Past Paper Solutions

December 2013

1.) Teaching
a)
Positive Impact - Make job of teacher easier - organise notes using presentation
software.
Make lesson more interesting use of web content - youtube videos, pictures from
web
Negative Impact - Can become dependant, if power goes or computer fails no plan
in place.
b) Hardware - Multimedia Projector
Software - Microsoft Powerpoint
c)Hardware - Devices that connect to the computer that you can see and touch Physical devices.
Software - Programs installed on the computer that help the user to solve a
problem.
d)

Central Processing Unit

2a) Work Continuously, Larger memory capacity, perform thousands of calculations

in a second.
b) Computer interface - The hardware devices that are used to interact with the
computer.
User interface - The method by which a user interacts with a computer program.
c) 1) Command driven - use of keyboard and commands.
2) Menu driven - use of mouse and pop up and pull down menus.
3) GUI (Graphical User Interface) - Use of mouse and icons, windows, menus,
pointers.

d) Application software are programs that are designed to solve a specific problem
or perform a particular task.

System software are programs that enable the computer system to run properly and
efficiently.

3a) An input device is a device that is used to get instructions and data into the
computer.
b) Data - Unprocessed, raw facts and figures, no meaning.
Information - Processed data, becomes meaningful.
c) Keyboard, OCR
d) Optical Mark Reader, Optical Character Reader, Magnetic Ink Character
Recognition
e) OMR - Scanner detects shadings/markings on paper- used to correct multiple
choice exams.
OCR - Scanner detects letters on paper and can open it in a word processor.

4a) Data Communications - Refers to all the methods by which computers and
other devices in a network send data to each other.
Voice mail - an electronic communication system in which spoken messages are recorded or
digitized for later playback to the intended recipient
Upload - An upload involves sending a copy of a file to a remote network location.
Download - A download involves the receipt of a file copied from a remote
network location.
b) LAN Local Area Network a set of computers and peripherals, such as printers,
that are connected to each other over a small area such as a room, office or school.
WAN Wide Area Network a computer network spread over a very large area, and
may use satellite and broadband connections rather than network cables. eg. Very
large university, hospital.
c) Simplex In simplex mode the transmission is in one direction only. Eg. A baby
moniter that allows to hear when a baby is crying in another room.
Duplex Both devices can transmit at the same time. Eg. Telephone lines.
Half duplex Both devices can transmit, but only one at a time. Eg. Walkie-talkies.

5a) A computer terminal consists of a keyboard/mouse and screen. A smart terminal

is a terminal that has some processing capability eg. digital type writer.
b) Give instructions verbally to computer, can assist with handicapped users or
allows users to work hands free.
c) An output device gives the result of processing to the user. e.g screen

d) Impact - Makes print by making physical contact with paper. - Noisy, low print
quality, slow
Non Impact - Makes print without having to make physical contact with paper Quiet, high print quality, fast.

6a)Software piracy -Software

piracy is

the

unauthorized

copying,

reproduction,

use,

or

manufacture

of software products.

- Network piracy refers to the practice of using a network without the

permission of the owner, especially as to engage in illegal activity. This most often occurs
when a wireless network is left open
Network piracy

b) Copyright - Copyright is a legal right created by the law of a country, that grants the
creator of an original work exclusive rights to its use and distribution, usually for a limited time,
with the intention of enabling the creator to receive compensation for their intellectual effort.
c) Password - a string of characters that allows access to a computer, interface, or system.
Used to log on to a computer/email.
Firewall - Hardware or software that can filter the data that enters or leaves a computer/network.
Used to protect computer from threats on the internet.
Encryption - Data is encrypted when it is converted into a secret code. Encrypted data is
decrypted when it is converted back into ordinary text. Used to send a private message to
someone.

d) Data - Raw facts and figures.

Database

- A database is a collection of information that is organized so that it can easily

be accessed, managed, and updated.

eg of package . - Microsoft Access.

