(d) Any three from:

– uses a light sensor
– sends signal/data back to microprocessor
– signal/data converted to digital (using ADC)
– value compared by microprocessor with pre-set/stored value
– if value < stored value, signal sent by microprocessor …
– … to the voltage supply (unit)
– … “value” of signal determines voltage supplied/brightness of LED [3]
(e) Any two from:
– no need to warm up
– whiter tint/more vivid colours/brighter image
– higher resolution
Page |67
– much thinner monitors possible/lighter weight
– more reliable technology/longer lasting
– uses much less power/more efficient [2]

Summer 15 P12)
Q 2)The majority of mobile phones use touch screens. Three common technologies are used by
different mobile phone manufacturers. Choose one of the following mobile phone technologies:
• resistive • capacitive • infrared
Chosen technology ..........................................................................................................................
(i) Describe how your chosen technology works to allow a user to make selections by touching the
screen.
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
........................[2]
(ii) Give one benefit and one drawback of your chosen technology when used on mobile phone
touch screens.
Benefit.............................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
Drawback........................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................... [2]

Q3)Four input devices, four descriptions and four applications are shown below.
Draw a line to connect each input device to its correct description. Then connect each description to
its correct application. [6]
Page |68
Q 4a)Street lighting is controlled automatically. A light sensor and a microprocessor are used to
decide when to switch each street light on or off.
Describe how the sensor, microprocessor and light interact to switch the street light on or off. Include
in your answer how the microprocessor stops the street lights being frequently switched on and off
due to brief changes in the light intensity.
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
..........................[5]
(b) Name three different sensors (other than light and pH) and describe an application for each of
these sensors.
A different application is needed for each sensor.
Sensor 1 ...................................................................................................................................
Application ..........................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
Sensor 2 ..............................................................................................................................
Application ...........................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................
Sensor 3 .............................................................................................................................
Application .........................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................... [6]
Marking Scheme
Q2) Either of the three options, resistive, capacitive or infra-red must be chosen
maximum of two marks from chosen technology:
resistive
- uses multiple layers of material …
- … that transmit electric currents
- when the top layer/screen is pushed/touched into the lower/bottom layer …
- … the electric current changes and location of “touch” is found
capacitive
- current sent/flows out from all 4 corners of the screen
- when finger/stylus touches screen, the current changes
- the location of “touch” is calculated
infra-red
- an “invisible” grid on the screen (pattern of infra-red LED beams)
- sensors detect where the screen has been touched through a break in an infrared beam(s)
- the position where the screen touched is calculated [2]
(ii) 1 mark for benefit, 1 mark for drawback
Resistive
benefits:
- inexpensive/cheap to manufacture
- can use stylus/finger/gloved finger/pen
drawbacks:
- poor visibility in sunlight
Page |69
- vulnerable to scratching
- wears through time
- does not allow multi-touch facility
capacitive
benefits:
- good visibility in sunlight
- (very) durable surface
- allows multi-touch facility
drawbacks:
- screen (glass) will shatter/break/crack (on impact)
- cannot use when wearing (standard) gloves
infra-red
benefits:
- good durability
- allows multi-touch facility
- can use stylus/finger/gloved finger/pen
drawbacks:
- expensive to manufacture
- screen (glass) will shatter/break/crack (on impact)
- sensitive to dust/dirt [2
Q3)
Page |70
Q4(a) Maximum 5 marks in total for question part
Description of how street light is controlled: (max 4 marks)
- sensor sends signal/data to the microprocessor
- signal/data converted to digital/using ADC
- microprocessor compares value to a stored value
- if input value < stored value …
- … signal sent from microprocessor to actuator
- … and light is switched on/off
- whole process continues in an infinite loop
Avoiding frequent on/off switches: (max 2 marks)
- microprocessor continues to keep light on/off for a pre-determined period
- after pre-determined period, sensor output is again sampled [5]
(b) 1 mark for correct sensor, 1 mark for its matching application
(all THREE applications must be different)

sensor application
automatic doors
infra-red/motion
burglar alarm systems
chemical process
central heating/air con system
temperature
greenhouse environment
oven
burglar alarm systems
sound/acoustic leak detection system
disco lighting
clothes drier
moisture/humidity environmental control (greenhouse,
air con)
burglar alarm system
pressure traffic light control
chemical process
pollution monitoring in a river
greenhouse environment (growth
carbon dioxide/
control)
oxygen/gas
confined area (e.g. space craft)
Fish tank/Aquarium
mobile phone
magnetic field anti-lock braking
CD players
Page |71

Winter 15 P12)

Q5) Seven computer terms and seven descriptions are shown below.
Draw a line to link each computer term to its most appropriate description.

Computer Description
term
Reduction of file size by permanently removing some
Interface
redundant information from the file

File compression format designed to make photo files

Interrupt
smaller in size for storage and for transmission

File compression system for music which does not

JPEG
noticeably affect the quality of the sound

Lossless Hardware component that allows the user to

compression communicate with a computer or operating system

The file is reduced in size for transmission and storage;

Lossy
it is then put back together again later producing a file
compression
identical to the original

Signal sent to a processor which may cause a break in

MIDI
execution of the current routine, according to priorities

Standard adopted by the electronic music industry for

MP3 format
controlling devices such as synthesisers and sound cards

Q6) The flowchart on the opposite page shows what happens when the barcode on a product is
scanned at the checkout in a supermarket. The barcodes are used in an automatic stock control
system.
Several of the statements in the flowchart are missing.
Using item number only from the list below, complete the flowchart.
Item number Statement
1 Add flag to product record to indicate re-order made
2 Any more barcodes to scan?
3 Has the scanned barcode been found in the file?
Has the re-order flag already been added to the product
4
record?
5 Is number of product in stock <= re-order level?
6 Number of product in stock is reduced by 1
7 Output an error message
8 Automatically send out order for new product
Page |72
Page |73

Q7)A security system uses sensors, a camera and a microprocessor to capture images of each
person entering a large shopping mall.
(a) Describe how the sensors, camera and microprocessor interact to identify certain people entering
the mall.
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................[5]
(b) Each image taken requires 1 MB of storage. If the camera captures an image every 5 seconds
over a 24 hour period, how much storage is required?
Give your answer in gigabytes and show all your working.
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................[2]
(c) The shopping mall has over 100 cameras. At the end of each day all these cameras send their
images, captured over the last 24 hours, to a central computer.
Explain why the mall uses dedicated fibre optic cable rather than transmitting the data over the local
broadband network.
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................[2]

Q8)The steps to print a document using a laser printer are shown in the table below.
Put each step in the correct order. The first step has been done for you. [8]
Step Order
As the printing drum rotates, a laser scans across it; this removes the positive charge
in certain areas
The printing drum is coated in positively-charged toner; this then sticks to the
negatively-charged parts of the printing drum
The paper goes through a fuser which melts the toner so it fixes permanently to the
paper
The printer driver ensures that the data is in a format that the laser printer can 1
understand
A negatively-charged sheet of paper is then rolled over the printing drum
Data is then sent to the laser printer and stored temporarily in the printer buffer
The toner on the printing drum is now transferred to the paper to reproduce the
required text and images
The printing drum is given a positive charge
Negatively-charged areas are then produced on the printing drum; these match
exactly with the text and images to be printed

Q9) A remote-controlled model car contains RAM, ROM and a solid state drive. The car receives
Page |74
radio signals from its remote control. It can only receive radio signals of a certain frequency. The
manufacturer sets this frequency and the owner cannot change it. The owner of the model car can
input their own sequence of movements from an interface underneath the car.
(a) Describe the purpose of each of the three types of memory supplied with the car.
RAM: .................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................
ROM: .................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
Solid state drive: ..................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................[3]
(b) The owner needs to be able to enter their own sequence of movements for the model car.
Name a suitable input device.
Input device:
................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................
Give a reason for your choice of device.
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................[2]
(c) Explain why the model car uses a solid state drive rather than another type of secondary storage.
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................[2]

Marking Scheme

Q5)
Page |75
Q6)

Q7)
(a) Any five from:
– naming a suitable sensor, e.g infra-red, pressure, motion sensors, send signal/data to
microprocessor
– signal/data is converted to digital (using an ADC)
– microprocessor instructs/send signals to camera to capture image/video
– captured image/video data sent to microprocessor
either
– microprocessor compares the image/video with stored images/video…
– … if person detected = stored image …
– …alert given to signal a person has been identified
or
– microprocessor compares the biometric data from an image/video with stored biometric data for
images/video …
–… if biometric data matched = stored data …
–… alert given to signal a person has been identified
– Continual/repeated process

(b) 1 mark for correct calculation, 1 mark for correct answer

– number of photos = 12 × 60 × 24 = 17280
Page |76
– memory requirement = 17280/1024 = 16.9 (16.875)
– (17280/1000 = 17.28/17.3 is acceptable) [2]
(c) Any two from:
– (data transmission) is faster
– more secure/safer (because it is a dedicated line)
– (fibre optic transmission) is more reliable [2]
Q8)
Step Order
As the printing drum rotates, a laser scans across it; this removes the positive
4
charge in certain areas
The printing drum is coated in positively-charged toner; this then sticks to the
6
negatively-charged parts of the printing drum
The paper goes through a fuser which melts the toner so it fixes permanently to
9
the paper
The printer driver ensures that the data is in a format that the laser printer can
1
understand
A negatively-charged sheet of paper is then rolled over the printing drum 7
Data is then sent to the laser printer and stored temporarily in the printer buffer 2
The toner on the printing drum is now transferred to the paper to reproduce the
8
required text and images
The printing drum is given a positive charge 3
Negatively-charged areas are then produced on the printing drum; these match
5
exactly with the text and images to be printed

Q9)
(a) RAM
– contains instructions/program/data currently in use
ROM
any one from:
– contains the start-up/bootstrap program
– contains/stores the setting for frequency (can’t be changed)
Solid state drive
– stores the instructions/program/data (to operate the car) [3]
(b) 1 mark for device and 1 mark for corresponding reason
Device:
– touch screen
– key pad (NOT keyboard)
Reason:
– easy to use interface
– limited number of options
– small space/space is limited
– other devices such as mouse, keyboard, trackerball, … not suitable [2]
(c) Any two from:
– A solid state drive has no moving parts
– A solid state drive has faster random access
– A solid state drive has a quick start up/shut down time (reduced latency)
– A solid state drive is very small
– A solid state drive is very light
– A solid state drive consumes very little power
Page |77
– A solid state drive does not generate a lot of heat (therefore safer in this application) [2]

