UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
SECONDARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATE
SEC
COMPUTING
May 2012
MARKING SCHEME
MATRICULATION AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS BOARD
Paper 1
IMPORTANT – Award ½ marks for partially correct answers.
1.
a. Fill in the values in the empty column of this truth table. Determine also the missing
gate ( denoted by a ?) in the last column.
A
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
B
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
C
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
A.B
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
C’
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
A.B + C’
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
1
Award ½ mark for each pair of correct rows (Max 2 marks)
[ 2 marks]
b. Missing gate : _____OR Gate___________________________
[ 1 mark]
c. Draw the logic circuit represented by this truth table.
A
B
C
Award 1 mark for each correctly drawn and positioned gate (max 3 marks). Award 1 mark
for correct connections.
[4 marks]
d. Complete the following statement for two particular rows of the truth table. Logic 1 =
true and logic 0 = false.
The output from the logic circuit is true when A and B are both true and C is
Either true (1 mark) or false (1 mark)
[ 2 marks]
2.
a. (i) How many bits are required to store 128?
8-bits
2
[1 mark]
(ii) Which number system is used as a shorthand for binary?
Hexadecimal OR Hex
[ 1 mark]
b. Fill in the following tables
i.
kilobyte
Megabyte (1 mark)
gigabyte
1024 bytes (1 mark)
1024x1024 bytes
1024 KiloBytes x 1024 Bytes
Or
1 Megabyte x 1024 Bytes
Or
1024 B x 1024 B x 1024 bytes
(1 mark)
210 bytes
220 bytes
230 bytes
(1 mark)
[4 marks]
ii.
Decimal
65
164 (1 mark)
Binary
1000001 (1 mark)
10100100 (1 mark)
Hex
41 (1 mark)
A4
[4 marks]
3. Choose the correct term from the following list of terms
RAM, ROM, Hard disk, Compact disk, GUI
a. The permanent memory that is built in your computer and whose contents cannot be
changed.
ROM (1 mark)
b. The computer’s working memory whose data may be accessed at random.
RAM (1 mark)
c. A fixed, large capacity magnetic storage medium for computer data.
Hard disk (1 mark)
d. This storage device has information such as audio, video and computer data recorded
on it using a laser.
Compact disk (1 mark)
3
e. The use of graphical symbols instead of text commands to control common computer
functions such as opening programs, and copying and moving files from one place to
another.
GUI (1 mark)
[5 marks]
4. Choose the correct answer from the ones given.
a. In computers what is the smallest and basic unit of storage?
i. Bit (1 mark)
ii. Byte
iii. Terabyte
iv. Megabyte
b. Which of the following is responsible for the management and co-ordination of activities
and the sharing of resources of the computer?
i. Application software
ii. Motherboard
iii. Operating system (1 mark)
iv. RAM
c. Machine language is also known as
i. A low level language (1 mark)
ii. Assembly language
iii. A high level language
iv. Source code
d. A word processing program is an example of
i. System software
ii. Operating system
4
iii. Utility software
iv. Application software (1 mark)
e. Which software application is sued for accessing sites or information on a network?
i. Operating system
ii. Web browser (1 mark)
iii. Microsoft word
iv. Excel
f. Specially designed computers to perform very complex calculations extremely rapidly
are called
i. Laptops
ii. Mainframes
iii. Mini computers
iv. Super computers (1 mark)
g. The extension .zip refers usually to
i. A word processing document
ii. An animation/movie file
iii. A compressed archive file (1 mark)
iv. A system file
[7 marks]
5. Give a definition for the following terms
a. Systems Analysis : The study of an activity or procedure to determine the desired and
most efficient method of obtaining this end [1 mark] Systems analysis is usually split up
into a number of phases which are feasibility study ,analysis, design, implementation,
testing and maintenance. [1 mark]
b. Algorithm: The sequence of steps that are required to solve a problem in a finite time (1
mark). Common tools used are flowcharts and psuedocode. (1 mark)
5
c. Flowchart : A graphical representation of the solution to a problem [1 mark] in relation
to the sequence of functions to be performed [1 mark].
d. Data validation and verification: Methods for checking the integrity (or correctness) of
inputted data (1 mark). Validation being computer-based while verification is usually
done by humans (1 mark)
e. Program documentation : Documentation produced by the programmer during the
development of a program [1 mark]to clearly show how the program was implemented
[1 mark].
