Dallam School ICT Department
Info 1: Revision
Handbook
Contents
Contents ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Input............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Output ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Storage........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
Health and Safety ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Software ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Analysis .....................................................................................................................................................................................................11
Design .......................................................................................................................................................................................................14
Testing .......................................................................................................................................................................................................16
Evaluation .................................................................................................................................................................................................18
20 marks questions ................................................................................................................................................................................19
Page 2
Input
What you need to know:
1
2
3
4
Input devices to prevent unauthorised access
Input device used with a games console
Input methods
Limitations of input devices and media
Input devices used to prevent unauthorised access – Magnetic swipe card reader, finger print scanner/biometric
device
Input devices that can be used with a games console – Joystick, Musical Instrument, Webcam
Input methods – Optical character recognition, Optical mark recognition, Keyboard, Speech recognition, Scanner,
Direct data entry from customer
Jan09 Qu6b
Jun10 Qu1
June11 Qu1
Jan12 Qu4
Questions:
What input devices could be used to prevent unauthorised access to an ICT classroom
State two input devices that can be used with a games console
For each of the following tasks name and justify what you consider to be the most suitable data
input method to use: a) automatic sorting of post using the postcode on each envelope, b)
recording the answers from multiple choice examination papers, c) producing a letter
Select and justify alternative input methods, media and devices that could be used for entering the
data from the order forms.
Page 3
Output
What you need to know:
1
2
3
4
Output devices
Output methods
Types of printer
Limitations of current output devices and media
Output devices – Digital photo frames (used to display rolling display of photos, maybe from a holiday), mp3
player/ipod (used to play latest music download, listen to yourself, easy to carry around), printer (used to print a
piece of work such as an essay so that a hard copy can be produced to hand in)
Types of printer – A laser printer (not laserjet as it is a trade name). Laser printers are faster than most other types
of printer. Could be used for printing a letter, or printing high volumes. An inkjet printer, print in colour, can be
used with specialist paper, can print high quality images so would be good for printing a colour photograph for
example.
Jan09 Qu7
Jan10 Qu1
June10
Qu6b
June11 Qu2
Questions:
For each of the following tasks, name and justify what you consider to be a suitable output device
to use: displaying your holiday photographs, playing your latest music download, Producing and
ICT essay
Describe appropriate methods and devices that are available to output the photographs, and
justify why the items you have selected would be suitable to display digital images.
State, with a reason, what type of printer you would use for each of the following tasks. A)
producing a letter, B) printing a colour photograph
You have been asked to give a presentation to a group of students. Discuss the possible output
methods, media and devices that you could use.
Page 4
Storage
What you need to know:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
What is cloud storage?
Reasons for choosing cloud storage
Folder structure
Storage devices
Storage medium
Questions to ask when thinking about storage
Limitations of current storage devices and media
Cloud storage - where data is stored on multiple virtual servers hosted by third parties. Chosen because saves
you yourself purchasing and installing physical storage devices. You only have to pay for the storage you use. You
can access files from anywhere that has an internet connection.
Folder Structure – used to organise files on a computer. Files and Folders must have meaningful and relevant
names so it identifies what they are. Files and Folders should be organised in a hierarchical structure.
Storage devices – one example is a hard disk drive, pen drive (portable, robust, compatible, transferability) pen
drives can be lost as they are small which may bring about security issues
Storage medium – Magnetic storage such as hard disk used to store the operating system on, Flash memory on a
pen drive to store coursework, Optical storage on a CDR, Flash memory on an SD card
Questions to ask when thinking about storage – The size of the files, number of files, what can be connected to
the computers (is there a dvd drive, usb ports etc)
Jan12 Qu1b
Jan12 Qu1a
June12
Qu 2
June12
Qu1
Questions:
It is advisable to organise files on a computer using a folder structure. Draw a diagram to show a
suitable folder structure that a student, who studies four AS levels, could use to organise their
computer files into subjects, units in each subject and homework
Cloud storage, where data is stored on multiple virtual servers hosted by third parties, is the
chosen method for many people. Describe why they might choose cloud storage.
