1
Exam Style Questions
R001
There are TWO complete exam style papers with questions and answers
relevant to the January 2016 exam. The scenario is the exact one that will be
used in the actual exam. Students are advised to look at the exam paper
style questions and use this as a focus for revision as the actual exam will
most likely be very similar.
2
Information for Learners
Doctors often work together in a practice. Doctors’ practices employ office staff who do
administrative tasks. (Scenario 1)
If an emergency arises when the practice is closed, patients are able to ask for an out-of-hours
home visit. Practices employ an out-of-office telephone operator who deals with these requests
and passes on the details to the doctor who is on call. (Scenario 2)
Scenario 1
Appleside Doctors’ Practice is run by a small team of doctors. It serves approximately 10,000
people and employs six administration staff, one of whom acts as the Office Manager. The
practice is open between the hours of 8am and 6pm from Monday to Friday and from 8am and
2pm on Saturdays.
People who want to register with the practice have to complete a questionnaire on paper. The
completed questionnaires allow the practice to track down each patients previous medical
records, as well as identify any other potential health issues. A digital copy of each
questionnaire is created and stored.
All patients’ details are stored in a database. When a new patient joins the practice, one of the
administration staff adds their data to the relevant fields on the database.
All data held by the practice is extremely important. The Office Manager has set up the
computer system so that a complete back-up of all data is held on the system is made every
night. This is currently backed up to an external hard drive, but the practice is considering
alternative storage media that may be used to store data that has been backed up. The Office
Manager has also installed anti-virus software on all computers used in the practice. The Office
Manager has set the options on the anti-virus software so that it updates automatically.
The practice uses its broadband internet connection to provide wifi access in the waiting room
for patients to use with their own devices whilst they are waiting.
Scenario 2
A new doctor, Tamsin has just joined the practice. Tamsin provides out-of-hours cover once a
week. She is given a laptop computer by the practice, which she uses to access patients’
records during her visits. Due to security risks, Tamsin has to use a strong password as well as
a USB security key to log onto her laptop computer. Tamsin’s laptop computer has the same
anti-virus software settings as all other computers used in the practice.
Once a month, Tamsin has to return her laptop computer to the Office Manager for routine
maintenance. The Office Manager uses some of the system tools on the laptop computer for
this purpose.
As a new colleague, Tamsin has been asked for suggestions that would made Appleside
3
Doctors’ Practice more efficient. She has suggested that the practice replace the paper-based
questionnaire used to collect patients’ details with a digital form.
EXAM PAPER ONE
Scenario A
The questions in this section are based on the scenario in the case study and your
background research.
Answer all questions.
1.
Identify three different methods in which Appleside Practice can use to pass on out-ofhours emergency calls to the doctor who is on call.
Method 1 – Telephone communication using a contact list
Method 2 – Email/Online Form, which will be sent to the doctor’s personal laptop
Method 3 – Through the use of a company database, where the call can be logged [3]
2.
A) Name and describe three methods in which Appleside practice can collect data from
patients and the benefits and drawbacks of doing so.
Method 1 – Online data capture form, this will be helpful as it will allow the practice to
automatically add in the data which is being provided to them.
Method 2 – Paper based questionnaire forms, this would be useful to them as they will
have all of the answers to the questions which they would like to be asked on the paper
based form.
Method 3 – Over the telephone, this is useful as they will be able to speak to the patients
directly, which will allow them to gather the answers and information to any of the
questions which need to be answered. [6]
B) Give one benefit and one drawback for each of your methods.
Benefit for Method 1 – This will speed up the process of capturing data as all of the
information which needs to be collected is on the form.
Benefit for Method 2 – This is useful as all of the information which needs to be collected
is on the form, also it does not require the use of a computer, so this can be done
anywhere.
Benefit for Method 3 – This is quick, it is also beneficial as it will allow the practice to ask
questions directly and receive an automatic response.
Drawback for Method 1 – Because the capture form is online, if the computer is damaged,
there will be no access to the information on the forms.
Drawback for Method 2 – Because this is a paper based form, it can easily be lost or
damaged which will result in the data being lost.