Winter 15 P13)
Q10) a) Name an application which makes use of the following sensors. A different application
should be used in each case.
Temperature .....................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................
Magnetic field ..................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
Motion ..............................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................... [3]
(b) The flowchart on the opposite page shows how a light sensor and microprocessor are used to
switch a street lamp on or off. When the sensor reading is <= 50 light units, the lamp is turned on
automatically.
Several of the instructions have been omitted from the flowchart. Using item numbers only from the
list below, complete the flowchart:[5]
Item Instruction
number
1 Count down in minutes
2 Is light reading <= 50?
3 Is street lamp already on?
4 Is time = 0?
5 The microprocessor compares
the sensor reading with stored
values
6 The sensor reading is sent to
the microprocessor
7 Switch the street lamp off
8 Switch street lamp on
9 Time set to 10 minutes
Page |78
Q11) Sensors and a microprocessor monitor a car exhaust for high temperature and high carbon
monoxide (CO) levels.
(a) Describe how the sensors and microprocessor are used to monitor the temperature and CO
levels and warn the driver if either is out of range.
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
...........................................[5]
Q12)A security system records video footage. One minute of video requires 180 MB of storage. The
recording system can store several hours of video footage.
(a) Name and describe a suitable storage device for this recording system.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................. [2]
(b) Calculate how much storage would be needed for 2 hours of video footage.
Show your working and give the answer in Gigabytes (GB).
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................. [2]
Q13)Passengers fly into an airport from other countries. The airport has a security system that uses:
• computers • scanners • digital cameras
To gain entry to the country, each passenger must have a passport or identification (ID) card. This
must contain a recent photograph and other personal data. The passenger must:
• place their passport or ID card on a scanner that reads machine-readable characters and scans the
photograph
• look towards a camera that takes an image of the passenger’s face
Describe how a computer checks whether the image just taken by the camera matches the scanned
photograph.
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................[2]
Q14)Name a suitable output device for each of the following applications. A different device should
be used for each application.
Application Suitable output
device
Production of one-off photographs of very good quality
High volume colour printing of advertising flyers
Production of an object, which is built up layer by layer; used in
CAD applications
Converting electrical signals into sound
Showing enlarged computer output on a wall or large screen
Page |79
Q15)Four input devices are shown in the table below.
Give an application which makes use of each device and state a reason why the device is
appropriate for that application. Your application must be different in each case.
Input device Application and reason
Light sensor Application .............................................................................................
Reason ..................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
Keyboard Application .............................................................................................
Reason ..................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
Barcode Application .............................................................................................
reader Reason ..................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
Touch screen Application .............................................................................................
Reason ..................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................

Marking Scheme
Q10)
(a) Temperature
– central heating/ air con system
– greenhouse environment
– a chemical reaction/ process
Magnetic field
– anti-lock brakes on a car
– detection of motor vehicles (e.g. at traffic lights)
– reading magnetic ink characters on cheques
– geophysical surveys
Motion
– automatic doors
– burglar alarm [3]
(b)
Page |80

Q11)
(a) Any five from:
– sensors send signals/ data to microprocessor
– signal/ data converted to digital (by an ADC)
– microprocessor compares temperature/ carbon monoxide level/value with stored
level/ value
– if CO level > stored value, microprocessor sends signal…
– if temperature > stored value, microprocessor sends signal…
– …to light warning bulb on dashboard/ sounds alarm [5]
(b) (i) 2 marks for all correct conditions, 1 mark for 2 correct conditions
CO (carbon monoxide) level too high
oil pressure too low
brake pads too thin [2]
(ii) 1 mark for each correct parity bit in
Page |81
position 1
1 1 1 1 0 0 1 0

0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0

[2]
(iii) 1 mark for correct parity bit + 1 mark for remainder of binary value
1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0

[2]
(iv) A 2 (allow follow through from part (iii)) [1
Q12)
(a) – Memory card/ SSD / HDD/ magnetic tape
– Suitable description of device given [2]
(b) 2 hours = 120 minutes
120 × 180 = 21600
21600/ 1024 (or 21600/ 1000)
= 21.1GB (or 21.6GB)
(1 mark for correct answer and 1 mark for correct calculation) [2]
Q13)
Any two from:
– facial recognition software/ biometric software used to scan face
– face image converted to digital format/ data by the camera
– digital image formed from scanned photo/ biometric data stored in passport
– key features of the face are checked/ compared [2]
Q14)
Application Suitable output
device
Production of one-off photographs of very good quality Inkjet Printer
High volume colour printing of advertising flyers LaserJet Printer
Production of an object, which is built up layer by layer; used in 3D Printer
CAD applications
Converting electrical signals into sound Speaker
Showing enlarged computer output on a wall or large screen Multimedia Projector
Q15)
1 mark for each named application + 1 mark for each matching reason for choice
Input device Application and reason
Automatic doors
– detects a person when light beam broken and opens doors
Street lighting
Light sensor
– detects change in light and switches on/ off the street lights
Greenhouse
– ensures correct lighting conditions for growth of plants
Word processor/ spreadsheet/ database
– need to key in data manually (e.g. report writing)
Keyboard
Control room interface
– need to manually key in data (e.g. flow speed of liquid)
Barcode Supermarket checkout
reader – read barcodes to find prices, description
Page |82
– allows automatic stock control
Library system
– can track books on loan
– can link books to borrowers using bar coded cards
Airport check-ins
– barcodes on luggage to track whereabouts
Ticket/ information kiosk
– easy method for public to enter data
– limited number of options
Mobile phone/ tablet
Touch
– easy method to input data
screen
– use of icons for application selection
Control room interface
– faster/ easier method to input data into system
– fewer chances of error since number of choices limited

[8]

Winter 15 P11)
Q14) (a) Four hardware items are shown in the table below.
For each hardware item:
• name a suitable application
• state how it is used in the application
Give a different application in each case. [8]
Hardware Application How the hardware item is used
item
Microphone .......................................................... ..........................................................
.......................................................... ..........................................................
.......................................................... ..........................................................
Barcode .......................................................... ..........................................................
reader .......................................................... ..........................................................
.......................................................... ..........................................................
Touch .......................................................... ..........................................................
screen .......................................................... ..........................................................
.......................................................... ..........................................................
Infrared .......................................................... ..........................................................
sensor .......................................................... ..........................................................
.......................................................... ..........................................................

(b) Describe two differences between Blu-ray discs and DVDs.

1: ......................................................................................................................................
2: ...................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................[2]
(c) Describe two differences between DVD-R and DVD-RAM.
1: .........................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
2:
................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................[2]
Page |83

Q15) a) Inkjet printers and laser printers are two common types of printer.
Describe the features and principles of operation of each type of printer.
(i) Inkjet printer
...........................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................... [4]
(ii) Laser printer
...........................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................... [4]

(b) Another type of printer is the 3D printer.

Describe 3D printing.
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................... [3]

Q16) A passenger logs onto an airline website and types in the reference number for their flight.
Once the passenger accesses their account they can choose their seat and also print out a boarding
pass which contains a unique barcode. This barcode is scanned at the airport check-in desk.
Name one input and one output device found at the check-in desk and give a reason for your
choice.
Input device: ........................................................................................................................
Reason: ..............................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
Output device: ....................................................................................................................
Reason: ...............................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[4]
Page |84

Summer 16 P11_P13
Q17 (a) Five sensors and five applications are shown below.
Draw a line to link each sensor to its most appropriate application. [4]

Application
SensorURL

Monitor the pollution levels in a river

Light sensor

Control the switching off and on of street lights

Moisture sensor

Detect intruders breaking into a building

Gas sensor

Monitor the amount of water left in clothes in a dryer

pH sensor

Monitor acidity levels in the soil in a green house

Pressure
sensor
(b) Automatic doors in a building are controlled by the use of infrared sensors and a
microprocessor.
Describe how the sensors and the microprocessor are used to automatically open a door as a person
approaches.
...............................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................[4]
Q18 (a) Nikita wishes to print out some documents and connects her printer to the computer using one of the
USB ports.
(i) Identify what type of data transmission is being used.
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) Give three reasons for using a USB port.
1 .......................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
2 .......................................................................................................................................
Page |85
...........................................................................................................................................
3 .......................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................... [3]
(iii) The printer runs out of paper while it is printing the documents. A signal is sent to the
processor to request that the problem is dealt with.
Name this type of signal.
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) State one suitable application for each printer below. A different application must be given for each printer.
Inkjet printer ....................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
3D printer .......................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................... [2]

(c) Name another type of printer and describe one way in which it is different from the printers named in part
(b).
Give an application for this printer.
Type of printer ..................................................................................................................
Description .......................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................
Application ..........................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [3]
Q19) (a) Four examples of optical storage media are:
• DVD-RW
• DVD-RAM
• CD-ROM
• Blu-ray disc
The table below shows four features of optical storage media.
Tick (✓) the appropriate boxes in the table to indicate which of the features apply to each example
of optical storage media. [4]
Blue laser used Red laser used
Single Many concentric
to read/ write to read/
track tracks
data write data
DVD-RW
DVD-RAM
CD-ROM
Blu-ray disc

(b) Solid state drives (SSD) are replacing hard disc drives (HDD) in some computers.
(i) Give three reasons why this is happening.
1 .......................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
2 .......................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
3 .......................................................................................................................................
Page |86
....................................................................................................................................... [3]
(ii) Explain why many web servers still use hard disc drive (HDD) technology.
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................[2]

Marking Scheme
Q17a)

(b) Any four from:

– sensor(s) sends signal/data to microprocessor
– signal/data converted to digital (using an ADC)
– microprocessor compares signal/data with pre-set/stored value
–if sensor(s) signal/data indicates the presence of a person / the door needs to be opened / a match
is found / door is closed …
–… microprocessor sends a signal to an actuator …
–… to operate/drive a motor to open the door

Q18)
(a) (i)
[1]
serial
(ii) Any three from:
– automatically detects the hardware/installs drivers
– plug only goes in one way/can’t connect incorrectly
– supports different data transmission speeds/a range of data transmission speeds
– has become the industry standard/universally used
– backwards compatible (with earlier versions of USB ports) [3]
(iii)
[1]
interrupt
Page |87

(b) 1 mark each use of printer, max 1 mark per printer.