December 2012

1a) cache memory - primary

flash memory/disk - secondary
random access memory - primary
PROM - primary
b)cache memory - an auxiliary memory from which high-speed retrieval is possible.
Flash memory -is an electronic non-volatile computer storage medium that can be electrically
erased and reprogrammed.
RAM is a form of primary storage, it is volatile (contents of memory is lost when power is turned
off). RAM takes the form of integrated circuits and it is used to temporarily store data and allows
quick access to this stored data. This data can be accessed in any order.
PROM is a form of ROM that is one-time programmable. This means that this device can only
be programmed once and can never be reprogrammed. The key difference from ROM is that
the programming is applied after the device is created.

c) 3.5, 700mb, 4gb, hard disk

2a) scenario 1 - Command driven interface

scenario 2 - Graphical User Interface (GUI)
b) Menu Driven Interface
c) Graphical User interface because pictures/icons make it easier to understand functions.
d) A user interface is the way in which a user interacts with a computer system. The operating
system provides this interface.

A window is a (usually) rectangular portion of the display on a

computer monitor that presents its contents (e.g., the contents of a
directory, a text file or an image) seemingly independently of the
rest of the screen. Windows are one of the elements that comprise
a graphical user interface (GUI). eg. the window that displays
microsoft word.
e) i)

An icon is a small picture or symbol on a graphical user

interface (GUI) that represents a program (or command), file,
directory (also called a folder) or device (such as a hard disk or
floppy). e.g. the icon used to start the microsoft word program.
ii)

iii) menu - a list of commands or facilities displayed on screen. e.g the office button when clicked
displays a list of options in a menu.
iv)pointer - The pointer echoes movements of the pointing device, commonly a mouse or touchpad, and signals the point
where actions of the user take place. It can be used to select and move other graphical user interface elements, and is distinct from
the cursor, which responds to keyboard input. e.g. mouse pointer used when drawing in paint.

3a) ring,bus, star - see notes for diagrams

Star is most suitable since in a business since the uptime of the network is very important else
money could be lost. The star is therefore the best choice since it is more resilient to failure. e.g.
if a cable fails only the computer connected to that computer will fail and not the entire network.
b) 1. To share devices such as a printer. 2. To share files, get emails/web access.
c) A set of computers that are linked together so they can share facilities such as printers and
hard drives.
d) Upload - An upload involves sending a copy of a file to a remote network
location.
Download - A download involves the receipt of a file copied from a remote
network location.
Teleconferencing means meeting through a telecommunications medium. It is a generic term for linking people between two or
more locations by electronics. There are at least six types of teleconferencing: audio, audiographic, computer, video, business
television (BTV), and distance education.

4a) Internet - The Internet is the largest computer network system in the world. It consists of
many smaller networks connected together by a global public network.
Electronic mail - Mail or messages transmitted electronically by computers via communication
channels. It is usual for such messages to be held in a central store for retrieval at the users
convenience.
Modem The word modem is derived from MOdulator DEModulator. It is a device that is used
to convert digital signals to analog signals and vice versa. It was commonly used long ago to
send data over telephone lines which work on analog signals.
Hyperlink - a link from a hypertext document to another location, activated by clicking on a
highlighted word or image.
bi) URL - Each page on the World Wide Web has a unique address called the Uniform
Resource Locator (URL).
ii) Web address
iii)Hyper Text Transport Protocol
iv) Search Engine
c) i)ethan.hunt - username
ii) yahoo.com - domain name / mail server
iii) .com - Domain

d) Theft of personal information

Malware/virus threats
Age inappropriate content

5a)dumb - A display monitor that has no processing capabilities. A dumb terminal is simply an output device that
accepts data from the CPU.

smart -

a smart terminal is a monitor that has its own processor for special features, such as bold and blinking characters.

Intelligent terminals include memory and a processor to perform special display operations.

b) A

camera that stores images digitally rather than recording them on film. Once a picture has
been taken, it can be downloaded to a computer system, and then manipulated with a graphics
program and printed.
c) Output from a computer can be stored on a roll of film called a microfilm or on a rectangular
sheet of film called a microfiche.
Used to store large volumes of data for archival purposes eg. In libraries and newspaper offices.

d)LCD - Liquid Crystal Display

LED - Light Emitting Diode
CRT - Cathode Ray Tube

e) LCD - Flat screen moniters/TVs

LED - Used in screen back lights, torch lights
CRT - Used in older moniters and TVs

2009

a) Data - Unprocessed, raw facts and figures, no meaning.