4
Drawback for Method 3 - The customer is not in the practice, there could also be
connection issues as well as issues for communication with people from different
language backgrounds.
[6]
Identify two output devices that would be used by Appleside Practice to output patients
information.
Device 1 - Printer
Device 2 - Monitor [2]
3.
Explain how Appleside Practice can use the following features within a database to obtain
patients information.
Forms – Appleside Practice could use a pre-defined form, this will allow them to enter
the exact information which they require the patients to fill in. patients will only be able to
insert information into the fields which have been created by the practice.
Queries- The practice would be able to make use of a query so that they are able to
extract all information relating to one criteria, for example if they would like to send
information to all patients who need a flu vaccination, they would be able to do this by
entering the criteria into the query field within the database.
Reports- The practice would be able to make use of reports in a database, they could do
this to run reports of many different things, this can include checking how many
appointments a doctor has had in a set period of time, to how many prescriptions a
doctor has prescribed to a patient over a set period of time. [6]
4.
Which Law does Appleside Practice need to abide by when dealing with Patients records?
Data Protection Act [1]
5. Data protection is an issue, when issuing doctors with a laptop, explain what measures
can be taken in order for the laptop to be as secure as possible to prevent any
unauthorised access to patients records.
When issuing doctors with a personal laptop computer it is vitally important that the
laptop is encrypted, as well as having appropriate anti-virus software, this will help to
prevent unauthorised access to the computer, and will prevent anyone stealing any
important data and information on the computer. [2]
6. Explain how Appleside Practice could make appropriate use of a Distribution List, Forum
Site and Design Blog on their website when it comes to communicating with their
patients.
Distribution List – The practice could make use of a distribution list, by sending an email
with information to all of the patients at once within the distribution list, which has been
set up. An example of this would be, if the practice need to send information to all
women who are pregnant, they can do this by creating a distribution list which will obtain
all of their email addresses.
5
Forum Site – The practice would be able to make sure of a forum site, as this will allow
patients to communicate with each other, they will be able to have discussions with each
other by posting messages, this can also be used as a FAQ forum.
Design Blog – By having a blog will allow patients to communicate with each other, as
well as the practice logging different activities, the practice could use the blog as an
information or discussion board, as well as a diary. [6]
7. At present, the administration team at Appleside Practice have to input new patients
details into the system manually, explain how this could be made easier by implementing
a new Database Management System (DBMS).
A new Database Management System could be implemented which will allow patients
records and data which is stored within a database to be automatically updated. This will
speed up the process of having to type all information in manually, when a patient moves
addresses or changes telephone number, this will also allow them to automatically
update the record on all other platforms, which are used within the practice, which links
all of the different programs together. The new Database Management System can also
be compatible with other systems which are currently in use by the practice. [3]
8. At present, Appleside surgery back up their data every night using an external hard
drive, identify and explain 2 different types of external storage which would also be
appropriate for this purpose. Also, identify and explain issues, which could be caused by
using these types of external storage.
Storage 1 – Cloud Storage [1]
Storage 2 – USB Memory Sticks [1]
Storage Issue 1 – Cloud storage is an online storage platform, this means that and
internet connection is required at all times in order to be able to access this information,
if there is no internet connection, this will mean that there will be no access to the
information and data which is being backed up. [1]
Storage Issue 2 – USB Memory Sticks are very fragile, and don’t always have a large
amount of storage space, which could prevent other information and data to be
transferred to the disk. Also, the USB stick could corrupt which would result in all of the
data being lost. [1]
9. Appleside practice have also installed Anti-Virus software on their computers, identify
and explain two advantages and two disadvantages of using Anti-Virus Software. and
how this could improve the security on their systems.
Advantage 1 – When activated, this will protect the practices computers against virus
and malicious content. [1]
Advantage 2 – This will protect the practices computers from the use of hackers, and
different levels of viruses which could be planted into the practices sytems to obtain their
personal information. [1]
Disadvantage 1 – The software may not be kept up to dat. This will mean that the
computer will not have the full protection that the software offers. [1]
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Disadvantage 2 – These software’s can be expensive, and may not always protect the
computer systems against every possibility. [1]
[Section A Total: 43]
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Scenario B
The questions in this section are based on the second scenario in the case study and
your background research.