– (small quantities of) documents
inkjet printer
– photographs
– (physical) prototype (from CAD)
3D printer
– (physical) model (from a blueprint)

(c) 1 mark for naming printer + 1 mark for description + 1 mark for application
Laser printer
– uses toner/powder ink
– uses (positive and negative) charged drums // rotating drum
– uses static charge
– no moving head
– faster at printing
– high volume output/high speed
– producing flyers/leaflets/magazines [3]
This is an example, other types of printers can be credited.
Q19)
Blue laser used Red laser used
Single Many concentric
to read/ write to read/
track tracks
data write data
DVD-RW ✓ ✓
DVD-RAM ✓ ✓
CD-ROM ✓ ✓
Blu-ray disc ✓ ✓
(b) (i) Any three from:
– don’t need to “get up to speed” to work properly/no latency
– lower/less power consumption/more energy efficient
– run cooler
– run quieter
– data access is faster
– occupies less physical space/more compact
– lighter, so more suitable for a portable computer/laptop
– no moving parts so more reliable/durable in a portable computer/laptop [3]
(ii) Any two from:
– HDD is cheaper for larger amounts of storage space
– HDD has greater longevity for read/write functions
– Expensive to change the technology // HDD are trusted technology
– No requirement for the increased speed of SSD
Summer 16 qp12
Q20) Motion sensors are used in a security system to detect intruders.
Name three other sensors that could be used in the following applications.
Give a different type of sensor for each application. [3]
Application Sensor
controlling street lights
monitoring a river for pollution
controlling traffic lights
Page |88

Marking Scheme
Q20)
Application Sensor
controlling street lights Light
monitoring a river for pollution Gas, pH, temperature, light
controlling traffic lights pressure, magnetic field,

Q21 ) Six descriptions and six devices are shown below.

Draw a line to link each description to the correct device.

Description Device

Allows a user to write on a surface using a pen; text and

drawings are then captured electronically and stored for
later use. Digital Light Projector

Converts sound into an electrical signal/voltage.

Inkjet printer

Uses thermal bubble and piezoelectric technology to

produce a hard copy.
Interactive whiteboard

Uses a bright white light source and micro mirrors (on a

chip) to produce an image to be shone onto a wall or Laser printer
screen.

Converts a hard copy document into an electronic form

to be stored as a file on a computer. Microphone

Uses negatively charged images on a rotating drum and

positively charged toner to output a hard copy. Scanner (2D)

Q21) 9 In the following barcode, each binary number is made up of seven bars.
Page |89
Each bar is black or grey.
A black bar is interpreted as a “1” and a grey bar is interpreted as a “0”.
(a) Write the binary numbers that would be produced from this barcode: [2]

(b) This barcode system uses odd parity.

Write the parity bit for each of the binary numbers in part (a):
Parity bit
Binary number A:
Binary number B: [2]
Q22 There are six descriptions in the table below.
Complete the table below by writing the correct storage device or media in the box next to each
description. [6]
Storage device
Description
or media
Non-volatile memory that can only be read from and not written to.
Optical storage media that allows very high storage capacity by
using blue/violet laser technology.
Volatile memory that stores data, programs and the parts of the
operating system that are currently in use.
Optical storage media that uses a single spiral track and uses dual
layer technology, allowing high data storage capacity.
Device that stores data by controlling the movement of
electrons within a microchip; there are no moving parts.
Optical storage media that uses concentric tracks allowing writing
and reading to take place at the same time.

Winter 2016 P12

Q23) A security system is installed in a house. A hexadecimal number is entered to activate or

deactivate the alarm.
(a) The alarm code is set to hexadecimal number 2 A F
Show how this number would be stored in a 12-bit binary register.[3]
Page |90

(b) Identify two sensors that the security system could use to detect intruders.
Describe how each sensor could be used in the security system.
Sensor 1 ...................................................................................................................................
Description ................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
Sensor 2 ...................................................................................................................................
Description ................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................[6]
Marking Scheme

(a) 1 mark per nibble

0010 1010 1111 [3]
(b) 1 mark for identification of each sensor, max 2 for each description
Infrared/motion sensor
– Receives infrared rays/heat
– Sends data to microprocessor
– Receives microwaves
– Placed in the corner of a room, across a doorway
– Used to detect the heat of an intruder // used to detect if an infrared beam has been
broken by an intruder
Pressure sensor
– Receives current if circuit created // stops receiving current if circuit is broken
– Sends data to microprocessor
– Placed on a window/door, at the entrance
– Used to detect a change in pressure [6]
Page |91
1.3.6 Operating systems
1.3.7High- and low-level languages and their translators

Summer 15 P11)
Q 1) Five statements about interpreters and compilers are shown in the table below.
Study each statement.
Tick (✓) to show whether the statement refers to an interpreter or to a compiler. [5]

Statement Interpreter Compiler

takes one statement at a time and executes it
generates an error report at the end of translation of the
whole program
stops the translation process as soon as the first error is
encountered
slow speed of execution of program loops
translates the entire program in one go

Statement Interpreter Compiler

takes one statement at a time and executes it ✓
generates an error report at the end of translation of the ✓
whole program
stops the translation process as soon as the first error is ✓
encountered
slow speed of execution of program loops ✓
translates the entire program in one go ✓

Summer 15 P12)
Q2) (a) Five statements about interpreters and compilers are shown in the table below.
Study each statement.
Tick (✓) to show whether the statement refers to an interpreter or to a compiler.
Statement Interpreter Compiler
creates an executable file that runs directly on the
computer
more likely to crash the computer since the machine
code produced runs directly on the processor
easier to debug since each line of code is analysed
and checked before being executed
slow speed of execution of program loops
it is more difficult to modify the executable code, since
it is in machine code format
(b) State why a compiler or an interpreter is needed when running a high-level program on a
computer.
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................[1]
Page |92
(c) Give one benefit of writing a program in a high-level language.
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................ [1]
(d) Give one benefit of writing a program in a low-level language.
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................. [1]
(e) Study the following three sections of code.
A: 10101101
11001110
10110111

B: LDD X
INC X
STA Y

C: FOR x ← 1 TO 10
READ n
ENDFOR

Identify, using the letters A, B or C, which of the above codes is an example of assembly code, high-
level language code or machine code:
Assembly code ....................................................................................................................
High-level language code .................................................................................................
Machine code ...............................................................................................................[2]
Marking Scheme
a)
Statement Interpreter Compiler
creates an executable file that runs directly on the computer ✓
more likely to crash the computer since the machine code
✓
produced runs directly on the processor
easier to debug since each line of code is analysed and
✓
checked before being executed
slow speed of execution of program loops ✓
it is more difficult to modify the executable code, since it is in
✓
machine code format

(b) Any one from:

- code is required to be converted into machine code/binary
- code needs to be produced that can be understood by the computer [1]
(c) Any one from:
- close to English/native/human language
- easier/faster to correct errors/read/write
- works on many different machines/operating systems (portable) [1]
(d) Any one from:
- work directly on registers/CPU
- more control over what happens in computer
Page |93
- can use machine specific functions [1]
(e)
Assembly code: B
High-level language code: C
Machine code: A

Winter 15 P11)
Q3) State three features of a typical operating system.
1: .........................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
2: ......................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
3: ........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[3]

Summer 16 qp12
Q4) Complete the following by writing either compiler, interpreter or assembler in the spaces
provided. [3]
......................................................... – translates source code into object code.
......................................................... – translates low-level language into machine code.
......................................................... – stops the execution of a program as soon as it
encounters an error.

Marking Scheme
compiler
assembler
interpreter
Winter 16 p12
Q5) (a) Give two reasons why a programmer would choose to write code in a low-level language.
1 ................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
2 ................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................... [2]
(b) High-level languages require either an interpreter or a compiler to translate the program.
The table below lists a number of statements about language translators.
Tick (✓) to show which statements refer to interpreters and which refer to compilers. [5]
Statements Interpreter (✓) Compiler (✓)
Translates the source code into machine code all at once
Produces an executable file in machine code
Executes a high-level language program one instruction at a
time
Once translated, the translator does not need to be present
for the program to run
An executable file is produced
 2210_0478_16w_qp_12
Page |94
Q6) State four functions of an operating system.
1 .......................................................................................................................................................
2 .......................................................................................................................................................
3 .......................................................................................................................................................
4 ....................................................................................................................................................... [4]
Marking Scheme
Q5 a) – direct access to computer processor / special hardware // machine dependent instructions
– uses up less memory
– can increase the speed of processing a program // executes instructions faster [2]

Interpreter Compiler
Statements
(3) (3)
Translates the source code into machine code all at
✓
once
Produces an executable file in machine code ✓
Executes a high-level language program one
✓
instruction at a time
Once translated, the translator does not need to be
✓
present for the program to run
An executable file is produced ✓

Q6) Any four from:

– Provides a user interface
– Handles interrupts / errors
– Memory management
– File management
– Manages peripherals (inputs/outputs)
– Provides security methods
– Allows multitasking
– Manages multiprogramming
– Enables batch processing
– Manages software installation / removal
– Allows creation of multiple accounts
– Levels of access
Page |95
1.4 Security
1.5 Ethics
1.2.2 Security aspects

