Total marks: 60 · Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Instructions to candidates
• Answer all questions. • Use black ink or black ball-point pen. • The number of marks is given in brackets [ ] at the end of each question or part question. • The total number of marks for this paper is 60. • All the information you need is contained within the questions.
Paper
Section A — Structured Questions (44 marks)
1. Hardware and software
(a) State the difference between an input device and an output device, giving one example of each. [3]
(b) Explain the difference between RAM and backing storage (secondary storage). [4]
(c) Explain the difference between system software and application software, giving an example of each. [4]
2. Data and storage
(a) A school stores students' records. State two items of data that should be stored, and explain why storing the data accurately is important. [3]
(b) Explain two advantages of storing data in the cloud rather than only on a local hard drive. [4]
(c) Explain what is meant by a backup, and explain why a business should back up its data regularly. [3]
3. Networks and the internet
(a) State one advantage and one disadvantage of connecting computers together in a network. [2]
(b) Explain the difference between a LAN and a WAN. [2]
(c) Many people now use online shopping. Explain two advantages and one disadvantage of online shopping for the customer. [6]
4. ICT in society
(a) Explain one health problem that can result from prolonged use of computers, and describe one way it can be reduced. [3]
(b) Explain what is meant by phishing, and describe one way a user can protect themselves from it. [4]
(c) Explain what is meant by the digital divide, and why it is a concern. [3]
(d) Organisations that store personal data must protect it. Explain two things an organisation should do to keep the personal data it holds secure. [3]
Section B — Extended Response (16 marks)
5. A small business currently keeps all its customer and sales records on paper. It is considering moving to a computer-based system using a database and spreadsheets.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of moving from a paper-based system to a computer-based system, and advise the business on what it should consider before making the change. [10]
6. Explain two ways in which the widespread use of ICT and the internet has changed the way people work, considering both a benefit and a drawback. [6]