[10 marks]
6.
a. Give 2 advantages of using a LAN over the use of standalone PC’s.
[2 marks]
Resource (or Hardware/software/info) sharing (1 mark)
Ease of communication (or ease of data transfer) (1 mark)
b. What is the function of a modem?
[2 marks]
A modem is a device which allows for digital data [1 mark] to be transferred on telephone
lines [1 mark]
OR
Converts digital signals to analogue and vice versa (1 mark) so that they may be transferred
over telephone lines. (1 mark)
c. Explain the term video-conferencing, mentioning the hardware involved.
Conducting a conference between two or more individuals at different sites by using a
computer network to transmit audio and video data[1 mark].
Video camera, a microphone and a speaker [1 mark for the 3 devices. ½ mark for 1 or 2
devices].
[2 marks]
6
7. Fill in the missing terms by choosing one from the following list. Note that a term may be used
more than once.
Compiler,interpreter, machine, assembly,source translator
A language translator is used to convert from source code to machine code. There exists 3 types
of translators which are the compiler, assembler andinterpreter.An assembler is used to convert
assemby language to machine code. An interpreter is best suited for use during program
development since it translates and executes the code line by line each time the program is run.
On the other hand acompiler translates the program and the machine code generated is saved
in a separate file thus the program need not be translated each time it is run.
Award 1 mark for each correct word
[8 marks]
8. a. Consider the flowchart below
Start
i = 2000
i mod 4 =0
No
Yes
Yes
i, ‘is leap’
i=i+1
i<=2050
No
(i)
7
What does the program
represented by this flowchart do?
End
It prints [1 mark] all the leap years [1 mark] between 2000 (1 mark) and 2050 [1 mark]
[4 marks]
(ii)
Write down the equivalent program in a high level language of your choice.
[10 marks]
Program Leap;
Var i : integer;
Begin
For i:=2000 to 2050 do
If (I mod 4 =0) then writeln(i,’is leap’);
End.
Program structure - 2 marks (1 mark for program declarations part. 1 mark for program
body)
Correct variable declaration - 1 mark
Correct loop structure - 3 marks (2 marks for correct for..to..do..; syntax. 1 mark for
correct lower and upper limits)
Correct if statement - 4 marks (1 mark for correct if ..then..; syntax. 2 marks for correct
condition. 1 mark for correct output instruction)
b. Consider the program below
1
Program Area;
2
Var
3
4
8
a,b,c : integer;
Begin
5
Writeln(‘enter length and breadth of square);
6
Readln(a,b);
7
C: = a+b;
8
Writeln(‘the area of the square is’,c);
9
End.
Identify a line in which there is a
i. Syntax error
Line 5 (1 mark)
Missing quote (1 mark)
ii. Logical error
Line 7 (1 mark)
Wrong formula (1 mark)
Give reasons for your answers.
[4 marks]
9.
a. Mention two types of operations that may be performed on a database to keep it up to
date.
Insertion (or Appending) of new records, Deletion of unwanted records, Editing existing
records. Award 1 mark each for any two operations. Max 2 marks
[ 2 marks]
b. Consider private business company in which an employee is assigned to a single
department within the company. Each employee is responsible for a particular task.
What is the relationship between
i. department and employee one to many (1 mark)
ii. Employee and tasks one to one (1 mark)
[2 marks]
c. (i) Distinguish between a master file and a transaction file.
A master file contains records of permanent data (1 mark).
A transaction contains temporary data used to update the master file [1 mark].
(ii) Describe how these files may be used to calculate the pay of each of its employee at
the end of the month.
From the master file the employee details (name, ID, rate, etc) are feched (1 mark). A
transaction file with all the times recorded of when the employees started and
finished work is used so that the pay can be calculated [1 mark].
[4 marks]
9
10.
a.
In the statements below choose between security and privacy. Underline your choice.
i. Making sure that data is easily recovered in the case of accidental loss is an issue
of data security / privacy. (1 mark)
ii. Making sure that no unauthorized user may view confidential data is an issue of
security / privacy. (1 mark)
[2 marks]
b. Identify one way in which data can be made more secure, and another one in which the
privacy of data can be increased.
Data can be made more secure by backing it up frequently.[1mark]
Privacy can be increased by using logins and password to access it.[1 mark]
[2 marks]
_________________________________________________________________________
10
Paper 2A
½ marks may be awarded to partially correct responses.
1.