Malware: A software that is designed to damage or disrupt a computer

Virus: Program or code that replicates itself and is designed to amend, delete or copy data and files
on a user’s computer without their consent
Spyware: Software that gathers information by monitoring key presses on a user’s computer and
relays the information back to the person who sent the software
Hacking: The act of gaining illegal access to a computer system without the owner’s consent
Hacker: A person who tries to gain illegal access to a computer or a network.
Phishing: Creator of code sends out a legitimate-looking email in the hope of gathering personal
and financial data; it requires the recipient to follow a link in the email or open an attachment
Pharming: Malicious code installed on the hard drive of a user’s computer or on the web server; this
code will re-direct user to a fake web site without their consent
Firewall: is a hardware or a software that is used between the user’s computer and the network to
examine the data traffic to make sure it meets certain criteria.
Cookies: Information that a website stores about a user on the user’s hard disk; this enables the
website to remember details about the user when they next visit the website.
Security protocols
There are two forms of security protocols when using the internet:
•Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)
•Transport Layer Security (TLS).
SECURE SOCKETS LAYER (SSL) is
a type of protocol (a set of rules used
by computers to communicate with
each other across a network). This
allows data to be sent and received
securely over the internet in encrypted
form.
Page |96
TRANSPORT LAYER SECURITY (TLS) is similar to SSL but is a more recent security system. TLS
is a form of protocol that ensures the security and privacy of data between devices and users when
communicating over the internet. It is essentially designed to provide encryption, authentication and
data integrity in a more effective way than its predecessor SSL.
TLS is formed of two layers:
•Record protocol: this part of the communication can be used with or without encryption (it contains
the data being transferred over the internet).
•handshake protocol: this permits the website and the client (user) to authenticate each other and to
make use of encryption algorithms (a secure session between client and website is
established).Only the most recent web browsers support both SSL and TLS which is why the older
SSL is still used in many cases. But what are the main differences between SSL and TLS since they
both effectively do the same thing?
•It is possible to extend TLS by adding new authentication methods.
•TLS can make use of SESSION CACHING which improves the overall performance 158 compared
to SSL.
•TLS separates the handshaking process from the record protocol (layer) which holds all the data.
Session caching
When opening a TLS session, it requires a lot of computer time (due mainly to the complex
encryption keys being used). The use of session caching can avoid the need to utilise so much
computer time for each connection. TLS can either establish a new session or attempt to resume an
existing session; using the latter can considerably boost system performance.
Encryption Algorithm:
S Sender (A) Recipient (B)
1 The sender uses an encryption algorithm The recipient uses the same encryption
algorithm
2 The sender chooses a secret value (x) The recipient chooses another secret value
e.g. x=2 (y)
e.g. y=4
3 Take a prime number e.g. 7 Take same prime number e.g. 7
4 Perform following algorithm Perform following algorithm
• Find remainder after dividing • Find remainder after dividing Prime
Prime power x by 11 i.e. power y by 11 i.e.
7xMOD 11 7yMOD 11
In our example In our example
2
7 MOD 11=49 MOD 11= 5 74 MOD 11=2401 MOD 11= 3
5 This value is sent to recipient This value is sent to sender
The receiving value is put in the same The receiving value is put in the same
algorithm by replacing prime (7) algorithm by replacing prime (7)
x
3 MOD 11 5yMOD 11
In our example In our example
32 MOD 11=9 MOD 11= 9 54 MOD 11=625 MOD 11= 9
Now KEY DISTRIBUTION PROBLEM is solved
both have same key to encrypt and decrypt without distributing over network
Page |97
Summer 15 P11)
Q1) Choose six correct terms from the following list to complete the spaces in the paragraphs below:
• encryption
• file name
• firewall
• HTML tags/text
• IP address
• protocol
• proxy server
• SSL certificate
• web server name
A user enters a URL. The web browser breaks up the URL into three components:
1 ........................................................
2 ........................................................
3 ........................................................
The web server returns the selected web page.
The web browser reads the ............................................................ from the selected page and shows
the correctly formatted page on the user’s screen.
A ............................................................ is used between the user’s computer and the network to
examine the data traffic to make sure it meets certain criteria.
To speed up the access to the web pages next time, a ........................................... is used between
the computer and web server; this device uses a cache to store the website home page after it has
been accessed for the first time. [6]

Q2(a) Viruses, pharming and phishing are all examples of potential Internet security issues. Explain
what is meant by each of these three terms.
Virus: ..............................................................................................................................................
………………………….......................................................................................................................
Pharming:
................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................
Phishing:
................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................[6]
(b) An online bank requires a client to supply an 8-digit code each time
they wish to access their account on the bank’s website. 2 5 1
Rather than ask the client to use a keyboard, they are requested to use an 6 8 3
on-screen keypad (shown on the right) to input the 8-digit code.
The position of the digits on the keypad can change each time the website 9 0 4
is visited.
The client uses a mouse or touch screen to select each of the8 digits. 7
(i) Explain why the bank has chosen to use this method of entering the 8
digits.
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
.................................................... [2]
(ii) Name and describe another measure that the bank could introduce to improve the security of
their website.
Page |98
Name: ................................................................................................................
Description:.............................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................ [2]
Marking Scheme
Q1) 1 mark per correct word
1 protocol 2 web server name accept 3 file name
HTML tags/text
firewall
proxy server

Q2(a) virus
any two from:
– program/software that replicates/copies itself
– can delete or alter files/data stored on a computer
– can make the computer “crash”/run slow
pharming
any two from:
– malicious code/software installed on a user’s hard drive/actual web server
– this code redirects user to a fake website (without their knowledge)
– to obtain personal/financial information/data
phishing
any two from:
– legitimate-looking emails sent to a user
– as soon as recipient opens/clicks on link in the email/attachment …
– … the user is directed to a fake website (without their knowledge)
– To obtain personal/financial information/data [6]
(b) (i) Any two from:
– spyware/key logging software can only pick up key presses
– using mouse/touch screen means no key presses to log
– the numbers on the key pad are in random/non-standard format, which makes it more difficult to
interpret [2]

Summer 15 P12)
Q3 (a) Four statements about cookies are shown in the table below. Study each statement.
Tick (✓) to show whether the statement is true or false.
Statement True False
they are a form of spyware
they are used only in advertising
they are used to track browser use
they act in the same way as a virus
Page |99
(b) Five descriptions and five security issues are shown below.
Draw a line to connect each description to the correct security issue.

Description Security issue

Malicious code installed on the hard drive of a user’s hacking

computer or on the web server; this code will re-direct
user to a fake web site without their consent

Software that gathers information by monitoring key pharming

presses on a user’s computer and relays the
information back to the person who sent the software

Program or code that replicates itself and is designed

to amend, delete or copy data and files on a user’s phishing
computer without their consent

The act of gaining illegal access to a computer system

without the owner’s consent spyware

Creator of code sends out a legitimate-looking email in

the hope of gathering personal and financial data; it
virus
requires the recipient to follow a link in the email or
open an attachment

Q4 (a) State what is meant by the term SSL.

................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) The following stages take place when a user wishes to access a secure website.
Put each stage in sequence by writing the numbers 1 to 6 in the column on the right. The first
one has been done for you. [5]
Stage Sequence
number
the encrypted data is then shared securely between the web browser and
the web server
the web browser attempts to connect to a website which is secured by SSL 1
the web server sends the web browser a copy of its SSL certificate
the web browser requests the web server to identify itself
the web server will then send back some form of acknowledgement to allow
the SSL encrypted session to begin
the web browser checks whether the SSL certificate is trustworthy; if it is,
then the web browser sends a message back to the web server
Page |100
Q5) Five computing terms are described below.
Write the name of the term being described.

Software that anyone can download for free from the Internet and then use without having to pay any
fees. The usual copyright laws apply and a user license is important.................................................

Software that gives the user the chance to try it out free of charge before actually buying it. The
software is subject to the usual copyright laws. As a rule, not all the features found in the full version
are available at this stage. ................................................
Software where users have freedom to run, copy, change and adapt it. This is an issue of liberty and
not of price since the software guarantees freedom and the right to study and modify the software by
having access to the actual source code...............................

Set of principles that regulates the use of computers in everyday life. This covers intellectual
property rights, privacy issues and the effects of computers on society in
general.................................................

The taking of somebody’s idea or software and claim that the idea or software code were created by
the “taker”. ................................................ [5]

Marking Scheme
Q3)
Statement True False
they are a form of spyware ✓
they are used only in advertising ✓
they are used to track browser use ✓
they act in the same way as a virus ✓

Q4) (a) Any one from:

- secure sockets layer
- encrypts data being transmitted
- use of https
- use public and private keys
b)
Stage Sequence
number
the encrypted data is then shared securely between the web browser and
the web server 6
the web browser attempts to connect to a website which is secured by SSL 1
the web server sends the web browser a copy of its SSL certificate 3
the web browser requests the web server to identify itself 2
the web server will then send back some form of acknowledgement to allow
the SSL encrypted session to begin 5
the web browser checks whether the SSL certificate is trustworthy; if it is,
then the web browser sends a message back to the web server 4
Q5)
Freeware
Shareware
Page |101
Free software
(Computer) Ethics
Plagiarism

Winter 15 P12)
Q6) 1 There are a number of security risks associated with using the Internet.
Name three of these risks. For each, state why it is a risk and describe how the risk can be
minimised.
Security risk 1: .....................................................................................................................
Why it is a risk: ...................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
How to minimize the risk:....................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
Security risk 2: .....................................................................................................................
Why it is a risk: ...................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
How to minimize the risk: ....................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
Security risk 3: .....................................................................................................................
Why it is a risk: ...................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
How to minimize the risk: ....................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................ [9]
Marking Scheme
1 mark for each risk + 1 mark for corresponding reason why it is a risk and 1 mark for method
of minimisation
Risk: hacking
Reason: illegal/unauthorised access to data
deletion/amendment of data
Minimised: use of passwords/user ids
use of firewalls
encrypt data/encryption
Risk: virus
Reason: can corrupt/delete data
cause computer to crash/run slow
can fill up hard drive with data
Minimised: use of /run anti-virus (software)
do not download software or data from unknown
sources
Risk: spyware/key logging (software)
Reason: can read key presses/files/monitors on a user’s
computer
Minimised: use of/run anti-spyware (software)
use data entry methods such as drop-down boxes to
minimise risk
Risk: phishing
Reason: link/attachments takes user to fake/bogus website
website obtains personal/financial data
Page |102
Minimised: do not open/click emails/attachments from unknown
sources
some firewalls can detect fake/bogus websites
Risk: pharming
Reason: redirects user to fake/bogus website
redirection obtains personal/financial data
Minimised: only trust secure websites, e.g. look for https
check the URL matches the intended site
Risk: credit card fraud/identity theft
Reason: loss of money due to misuse of card/stealing data
Minimised: set passwords
encrypt data/encryption
Risk: cracking
Reason: illegal/unauthorised access to data
Minimised: setting strong passwords
encrypt data/encryption