Name a storage device
Name a storage medium
Page 5
Jan11 Qu2
June10 Qu6a
Jan10 Qu4
Jan09 Qu1
Jan09 Qu3a
Jan09 Qu3b
Jan09 Qu3c
Describe storage media currently available, giving examples of what they can be used for
Digital cameras make taking large numbers of photographs much easier that did the old film
cameras. As a result, personal collections of digital images have become much larger. Printing
digital images and saving image files correctly are important parts of preserving these digital
memories. Describe appropriate media and devices that are available to store the photographs,
and justify why the items you have selected would be appropriate for preserving digital memories.
A friend has Media Studies coursework that she needs to store electronically so that she can work
on it at home on her laptop and in school on a networked PC. She asked you to advise her on
which storage media she should use. Explain what you would need to ask her about before
offering her advice.
Folders are used to organise files on computers. Draw a suitable folder that a teacher, who
teaches four classes, could use to organise class attendance lists, homework records and end of
term reports.
(see qu paper) Describe some possible uses for this type of device
Explain why someone would choose to use this type of device. (see qu paper)
Explain possible disadvantages of using this type of device (see qu paper)
Page 6
Health and Safety
What you need to know:
1
2
3
Health and safety equipment
Software functions to prevent health and safety problems
Health and Safety legislation
Health and Safety Equipment – Keyboards which are shaped ergonomically to reduce the possibility of the user
suffering from RSI they also help keep wrists in a natural position, Height adjustable chairs with 5 points for
stability so the user can sit at the right height which is neither up or down so they don’t get back or neck ache, A
foot rest would be used to ensure that a user’s feet were raised so that they do not suffer from any form of strain
on the body, an ergonomic mouse that is shaped correctly could help prevent RSI, a document holder will allow a
user to look at documents at eye level and reduce the possibility of eye strain, a monitor which is
tiltable/adjustable so that it can be adjusted to the correct angle to avoid squinting to see it and preventing eye
strain.
Software functions to prevent health and safety problems – Shortcut keys to reduce the number of mouse clicks
needed to prevent RSI. Online help to assist novice users when they are not sure what to do will prevent stress.
Health and Safety legislation – relating to ICT – the health and safety at work act states that users of ICT have a
safe workstation and are provided with the right equipment and training – employers need to provide height
adjustable chairs and that employees actually adjust their chair to the correct height to prevent back ache.
Employers should provide employees with an ergonomic keyboard to prevent RSI. Employees should take regular
breaks to avoid eye strain.
Jan11 Qu1
June11 Qu3
Jan12 Qu7
June 12
Qu3
Questions:
Describe why a regular computer user needs a height adjustable chair when they are working in
ICT.
For each of the following state if it meets health and safety guidelines for a computer user by
circling either ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ and justify your choice in the space provided.
A software developer must consider health and safety guidelines that apply to the use of software
to try and prevent health problems. For each of the following health problems, state a software
function and how that software function would help prevent it. (refer to qu paper for each
problem)
There are health and safety risks associated with using a workstation regularly. For each of the
following health risks, identify one piece of equipment that is part of a workstation and describe
how a specialised feature of it could help to protect you from that given health risk. A) eye strain
B) RSI
Page 7
June10 Qu3
Jan10 Qu7
June09 Qu3
Describe, using examples, the current health and safety legislation as it relates to the use of ICT
systems.
A company that uses ICT systems has particular responsibility for its employees’ health and safety.
Likewise, each employee has responsibility for their own health and safety when they are working
with ICT systems. Discuss these responsibilities with reference to the use of ICT systems.
After studying Health and Safety legislation relating to the use of ICT systems, what measures
should you take to protect your health and safety when using a computer?