(a)
A logic circuit with inputs A and B has the following expression.
F = (A+A) + (B+B)
(i)
Draw the logic circuit for the expression given above.
A
B
Award 1 mark for the 3 correctly positioned OR gates. Award 1 mark for the 3
correctly positioned NOT gates. Award 1 mark for all the correctly positioned
connections.
(ii)
Complete the following truth table for the expression given above.
A
(iii)
B
A+A
A+A
B+B
B+B
(A+A)+(B+B)
(A+A)+(B+B)
0
0
0
1
0
1
1
0
0
1
0
1
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
0
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
1
11
[4]
Award 1 mark per fully correct row.
Which single 2-input gate is equivalent to this logic circuit?
AND gate
(b)
[3]
A register in a particular computer stores integers in 8-bit, two’s complement format.
[1]
(i)
What range of values (in decimal) can be stored in this register?
-128 to +127
(ii)
[1]
What would be the contents of the register (in binary) if 24 is shifted twice to
the left?
Space for working:
0001 1000 0110 0000
Award 1 mark for conversion of 24 and 1 mark for 8 bit correct answer.
Contents of register: 0110 0000
(iii)
[2]
Use this register format to perform the subtraction 90 – 38 (a two’s
complement subtraction).
Space for working:
90 = 0101 1010
-38 = 1101 1010 +
1 0011 0100
Award 1 mark for correct conversions of 90 and -38 and 1 mark for correct
addition (0 mark if normal subtraction performed).
Answer: 0011 0100
(c)
The CPU executes instructions through the help of functional units.
(i)
One functional unit is the Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU). What is the other
functional unit called?
Control unit
(ii)
The functional unit of part c(i) above is extensively involved in the fetchexecute cycle. List the sequence of steps of this cycle.
1. CU fetches the opcode from memory location indicated by PC
2. CU places opcode in IR
3. CU fetches any required operand
4. CU increments PC to point to next instruction
12
[2]
[1]
5. CU activates necessary circuits to execute instruction
6. Repeat from Step 1 for the next instruction
Award ½ mark for each correctly positioned step.
2.
(a)
[3]
Computer networks are increasingly being used for transferring data.
(i)
Mention TWO major differences between a LAN and a WAN.
1st difference:
LAN: Confined to one site, relatively few computers, basic communication
technologies & media including twisted pair, Very high speed due to short
distances and few numbers of computers.a small area
WAN: spread over larger distances (continents or countries),advanced
communication systems and media ( including fibre optic links, satellite,
microwave). A very large number of computers connected. Slower speed due
to distance and traffic.
[1]
Award 1 mark for each difference between LAN and
WAN. Do not award mark if the candidate does not
2nd difference: specify to which network s/he is referring to.
[1]
(ii)
Identify TWO disadvantages of networked computers.
1st disadvantage:
Malware, virus and other malicious s/w can be easily spread. Data security can
be compromised by infiltrators entering a network system. If data retrieval
depend solely on the network infrastructure, the whole system will collapse is
something goes wrong like backbone / server failure.
[1]
2nd disadvantage: Award 1 mark each for any two disadvantages
[1]
(iii)
Mention TWO principles of the Data Protection Act.
1st principle:
13



Processed fairly and lawfully
Always processed in accordance with good practice
Collected for specific, explicitly stated and





legitimate purposes
Processed for reasons compatible with the reason it
was collected for
Adequate and relevant
Correct and kept up to date
Not kept for longer than it is necessary
Completed, corrected, blocked or erased if data is
found to be incomplete or incorrect.
2nd principle: Award ½ mark each for any two.
(iv)
[1]
What do you understand by copyright and piracy?
Copyright: The right of authorship
[1]
Piracy: Copying without the consent of the author
[1]
(b)
Embedded computer systems are special types of dedicated computers.
(i)
What is an embedded computer system?
A system with special (dedicated) input and output devices and software that
can perform 1 task only.
Award ½ mark if special I/O not mentioned.
(ii)
[1]
Give TWO examples of embedded computer systems.
microwave oven, mobile phone, electronic automatic
1st example: washing machine, GPS
2nd example: Award ½ mark each for any two.
(iii)
[1]
Mention TWO differences between an embedded computer system and a
general purpose computer system.
1st difference:
Embedded systems: special type of I/O devices. Dedicated for just one task.
Limited possibility to change the operation.
General purpose: Standard types of I/O devices, upgradable, can be used for a
variety of tasks, programs can be modified.