Information - Processed data, becomes meaningful.

b) Bits are smallest unit of storage, can either be a 1 or a 0.

A byte is comprised of 8 bits , can be any character on the keyboard.
c) ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange)
Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code (EBCDIC)
d)silicon chip - a

tiny wafer of silicon used to make an integrated circuit; a microchip.

e) Athlon - made by AMD

Pentium - made by intel.
f)ALU,CU, Main memory - see notes for definition.

a) floppy disk, CD, flash drive

b)Kilobyte, Megabyte, Gigabyte . 1024Kb=1 Mb, and 1024 Mb = 1 Gb
c)1. Floppy - uses magnet to read disk, Optical disk - uses light(laser) to read disk
2. Floppy only 1.44Mb storage , optical disk has more storage eg cd =700mb
3. floppy disk smaller dimensions, optical disk slightly bigger.
4. data on floppy disk can become erased if in contact with a magnet field, not so with
optical disks.
d) see Notes
Floppy Disk (diskette)
Was the most popular storage device until year 2000
Limited storage 1.44 MB
Portable 3.5 inches
Unreliable affected by dust, moisture, magnetic fields.
Direct access to data
Slow access time (84 milliseconds)
Optical Disks
High Capacity
Cost Very cheap (CD,DVD)
Very portable small, light weight
Fast access time
Direct access to Data

a) Custom written or Tailor made software

b)This is general purpose software and off the shelf package - means she can go in a
store and buy it.
c) i) Adv - Made to your specification
Disadv - More expensive
ii) Adv - Cheaper
Disadv - may not contain all the features you will need.
d) Software piracy is the illegal copying, distribution, or use of software.
1) Loss of money for software developers
2) Viruses may spread easily with the distribution of pirated software.
3) Pirated software may not work properly
4) Pirated software can incriminate you if installed on your computer.
e) Copyright - the

exclusive and legal right, given to the originator for a fixed number of years, to
print, publish, perform, film, or record literary, artistic, or musical material.

a) The Internet is the largest computer network system in the world. It consists of many
smaller networks connected together by a global public network.
World Wide Web (WWW) - The World Wide Web (abbreviated as WWW or W3,
commonly known as the Web), is a system of interlinked hypertext documents
accessed via the Internet.
b) Internet Service Provider - TSTT, Digicel, Green dot, flow
c) Uniform Resource Locator , alternative name - web site address.
Top level domain name .com
d) Global Reach, faster transactions, open 24/7
e) A computer virus is a program or piece of code that is loaded onto your computer without
your knowledge and runs against your wishes.

1. Via infected pen drives . 2. By opening infected email attachments.

a) communication over a distance by cable, telegraph, telephone, or broadcasting.

b) an extensive electronic network such as the Internet, used for the rapid transfer of information
such as sound, video, and graphics in digital form.
c) Email , Text messaging (SMS), Video conference, video streaming
d) Simplex In simplex mode the transmission is in one direction only. Eg. A baby
moniter that allows to hear when a baby is crying in another room.
Duplex Both devices can transmit at the same time. Eg. Telephone lines.
Half duplex Both devices can transmit, but only one at a time. Eg. Walkie-talkies.

e) Consist of tiny glass tubes that transmit light.

They are popular because they can transmit data very fast and for long distances.

2011
1.
(a) What does formatting a diskette mean? (2 marks)
(b) State three features of optical disks and what does CD-R and CD-RW stand for?(5 marks)
(c) What does DVD mean and suggest one use for which it is more suitable than a CD. . (2 marks)
(d) Tabulate four (4) differences between flash drives (disks) and hard disks. (4 marks)
(e) What type of devices are OMR, OCR, MICR; state what they each stand for, and give
an application in which that technology is frequently used for each of them. (7
marks)
(20marks)

a) Before a storage medium can be used to store data it must be prepared by

the storage device to accept data. (Formatting)
b) High Capacity, Direct Access, Cheap
Compact Disc - Recordable, Compact Disc Re-Writable
c) Digital Versatile/video Disc - more suitable for movies than CDs
d)

Flash Drive
Small storage capacity
Small in size
Has no moving parts
Cheap

Hard disk
Large storage capacity
Bigger than flash drive
Has spinning disc
Expensive

e) They are all types of scanners or input devices

OMR - Optical Mark Reader used to correct multiple choice exams, OCR- Optical
Character Recognition used to scan text from paper documents into the computer eg. in
an office, MICR - Magnetic Ink Character Recognition used by banks to read cheque
information.