There may be other valid answers given that are outside the provided mark scheme

Winter 15 P13
Q7 (a) Computer ethics involves a number of different topics.
(i) A student made the following statement on an examination paper:
“It allows a user to have the freedom to run, copy, change and adapt the software and then pass it
on to a colleague, friend or family member.”
Identify which computer term the student was describing.
...................................................................................................................................... [1]
(ii) Explain what is meant by computer ethics.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................... [3]
(b) The four statements below refer to firewalls and proxy servers. Study each statement.
Tick (9) the appropriate column(s) to indicate whether the statement refers to a firewall and/or a
proxy server. [4]
Statement Firewall Proxy
server
Speeds up access of information from a web server by using a
cache
Filters all Internet traffic coming into and out from a user’s
computer, intranet or private network
Helps to prevent malware, including viruses, from entering a
user’s computer
Keeps a list of undesirable websites and IP addresses
Page |103
(c) Explain three ways of preventing accidental loss or corruption of data.
1 ................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
2 ................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
3 ................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................... [6]

Q8) Choose five correct terms from the following list to complete the spaces in the sentences below:
• cypher text • encryption algorithm • encryption key • firewall
• plain text • proxy server • symmetric encryption
....................................................................................... is a security system.
It uses the same .......................................................................to encrypt and decrypt a message.
Before encryption, the message is called ......................................................... .
The ..................................................................................... processes the original message. The
output is known as ........................................................................... . [5]

Marking Scheme
Q7) (a) (i) Free software/ open source software [1]
(ii) Any three from:
– Set of principles/ laws that regulate the use of computers
– Covers intellectual property rights (e.g. copying of software)
– Privacy issues (e.g. accessing personal information)
– Impact of computers on society (relevant examples can be credited) [3]
(b) 1 mark for each CORRECT row [4]
Proxy
Statement Firewall
server
Speeds up access of information from a web server by
using a cache
✓
Filters all Internet traffic coming into and out from a user’s
computer, intranet or private network ✓ ✓
Helps to prevent malware, including viruses, from entering
a user’s computer
✓
Keeps a list of undesirable websites and IP addresses ✓ ✓

(c) one mark for method + one mark for linked reason (maximum 6 marks)
– back up files…
– …on a regular basis/ to another device/ to the cloud
– set data to read only…
– …to prevent accidental editing
– save data on a regular basis…
– …to prevent loss/ corruption of data in unexpected shutdown/failure
– use correct shut down/ start up procedures…
Page |104
– …to prevent damage to components/ stored files
– use correct procedures before disconnecting portable storage device…
– …to prevent damage to device/ data corruption
– keep storage devices in a safe place…
– …away from fire hazards [6]
Q8) symmetric encryption
encryption key
plain text
encryption algorithm
cypher text [5]

Winter 15 P11)
Q9) (a) Three statements about cookies are shown below.
Study each statement. Tick to show whether the statement is true or false. [3]
Statement True False
Cookies can destroy or modify data in a computer without the user’s
knowledge
Cookies generate website pop-ups
Cookies allow a website to detect whether a viewer has viewed
specific web pages

Q10) (a) State what is meant by encryption.

................................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................... [1]
(b) State what is meant by symmetric encryption.
................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................... [1]
(c) Complete the diagram: [1]

Q11) Identify which five computer terms are being described below.
(a) A system designed to prevent unauthorised access to or from a private network or intranet; it
examines all data traffic to and from the network and filters out anything that does not meet certain
criteria.
....................................................................................................................................... [1]
(b) Software that can be used on a trial basis before buying the full version; it often does not include
all the features of the full version or has a time limit before it stops working.
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(c) A protocol for transmitting private documents via the Internet; it uses two keys to encrypt the data
– a public key and a private key.
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(d) A standard adopted by the electronic music industry for controlling devices that produce music,
such as synthesisers and sound cards.
....................................................................................................................................... [1]
(e) A device that allows audio signals to be converted into electrical signals which can be interpreted
by a computer after being converted into digital signals.
...............................................................................................................................................[1]
Page |105

2210_0478_s16_qp_11_13
Q12) Some software can be described as free, freeware or shareware.
Tick (✓) the appropriate boxes in the table below to show which features apply to these three types
of software.
Software feature Free Freeware Shareware
Software source code can be freely accessed and modified
as required
All the features of the full version of the software are not
made available; the full version needs to be purchased first
The original software is subject to all copyright laws
It is possible to distribute modified versions or copies of the
software to friends and family
Q13)Secure socket layer (SSL) is used in the security of information on Internet websites.
(a) State how it is possible for a user to know that a website is secure by looking at the web address.
................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) Describe three of the stages a web browser goes through to detect whether a website is secure.
1 ...............................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
2 ...............................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
3 ...............................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................... [3]

Q14) A bank offers an online service to its customers. The bank has developed a “SafeToUse”
system that asks each customer to enter four randomly chosen characters from their password each
time they log in.
The customer selects these four characters from drop-down boxes. For example:

(a) (i) Explain why it is more secure to use drop-down boxes rather than entering characters using a
keyboard.
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................[2]
(ii) Give a reason why the system asks for four characters chosen at random.
................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................[1]
(b) Biometrics is an additional form of security.
Page |106
Give two examples of biometrics.
1 ...............................................................................................................................................
2 ............................................................................................................................................... [2]

Q15) 10 Six security issues and six descriptions are shown below.
Draw a line to link each security issue to its correct description.[5]

URL Description
?to
separate illegal access to a computer system without the owner’s
%20 consent or knowledge
Pharming
code for space

Variable
from URL
software that gathers information by monitoring key presses
on a user’s keyboard; the data is sent back to the originator
Phishing of the software

malicious code installed on the hard drive of a user’s

computer or on a web server; this code will re-direct the user
Viruses to a fake website without the user’s knowledge

creator of code sends out a legitimate-looking email in the

hope of gathering personal and financial information from
Hacking the recipient; it requires the user to click on the link in the
email or attachment

a message given to a web browser by a web server; it is

stored in a text file; the message is then sent back to the
Spyware
server each time the browser requests a page from the
server

program or code that replicates itself; designed to amend,

Cookies delete or copy data or files on a user’s computer; often
causes the computer to crash or run slowly
Page |107
Marking Scheme
Q12)
Software feature Free Freeware Shareware
Software source code can be freely accessed and modified
as required
✓
All the features of the full version of the software are not
made available; the full version needs to be purchased first
✓
The original software is subject to all copyright laws ✓ ✓
It is possible to distribute modified versions or copies of the
software to friends and family
✓

(a) Any one from:

– protocol ends in “s”
– use of padlock [1]

(b) Any three from:

– requests web server to identify itself/view the (SSL) certificate
– receives a copy of the (SSL) certificate, sent from the web server
– checks if SSL certificate is authentic/trustworthy
– sends signal back to web server that the certificate is authentic/trustworthy
– starts to transmit data once connection is established as secure
– if website is not secure browser will display an open padlock/warning message [3]

Q14) (a) (i) Any two from:

– to protect against key logging software/spyware
– can stop key presses being recorded
– can stop key presses being relayed
– drop down boxes cannot be recorded as key presses
– drop down boxes can be placed in different location on the screen each time (to overcome screen
capture issues) [2]
(ii) Any one from:
– hacker never finds all characters on the first hack
– makes it more difficult for hackers to find the order of the characters
– hacker needs to hack the system several times to gain the whole password
– shoulder surfing will not give person full password [1]
(b) Any two from:
– fingerprint scanner
– face recognition software
– retina scanner/iris scanner
– voice recognition software [2]

2210_0478_s16_qp_12 Q8
Q15 (b) Describe three ethical issues that should be considered when using computers.
1 .......................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
2 ........................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
Page |108
3 ......................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................ [3]
(c) Security of data is very important.
Three security issues are viruses, pharming and spyware.
Explain what is meant by each issue.
Viruses: .....................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
Pharming: .................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
Spyware: ...................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................... [6]

(d) Describe three tasks carried out by a firewall.

1 ................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
2 ................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
3 ................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................[3]
(b) Any three from:
– That we should follow Copyright laws/intellectual property rights/work should not be
stolen/plagiarised
– That we should follow Data Protection laws
– That we should not create or distribute malware//description of malware
– That we should not hack/crack other computers//description of hacking
– That we should protect our own computers against malware/hacking
– That we should consider privacy issues (when using social networking)
– That we consider anonymity issues (when using social networking)
– That we should consider environmental impacts when using computers
– Loss/creation of jobs from use of computers/robotics
– We should follow codes of practice (for creation of code e.g. ACM/IEEE) [3]
(c) 2 marks for each term described
Viruses:
– program/software/file that replicates (copies) itself
– intends to delete or corrupt files//fill up hard disk space
Pharming:
– malicious code stored on a computer/web server
– redirects user to fake website to steal user data
Spyware:
– monitors and relays user activity
Page |109
e.g. key presses//key logging software
– user activity/key presses can be analysed to find sensitive data e.g. passwords [6]
(d) Any three from:
– examines/monitors traffic to and from a user’s computer and a network/Internet
– checks whether incoming and outgoing traffic meets a given set of criteria/rules
– firewall blocks/filters traffic that doesn’t meet the criteria/rules
– logs all incoming and outgoing traffic
– can prevent viruses or hackers gaining access
– blocks/filters access to specified IP addresses/websites
– warns users of attempts by software (in their computer) trying to access external data sources (e.g.
updating of software) etc. // warns of attempted unauthorised access 0478-2210 Summer
to the system [3]
Q16 (a) Five statements and three types of software are shown below.
2016P12
Draw lines to connect each statement with the correct type of software. [3]

Statement Type of software

Users have the freedom to pass on the software to
friends and family as they wish.

Users can download this software free of charge,

but they cannot modify the source code in any way. Free software

Users are allowed to try out the software for a trial

period only before being charged. Freeware

Users can study the software source code and

modify it, where necessary, to meet their own
Shareware
needs, without breaking copyright laws.

Users can obtain a free trial version of the software,

but this often does not contain all the features of
the full version.

Winter 2016 P12

Q17(a) Explain what is meant by a denial of service attack.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[2]
(b) Name and describe two other potential security threats when using the Internet.
Security threat 1 .......................................................................................................................
Description ................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
Page |110
Security threat 2 .......................................................................................................................
Description ................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................. [4]

Q18) Explain the differences between freeware and free software.