14
[1]
2nd difference:
Award 1 mark for each difference between embedded and general purpose.
Do not award mark if the candidate does not specify to which type s/he is
referring to.
(c)
[1]
Real time processing and batch processing require different operating systems.
(i)
Complete the paragraph below using the following words.
resources, files, interface, graphical
The operating system (OS) is the _____interface_______________ between
the computer hardware and the user. It manages all the computer’s
__resources_________________ and its ____graphical________________
interface makes life easier for the user. One typical task of the OS is the
management of _____files______________ on secondary storage media.
Award ½ mark for each correct word.
(ii)
[2]
Identify ONE main characteristic of real time processing and ONE main
characteristic of batch processing.
Real time:
Processing is ‘time bound’. Immediate response from system is crucial because
it influences the next action.
[1]
Batch:
All data required for processing is available in system so that it runs
unattended. Response time is not critical.
(iii)
[1]
Mention ONE application where real time processing is suitable and another
application where batch processing would be suitable.
One from:
Nuclear power stations, Auto-pilot control system in
aircraft, Weapon defence systems, Active / Passive
Real time application: safety systems in automobile
[1]
One from:
Batch application: Payroll, mailing list, utility accounting (billing)
15
[1]
3.
(a)
I/O devices form an integral part of any computer system.
(i)
Which input device would you use to read and automatically correct multiple
choice answer sheets?
OMR OR scanner with OMR software
(ii)
[1]
Two characteristics of a monitor (VDU) are ‘colour depth’ and ‘resolution’.
 State whether a monitor is a vector or raster device.
Raster
[1]
 Explain the difference between the colour depth and the resolution of a
monitor.
Colour depth:
The range of colours which can be reproduced.
[1]
Resolution:
The number of pixels on screen OR the number of pixels in the horizontal
dimension times those in the vertical dimension OR the
sharpness/smoothness/accuracy of an image.
(iii)
[1]
A supermarket would like to acquire a new printer to print the customers’
receipts and is not sure whether to buy a dot-matrix or a laser printer.
 Which printer would you recommend? Justify your answer.
Type of printer: Dot matrix
[1]
One from:
Justification: Cheaper, low running cost.
[1]
 Why are printers fitted with their own memory (buffer)?
To store the print job so that computer can do other task OR To compensate
for the speed difference between CPU and printer OR to queue up different
printing jobs.
[1]
(b)
16
A food supplier supplies orders to various retail outlets. The supplier keeps a database
containing the following three tables.
CUSTOMER table:
Account No.
178
562
167
032
ORDER table:
Order No.
7823
4633
276
1788
3210
Customer
Charlie’s Cafe
Joe’s Confectionery
Petra’s Supermarket
Mary’s Grocer
Address
27, Seaside Street, Paola
30, Arches Street, Hamrun
12, Holly Road, Mosta
17, Main Road, Zabbar
Account No.
178
562
167
032
167
Date
10/04/11
10/04/11
10/04/11
10/04/11
12/04/11
Total Cost (€)
14.30
17:20
16.50
30.00
15.00
ITEMS_PURCHASED table:
Order No.
Item
Danish pastry
7823
Cak
7823
Easter egg
4633
Ginger
bread
2276
Quantity
25
5
12
20
Item Price (€)
1.00
1.25
2.00
095
(i)
Which field from the ORDER table would be suitable to retrieve all the orders
made by a particular customer?
Account no.
(ii)
[1]
What data type has the Address field in CUSTOMER table, been set to?
[1]
Text OR string
(iii)
The supplier would like to use the CUSTOMER table to list all customers by
town/village.
 Explain why this is not possible with the given table structure.
Town/village is not a distinct field
[1]
 Redesign the table’s fieldnames so that this task can be performed.
Account no. Customer
Door no
Street
Town/village
Accept also the format:
Account no
Customer Address1
Address2
Town/village
Award the 2 marks for a fully correct division of the address field into at least 3
17
[2]
distinct fields with one being the town/village..
(iv)
Relationships have been created between the three tables. Why are
relationships an integral part of any database?
Data can be extracted from more than one table at the same time.
[1]
(c)
A mobile phone operator can access his clients data either serially or directly.
(i)
Differentiate between serial and direct access.
Serial access:
Data (records) are located by reading all the previous records one after the
other.
[1]
Direct access:
Data (records) are located directly without the need to read the previous
records.