Answer all questions.
10. Once a month Tamsin has to return her laptop computer to the Office Manager for routine
maintainence. Idenitfy and Explain three different activities which can be undertaken on
Tamsins laptop computer to ensure that it is fit for purpose.
[2]
Activity
Describe the purpose of this activity
Anti-Virus Clean
Up
Anti Virus software can be ran on the computer to remove any
unwanted or malicious spyware, this will speed up the computer.
Add more RAM
By adding more RAM will allow the computer more memory which
will then speed up each of the activities which the computer is
trying to undertake.
Free up disc space
By using the disc clean up tool, this can free up some of the disc
space, which will then allow memory for more files to be stored on
the computer.
11. The practice provides free wifi for patients to use whilst they are in the waiting room.
Explain one method which can be used to ensure that the data on the system is secure.
Ensure that the data is encrypted, password protected and that Anti-Virus software is
installed. [1]
12. Explain how the Office Manger at Appleside Practice could make use of the
defragmentation tool to perform routine maintenance on Tamsins laptop computer.
When Tamsin has been using the files on her computer for a long period of time, they
become fragmented, which means that it will slow the computer down, as it will have to
perform extra tasks by looking for the files, the defragmentation tool, will refresh the files
storing them back in their original location. This will speed up Tamsins computer system,
allowing her to do more tasks in a set period of time.[2]
13. What would be the most appropriate software for the practice to use to store customers
information, and why.
A database would be the most appropriate software for the practice to use; the reason
for this is that it is able to perform multiple different tasks and activities providing all of
the answers, which the practice need. They are able to store customer’s information, as
well as any additional information, which may need to be kept on file by the practice. [2]
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14. Tamsin has requested that the practice replace the paper-based questionnaires with a
digital online form. Explain the benefits of changing from a paper based system to an
online system.
There are many benefits from changing from a paper based questionnaire to an online
form, they will be able to keep all of the data in once place, and will be able to look
through it quickly, rather than having to go through one at a time, within this, they will
then be able to create graphs and charts which relate to the data, find all of the data
which relates to one specific element, for example, everyone who lives in Northampton.
This will also help the practice save time, and they it will not be as easy for the
information to be lost. [2]
15. In order for Tamsin to access her laptop computer, she is required to use a strong
password, explain what is meant by a strong password.
A strong password is one, which is easy for you to remember, but hard for someone to
guess. A strong password uses a combination of different cases, characters, numbers
and symbols, to limit the chances of anyone being able to guess this. [1]
16. Explain why it is important for Appleside Practice’s information to be secure on the
computer systems which they use, and how can they prevent unauthorised access to
this information.
It is vital that the information on the system is secure; this contains patient’s information
and therefore has to be secure. The practice will be bound to follow the Data Protection
act when dealing with this type of information, so making sure that the files and hard
drives are encrypted are necessary. They can protect this information by adding strong
passwords, firewalls and encryption. [1]
17. Appleside Practice provides free wifi to its patients whilst they are in the waiting room at
the practice, identify and explain three advantages and three disadvantages of them
providing this service to its customers.
Advantage 1 – Gives the patients something to do whilst they are waiting to be seen by
the doctor, this could be seen as good customer service.
Disadvantage 1 – This could encourage them to spend too long on their devices which
could cause some health risks.
Advantage 2 – This could give the patients the opportunity to do some if necessary, by
the means of college, university or employment, whilst waiting for their appointment.
Disadvantage 2 – Patients may be restricted to websites which they are not able to
access through the use of the Practice’s free wifi service.
Advantage 3 – This could also offer Appleside Practice the opportunity to advertise and
promote their products and services.
Disadvantage 3 – This could cause pop ups which are displayed on patients devices.