..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................[4]
Marking Scheme
Q18) (a) Any two from:
– a large number of requests are sent to the network/server all at once
– designed to flood a network/server with useless traffic/requests
– the network/server will come to a halt/stop trying to deal with all the traffic/requests
– prevents users from gaining access to a website/server [2]
(b) 1 mark for each security threat and 1 mark for matching description
Security threat Description
Viruses – software that replicates
– causes loss/corruption of data // computer may “crash”/run slow
Hacking/cracking – illegal/ unauthorised access to a system/data

Phishing – a link/attachment sends user to fake website (where personal data may be
obtained)
Pharming – malicious code installed on user’s hard drive / computer
– user is redirected to a fake website (where personal data may be obtained)
Spyware/key logger – send/relay key strokes to a third party [4]
Page |111

Challenging Questions
Challenge 1 Summer 2015 P11)
Draw a line to connect each question to the correct answer. [5]

Challenge 2:
Sensors are one type of input device.
For each of the following situations, name a different sensor that could be used.
(i) air conditioning in an office building
Page |112
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) maintaining correct growing conditions in a greenhouse
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(iii) detecting an intruder in a building
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) Sensors are used to monitor seismic activity. At the end of each day, all the data are
transmitted to a central computer. This is hundreds of kilometres away.
Describe one way of ensuring that the integrity of the data is retained during the transmission
stage.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[4]

Challenge 3
(a) Give the definition of the terms firewall and authentication. Explain how they can help with the
security of data.
Firewall : ............................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................

Authentication: ................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................

(b) Describe two differences between data integrity and data security.
............................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................

(c) Data integrity is required at the input stage and also during transfer of the data.
(i) State two ways of maintaining data integrity at the input stage. Use examples to help explain your
answer.

............................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................

(ii) State two ways of maintaining data integrity during data transmission. Use examples to help
explain your answer.
............................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
Marking Scheme
Firewall
Page |113
• sits between the computer or LAN and the Internet/WAN and permits or blocks traffic to/from the
network
• can be software and/or hardware
• software firewall can make precise decisions about what to allow or block as it can detect illegal
attempts by specific software to connect to Internet
• can help to block hacking or viruses reaching a computer
Authentication
• process of determining whether somebody/something is who/what they claim to be
• frequently done through log on passwords/biometrics
• because passwords can be stolen/cracked, digital certification is used
• helps to prevent unauthorised access to data [3]
(b) Describe two differences between data integrity and data security.
(b) one mark for security, one mark for integrity:
• integrity deals with validity of data/freedom from errors/data is reasonable
• security deals with protection of data
• security protects data from illegal access/loss
• integrity deals with making sure data is not corrupted after, for example, being transmitted [2]

Challenge 2(c) Data integrity is required at the input stage and also during transfer of the data.
(i) State two ways of maintaining data integrity at the input stage. Use examples to help explain your
answer.
(c) (i) one mark for each way of maintaining data security + one mark for an example/enhancement
• validation (to ensure data is reasonable)
• examples include range checks, type checks, length checks, …
• verification (checks if data input matches original/if transmitted data matches original)
• can use double data entry or visual check/other methods such as parity checks
• doesn’t check whether or not data is reasonable [3]
(ii) State two ways of maintaining data integrity during data transmission. Use examples to help
explain your answer.
(ii) one mark for each way of maintaining data integrity + one mark for an example/enhancement
• parity checking
o one of the bits is reserved as parity bit
o e.g. 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 uses odd parity
o number of 1s must be odd
o parity is checked at receiver’s end
o a change in parity indicates data corruption
• check sum
o adds up bytes in data being sent and sends check sum with the data
o calculation is re-done at receiver’s end
o if not the same sum then the data has been corrupted during transmission [3]
Page |114

Challenge: 3
(a) Explain how the width of the data bus and system clock speed affect the performance of a
computer system.
Width of the data bus ................................................................................................................
Clock speed ............................................................................................................................[3]
(b) Most computers use Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports to allow the attachment of devices.
Describe two benefits of using USB ports.
1 ................................................................................................................................................
2 ...........................................................................................................................................[2]
(c) The table shows six stages in the von Neumann fetch-execute cycle.
Put the stages into the correct sequence by writing the numbers 1 to 6 in the right hand column.
[6]
Sequence
Description of stage
number
the instruction is copied from the Memory Data Register (MDR) and placed in
the Current Instruction Register (CIR)
the instruction is executed
the instruction is decoded
the address contained in the Program Counter (PC) is copied to the Memory
Address Register (MAR)
the value in the Program Counter (PC) is incremented so that it points to the
next instruction to be fetched
the instruction is copied from the memory location contained in the Memory
Address Register (MAR) and is placed in the Memory Data Register (MDR)

Marking Scheme
(a) Explain how the width of the data bus and system clock speed affect the performance of a
computer system.
Width of the data bus
• the width of the data bus determines the number of bits that can be simultaneously
transferred
• increasing the width of the data bus increases the number of bits/amount of data that can be
moved at one time (or equivalent)
• hence improving processing speed as fewer transfers are needed
• By example: e.g. double the width of the data bus moves 2x data per clock pulse
Clock speed
• determines the number of cycles the CPU can execute per second
• increasing clock speed increases the number of operations/number of fetch-execute cycles
that can be carried out per unit of time
• however, there is a limit on clock speed because the heat generated by higher clock speeds
cannot be removed fast enough
(b) Most computers use Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports to allow the attachment of devices.
Describe two benefits of using USB ports.
Any two from:
• devices automatically detected and configured when first attached/plug and play
• it is nearly impossible to wrongly connect a device
Page |115
• USB has become an industrial standard
• supported by many operating systems
• USB 3.0 allows full duplex data transfer
• later versions are backwards compatible with earlier USB systems
• allows power to be drawn to charge portable devices

(c) The table shows six stages in the von Neumann fetch-execute cycle.
Put the stages into the correct sequence by writing the numbers 1 to 6 in the right hand column. [6]
Sequence
Description of stage
number
the instruction is copied from the Memory Data Register (MDR) and placed in
3
the Current Instruction Register (CIR)
the instruction is executed 6
the instruction is decoded 5
the address contained in the Program Counter (PC) is copied to the Memory
1
Address Register (MAR)
the value in the Program Counter (PC) is incremented so that it points to the
4
next instruction to be fetched
the instruction is copied from the memory location contained in the Memory
2
Address Register (MAR) and is placed in the Memory Data Register (MDR)

Challenge 4
(a) Name and describe three buses used in the von Neumann model.
Bus 1.........................................................................................................................................
Description................................................................................................................................
Bus 2.........................................................................................................................................
Description................................................................................................................................
Bus 3.........................................................................................................................................
Description................................................................................................................................ [6]
(b) The sequence of operations shows, in register transfer notation, the fetch stage of the fetch
execute cycle.
1 MAR ← [PC]
2 PC ← [PC] + 1
3 MDR ← [[MAR]]
4 CIR ← [MDR]
• [register] denotes contents of the specified register or memory location
• Step 1 above is read as “the contents of the Program Counter are copied to the Memory Address
Register”
(i) Describe what is happening at step 2.
...................................................................................................................................... [1]
(ii) Describe what is happening at step 3.
...................................................................................................................................... [1]
(iii) Describe what is happening at step 4.
...................................................................................................................................... [1]
(c) (i) Explain what is meant by an interrupt.
...................................................................................................................................... [2]
(ii) Explain the actions of the processor when an interrupt is detected.
...................................................................................................................................... [4]
Page |116
Marking Scheme
(a) Name and describe three buses used in the von Neumann model.
• address bus
o lines used to transfer address of memory or input/output location
o unidirectional bus
• data bus
o used to transfer data between the processor and memory/input and output devices
o bidirectional bus
• control bus
o used to transmit control signals
o e.g. read/write/fetch/ …
o dedicated bus since all timing signals are generated according to control signal [6]
(b) The sequence of operations shows, in register transfer notation, the fetch stage of the fetch
execute cycle.
1 MAR ← [PC]
2 PC ← [PC] + 1
3 MDR ← [[MAR]]
4 CIR ← [MDR]
• [register] denotes contents of the specified register or memory location
• Step 1 above is read as “the contents of the Program Counter are copied to the Memory Address
Register”
(i) Describe what is happening at step 2.
the program counter is incremented
(ii) Describe what is happening at step 3.
the data stored at the address held in MAR is copied into the MDR
(iii) Describe what is happening at step 4.
the contents of the Memory Data Register is copied into the Current Instruction Register
(c) (i) Explain what is meant by an interrupt.
a signal from a device/program that it requires attention from the processor
(ii) Explain the actions of the processor when an interrupt is detected.
• Processor stores the current instruction into interrupt handler
• Then processor deals with the interrupt
• After servicing the interrupt the process resumes the last task from interrupt handler.
Challenge 5:
(a) Name the most suitable input or output device for each of the following uses.
Give a different device in each case. [5]
Input or output
Description of use
device
input of credit card number into an online form
selection of an option at an airport information kiosk
output of a single high-quality photograph
output of several hundred high-quality leaflets
input of a hard copy image into a computer

(b) All of the uses in part (a) involve the input or output of data.
(i) Describe two methods of preventing accidental loss of data.
1 ........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
Page |117
2 ........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[2]
(ii) Describe one way of ensuring the security of the data against malicious damage.
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[1]

Marking Scheme

Challenge 5: (a) Name the most suitable input or output device for each of the following uses.
Give a different device in each case. [5]
Description of use Input or output device
input of credit card number into an online form Keyboard/keypad/number pad
selection of an option at an airport information
touch screen
kiosk
output of a single high-quality photograph ink jet printer
output of several hundred high-quality leaflets laser printer
input of a hard copy image into a computer scanner

(b) All of the uses in part (a) involve the input or output of data.
(i) Describe two methods of preventing accidental loss of data.
• frequent (or equivalent) backup EITHER to secondary media/to 3rd party
server/cloud/removable devices/continuous backup OR stored remotely
• disk-mirroring strategy/RAID
• UPS (uninterruptable power supply)/backup generator
(ii) Describe one way of ensuring the security of the data against malicious damage.
• protection of data (or equivalent) with passwords/using password and username for
logging on include e.g. fingerprint scanning
• encryption
• installation and use of up to date anti-malware/anti-virus
• give different access rights to different users
• use a firewall,
• physical methods/lock doors and use secure entry devices/CCTV

Challenge 6: The incomplete table below shows descriptions and terms relating to malware.
(a) Complete the table with appropriate descriptions and terms. [4]
Description Term
Unsolicited emails containing advertising material sent to a ......................
A
distribution list. ...
A standalone piece of malicious software that can reproduce ......................
B
itself automatically. ...
..................................................................................................
..................................................................................................
C .................................................................................................. Pharming
..................................................................................................
..................................................................................................
D .................................................................................................. Phishing
Page |118
..................................................................................................
..................................................................................................
..................................................................................................
..................................................................................................