(ii)
Which type of access is ideal for the processing of clients’ bills?
serial
(iii)
[1]
[1]
Data (about 6GB) needs to be backed up daily on a removable storage
medium. Which medium would you recommend? Justify your choice.
Medium: External hard disk OR pendrive OR tape streamer
Justification: Can be re-used OR large enough to hold all data
4.
(a)
[1]
Two services available on the Internet are eLearning and eCommerce.
(i)
What is eLearning?

Learning through electronic means usually by having a personal
computer connected to internet

A registered learner can have access to virtual rooms, noticeboards,
downloading of notes, uploading of work, emails, discussion fora.

Uses various forms of media including text, audio, video, graphic and
is available 24/7, anywhere.
Award 1 mark each for any two of the above (or something in the same sense)
(ii)
18
Give TWO situations where eLearning may be adopted.
[2]
Distance learning between students or between student1st situation: teacher in different countries.
[1]
Re training of employees of a firm located in different
2 situation: countries.
[1]
nd
(iii)
What is eCommerce?
The buying, selling and advertising of products on the internet (1 mark). Also
includes the paying of bills on the internet (1 mark)
[2]
(iv)
How is EFT (electronic funds transfer) related to eCommerce.
The transfer of money between the buyer and the seller electronically
(credit/debit card numbers)
(b)
[1]
The following is an assembly language snippet.
repeat: LDA
#0011 0011
NOT
; NOT the contents of the accumulator
ADD
#0000 0001
; Add 0000 0001 to the contents of
accumulator
JZE
repeat
; Jump to ‘repeat’ if accumulator contains zero
HLT
(i)
; Load the accumulator with 0011 0011
; Stop program execution
From the above snippet, give ONE example of each of the following.
Opcode: ½ mark for one from LDA/NOT/ADD/JZE/HLT
Operand: ½ mark for 00110011 OR 0000001
Label: ½ mark for repeat
Conditional instruction: ½ mark for JZE repeat
(ii)
Study the first three instructions. What number format is the number ‘0011
0011’ being converted to?
Twos complement
(iii)
[1]
The ‘JZE’ instruction will never result in a true. Why?
Because the accumualtor will never have a zero
19
[2]
[1]
(iv)
What would be the final value in the accumulator after the program stops
execution? Give your answer in both binary and decimal.
Binary 1100 1101
Decimal -51 (accept also 205 since syllabus proposes unsigned acc.)
[2]
Award 1 mark for each correct answer.
(c)
Programming languages may be classified into generations and/or levels.
(i)
Complete the following paragraph.
Machine code and ________assembly__________ language are both
____low______________ level languages. On the other hand Pascal is a
______3rd____________ generation, _____high_____________ level
language.
[2]
Award ½ mark for each correct word.
(ii)
Mention TWO disadvantages of programming in machine code rather than in
Pascal.
1 mark each for any two from:
Long time to code, long programs, difficult to debug, not portable between
computers
5.
(a)
[2]
Computer programs are designed and written to solve problems.
(i)
List the THREE looping structures in Pascal.
1st loop: For do, Repeat until, While do
2nd loop:
rd
3 loop:
(ii)
Award 2 marks for the 3 correct loops. Award 1 mark for 2
correct loops and ½ mark for 1 correct loop.
[2]
Which of the three loops of part a(i) above would be the most suitable:
Award 1 mark for For do loop
To display the integers from 1 to 20? and ½ mark for any other loop
To display a menu and wait for a valid entry? Repeat until
20
[1]
[1]
(iii)
Write a program in Pascal to input an integer and display whether the integer
is odd or even.
Program test;
Var
UserVal, remainder:integer;
Begin
Writeln(‘enter a value’);
Readln(UserVal);
Remainder:= (userVal mod 2);
If remainder = 0 then
Writeln(‘Value is EVEN’)
ELSE
Writeln(‘Value is ODD);
END.
Note that (userVal mod 2 = 0) may be the condition of the IF statement and
eliminating the instruction Remainder := ......
Award 1 mark for a generally correct syntax throughout. 1 mark for prompt
and input instructions. 1 mark for correct IF condition or the remainder
assignment statement. 1 mark for correct output of odd/even.
[4]
(b)
A systems analyst was asked to computerise the operations of a company.
(i)
21
Mention TWO benefits of computerisation for the company.