Page 8
Software
What you need to know:
1
2
3
4
5
6
Database Management Software
Presentation Software and Presenting to large audiences
Functions of Operating System
Systems software
Spreadsheet software
Word Processing software
Database Management Software – Allow you to create queries, which can search for specific data – such as a
customer’s name and address. Allow reports to be created – such as an invoice. Allows validation rules to be set –
which ensures robust data entry. Allows macros and command buttons to be created – which means a user can
click on a button to perform a task – for example printing a report – rather than having to go through long steps.
Allows forms to be created – to enter data. Allows tables to be created with fields to store data.
Presentation Software/presenting to large audiences – Can be displayed on a large screen so all can see via a
digital projector. Presentations can include graphics to keep the audience interested. Presentations act as a visual
aid to accompany a speaking and listening presentation. Use slide design function to choose from a set of slide
backgrounds. Chose a slide layout to use as a template. Saves time preparing each slide by using a set layout and
background. Consistent layout and background gives presentations and professional feel. Add, edit and format
text to make sure it was clear and easy to read. Animations to make text and graphics appear when I needed to
speak about them. Make them appear on click. Add sound – more interesting than just text.
Functions of Operating System – Allocation of processor time, which enables several programs to run at the same
time; controlling where data is stored on disk, finding space on a disk and keeping track of the file address;
Communicating with input and output devices, for example managing the printer queue; system security, by
allowing the allocation of usernames, and file passwords.
Systems software – Is essential to the running of the computer, for example the operating system. System
software looks after memory management and can also check for viruses.
Spreadsheet software – Lookups, IF Statements, Formulae, Functions, Absolute cell referencing
Word processing software – Format text, headings, size, fonts etc
Page 9
Jan09 Qu4
June09 Qu1
Jan10 Qu3
Jan10 Qu2
Jan11 Qu4
June11 Qu4
Jan12 Qu5
June 12
Qu 5
Questions:
Database Management Software can be used to perform many different tasks. Identify a task
which Database Management Software would be suitable and explain how the functionality of the
software would help complete the task effectively.
You have been asked to provide information on the 2012 Olympic Games to a class of 11 year
olds. Describe and justify how to provide this information using ICT.
Presentation software can be used to produce many different types of presentation. Give an
example of a presentation that you have created and explain how the functionality of the software
helped you prepare it effectively.
An operating system provides a number of functions. One function would be the allocation of
processor time, which enables several programs to run at the same time. Explain other functions of
an operating system.
Explain the role and functions of systems software
Spreadsheet software can be used to perform many different tasks. Identify a task that you have
completed using spreadsheet software and explain how the functionality of the software helped
you to complete the task effectively.
For each of the following tasks explain what you would consider to be the most suitable
application software to use. A) creating an invoice B) creating an ICT textbook C) keeping in touch
with friends and family
Word processing software can be used to perform many different tasks. Describe a task that you
have completed using word processing software and explain how the functionality of the software
helped you to complete the task effectively.
Page 10
Analysis
What you need to know:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
What is a client?
What is an audience of an ICT solution?
Explain your client requirements and outputs
Explain your Inputs, Processes, and Outputs
Problem identification from your sample work
What is a user?
Identifying skills of your user(s)
What to include in the analysis section of the sample work, also known as Problem identification
Why you need to identify and document client requirements
Client – A client is the name of the person who requires a solution. If asked to refer to your sample work make
sure you say who your client is, so name them, and what the solution is they require (e.g a website to advertise
her business)
Audience – The audience are the people who the solution is aimed at and will be viewing the solution. If asked to
refer to your sample work make sure you specifically name who your audience members are and why they will be
viewing it
User – The person who uses the solution to amend or update the solution. If asked to refer to your sample work
make sure you specifically name the people who may use the solution and how they will use it, and what they will
be updating
Identifying skills of your users – One method is to interview them where you would have prepared the answers
beforehand and the these could have been expanded on depending on the answers given during the interview.
You may ask the user what experience they have had of databases in the past. Interviews are face to face.
What to include in the analysis section of the sample work, also known as Problem identification – Identify client,
user and audience, describe the problem, user skills, list client requirements, interpret client requirements as input,
process and output.