(b) For one of the terms, describe:

• a problem that might arise for a user
• a possible solution to the problem
Choose between the terms:
A / B (circle your choice)
Problem ....................................................................................................................................
Solution .....................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[2]
(c) Explain the following terms:
Encryption .................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
Public key
................................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................[2]

Challenge 6: The incomplete table below shows descriptions and terms relating to malware.
(a) Complete the table with appropriate descriptions and terms. [4]
Description Term
Unsolicited emails containing advertising material sent to a
A Spam
distribution list.
A standalone piece of malicious software that can
B reproduce Virus
itself automatically.
redirect website to fake website by poisoning domain Pharmin
C
name server, installing code in client computer g
through legitimate email attempt to obtain somebody’s
D Phishing
confidential data / install malware

(b) For one of the terms, describe:

• a problem that might arise for a user
• a possible solution to the problem
Choose between the terms: A / B (circle your choice)
Spam
Problem: • user’s inbox is filled by large amount of unwanted email
Solution: • user / email server employs filtering software that can divert / delete spam email
Virus
Problem :• could corrupt user’s computer // delete data // consume bandwidth
Solution: • run anti-virus software in the background // not connect to the Internet // keep OS up-to-
date[2]
(c) Explain the following terms:
Encryption: process of turning plain text into cipher text (meaningless for others)
Public key: key widely available that can be used to encrypt message that only owner of
private key can decrypt // can be used to decrypt a message thereby confirming originator of
message [2]
Page |119

Challenge 7: A system is monitored using sensors. The sensors output binary values corresponding
to physical conditions, as shown in the table:
Description of
Parameter Binary value Description of condition
parameter
1 pressure >= 3 bar
P oil pressure
0 pressure < 3 bar
1 temperature >= 200°C
T Temperature
0 temperature < 200°C
rotation <= 1000 revs per minute
1
(rpm)
R rotation
rotation > 1000 revs per minute
0
(rpm)

The outputs of the sensors form the inputs to a logic circuit. The output from the circuit, X, is 1 if
any of the following three conditions occur:
either
oil pressure >= 3 bar and temperature >= 200°C
or oil pressure < 3 bar and rotation > 1000 rpm
or temperature>= 200°C and rotation > 1000 rpm
(a)Draw a logic circuit to represent the above system.

(b) Complete the truth table for this system. [4]

P T R Workspace X
0 0 0
0 0 1
0 1 0
0 1 1
1 0 0
1 0 1
1 1 0
1 1 1

Challenge 7: A system is monitored using sensors. The sensors output binary values corresponding
to physical conditions, as shown in the table:
Description of
Parameter Binary value Description of condition
parameter
1 pressure >= 3 bar
P oil pressure
0 pressure < 3 bar
1 temperature >= 200°C
T Temperature
0 temperature < 200°C
rotation <= 1000 revs per minute
1
(rpm)
R rotation
rotation > 1000 revs per minute
0
(rpm)
The outputs of the sensors form the inputs to a logic circuit. The output from the circuit, X, is 1 if
any of the following three conditions occur:
Page |120
either
oil pressure >= 3 bar and temperature >= 200°C
or oil pressure < 3 bar and rotation > 1000 rpm
or temperature>= 200°C and rotation > 1000 rpm
(a)Draw a logic circuit to represent the above system.

Challenge 8: (a) There are two types of RAM: dynamic RAM (DRAM) and static RAM (SRAM).
Five statements about DRAM and SRAM are shown below.
Draw a line to link each statement to the appropriate type of RAM. [5]
Statement Type of RAM
requires data to be refreshed periodically in order to retain the
data

has more complex circuitry DRAM

does not need to be refreshed as the circuit holds the data as

long as the power supply is on

requires higher power consumption which is significant when SRAM

used in battery-powered devices

used predominantly in cache memory of processors where

speed is important

(b) Describe three differences between RAM and ROM.

...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................. [3]
(c) DVD-RAM and flash memory are two examples of storage devices.
Describe two differences in how they operate.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
Page |121
...................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................. [2]

Challenge 9:
(a) The table shows four statements about IP addresses.
Tick (✓) to show which of the statements are true. [2]
Statement True (✓)
The IP address consists of any number of digits separated by single dots
(.)
Each number in an IP address can range from 0 to 255
IP addresses are used to ensure that messages and data reach their
correct destinations
Public IP addresses are considered to be more secure than private IP
addresses

(b) Consider the URL:

http://cie.org.uk/computerscience.html
(i) Give the meaning of the following parts of the URL.
http ....................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
cie.org.uk ...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
computerscience.html .......................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................[3]

Challenge 9:
(a) The table shows four statements about IP addresses.
Tick (✓) to show which of the statements are true. [2]
Statement True (✓)
The IP address consists of any number of digits separated bysingle dots
(.)
Each number in an IP address can range from 0 to 255 ✓
IP addresses are used to ensure that messages and data reachtheir
✓
correct destinations
Public IP addresses are considered to be more secure than privateIP
addresses

(b) Consider the URL:

http://cie.org.uk/computerscience.html
(i) Give the meaning of the following parts of the URL.
http:– enables browser to know what protocol is being used to access information in the
domain
cie.org.ukis the domain name
computerscience.htmlweb page / file being viewed
Page |122
Challenge 10: (a) Three digital sensors A, B and C are used to monitor a process. The outputs from
the sensors are used as the inputs to a logic circuit.
A signal, X, is output from the logic circuit:

(b) Complete the truth table for the logic circuit described in part (a). [4]
A B C Workspace X
0 0 0
0 0 1
0 1 0
0 1 1
1 0 0
1 0 1
1 1 0
1 1 1

(c) Write a logic statement that describes the following logic circuit.

...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................. [3]
Page |123

Challenge 11: A web page offers a link for users to request another web page. The requested web
page contains HTML code and JavaScript code.
Put each statement in the correct sequence by writing the numbers 1 to 5 in the right-hand column.
Sequence
Statement
number
The requested web page is displayed on the client computer
The user clicks on the hyperlink and the web page is requested from the web
server
The requested web page content is transmitted to the client computer
The client computer processes the JavaScript code using the web browser
software
The web server locates the requested web page

Challenge 11: A web page offers a link for users to request another web page. The requested web
page contains HTML code and JavaScript code.
Put each statement in the correct sequence by writing the numbers 1 to 5 in the right-hand column.
Sequence
Statement
number
The requested web page is displayed on the client computer 5
The user clicks on the hyperlink and the web page is requested from the web
1
server
The requested web page content is transmitted to the client computer 3
The client computer processes the JavaScript code using the web browser
4
software
The web server locates the requested web page 2
Challenge 12: Computer programs have to evaluate expressions.
Study the sequence of pseudocode statements.
Write down the value assigned to each variable.
Page |124
2 A programmer uses an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for all program development.
Describe what is meant by an IDE.
............................................................................................................................................... [2]

Challenge 12: Computer programs have to evaluate expressions.

Study the sequence of pseudocode statements.
Write down the value assigned to each variable.

2 A programmer uses an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for all program development.
Describe what is meant by an IDE.
(Single) software program
Features for:
program editor/writing/editing
translation // interpreter/compiler
testing program code // observe outputs 2 points to score
Page |125
Challenge 13: A program design is to be amended. The value input by the user for the ticket type is
to be validated. Part of the amended flowchart is shown below.

Write pseudocode to use a pre-condition loop for this validation.

INPUT TicketType
WHILE TicketType<>”E” OR TicketType<>”S”
INPUT TicketType
ENDWHILE
Or
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Challenge 14 The programmer amends the design to validate the value of player game grade that
the user inputs.
The amended part of the flowchart is shown below.

Write the equivalent pseudocode using a pre-condition loop, for this part of the amended
flowchart.

INPUT PlayerGameGrade
WHILE PlayerGameGrade <> 'A' ORPlayerGameGrade<> 'B' OR
PlayerGameGrade <> 'C' ORPlayerGameGrade <> 'D')
OUTPUT "Invalid – Re-enter"
INPUT PlayerGameGrade
ENDWHILE
Or
INPUT PlayerGameGrade
WHILE NOT(PlayerGameGrade = 'A' ORPlayerGameGrade = 'B'
ORPlayerGameGrade = 'C' ORPlayerGameGrade = 'D')
OUTPUT "Invalid – Re-enter"
INPUT PlayerGameGrade
ENDWHILE
P a g e | 127

Challenge 15 A marathon runner records their time for a race in hours, minutes and seconds.
An algorithm is shown below in structured English.
INPUT race time as hours, minutes and seconds
CALCULATE race time in seconds
STORE race time in seconds
OUTPUT race time in seconds
(a) The identifier table needs to show the variables required to write a program for this algorithm.
Complete the table.
Identifier Data type Description
RaceHours INTEGER The hours part of the race time.

Identifier Data Type Description

RaceHours INTEGER The hours part of the race time
RaceMinutes INTEGER the minute part of the race time
RaceSeconds INTEGER // REAL the seconds part of the race time
RaceTime INTEGER // REAL the race time in seconds

Challenge 16 Computer programs have to evaluate expressions.

Study the sequence of pseudocode statements.
Give the value assigned to each variable.
The statement may generate an error. If so, write ERROR.
The & operator is used to concatenate strings.
DECLARE N1 : INTEGER
DECLARE N2 : INTEGER
DECLARE Answer : REAL
DECLARE Found : BOOLEAN
DECLARE IsValid : BOOLEAN
N1 ← 3
N2 ← 9
Answer ← (N1 + N2) / 6
Answer ← 3 * (N1 – 2) + N2 / 2
IsValid ← (N1 > N2) AND (N2 = 9)
Found ← FALSE
IsValid ← (N1 > N2 / 2) OR (Found = FALSE)
Answer "1034" & " + " & "65"
Give the value assigned to each variable
(i) Answer .............................................................................................................................. [1]
(ii) Answer .............................................................................................................................. [1]
(iii) IsValid ........................................................................................................................... [1]
(iv) IsValid ........................................................................................................................... [1]
(v) Answer .............................................................................................................................. [1]
(i) Answer = 2 [1]
(ii) Answer = 7.5 [1]
(iii) FALSE [1]
(iv) TRUE [1]
(v) ERROR [1]
P a g e | 128

Challenge 16 Computer programs have to evaluate expressions.