[6]
[Section B Total: 17]
[Paper Total: 60]
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EXAM PAPER TWO
Scenario A
1. Patients at Appleside Doctors’ practice have to register using a paper questionnaire.
Name two different kinds of input device will the Administration staff use to transfer this
information to the Database.
Input Device 1 – Mouse and Keyboard for manual input (can also say Mark Reader for
scanning)
Input Device 2 – Scanner for taking in signatures
[2]
2. Describe how Optical Character Recognition software works.
It is a piece of input software that works with a scanner, the user scans the document and the
software recognises from a template where the marks are made like ticks in the tick boxes and
then transfers this information into a database where the fields are then auto filled in.
Any answer that says scanner, recognises ticks and boxes and then transfers to a database will
give the marks.
[2]
3. When the information from the questionnaires is put into the database, which law does
the Administrator need to be wary of when it comes to Patient’s records?
Data Protection Act 1998.
[1]
4. All the patient’s records are stored in the database. In order to find patient’s records the
Administrator needs to know how to use database features. Describe with an example the
following terms:
Field – This is a single like of data such as a name or address or postcode that is used within a
database table.
Query – This is a search for certain information within a database such as all Males, or Dates of
Birth or medical condition.
Report – This is the result of a query that displays the information is a ready to print version for
manual or paper based reading.
[3]
5. The Database has an Input Mask for the postcode. What is an input Mask?
It is a field restriction that stops the user from typing in mistakes or irrelevant information.
[1]
6. Name four other kinds of Data Types that could be used to restrict input mistakes in a
database.
Type 1 – Text so only letters or words can be typed in
Type 2 – Numbers so only numbers can be used
Type 3 – Date so the date has to be in a relevant format
Type 4 – Currency so the numbers are converted to currency with decimal places.
Also Yes/No fields, Drop down lists or Lookups will do.
[4]
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0
The information of the system has a complete back-up
of all data held on the system is made
every night on an external hard drive. Describe the following alternative storage mediums.
Magnetic Tape Drive – Allows a large amount of data to be stored on a tape like cassette which
would be read only.
Cloud Storage – Stores the information on a secure website or server so it can be accessed
remotely via an internet connection.
[2]
There may also be a question on regularity of backups, or how a company might store the
secure backups e.g. off-site or online.
7. The Office Manager has set the options on the anti-virus software so they it updates
automatically. State one advantages and one disadvantage of doing this.
Advantages – Do not need to worry about it and the virus checker will always have the most up
to date Dat files.
Disadvantage – Needs the internet so the laptops might have to be manually checked that they
are up to date. Also slows the system down and takes up room.
[2]
8. Other than Backups and Anti-Virus software, name and describe 2 other software security
features the practice could put in place to protect the patients’ confidential information.
Software Measure 1 – Login names and passwords on the machines, timed screensaver locks,
Software measure 2 – WEP and WPA, forcing a password change every 30 days, using
network logs, keylogging, any measure can be used as long as it can be justified.
9. The practice uses its broadband internet connection to provide Wi-Fi access in the waiting
room for patients to use their own devices whilst they are waiting. Describe the dangers of
providing this access.
Internal so there is more risk of hacking, patients can also use it for illegal activity, and heavy
usage can slow down the internal access. You can even say it can be distracting if you justify it.
[2]
10. What is the reason for having a username (user ID) when logging onto the computer
system?
So the user can be tracked, for protection on the server, to restrict access to confidential files.
[1]
11. If the Administration Staff in Appleside Practice have to share computers, what security
measures would you set-up for:
Usernames and Passwords
Forcing a password change every so often, password protected screen locks, training on
effective use of passwords. [2]
Access Rights and Permissions
Restricted rights for staff to confidential information, use of read and write access to files,
password protecting confidential information, and administrative passwords for certain staff,
using network logs. Time restricted access to confidential materials. [2]
12. Describe how the following are a threat to the data held on a computer system.
[2]
1
1
Phishing
Can. be used to gain access to login names and passwords, can lead to hacking and
installation of malware. If access is gained (and the students should say “this is a threat to the
Surgery Data because”) then confidential information could be compromised, deleted, altered
or stolen.