Why you need to identify and document client requirements – So they can be discussed with the client, and agree
what is required, so you know exactly what to produce. If not documented it is likely something will be forgotten.
Page 11
Jan11 Qu5a
June11
Qu5b
June11
Qu5a
Jan12 Qu6d
Jan12 Qu6c
Jan12 Qu6b
Jan12 Qu6a
June 12
Qu6d
June 12
Qu6c
June 12
Qu6b
June 12
Qu6a
Questions:
With reference to your sample work explain what is meant by a client
Explain what is meant by an audience of an ICT solution
Explain what your client expects from your solution
Describe the processes that you would need to implement in order to create the solution for your
client
With reference to your sample work, describe the problem for which your client needed a solution.
Explain what is meant by the term user
Describe how you could have identified the skills of the user(s) of your solution and justify why this
would be suitable.
For one of the outputs produced by your solution, describe the process(es) required and the
inputs needed to produce it.
With reference to your sample work, explain what you included in your problem identification
Explain, using examples of your client requirements, why you needed to identify and clearly
document what these requirements were.
With reference to your sample work, identify one of the people that will use your solution and
describe what they will use it for.
Page 12
Jan11 Qu5b
Jan11 Qu5c
June10
Qu5a
June10
Qu5b
June10
Qu5c
Jan10 Qu5b
Jan10 Qu6b
June09
Qu5a
June09
Qu5b
Jan09 Qu2
Jan09 Qu5a
Jan09 Qu5b
Explain, using examples, what is meant by a client and an audience for an ICT solution
Describe the outputs required from your solution and explain how and why the data identified was
needed to create them.
With reference to your sample work, describe the problem that required a solution
With reference to your sample work, identify who needed the solution
For the solution you were asked to produce your sample work, describe the input, processing and
output required
Describe one of the processes required in your solution and explain the input(s) needed for the
process and the output(s) required from that process.
Explain which fields would be populated automatically by the system and describe the processes
required to complete the form.
With reference to your sample work, explain what is meant by a client.
Explain the difference between a user of a solution and an audience for a solution
Explain using examples, what is meant by a client, a user and an audience
Give one requirement from your sample work for what the solution is to produce and give one
requirement from your sample work for how the solution is to work.
With reference to your sample work, interpret one of your requirements you have identified in part
5a as input, processing, output
Page 13
Jan09 Qu5c
How did you find out about the users skills?
Design
What you need to know:
1
2
3
4
Design considerations: Websites
Ensuring robust data entry/Validation and Verification Techniques
User skills
Data objects
Design considerations: Websites – Discuss characteristics of users, Refer to what the client requirements might be,
what objects and information needs to be added to a website and why, give examples, Uniformity/Consistency,
Layout, appearance, Guidance, Navigational aids
Ensuring robust data entry/Validation and Verification Techniques – the following techniques can be used:
verification to get the user to input the data twice, for example entering a password twice, if they do not match
then the user must re-enter them; a presence validation check, this means that the user cannot leave a field blank,
usually shown with an asterisk next to the field; a format validation check, this can be used when data needs to be
in a certain format, for example a date of birth, or else it will not be allowed; a length validation check, for
example on a field that requires a mobile phone number to be entered, that only 11 characters are allowed; a
range validation check to check someone’s dob makes them over a certain age.
These techniques are used to check the data entered is reasonable and sensible – and has not change from the
source document.
User skills – If fail to consider user skills then you cannot design for the user, and cannot plan as you do not know
their skills, and an incorrect design will be created. If you do not know your user is a novice you will not, for
instance, include online help, and provide an effective solution. Short cut keys for expert users so they can use the
solution in an efficient way. Visually impaired users will need larger text or zoom option available so user can
increase the size of what they are viewing at so they can see it.