Study the sequence of pseudocode statements.
Give the value assigned to each variable.
The statement may generate an error. If so, write ERROR.
The & operator is used to concatenate strings.
DECLARE N1 : INTEGER
DECLARE N2 : INTEGER
DECLARE Answer : REAL
DECLARE Found : BOOLEAN
DECLARE IsValid : BOOLEAN
N1 ← 3
N2 ← 9
Answer ← (N1 + N2) / 6
Answer ← 3 * (N1 – 2) + N2 / 2
IsValid ← (N1 > N2) AND (N2 = 9)
Found ← FALSE
IsValid ← (N1 > N2 / 2) OR (Found = FALSE)
Answer "1034" & " + " & "65"

Challenge 17 Show what type of programming construct each statement represents.

Complete the table by putting a tick (✓) in the appropriate column for each item.
Item Statement Selection Iteration Assignment
1 MyScore = 65
2 FOR IndexVal = 0 TO 99
3 MyArray[3] = MID(MyString,3,2)
4 IF MyScore >= 70 THEN
5 ENDWHILE
6 ELSE Message = "Error"

Challenge 17 Show what type of programming construct each statement represents.

Complete the table by putting a tick (✓) in the appropriate column for each item.
Item Statement Selection Iteration Assignment
1 MyScore = 65 ✓
2 FOR IndexVal = 0 TO 99 ✓
3 MyArray[3] = MID(MyString,3,2) ✓
4 IF MyScore >= 70 THEN ✓
5 ENDWHILE ✓
6 ELSE Message = "Error" ✓ ✓

Challenge 18 Show what type of programming construct each statement represents.

Complete the table by putting a tick (✓) in the appropriate column for each item.
Item Statement Selection Iteration Assignment
1 WHILE DegF > 37.5
2 MyName = "Gordon"
3 DegF = INT(DegF)
4 ENDIF
5 CASE OF MyFavourite
6 UNTIL x = 5
P a g e | 129

Item Statement Selection Iteration Assignment

1 WHILE DegF > 37.5 ✓
2 MyName = "Gordon" ✓
3 DegF = INT(DegF) ✓
4 ENDIF ✓
5 CASE OF MyFavourite ✓
6 UNTIL x = 5 ✓

Challenge 19: Computer systems often use several types of storage. This storage is both primary
and secondary.
(a) State a use for each of the storage devices shown below.
RAM ..........................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
ROM .........................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
Hard disk drive ..........................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
Optical storage device ..............................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................[4]
(b) Another type of storage device is a solid state drive (SSD).
Give four advantages of using an SSD when compared with using a hard disk drive.
1 ................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
2 ................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
3 ................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
4 ................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................[4]

Challenge 19: (a)

RAM
– stores data/applications/programs software/files/OS currently in use
ROM
– stores BIOS/start-up/files that cannot be altered
Hard disk drive
– stores applications/programs software/user’s files //
– stores data/user files/programs when the computer is turned off
Optical storage device
– stores data/or by example – photos/music/files / software that can be transferred between
computers any sensible example
– stores applications to be installed
(b) Any four from: [4]
– lightweight/more compact
P a g e | 130

– no moving parts (so more robust)

– don’t have to wait for device to “reach operating speed”/no latency time
– lower power consumption
– doesn’t produce a lot of noise/heat
– much higher data access speed
– not affected by a magnetic field
– does not need to be defragmented (to maintain high data transfer rate)Faster is not enough.

Challenge 20:Six statements and eight input devices are shown below.
Draw a line to link each statement to the correct input device.
Statement Input Device
Device for reading text from a printed Magnetic Ink
document and converting it into a form Character
that can be used in a word processor Reader (MICR)

Device that reads parallel lines of Sensor

various widths and spacing

Magnetic stripe
reader
Device that collects data values from
the real world
Optical Character
Reader (OCR)

Device that reads pencil or pen marks Digital camera with

in pre-determined positions on a page video capture card

Barcode reader or
Barcode scanner
Device that reads the data from a
magnetised band on the back of a card
or ticket
Keyboard

Device that acquires the images of an Optical Mark

intruder entering a building Reader(OMR)
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P a g e | 132

Challenge 21:(a) A processor controls a heating system. To do this, it uses:

• a temperature sensor
• a device in which a small electrical input current switches a much larger current for the heater
The following steps, when put into the correct sequence, describe how to switch on the heater. Put
the steps into the correct sequence using the numbers 1 to 5.
[4]

Step Sequence
#
Sensor reading is sent to the microprocessor
Microprocessor checks sensor reading against stored temperature value
Temperature reading is taken by the analogue sensor
If the sensor reading is less than the stored value, the microprocessor sends a
signal to switch on the heater
Sensor reading is converted into a digital value using an ADC

(b) Name a suitable sensor for each of the following applications.

State what the sensor detects in each case.
(i) Intruder detection system
Sensor ...............................................................................................................................
Reason for choice .............................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[2]
(ii) Switching on a street lamp when it gets dark.
Sensor ...............................................................................................................................
Reason for choice .............................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[2]
(iii) Counting people entering a building.
Sensor ...............................................................................................................................
Reason for choice .............................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[2]
P a g e | 133

Challenge 21
(a) A processor controls a heating system. To do this, it uses:
• a temperature sensor
• a device in which a small electrical input current switches a much larger current for the heater
The following steps, when put into the correct sequence, describe how to switch on the heater. Put
the steps into the correct sequence using the numbers 1 to 5. [4]

Step Sequence #
Sensor reading is sent to the microprocessor 3
Microprocessor checks sensor reading against stored temperature value 4
Temperature reading is taken by the analogue sensor 1
If the sensor reading is less than the stored value, the microprocessor sends a 5
signal to switch on the heater
Sensor reading is converted into a digital value using an ADC 2

(b) Name a suitable sensor for each of the following applications.

State what the sensor detects in each case.
(i) Intruder detection system
Sensor Reason
microphone can detect sound of footsteps, breaking glass, …. [2]
acoustic can detect sound of footsteps, breaking glass, ….
infra-red detects movement (broken beam) or heat change
pressure detects weight of person entering building
magnetic detects if a door / window has been opened
(ii) Switching on a street lamp when it gets dark.

Sensor .Light
Reason for choice detects level of ambient light (not “when it gets dark”)
(iii) Counting people entering a building.
Sensor Reason for choice
proximity detects movement
infra-red each time person breaks beam
pressure each time person steps on pressure pad

Challenge 22:
The ISP advertises a download speed of 80 Mbits/second.
(i) State the number of Mbytes/second this is equivalent to.
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) Calculate the time taken to download an 80 Mbyte file.
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
The business complains to the ISP that the actual download speed is only 0.8 Mbits/second.
(iii) Calculate the time taken to download the same 80 Mbyte file.
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(iv) Suggest one reason why the download speed is lower than advertised.
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
Marking Scheme
(i) 10 [1]
(ii) 8 seconds [1]
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(iii) 800 seconds [1]

(iv) Any one from: [1]
– over-capacity on network lines
– computer virus (sending out spurious messages)
– cabling/modem/filter fault
– connection uses copper cable which is a distance from the main telephone switch

Challenge 23:
For each circuit below, state the equivalent single logic gate.

Circuit 1 .....................................................................................................................................
Circuit 2 .................................................................................................................................[2]
Marking Scheme

Circuit 1 – NOR gate [2]

Circuit 2 – NAND gate

Challenge 24
An airport car park is made up of 5 rows, each with 8 bays. When a car enters the car park, a
computer system captures its registration plate (number plate) data. The computer system is able
to determine the row and bay in which the car is parked.
(a) Outline a suitable method for capturing the registration data of each car.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[2]
(b) When a customer wants to leave the car park with their car, they enter their registration plate
data at a ticket machine.
The machine calculates and displays the parking fee and the location of the car (for example row
5, bay 4).
(i) Name a suitable device to enter the car registration and display the location of the car.
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) Describe how the computer system can calculate the parking fee.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[2]
Marking Scheme
(a) [2]
– use of digital video or digital still camera
P a g e | 135

– use of optical character recognition (software)

– compare the symbols with a library of characters.
(b) (i) touchscreen [1]
(ii) Any two from: [2]
– on entry to car park, date and time stored (e.g. value X)
– on paying the fee, new date and time stored (e.g. value Y)
– computer calculates (Y – X)
– and multiplies number of hours by car park tariff

Challenge 25:
A student wrote the following five statements on a computing exam paper.
Explain why each statement is incorrect.
(i) “Backing up data on a pen drive always allows a user to recover data in the event of
data loss caused by a virus.”
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[2]
(ii) “A stack data structure operates on the first-in, first-out principle and is controlled by
two pointers.”
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[2]
(iii) “The two bytes 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 and 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 both have even parity since their
denary values, 76 and 110, are even.”
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[2]
(iv) “Broadband is a method of communication which is digital in nature; it uses a single
channel that uses the entire bandwidth of the medium.”
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[2]

Marking Scheme

Challenge 25:A student wrote the following five statements on a computing exam paper.
Explain why each statement is incorrect.
(i) “Backing up data on a pen drive always allows a user to recover data in the event of
data loss caused by a virus.”
– backed up data/files may already have a virus
– so recovery procedure may re-infect computer [2]
(ii) “A stack data structure operates on the first-in, first-out principle and is controlled by
two pointers.”

(iii) Any two from: [2]

– a stack operates on ‘first-in, last-out’
– a stack requires only one pointer
– this is a description of a queue [2]
P a g e | 136

(iii) “The two bytes 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 and 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 both have even parity since their
denary values, 76 and 110, are even.”
(iii) Any two from: [2]
– both binary numbers have odd number of 1s (and 0s)
– so they must both have odd parity
– even / odd (denary) values have no bearing on the parity
(iv) “Broadband is a method of communication which is digital in nature; it uses a single
channel that uses the entire bandwidth of the medium.”
(iv) Any two from: [2]
– broadband sends data as analogue
– each transmission is assigned only a portion of the bandwidth
– allowing multiple transmissions at the same time across the media
– description given is that of baseband [2]
(v) Any two from: [2]
– ROM is read only
– buffers use RAM memory
– buffer contents always changing / buffers store data temporarily .[2]
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