2.
Consider the 2 scenarios:
Scenario 1: Ethan communicates with his computer by typing in specific commands using a specific
language to get tasks done.

Scenario 2: Gale communicates with her computer by using the mouse and selecting pictures
representing tasks.
(a) Name the type of interface suggested in each scenario. (2 marks)
(b) State one type of interface other than those suggested above. (1 mark)
(c) Which of the above interfaces is more user friendly for someone learning to use a computer and
why? (2 marks)
(d) What is user interfaceand state the type of program that provides this interface(3marks)
(e) Define (i) window (ii) icon (iii)menu (iv) pointer with one example each. (12 marks)
(20 marks)

2a) scenario 1 - Command driven interface

scenario 2 - Graphical User Interface (GUI)
b) Menu Driven Interface
c) Graphical User interface because pictures/icons make it easier to understand functions.
d) A user interface is the way in which a user interacts with a computer system. The operating
system provides this interface.

A window is a (usually) rectangular portion of the display on a

computer monitor that presents its contents (e.g., the contents of a
directory, a text file or an image) seemingly independently of the
rest of the screen. Windows are one of the elements that comprise
a graphical user interface (GUI). eg. the window that displays
microsoft word.
e) i)

An icon is a small picture or symbol on a graphical user

interface (GUI) that represents a program (or command), file,
directory (also called a folder) or device (such as a hard disk or
floppy). e.g. the icon used to start the microsoft word program.
ii)

iii) menu - a list of commands or facilities displayed on screen. e.g the office button when clicked
displays a list of options in a menu.
iv)pointer - The pointer echoes movements of the pointing device, commonly a mouse or touchpad, and signals the point
where actions of the user take place. It can be used to select and move other graphical user interface elements, and is distinct from
the cursor, which responds to keyboard input. e.g. mouse pointer used when drawing in paint.

3.
A large insurance company has ten employees who work in the main office. Each employee has a
computer system and a printer to use for his/her daily tasks. It is suggested that these computers
should be networked.
(a) Name and explain with drawings three (3) network topologies that may be used and state which
one of these is best suited for this environment and why. (10 marks)
(b) Give two (2) reasons why networks are important in an office environment. (2 marks)
(c) What is a network. (2 marks)
(d) Explain any three (3) of the following benefits of data communications.
(i) E-mail (ii) Voice mail (iii) Text Messaging (iv)Teleconferencing (6 marks)
(20marks)
ring,bus, star - see notes for diagrams
Star is most suitable since in a business since the uptime of the network is very important else
money could be lost. The star is therefore the best choice since it is more resilient to failure. e.g.
if a cable fails only the computer connected to that computer will fail and not the entire network.
b) 1. To share devices such as a printer. 2. To share files, get emails/web access.
c) A set of computers that are linked together so they can share facilities such as printers and
hard drives.
d) Electronic mail - Mail or messages transmitted electronically by computers via
communication channels. It is usual for such messages to be held in a central store for retrieval
at the users convenience.

Voice mail - an electronic communication system in which spoken messages are recorded or
digitized for later playback to the intended recipient
1.

Text messaging, or texting, is the act of composing and sending brief, electronic messages between two or more
mobile phones, or fixed or portable devices over a phone network. The term originally referred tomessages sent using the
Short Message Service (SMS).

Teleconferencing means meeting through a telecommunications medium. It is a generic term for linking people between two or
more locations by electronics. There are at least six types of teleconferencing: audio, audiographic, computer, video, business
television (BTV), and distance education.