Data objects - Text, Sound, Image
Page 14
June09
Qu6a
June09
Qu5d
June09
Qu5c
June09
Qu6b
June09 Qu4
Jan10 Qu6a
Jan11 Qu6
June11 Qu6
Jan12 Qu3
June12 Qu7
Questions:
The Principal of Anytown Academy is concerned that the marketing of the school is poor and he
would like you to create a website for prospective students and their parents. What should you
consider before you start your design and how would this impact on what you would need to
include on the webpages?
For each of the diagrams below describe the technique that has been used to ensure robust data
entry
Your local under 16 sports team are setting up a website. The purpose of the website is to provide
information on match dates, match results, the location of the sports club and sponsorship
opportunities. The audience that they hope to reach would include current players, their parents,
the team management and other teams in the under 16 league. They have provided you with a
selection of the types of images, which you could use. These are shown in the insert (see qu
paper).
Sketch a design for a home page showing: the types of images you plan to use, other objects you
are including, where objects will be positioned.
Also justify your design, explaining how and why the objects in your design are used.
A social networking website requires you to open a new account before you can use it. The
following data is required: first name, last name, date of birth, email address and password.
Discuss the validation and verification techniques that a web designer should have put in place to
ensure robust data entry when opening a new account on the social networking site.
Explain which fields an existing customer would need to enter data into and what validation checks
could be made on these fields. (see qu paper)
Explain using examples, what is meant by validation and verification
(see qu paper) You have been asked to improve the web page. Describe, using examples, the
improvements that you could make and why you would make them.
What may happen if you fail to consider your users skills when designing a solution?
Explain how you would take account of your user’s skills if you were to design a solution for their
problem.
(see qu paper) Study the screenshot below of a school web page, which provides information on
the courses it offers. A data type (object) used on the web page was text. What other data types
(objects) could have been used?
Page 15
June09
Qu6c
Jan09
Qu6ai
Jan09
Qu6aii
What can be included to ensure that the webpage content is accessible to a varied audience with
different particular needs, for example visually impaired users?
(see qu paper) Draw a design for an input screen for entering the order details
Explain how your design supports robust data entry, minimises errors and ensures accurate and
valid data entry
Testing
What you need to know:
1
2
3
4
5
Reasons why we test
Describing tests you have carried out
What to do when expected test results don’t match actual test results
Types of test data
Test Plans
Reasons why we test - check client requirements have been met, for the validity of the data input, for the accuracy
of the output, for the presentation of the output, and that the solution is useable
Describing tests you have carried out – state the reasons, state the test data, state the type of data
(normal/erroneous), state expected outcome and explain how that will tell you whether what you are testing is
correct or not, state the actual outcome, make a comparison and make a comment based on the reason you
tested, if modifications are need mention these and what you will do after you have fixed the problem.
What to do when expected test results don’t match actual test results – Go back to the solution, find the error and
fix the error, complete the testing again, until the actual result matches the expected result
Types of test data – Normal, erroneous and boundary
Test plans – needed to ensure testing is followed in a systematic way and nothing is left out. Needs to cover
validity of data input, accuracy of output, presentation of output, solution is useable and meets needs of client. It
should include test data, test type, expected results, actual result, modifications needed.
Page 16
Complete the test plan below
Explain, using examples from your test plan, how your testing ensured that you met your client
requirements successfully.
One reason for testing a solution is to ensure validity of data entry. What other reasons are there
for testing?
With reference to your test plan, test data and testing evidence, describe and justify tests you have
carried out for two different reasons.
June09
Qu5e
Jan10 Qu5d
Jan10 Qu5c
June 10
Qu5d
Jan 11
Qu5e
Jan11 Qu5d
June11
Qu5c
With reference to your testing, describe tests you have completed to ensure the validity of data
input, the accuracy of output, and the presentation of output.
June11
Qu5d
Jan12 Qu6e
June 12
Qu6e
June 12
Qu4
Questions:
For each test result, describe the test used, the result obtained and explain what the results shows
about the solution that you tested.
Explain what you would need to do if any of your testing results were not as you expected
Identify three items of test data you have used and justify why you have selected each one
Explain why you need a test plan and what you would include in it.
