IB 1 Term1 Test 2, 2011
1 hour
[MARK SCHEME]
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Question 1.
An author has broken his arm and can no longer use his computer to complete an article.
The operating system of the computer provides many utilities that can make it possible
for people with a wide range of disabilities to use their computers.
(a) Define the term operating system.
[1 marks]
Answers may include:

correct reference to software

manages the hardware and software resources of the system

manages the memory – optimises use of RAM

file management – locates files and programs requested

provides the user interface

provides a (software) platform on top of which other programs (applications) can run.
(b) Describe two utilities provided by an operating system that would be helpful in
enabling the author to use his computer effectively despite his injury.
[4 marks]
Answers may include:

sticky keys – for accessing capital letters, control sequences etc.

voice input – alternative to typing

filter keys – to ignore accidental repetition of keystrokes

mouse keys – control mouse with keyboard

onscreen keyboard – to provide an alternative to a physical keyboard (as long as it is
clear that it is provided by the operating system).
Allow other utilities if they are reasonable and related to an arm injury and clearly provided
by the operating system.
[1 mark]: for each feature identified up to [2 marks], and an additional [1 mark] each for the
relevant description up to [2 marks].
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Question 2.
a) Distinguish between shareware and freeware.
[4 marks]
To distinguish between means to demonstrate a clear understanding of similar terms
Shareware is software distributed freely, but with certain conditions applying to it.
Either the software is released on a trial basis only, and must be registered after a
certain period of time, or in other cases no technical support can be offered with the
software without registering it. In some cases direct payment to the author is
required.
Freeware on the other hand is a software program that’s available for use without
any charge attached to it. This doesn’t mean the program isn’t copyrighted. Usually,
the originator retains the copyright. Anyone can use it, but the program can’t be
legally sold or distributed without permission.
b) State four tasks performed by an operating system
Answers may incude:
-Loading programs and subroutines.
The programs and data are to be loaded from the storage system before they can be
processed. The loading of other system programs or software into the main storage i.e. a
compiler is handled. The duty also includes the swapping of application programs between direct
main storage and direct access storage, and the calling into main storage and linking together the
applications or systems subroutines to be used together with particular jobs.
-File security and management.
Ensures that unauthorized users do not gain access to the computer files i.e.
i). Use of pass word to prevent illegal access or amendments to user of systems files
ii). Copying file contents for use incase of losses.
iii). Maintaining all the file descriptions and their locations.
-Input and output control.
It is composed of a set of routines to manage or control the input from and output to the
peripherals. These routines are part of the executive. Control over hardware resources e.g.
control over the selection and operation of devices used for input/output or devices for Storage
(control over selection of input/output devices).
-Provision of error correction routines
The programming errors can be channeled to the user incase an interrupt is not attended to
promptly then data may be lost during the transfer and such may be recovered by setting up the
read process again.
-Communication with the operator
Normally through the keyboard the operator has to deal with errors missed by the operating
system and re-establishing the systems failure. The communication routines include:
i). Operators to computer
- Command language to load jobs or other software.
Command language to call routines for faults.
Command language to terminate the job.
ii). Computer to the operator
Report end of jobs.
-Report job usage i.e. lapse time and CPU time used.
-Error message.
-Ask for commands.
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-Interrupt handling
Entails different users connected to the CPU via keyboard terminals and all running different
programs on the computer at the same time. Done by the executive, which determines the cause
of the interrupt. The causes of the interrupt may include or be caused by: -Power failure
-Arithmetic or logical error
-Clock
-Input/output interrupts.
-Protecting hardware, software and data from improper user.
-Memory management.
Memory Management i.e. calls into Main Storage of programs and sub-routines as and when
required. Storing, retrieving, erasing and copying data files or programs on magnetic storage.
Supports various file organization methods.
-Job sequencing
Passing of control from one job (job sequencing) to another under a system of priority when more
than one applications program occupies Main Storage (i.e. provision for multi-programming
operations).
-Furnishing a log of events
Provision of the events or jobs and keeping track of their execution and hardware use. Furnishing
a complete recording of all that happens during processing. Usually in the form of a printed log.