4.
(a) What is software piracy and state one reason why copying a program is considered to be
morally wrong. (3 marks)
(b) Within a large company, data on each employee is stored in a central location. This data is
shared by several departments and an employees record can be viewed and modified by
many employees from several departments.
(i) State two(2) problems that would arise from the sharing of the data in the company.
(2 marks)
(ii) State two(2) methods that can be used to secure data. (2 marks)
(c) What is a computer virus and state two (2) measures that could be implemented in order
to prevent a computer virus from infecting a computer. (4 marks)
(d) Differentiate between the following terms.
(i) Up-load and Down-load
(ii) U.R.L. And Search Engine
(iii) Pixel and Resolution (9 marks)
(20marks)

a) Software piracy -Software piracy is the unauthorized copying, reproduction, use, or manufacture
of software products. It is morally wrong since you are not paying the programmer for his/her work.
bi)Privacy issues, data can be modified and become inaccurate.
ii) Passwords, Encryption
c) A

computer virus is a program or piece of code that is loaded onto your computer without
your knowledge and runs against your wishes.
i) Use an antivirus to scan computer.
ii) Do not open email attachements.

Upload - An upload involves sending a copy of a file to a remote network

location.
di)

Download - A download involves the receipt of a file copied from a remote

network location.
ii) URL

- Each page on the World Wide Web has a unique address called the Uniform Resource
Locator (URL).
that searches for and identifies items in a
database that correspond to keywords or characters specified by the user.
Search engine - a program that usually runs on a website that

iii)Pixel- The word pixel (short for picture element) are tiny dots on the screen that make up the
images. They can light on and off as well as change colour.

Resolution is the number of pixels that can be displayed on the screen.

5.
(a) What is a database? (2marks)
(b) In databases, data is stored according to a data storage hierarchy consisting of
files, bytes, fields, records, bits. List this hierarchy in its correct order and define
each term in italics. (10marks)
(c ) Consider the screen below Enter
UserName: janedoe
Enter Password : *******
Re-Enter Password: *******

(i) Why is a username important (1 mark)

(ii) What is the purpose of having asterisks (*) in the password section (1 mark)
(iii) Give two reasons why a password may have to be re-entered (2 marks)
(iv) Suppose the password is holiday. Give two examples of genuine errors that the
. user could typically have re-entered for the password. (2 marks)
(v) Define a password (2 marks)
(20 marks)

a) A database is a collection of related data that is stored on a

computer and organised by entities, attributes and tuples. This allows
data to be extracted quickly and easily.

b)bits, bytes, fields, records, files

Bits are smallest unit of storage (1 or a 0) , 8 bits make up a byte which represents a single character. A field is a single piece of
information; a record is one complete set of fields; and a file is a collection of records.

ci) Username is important so computer will know who is trying or tried to log in, it is unique.
ii) To hide password from someone else looking at the screen.
iii)1. to ensure no spelling or typos made 2. Added security by entering it twice
iv)Holiday, holida

v) Password - a

string of characters that allows access to a computer, interface, or system.

dec 2011

1.
(a) Draw a labeled diagram showing the five principal components/elements of a computer system
highlighting the flow of data in the correct order. (5 marks)
(b) Give a definition for each one of these components/elements. (10 marks)
(c) Give one example each for these components/elements. (5marks)
(20marks)
a)

Central Processing Unit

b)Input - device used to get data into the computer

CU - Used to fetch and decode instructions
ALU - Used to perform mathematical and logical operations
Output - device used to give the results of processing to user.
Main memory - used to store programs and data that are currently being used by
the CPU.
Secondary Storage - used to store programs and data permanently
c) input eg. keyboard
output eg screen
CPU (ALU and CU) eg. Intel Pentium Processor

Main memory - eg. RAM

Secondary storage - eg. Hard drive

2.
Consider the 2 scenarios:
Scenario 1: Ethan writes system software programs using programming code.
Scenario 2: Gale uses applications software in her daily job.
(a) Give another term for system software and list three tasks of this system. (4 marks)
(b) What is system software and applications software and give two examples of each. (4 marks)
(c) Briefly describe custom-written software, specialized software and general purpose/off the shelf
software packages with an example of each one. (9 marks)
(d) What applications software would you use for (i) lots of calculations (ii) creating an invitation
(iii) storing files and records. (3 marks)
(20 marks)
a) Operating System - Manage files, Provide a friendly user interface,
manage security
b) System software are programs that enable the computer system to
run properly and efficiently. Systems software must be installed before
application software can run. Eg. OS, Anti Virus
Application software are programs that are designed to solve a specific problem or
perform a particular task. eg. Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel.
c) Custom written software is application software that has been developed for
one organisation alone. It is designed for an organisation to handle its specific
operations. E.g. UWI school database.
Specialised software is designed to perform specific or special tasks such as
accounting, engineering design, playing games, etc eg. Peachtree Accounting
General purpose software is designed to help the user perform general tasks such
as word processing, spreadsheet or database management. General purpose
software is readily available in computer stores. Eg. Microsoft Office
d)i) Spreadsheet - Microsoft Excel, ii)Wordprocessor - Microsoft Word, iii) Database Microsoft Access