1st benefit: Award 1 mark each for any two from:
[1]
Less time to accomplish tasks, more accurate work, better
presentation of work, less data storage space, better
2nd benefit: service to clients, better management of resources.
[1]
(ii)
Name and briefly outline TWO methods of changeover procedures.
Direct/straight – stopping old and immediately started
with new
Parallel – both old and new are run together for a period
of time
1st changeover: Phased – done in steps eg by department
[1]
2nd changeover: Award 1 mark each for any two from above.
[1]
(iii)
List FOUR major tasks (besides changeover) that are performed during the
systems analysis exercise.
Award ½ mark each for any four from –
Project selection, feasibility study, Present system study,
analysis of system, design of the new system, programming,
documentation, testing, implementation, Control and review,
system maintenance
1st task:
2nd task:
3rd task:
4th task:
(c)
[2]
CAD software is widely used in modern industries.
(i)
What does the acronym CAD stand for?
Computer aided design
(ii)
[1]
Mention TWO advantages of using CAD when compared to the traditional
‘pencil and drawing-board’ method.
1st advantage: Award 1 mark each for any two from Less time in designing, Easier to edit, use of available elements, easier to
replicate sections, more accurate, rotation of design.
22
[1]
2nd advantage:
[1]
23
Paper 2B Marking Scheme
Award ½ marks for partially correct responses.
1.
(a)
A company decides to fully computerise its POS and payroll systems.
(i)
Given this context explain what is meant by:
Ready-made software bought from retail
Off-the-shelf package: outlets
[1]
Tailor-made package: Software designed for a particular context
[1]
(ii)
Identify ONE input device that may be used to minimise the manual
entry of data at the POS and ONE input device for the payroll system.
POS device: Barcode Reader
Palm/retina reader OR other typical input device
Payroll device: for capturing the identity of an employee.
(iii)
[1]
[1]
A network system allows sharing of resources. Besides the telphone line,
mention TWO other data communication media.
Award ½ mark each for any 2 from:
Twisted pair, coaxial, optic fibre cable, microwave link, satellite
link.
(iv)
[1]
Use THREE from the following terms to complete the sentence below.
e-mail, flyer, network, modem, website
The company would benefit by publishing a __website___________________
to advertise their products online and by installing a
____modem_________________ for communication over the telephone line
24
[3]
so that clients may place orders via ___email__________________.
Award 1 mark for each correct word
(b)
Data security and data integrity are crucial to any computer system.
(i)
One method of recovering lost data is by keeping the latest three generations
of files. What are the THREE files called?
1. Grandfather OR Grandparent
2. Father OR Parent
Son OR Child
Award 1 mark for the 3 correct answers and ½ a mark for 1 or 2
3. correct responses.
(ii)
Give ONE example of how data integrity may be enforced during the input of
data from a keyboard.
Validation rules. Accept also specific validation checks such as Range
checks OR Check digits
(c)
[1]
[1]
Data storage and its management are essential features of any system.
(i)
Suggest TWO reasons why an external and portable hard disk drive may be
more suitable to back up files when compared to a re-writable DVD.
1st reason: Award 1 mark each:
Larger Storage Space AND Faster reading/Writing of Data (or faster
data access),
[1]
2nd reason:
[1]
(ii)
An Operating System (OS) allows the user to manage the files on his/her
storage devices. This includes deleting unwanted files.
Mention TWO other file management tasks.
1st task: Award 1 mark each for any two from:
[1]
Moving Files, Renaming Files, Opening Files Sharing,
nd
2 task: Printing, Copying Files
(d)
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List the following six items under the correct heading of the table below:
[1]
GPS, PC, Mobile phone, Laptop, Digital thermometer, Auto pilot
Dedicated computer
General purpose computer
GPS
PC
Mobile Phone
Laptop
Digital Thermometer
Auto Pilot
[3]
2.
Standard coding is used to enable the exchange of data between various devices.
(a)
(b)
The following incomplete table shows part of the ASCII character coding system.
Complete the table.
Character
ASCII code in decimal
E
101
F
102
G (1/2 mark)
103
H
104 (1/2 mark)
I
105
N (1 mark)
110
[2]
The user of a CAD package prepares a large file for printing. The command to print the
CAD file is immediately followed by another command to print a document. The CAD
file is then passed on to the CAM department.
Use the above information to complete the following sentences.