Computer Virus
Malicious programs designed to delete, destroy, alter or corrupt data. This could be a threat to
the Surgery data because…. Destroying, deleting, compromising, stealing etc.
Question could also be asked on how to prevent it
Trojans
Programs and malware installed on the machine to allow further access to materials and
possibly virus attacks. This could be a threat to the data within the surgery because… as with
viruses, destroying, breaking, stealing, deleting.
Hacking
This would allow someone to access confidential materials in the hope of selling, blackmailing,
abusing etc.
[4]
/30
Scenario 2
Communication between Appleside and Tamsin
13. Give four ‘rules’ that should be followed when creating passwords
8 letters or more because…
Letters and numbers because…
Nothing personal because….
Changed every so often because…
Not the same password as other passwords because….
14. In order to be able to contact Tamsin out-of-hours, the Practice uses the following
technologies. Describe a benefit and disadvantage of each.
Smart Phone
Benefit – Can be used to access the Diary Management Software, read emails, stay in contact,
be updated with messaging, Diary, Calendar etc.
Disadvantage – Distracting, easy stolen, not always in a 3G or 4G area, can be hacked etc.
Pager
Benefit – Longer battery life, more personal for the Practice, can be tracked, harder to ignore,
less likely to be stolen
Disadvantage – Not as widely used, not as versatile as Smartphone, no apps, less message
ability, cannot put in too much detail.
Diary Management Software
Benefit – Can be managed from the office, live updates, can be used remotely, can use
messaging with confidential or patient information, and can be tracked, not reliant on the
technology.
[4]
1
2 password, intrusive, needs updating,
Disadvantage – Learning curve, needs login and
unsecure for confidential information.
[6]
15. Tamsin also has to use a USB security key to log onto her laptop computer. Describe the
process steps Tamsin would use to gain access to her information.
Plug in the key, wait for it to be recognised, use finger print scanning, logs into the system, key
must be present at all times, cannot be used on a smartphone.
[2]
16. The confidential patient’s records are accessed from the laptop through the Appleside
Intranet. What is an Intranet? – An intranet is an internal network of information that can be
accessed from within the surgery, the information can be confidential as it can only be
accessed from within the building using secure login names and passwords. Information can
be restricted. May also mention Extranet (Intranet with external access for the DMS or the
confidential information)
[2]
17. The booking of out-of-office patients is done through a Diary Management Software. Identify
and explain some of the features a Diary Management Software (DMS) offers.
There is always a big question a 6 or 8 pointer, this could be it or it will be about database
restrictions so this needs revising.
There are features students can describe, a diary program like on their smart phones or within
email programs, live tracking, shared diaries, office can place things on the diary for each
patient call and remove it for security purposes, backups and monitoring for tracking Tamsin,
making sure the appointments are kept.
[4]
18. Describe how using a cloud DMS would help communication between the Tamsin and the
office.
This will allow Tamsin to keep up to date with confidential materials live with the office, allow
Tamsin to tell the office when she has arrived, use the DMS to update the status of the call and
keep all the information on the secure server so it can be accessed out of hours on an y device
that has the DMS software
[1]
19. When the laptop is returned to the Office Manager once a month system tools are used to
repair and maintain the machine. Describe the following system tools.
Disk Defragmentation – Allows the spare areas on the hard drive to be reconfigured to speed
up access to files, clears space, cleans the files up. They do not need to get too technical with
this as long as they say cleans the hard drive up so things can be loaded faster.
Scandisk – Looks through the hard drive and repairs any files that are damaged.
Restore Point – Restores the laptop back to the last date or any date when it was backed up so
that any changes to the machine since that date, like installed software or malware, is erased.
20. Tamsin has suggested that the practice replace the paper based questionnaire used to
collect patients’ details with a digital form. She has suggested an online form for new
patients to register. How can an online form be set up to limit/minimise mistakes from
happening.
[6]
1
3
Drop down menus, tick boxes, data validation, input
masks, large writing, easy to fill in boxes,
screen enlarger, language options, verification points, support and tips, use of examples, any of
these and others as long as they can be justified.
