INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY paper 1 (80 mark)

1. A computer system uses both analogue and digital data.

(a) Explain what is meant by these types of data.

refers to continuously varying data.
(i) analogue data ................................................................................................................................

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refers to information that is stored in a digital format. (0 and 1)
(ii) digital data ................................................................................................................................

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(b) Digital data is processed in a computer system. Sometimes digital data needs to be converted to
analogue data. Explain why digital data may need to be converted to analogue data.
Digital data may need to be converted to analogue data because for processing
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and analysis of data.
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(c) Use the most appropriate phrase from the list to complete the sentences. Your answer must be
different in each case.

(analogue data) (digital data) (display a graph on a monitor)

(input the maximum safe water level for a river) (measure acidity levels in a river)

(control humidity levels) (open the windows in a greenhouse)

open the windows in a greenhouse
(i) A motor is used to ................................................................................................................................

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(digital data) to (analogue data)
(ii) A DAC outputs ................................................................................................................................

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(measure acidity levels in a river)
(iii) A sensor is used to ................................................................................................................................

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2. Identify three different network communication devices and describe what each one does.
Router
Device 1 ...................................................................................................................................

Use IP address to route data packets from one network to another

Description ...............................................................................................................................
network within a LAN.
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 Switch
Device 2 ...................................................................................................................................
Use MAC address to forward data packets to the correct destination device
Description ...............................................................................................................................
within a LAN.
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Bridge
Device 3 ...................................................................................................................................
Use same protocol by connecting one LAN to another LAN to form a single LAN
Description ...............................................................................................................................
and doesn't connect with the internet.
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3. A group of pupils is planning to create a newsletter for a history project. The group can either use a
smartphone or a phablet computer.

(a) Explain what is meant by a phablet computer.

A phablet computer refers to a device that have been designed as a
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combination of smartphone and tablet. They have much larger screen than a
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smartphone but smaller screen than a tablet.
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(b) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using a phablet computer rather than a smartphone for
this project.
Advantages
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A phablet computer provides larger screen size, making it easier to view and edit
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content.
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The quality of video display and audio are better than smartphone.
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Disadvantages
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Phablets are larger and heavier than smartphones, which can make them
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less convenient to carry around.
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Phablets have greater power consumption due to larger screen than smartphone.
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The cost of phablets are often more expensive than smartphones.
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Students who are not familiar at first time with phablets may delay the projects.
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4. Many teachers use multimedia projectors in their lessons.

(a) State two health issues associated with the use of multimedia projectors.
Bright light emitted by multimedia projectors can cause eye strain.
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Staring at the projected screen for long periods can cause in neck and shoulder strain.
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(b) State two safety issues associated with the use of multimedia projectors.
Require proper installation and maintenance to ensure safety.
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Student may accidently trip over a setup of cable around projectors can be damaged.
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5. A router is used in networks. Describe how a router routes data packets.

A router used IP address to routes data packets by analyzing the destination address in
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each packet and using its routing table to determine the best path for the packet to reach
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its destination. The router then forwards the packet to the next packet along the path until it
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reaches its final destination.
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6. An electric bus system is being considered for New Delhi. Passengers will use smart cards to travel on
the bus. They will have to add money to their smart card before they can travel.

(a) Compare and contrast the use of smart cards rather than using cash to pay for a journey.
Smart cards provide a convenient and contactless way for passengers to pay for their journeys
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without the need of physical cash payment. This can help to reduce the risk of losing
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money and ensure faster process. This may also lead to improved efficiency and
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reduced travel times. It also provide more convenient and flexible payment option
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compared to carrying cash.
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 The new electric bus system will help to reduce the air pollution in the city. Sensors are used in the
system.

(b) Name a sensor that could be used to detect high levels of air pollution.
Humidity Sensor
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(c) The sensor monitors the air pollution. When the air pollution reaches a certain limit, a message is
displayed on a street sign in the city to warn pedestrians and road users. Describe the computer
processing involved in this system.
The microprocessor receive data from humidity sensor by converting analogue data to
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to digital data. The sensor continuously collects data on air pollution levels and send this data to
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a computer system. When its receive the data, it compares the limited value with other
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values set by user. If the pollution levels exceed limited value it generates a warning
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message to alert people about the high pollution level.
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(d) Data from the sensor needs to be converted from analogue to digital before it is processed. Explain
the need for this conversion.
Digital data is represented in discrete values, allowing for more accurate measurement
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and analysis compared to the continuous varies of analogue signals.
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7. Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is one of the health problems associated with the prolonged use of
computers. (a) Describe RSI and what causes it.
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is a condition that results from repetitive movements and
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overuse of muscles leading to pain in body such as sitting without ergonomic chair for a long period.
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(b) State two strategies for preventing RSI.

Taking a regular break and stretch.
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Use ergonomic to reduce strain on muscles.
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8 State the most appropriate storage medium from its description.

(a) A storage medium that stores data on the internet.

Cloud Storage
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b) Internal storage where the current instruction is stored.

Random Access Memory (RAM)
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(c) A solid-state storage that is used in digital cameras.

Memory Card
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(d) An optical storage medium that stores high-definition (HD) movies.

Blu-ray disc
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9. Describe the benefits and drawbacks of using an online booking system.

Online booking systems allow customers to purchases at any time from anywhere
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with internet access without the need of visiting there. It can improve
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efficiency by automating the booking process. This may decrease human errors
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in bookings. It may also provide 24/7 and cost saving. On the other hand,
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online booking systems rely on internet connectivity.
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If there in a connectivity issue, it may lead to interruption in booking process.
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It may also result in a lack of human interaction.
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10 The hotel uses both a WAN and a WLAN. Describe the differences between a WAN and a WLAN.
WAN
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A WAN is a large geographical area, typically located across cities or countries.
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It connects multiple Local Area Networks (LANs) or other WANs.
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WLAN
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A WLAN is located to a specific area, such as a home or office. It is wireless technology,
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such as Wi-Fi, to connect devices within a limited range.
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11 A clothing retailer only sells its clothes on the internet.

(a) Discuss the benefits and drawbacks to the clothing retailer of using internet shopping.
Advantages
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Online stores are open 24/7, allowing customers to shop anytime from anywhere.
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Disadvantages
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Customers cannot try on items before purchasing due to lack of physical interaction
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between customers and products.
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(b) A customer is purchasing some new clothes from this retailer. Describe the steps the customer would
take when purchasing the new clothes using internet shopping.

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12. The computer technician at Tawara School is planning to set up ten new computers to be placed in
the staffroom to form a network. The network will not be connected to the internet. Assume the school
currently has no hardware or software for this network.

(a) State the steps that the technician would need to take to set up this network.

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(b) The school plans to connect some teachers’ laptops to this new network using WiFi. Describe, in
detail, how data is transmitted from the laptops to the new network.

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13 A company is purchasing a new printer. A choice has to be made between using a laser printer or a
dot matrix printer. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using dot matrix printers rather than
laser printers.
Advantages
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Dot matrix printers are generally cheaper compared to laser printers, making them a
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cost-effective choice.
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The durability of dot matrix printers is better in long term and are less chance to breakdowns
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compared to laser printers.
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Disadvantages
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Dot matrix printers have lower print resolution and slower print speeds compared to laser printers
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They are noisier than laser printers.
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The maintenance of dot matrix printers can be more complex and might require print head
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cleaning.
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