Explain what you should do if the actual result for a test was different from the expected result.
Describe the requirement that you have tested
Page 17
June09
Qu5f
Jan09 Qu5d
Jan09 Qu5e
Explain how your testing ensured that this requirement had been successfully implemented.
With reference to your test plan, test data and testing evidence, describe one test you have
completed to ensure the validity of data input.
With reference to your test plan, test data and testing evidence, explain how the accuracy and
presentation of output have been tested.
Evaluation
What you need to know:
1
2
3
Questions to ask at the Evaluation stage and the purpose of them
How results of testing can be used
How you evaluate a client requirement being met
Questions to ask at the Evaluation stage – Does the solution do what it is supposed to do? Does the solution do it
in the way it is supposed to do it? You ask these questions to assess how effective your solution has been, and
against the client requirements for the solution. Is the solution and effective one?, If the solution is not an effective
one then what is wrong with it? What would make it an effective solution?
How results of testing can be used – To show a client requirement has been tested, that is was successfully met
and that it proves the requirement has been met
How you evaluate a client requirement being met – Identify need to test the requirement, explain results from
test, explain how results show requirement being met, check back with the client, consider effectiveness
Jan11 Qu3
Jan12 Qu2b
Jan12 Qu2a
Questions:
At what stage of providing an ICT solution to a problem would you need to ask yourself the
following questions: Does the solution do what it is supposed to do? Does the solution do it in the
way it is supposed to do it?
What is the purpose of asking yourself these questions?
Evaluation of any ICT solution involves assessing its effectiveness against the client requirements
for that solution. What questions would you need to ask yourself when evaluating an ICT solution,
other than “is the solution an effective one”?
Page 18
Jun10 Qu4
Jan10 Qu5a
June09 Qu2
Explain how the evidence from the test results can be used in the evaluation of an IT solution to a
problem
Give one of your client requirements from your sample work and explain how you would evaluate
that the requirement has been met.
Evaluation involves assessing the effectiveness of an ICT solution against a client’s requirements.
What questions would you need to ask yourself when evaluating an ICT solution?
20 marks questions
June1- Qu7
Jan11 Qu7
June11 Qu7
Jan12 Qu8
June 12 Qu 8
Questions:
To be any use at all a computer has to be able to take input, yet this basic idea can easily escape
the modern computer. It seems hard to believe that all computer devices had once literally to be
hardwired, for example a scanner. Today there is a wide range of input devices available. For
example, in computer gaming, for example, a character can be controlled directly by the electrical
impulses from a player’s brain without the need for wires.
Discuss the above statement with reference to a range of input devices currently available. Your
answer should include examples of where and how input devices can be used appropriately.
You are a young entrepreneur setting up a business to provide a Health and Fitness Gym in your
local community.
Discuss the hardware, communication technologies, and software you could purchase before you
start trading and why you would need them.
The mobile phone has become the most commonly used ICT device in the world today because
of the range of software applications used on it. Discuss this statement, including in your answer
examples of software applications that can be used on mobile phones.
You have been asked to write a report on what you consider to have been the most useful
hardware and software that you have used in school since you started school. The report will be
placed with other items in a time capsule that will be buried under a new library building. In your
report you should explain what features/functions of the hardware and software made them most
useful to you.
A student is leaving home to start an apprenticeship later this year. His parents plan to purchase a
laptop computer and appropriate software for him to take. They do not know what software to
buy because they do not understand the role and functions of either systems software or
applications software.
They have asked you to explain to them, with the use of examples, the role and functions of both
systems software and applications software so they can make a decision on what software to buy.
Page 19
June09 Qu7
A retired teacher is intending to travel to different parts of the world and requires a computer to
organise his travel, to keep in contact with people while he is away and to make a record of his
journey. He is unsure of what he needs to buy and has asked you to advise him. Identify the items
of hardware and software that he may need to buy, explaining how each of them would be of use
to him.
Page 20