3.
(a) List three types of user interfaces (3marks)
(b) What is meant by GUI and WIMP, which is more popular and why. (4 marks)
(c) What is the difference between a pop-up menu and a pull-down menu. (4marks) (d) What is data
communications and explain with the aid of diagrams the following
networks
(i) Star (ii) Ring (iii) Bus (9 marks) (20 marks)
a) Command driven , Graphical User Interface(GUI), Menu driven
b) Graphical User Interface, Windows Icons Menus Pointers
WIMP is more popular since it users a wide range of graphics
c) A menu can be drop-down/pull down (options displayed in a vertical
list by selecting menu bar option) or pop up (activates by right
clicking).
d) Data communication Refers to all the methods by which computers
and other devices in a network send data to each other.
See notes for star, ring, bus

4.
(a) Define the following terms
(i) Internet (ii) World Wide Web (iii) FTP (iv) HTTP (v) Hyperlink (10 marks)
(b) What is a search engine and give two examples. (4marks)
(c) Give two advantages of using e-mail and two disadvantages of using the internet
(4 marks)
(d) What is a computer virus and state one measure to eradicate it. (2marks)
(20marks)

4ai) Internet - The Internet is the largest computer network system in the world. It consists of
many smaller networks connected together by a global public network.
ii) World Wide Web (WWW) - The World Wide Web (abbreviated as WWW or W3,

commonly known as the Web), is a system of interlinked hypertext documents

accessed via the Internet.

iii) File Transfer Protocol (FTP) - File transfer protocol, a standard for the
exchange of program and data files across a network.
iv) HTTP - Hypertext Transfer (or Transport) Protocol, the data transfer protocol
used on the World Wide Web.
v) Hyperlink - a link from a hypertext document to another location, activated by clicking on a
highlighted word or image.

b) Search engine - a program that usually runs on a website that that searches for and identifies items in a
database that correspond to keywords or characters specified by the user.
e.g. google.com and bing.com
c) 1. Fast 2. can send any day or time
1. risk of getting viruses
2. Unsuitable content for young persons

d) A computer virus is a program or piece of code that is loaded onto your computer without
your knowledge and runs against your wishes.
Use anti-virus software to remove it.

5.
There are two main classifications of printers : impact and non-impact.
(a) Define the terms impact and non-impact printers giving two features of each (4 marks)
(b) Give two examples each of impact and non-impact printers. (4 marks)
(c) By choosing one impact printer and one non-impact printer, explain clearly the . principle
involved for each one including at least three features . (10 marks)
(d) What is a thermal printer and give one example of its use. (2marks)
(20 marks)

a) ) Impact - Makes print by making physical contact with paper. - Noisy, low print
quality, slow
Non Impact - Makes print without having to make physical contact with paper Quiet, high print quality, fast.

b) impact - dot matrix, daisy wheel

non impact - ink jet, laser
c)impact - dot matrix - A dot matrix printer is an impact printer that uses dots to
produce characters and images. It has a print head containing wire pins that strikes
an inked ribbon. When the pins press against the paper it creates tiny dots which
form characters and graphics.

Low printing cost

Can use continuous paper rather than single sheets (good for data
logging)

Impact printer can print on carbon paper to make duplicates easily

(used for receipts)

non impact - ink jet

Ink is sprayed onto paper through tiny nozzels

Speed - Fairly fast over 20 ppm (pages per minute)

Quality - Good quality print over 300 dpi (dots per inch)

Noise Fairly Quiet

Cost Very cheap, suitable for home, student use.

d) Thermal printer - Thermal printing (or direct thermal printing) is a digital

printing process which produces a printed image by selectively heating coated
thermo chromic paper, or thermal paper as it is commonly known, when the paper
passes over the thermal print head. The coating turns black in the areas where it is
heated, producing an image.
e.g. Used to print ATM receipts