(i)
CAD is the abbreviation for:
Computer Aided Design (Award ½ mark for partially correct answer)
(ii)
CAM is the abbreviation for:
Computer Assisted Manufacturing (Award ½ mark for partially correct answer)
(iii)
[1]
To print the data in a file the computer has first to transfer the data into the
printer’s Memory/Buffer/Buffer memory ______________________.
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[1]
[1]
(iv)
Since the user sent the second print job before the first one finished printing,
the second file has to be Spooled/Queued ______________________.
(c)
(i)
[1]
Match the following devices with the tasks given below.
Mouse, Joystick, Graphics tablet, Scanner
Task
(ii)
Device
Converting a photo into digital format.
Scanner
Moving an object in gaming.
Joystick
Sketching a house plan.
Graphics Tablet
Selecting an option from a menu.
Mouse
[2]
Explain the difference between vector and raster graphics, mentioning also a
hardware device that is typically related to each type of graphics.
Vector graphics:
Images generated using co-ordinates
Vector device: Plotter
[1]
[1]
Raster graphics: Images generated using bitmaps/dots/pixels
[1]
Raster device: Screen/scanner/printer
(iii)
[1]
The following is a list of six computer items.
LCD projector, CPU, hard disk drive, webcam, trackball, loudspeaker
In the table below write down the TWO input devices and the TWO output
devices found in the list above.
Input devices
(iv)
Webcam
LCD Projector
[1]
trackball
Loudspeaker
[1]
½ mark for each coorect answer
One particular device (NOT in the list of part c(iii) above) is both an input and
output device at the same time. What is it called?
Touch screen
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Output devices
[1]
(d)
3.
(a)
Mention ONE typical application for each of the following devices. The first one has
been done as an example.
(i)
Device
Application
Keyboard
Entering the text of an essay.
Optical Mark Reader
(OMR)
Magnetic Ink Character
Reader (MICR)
Correction of multiple choice answer sheets OR
Collecting data from survey sheets, etc
[1]
Banking application OR Reconciliation of cheques
[1]
What is the function of the Arithmetic/Logic Unit (ALU) and the Control Unit
within the CPU?.
ALU: Performs arithmetic and logic operations
[1]
Control unit: Co-ordinates all tasks of the CPU OR
Supervises the fetch execute cycle
(ii)
[1]
What are the following TWO registers inside the CPU, used for?
Program counter: Stores the address of the next instruction OR
indicates where the computer is in its instruction
sequence/
Accumulator: stores intermediate results of calculations
[1]
[1]
(iii)
Write down the names of any TWO types of buses found inside a computer
system.
st
1 type:
(b)
[1]
The Operating System (OS) is the most important software in any computer.
(i)
Where is the OS permanently stored?
Hard Disk
28
Data/Control/Address bus
2nd Award 1 mark for any 2
type: buses
[1]
(ii)
What is the process of loading the OS into memory, called?
Booting OR booting-up
(iii)
The OS on a particular machine is taking long to load into memory and then
run. Mention TWO items of hardware that could be replaced/upgraded to
improve the machine’s performance.
1st item: Award 1 mark each for any two from:
[1]
Faster Processor/ Larger RAM/ larger HDD/larger
2 item: cache
[1]
nd
(iv)
The OS uses the file extension to associate the file with the corresponding
application software. Identify the software associated with the following
extensions. The first one has been done as an example.
File extension
(c)
[1]
Application software
.doc
Word processing program
.ppt
Presentation Package/MS Powerpoint
.html
Web Browser/ Int. Explorer/Html Editor
[2]
Computers nowadays are found in homes, schools and places of work. List TWO
positive and TWO negative effects of computerisation.
Positive effects:
1. Award 1 mark each for any 2 from:
[1]
More accurate, Faster data processing, less time to access requested
2. data, more efficient, less data storage space
[1]
Negative effects:
(d)
Health hazards (long hours in front of screens), opportunity for crime
1. (hacking, phishing, viruses, spyware, etc fall into this category)
[1]
2.
[1]
Use the following four computer personnel to complete the statements below:
system analyst, data entry clerk, web master, computer technician
(i)
29
The __data entry clerk_______________________ types in the details of all
employees.
(ii)
The ____web master_____________________ designs the web site of a
company.
(iii)
A damaged PC cable is repaired by the _comp technician
________________________.
(iv)
4.
(a)
The changeover from a manual to a computerised system is the responsibility
of the __system analyst_______________________.
[2]
Computer systems have a extensive range of data storage media.