(Logging the system). Operating Systems can keep record of what the human operator is doing.
[4 M]
Question 3.
Answer the following questions:
a) Define Application software.
[2 marks]
To define means to give a clear and precise account
Application software is any computer program or software designed for a
particular purpose, such as home finance, education, graphic design,
telecommunication, database management, or word-processing.
b) Describe “Read me” file
c) Describe Software wizard
To describe means to give a portrayal of a given situation. It is a neutral request to
present a detailed picture of a given situation, event, pattern, process or outcome,
although it may be followed by a further opportunity for discussion or analysis
A wizard is an interactive computer program which acts as an interface to lead a user
through a complex task, using step-by-step instruction or dialogue boxes.
One example of a wizard is the Microsoft Windows "Internet Connection Wizard",
which sets up a computer's network settings by asking the user for information on
how the computer is connected to the Internet. Windows makes frequent use of
simple wizards to assist with several configuration tasks.
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d) Define Bespoke software
[2 marks]
Software which has been developed in-house for use within the same institution,
organization or firm.
e) Explain what a public domain software is:
[2 marks]
Programs that are NOT copyrighted because their authors intended to share them
with everyone else are in the public domain. The UNIX community has developed a
number of such programs over the years. Programs in the public domain can be used
without restriction as components of other programs. When reusing such code, it is
good to understand its history so that you can be sure it really is in the public
domain.
Question 4.
a) Explain why commercial software comes with serial numbers and registration
cards.
[2 marks]
To explain means to describe clearly, make intelligible and give reasons for a
concept, process, relationship or development
Many computer programs come with serial numbers, often called "CD keys," and the
software installation program often requires the user to enter a valid serial number
to continue. These numbers help to protect the software from illegal copying.
Without the correct serial number, the software cannot be installed.
Software piracy is all but impossible to stop, although software companies are
launching more and more lawsuits against those who break copyright. Originally,
software companies tried to stop software piracy by copy-protecting their software.
This strategy was not successful, however, because it was inconvenient for users and
was not 100 percent foolproof. Most software now requires some sort of registration,
where the purchaser of the software is required to send some information about
themselves either online or by post to the software maker who records them as a
legitimate user of the software. This may discourage would-be pirates, but doesn't
really stop software piracy.
4 (b) Explain what type of license a school would require for all students to use a wordprocessing software.
[2 marks]
To explain means to describe clearly, make intelligible and give reasons for a
concept, process, relationship or development
A software license is a type of agreement between the owner of the copyright of a
piece of software and a user. In this case the owner is Microsoft and the user is the
school. There are different types of licenses available for software:
- a single user license which permits the user to install software onto his or her
computer - this is a common license type for individual use
- a multi user license which permits the user to install software onto a given number
of computers - this is good for companies or institutions who have a number of
people wanting the same software, for example an office may have 10 employees all
wanting to use MS Office so they could purchase a multi user license for 10
installations. Usually the more users, the more the license will cost.
- a site license, this is a license used mainly by educational establishments which
allows software to be acquired at a reduced price, on condition that it is only used for
academic, non-commercial purposes. The school or university etc pays for the right
to install the software on any number of computers within the school. Often the cost
of a site license is determined by the number of students at the school.
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Question 5.
For each of the following situations, state the best suited application software
needed (Brand / market names are not acceptable).
a) Developing a school magazine with lots of pictures, nice page design layouts, and
varied columns.
[1 M]
Desk top publisher
b) Keeping records of high school students in a school.
Data base
[1 M]
c) Keeping marks of students in a clear analyzed and summarized why in terms of
mean scores, high scores and percentage conversions.
[1 M]
Spreadsheet
d) Making presentation in an end year speech & prize giving day for the IB students.
[1 M]
Presentation software
Question 6.
When a movie film is digitized and transferred onto a DVD, the data is compressed.
Data compression is also commonly used in MP3 players and digital television
transmissions.
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[TOTAL MARKS 40]
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