[2]
21. It has also been suggested that the practice use a Kiosk to allow patients to enter their
personal details. How would a kiosk be more accessible for disabled users?
The kiosk one is a guess, I have seen these in some centres so it might come up.
Language options, support, big screen and writing, touch screen interface, use of examples
again.
[3]
/30
Overall
/60
Exam Preparation topics
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4
To prepare for the examination, you should research the use of information systems in a
doctors’ practice including systems which support doctors who have to visit patients’ homes.
This should include:

Methods by which details of out-of-hours emergency visits can be passed to the doctor on
call

Methods by which data may be collected from patients and the benefits and drawbacks of
these

The use of a database, including forms, queries and reports

Possible risks to data of providing doctors with laptop computers with access to patients’
records and methods by which laptop computers can be protected from unauthorised
access

The hardware and software used by administration staff
You should also research:

Possible impacts of providing access to wifi within an organisation that holds sensitive data

The use of the defragmentation system tool, and other system tools, to perform routine
maintenance tasks on computers

The range of devices and media available for storing data and the benefits and drawbacks
of each
Data Protection Act
1
5
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/topics/zmr9wmn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4L8vKASghw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHvd6HaPq_s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHvd6HaPq_s&list=PLj7dL8gHbOLhF5zIKNOc42akfnvr92N9Y
https://www.goconqr.com/en-GB/p/2478507
Computer Misuse Act and data security measures and computer viruses
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/topics/zmr9wmn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXIAwZvQJ3Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUxUUarTRW4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqpMy7CzpDM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXJhDXBr6ds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c34QwtYI40g&list=PLj7dL8gHbOLhF5zIKNOc42akfnvr92N9Y&index=2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8a3QoTg4VQ&index=3&list=PLj7dL8gHbOLhF5zIKNOc42akfnvr92N9Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsjspQ-MgY0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u3t30nbFtI
Common Problems and problems with computer devices
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7YqL7rTR4E&list=PLFY3mqPkQRis27tehJD1auEy8CgKRlght&index=8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGVXp-BkseA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tn7_wuvqRK8
Input/Output / storage devices
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74YuS4IuywQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtcM9k1tYUI&list=PLFY3mqPkQRis27tehJD1auEy8CgKRlght&index=7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIgINE_A1Uw&index=6&list=PLFY3mqPkQRis27tehJD1auEy8CgKRlght
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaPc6KLdYco
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCvbzOyWS5s&list=PL1_BC3C6QlMkthfmpyQcoX1oCjA9phmyY&index=2
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6
Cloud Computing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJncFirhjPg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTNgV0O_oTg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txvGNDnKNWw
Communication Devices and networks
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/topics/zjvg9j6
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGPDw_X0bzc&index=5&list=PLFY3mqPkQRis27tehJD1auEy8CgKRlght
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKMQ0qtN5mQ&index=3&list=PLFY3mqPkQRis27tehJD1auEy8CgKRlght
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCEJOysFQws&list=PL1_BC3C6QlMkthfmpyQcoX1oCjA9phmyY&index=1
Database basics
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/topics/zwyb4wx
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf9s2R_Olf4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45w9UraAsmQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aiQ-YCTAu8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYtiONCTPoU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qS1qr5tUe0
Impact of computer technology on organisations
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vJx0-MjwNI&list=PL1_BC3C6QlMkthfmpyQcoX1oCjA9phmyY&index=10
Types of personal computers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDOI71Bml6E&index=4&list=PL1_BC3C6QlMkthfmpyQcoX1oCjA9phmyY
Types of software
https://www.goconqr.com/en-GB/p/2478909
1
7
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/topics/zdf3cdm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/guides/zx9wxnb/revision
Using the World Wide Web to search for information
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFFcjdMVJSA
Quizzes
http://www.teach-ict.com/gcse_new/gcse_ict_quizzes.htm
Flash Cards
http://learnict.it/ocr/cambridge-nationals/unit-1-cambridge-nationals-revision-help/