ICT IGCSE Theory

Revision Questions

Name:

What is the difference between Hardware and software?

Briefly describe the purpose of the following hardware components:

Central Processing Unit (CPU):Motherboard:

Internal Hard Disk:

Sound Card:

Graphics Card:

What are the differences between ROM & RAM?ROM: RAM:

What are the differences between Application & System Software?Application: System:

Examples with use: Examples with use:Word Processing - Used to prepare reports, school essays

What is measure and control software used for?

What are the main functions of an operating System?

What are the differences between the CLI & GUI interfaces?CLI: GUI:

Advantages: Advantages:

Disadvantages: Disadvantages:

Describe the four main features of the graphical user interface?

WIMP

What are the differences between Main Memory and Backing Storage? (4)Main Memory (ROM/RAM/Cache): Backing Storage:

Type of computer and use: Advantages DisadvantagesPersonal Computer:

Laptop:

Tablet:

Smart Phone:

Describe the role of an Input Device? (1) List 2 Examples:

Describe the role of an Output Device? (1) List 2 Examples:

Describe the role of a Sensor? (1) List 3 Examples:

Why does a computer not understand Physical Variables (real world) read from Sensors? (3)

Describe the role of a Actuator? (1) List 3 Examples:

Input Device USE: Advantage DisadvantageNumeric Key Pad

Mouse

Touch Pad

Web Camera

Microphone

Light Pen

Compare and contrast an OCR, OMR, MICR and a keyboard as a method of data entry?

OMR: Use: Advantage:

OCR: Use: Advantage:

MICR: Use: Advantage:

Keyboard: Disadvantage of Using a Keyboard to input data over the direct data input devices?

Type of Printer: Use Advantages DisadvantagesDot Matrix:

Inkjet Printer:

Laser Printer:

3D Printer

Wide Format Printer/Plotter

Compare the use of Magnetic Strip Reader, Chip and Pin Reader, Contactless Cards Point, barcode scanner and number pad at the POS (Point of Sale)?

Describe the input and output devices used in a video conference?

Describe the input and output devices used in a teachers classroom

Compare the advantages and disadvantages of the CRT and the LCD monitor?

What is Secondary Storage? List 3 Storage Mediums:

What is meant by Backup? Why would you backup:

How would you make a personal backup?

How would businesses backup?

List features of the Main Memory List features of Backing Storage

Compare the differences between Serial and Direct Access?

List the different types of storage Medium:Magnetic Storage

DevicesOptical Media Solid ‘state’

Compare the differences between Magnetic, Optical and Solid State storage medium?

Storage Medium (Magnetic)Name Use Advantages Disadvantages

Fixed Internal Hard Drive

Portable Hard Drive

Magnetic Tapes

Storage Medium (Optical)Name Use Advantages Disadvantages

CD-ROM

DVD-ROM

Blu-Ray

Compare the differences between CD/DVD R, CD/DVD RW and DVD RAM

Storage Medium (Solid ‘state’)Name Use Advantages Disadvantages

USB Memory Stick

Memory Card

What is a Computer Network?

Advantages of using Networks Disadvantages of using Networks

Understand how a Router works and its purpose?

Data Packets contain the following information:

Compare the differences between the following devices?Switch Hub

How does a Switch learn each workstations MAC address?

Network Devices

Describe the role of each Network Device?

Modem:

Network Interface Card:

Bridge:

Server

What are the differences between Bluetooth and Wifi?Bluetooth Wifi

What software is required when using the Internet?

What are the differences between the internet and Intranet?Internet Intranet

Provide a brief description of the following types of Networks?LAN WAN WLAN

Diagram

Accessing the InternetDevice Advantage Disadvantage

Laptop Computer

Desktop

Tablets

Smart Phones

How can hackers affect your network and data?

Threat to Data:

Threat to Network:

Should the internet be policed?

Advantages Disadvantages

What are Authentication techniques and why use them?

The use of passwords?Advantages Disadvantages

Features of a strong password?

What other types of information could be asked for to verify a customer’s account?

Alternatives Methods of Authentication (Network Security)Device Overview/AdvantageBiometrics

Finger Prints Retina Scan Iris Scans Face Scans Vocal

Recognition

Magnetic Swipe Cards

Transaction authentication number (TAN)

Two factor authentication

Security issues regarding data transfer: Viruses & Spyware?

What is a computer virus:

What is spyware:

Tips to keep your computer protected from viruses and spyware:

How is a firewall used to keep your computer protected?

What is the purpose of a Proxy Server?

What is data Encryption?Step 1: Step 2: Step 3:

Principles of the Data Protection Act?

Who does the data protection Act protect?