(i)
List the following FIVE five storage media such that they are in increasing order
of storage capacity. The first one (with the smallest capacity) has been inserted
for you.
Hard disk, Pen drive, CD, Floppy disk, DVD
1. Floppy disk
2. CD
3. DVD
4. Pen drive
5. HDD
(ii)
(b)
(i)
[2]
Mention ONE application where data from a medium needs serial access and
ONE other application where data has to be directly accessed.
Serial access: Payroll OR Billing
[1]
Reservation system OR Lending library OR accept other
Direct access: systems where direct access is a must.
[1]
Work out in binary the addition of the following two numbers.
1 0 1 1 0 1 0 02
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 12
Result: 110 11 0 0 112
(ii)
What term is used to describe the situation that arises if the result of part b(i)
above were to be stored in an 8-bit register?
Overflow OR Numerical overflow
30
[1]
[1]
(iii)
A particular computer system has a 64-bit wordlength. Explain why this
computer is faster than a 32-bit system.
It processes more bits in each computation.
[1]
(c)
(i)
List the outputs of the following logic gates.
AND gate
Inputs
(ii)
(d)
OR gate
Output
Inputs
NOT gate
Output
Input
Output
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
1
1
1
0
1
0
0
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Award 1 mark for
each correct table
[3]
A logic circuit with inputs X, Y and Z is required to produce an output (F) of ‘1’
only if any two inputs are ‘1’. Construct the truth table for such a circuit.
X
Y
Z
F
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
1
1
1
Award 1 mark for each
correct column
Write down the term that is used for each of the following.
(i)
The illegal and unauthorised copying of software.
Piracy/Software piracy
(ii)
31
[4]
The jumbling up of data to make it meangingless during its transfer over a
[1]
network.
Data encryption
(iii)
[1]
A computer program that may cause the computer to malfunction.
Virus
5.
(a)
[1]
A database may be the main source of information in an organisation.
(i)
Mention TWO data types that may be set when creating a database.
Number, Text, Yes/No,
Memo,Currency,
st
1 type: Date/Time
(ii)
(iii)
2nd type:
Award 1 mark for any
two types
[1]
Write down FOUR important field names that you expect to find in the
database of a DVD lending library.
Title, DVD code, Client
name, ID number,
address, issue date,
1st field: due date, rental cost.
2nd field:
3rd field:
4th field:
Award ½ mark each for
any 4 given fields
[2]
What is a query in the context of databases?
A question that is put to a database to extract some data OR fetching data that
satisfy a certain condition
[1]
(iv)
One relational (comparison) operator used when constructing a query is the ‘=’
symbol. List another TWO relational operators.
st
1 operator:
(b)
32
>, <, <>, >=, >=
Award 1 mark for
2 operator: any 2 operators
nd
Study the following program and then answer the questions set on it.
[1]
Program Test;
Var
Counter, Price, Cost, Total, Quantity : integer;
Begin
Counter := 0;
Total := 0;
Repeat
Counter := Counter+1;
Writeln('Enter Item Price in Euro');
Readln(Price);
Writeln('Enter Item quantity');
Readln(Quantity);
Cost := Price*Quantity;
Total := Total + Cost;
Until Counter = 5;
Writeln(Total);
End.
(i)
From the program above, write down ONE example of:
One from:
A variable identifier: Counter/price/cost/total/quantity
[1]
One from :
Program/var/begin/repeat/until/end
A keyword (reserved word): Accept also integer/writeln/readln
[1]
A data input statement: One of the readln statements
[1]
An initialisation statement: Counter =0 OR Total = 0
[1]
One from:
Cost := Price*Quantity;
Total := Total + Cost;
Counter = counter + 1;
An arithmetic statement:
(ii)
[1]
Why is ‘integer’ an inappropriate data type for Price, Total and Cost?
What new data type should these have been set to?
Because currency requires a decimal point. While
Inappropriate: integers are whole numbers
New data type: real
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[1]
[1]
(iii)
(iv)
Name the other TWO looping structures that may be used instead of the
Repeat ... Until.
1st loop structure: For do
[1]
2nd loop structure: While do
[1]
Complete the following conditional instruction so that a discount of €2 is to be
given to bills with a total of €20 or more.
If __total >= 20 (1 mark)__ then ___total := total – 2 (1 mark)_______;
(v)
State whether the program above is ‘source code’ or ‘executable code’.
Source code
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[2]
[1]