Device Overview/AdvantagePhysical Faxing

EmailCommunication

Electronic Faxing

Fax EmailAdvantages

Disadvantages

Video ConferencingOverview: Advantages: Disadvantages:

Hardware:

Audio ConferencingOverview: Advantages: Hardware:

Web-ConferencingOverview: Advantages: Hardware:

ICT effect on Employment?

Identify and describe increased areas of employment due to ICT:

Identify and describe decreased areas of employment due to ICT::

Describe how ICT has changed the way we can work at home?

EmployeeAdvantages Disadvantages

EmployerAdvantages Disadvantages

Compare Full Time working hours to compressed working hours?

Describe Part Time (flexi-Time):

Describe Job Sharing:

Describe what microprocessor devices are?

Advantages: Disadvantages:

Health Risk and Reason Prevention

Use of IT equipment to minimise the health risks:

Strategies to minimise the health risks:

Identify the advantages and disadvantages of paper based communication:

How can computers be used in creating newsletters, brochures, flyers and posters:

Identify the advantages and disadvantages of web based communication:

Identify the advantages and disadvantages of mobile based communication:

Identify the advantages of using data handling application to store data:

Describe how a data handling application could be used in a Gym (Members Club):

Identify the role of sensors in a computer control system:

Why can’t computers read signals from sensors:

Describe the role of the microprocessor:

Describe how the microprocessor uses data from the light sensor in a greenhouse:

What is the role of the actuator in a control system:

Give three different examples of a computer control system:

Why Use Computers to Measure Things:

Write the instruction commands to get to the start to the finish.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.6. 7. 8. 9. 10.11.

Name four different instructions which the turtle graphics software could use in order to draw the shape. For each one explain the meaning of the instruction.

Why do we use Computer Models:

Why would you need to use a repeat command?

Identify a computer model and give some advantages of using it:

Identify the advantages and disadvantages of using robotics in Manufacturing:

Describe how robots could be used in a car factory:

Identify reasons why a school management system would be useful in a school

Describe the process of a booking an online ticket:

Identify the advantages and disadvantages of using Booking systems:

What is EFT and who may use it:

Identify the advantages and disadvantages of EFT:Advantages Disadvantages

Describe the processing for a credit/debit card Transactions:

Describe the processing for clearing a cheque:

What is an ATM (cash machine) and give examples of how it could be used?

Describe the process of withdrawing money from an ATM machine?

What is online banking and give examples of how it could be used by customers?

Identify the advantages and disadvantages of online banking?Advantages Disadvantages

What is phone banking?

Identify the advantages and disadvantages of phone banking?Advantages Disadvantages

How are Information Systems used in Medicine (hospitals/doctors):

Advantages Disadvantages

How are 3D printers used in medicine:

Advantages Disadvantages

How are books issued in libraries:

How do libraries know when books are due:

How does an expert system work for a medical diagnosis:

How is an expert system created:

How does an automatic stock control system work at the POS?

How does EFTPOS (Electronic Fund Transfer Point of Sale) work when a customer wants to pay for a transaction at the POS?

How can a transaction be declined?

Why has internet banking and shopping become more popular?

Advantages Disadvantages

Give some advantages and disadvantages for a company to have a web presence?

Advantages Disadvantages

Give some examples of how recognitions systems work:

MICR:

OMR:

OCR:

RFID:

Number Plate:

Reasons for Monitoring and Tracking Systems:

How can the following techniques be used for Monitoring and Tracking?

Key Logging

Call Monitoring

Cookies

Number Plate Recognition

What is a GPS (Global Positioning Systems)

Advantages Disadvantages

What is a GIS (Geographic Information System)

Advantages Disadvantages

How can businesses use GIS?

Many homes in cold climate areas use microprocessor controlled central heating systems. Describe the processing which takes place? (5 Marks)Key Words:

Give three advantages to the Geography department of having a computerised weather system rather than a manual weather system. (3 Marks)Key Words:

Doctors use an expert system to help them with their diagnoses of illnesses. Describe the processing which the system uses so that it can suggest possible illnesses? (5 Marks)Key Words:

Some students are studying the amount of pollution in a river. They are using a computer tomeasure the pollution using sensors. The results are recorded and printed. Describe the steps involved in monitoring the pollution?Key Words:

Many teachers are using websites to support their lessons but also use word-processed worksheets. Describe three features which can be found on a website that would not be present in printed worksheets.Key Words:

Give two reasons, apart from safety, why computer models are often used rather than the real thing.Key Words:

Describe the computer processing involved in updating the stock file every time a product is sold and checking whether it needs re-ordering.Key Words:

After the checks on the customer’s card have been completed, the supermarket computer contacts the customer’s bank. Describe the computer processing involved in taking payment from the customer’s bank.Key Words:

A car manufacturer uses robots on its production line.Describe four disadvantages to the company of using robots to build cars.Key Words:

Describe each stage of the systems life cycle:

Identify four methods of observing an existing system. For each method give one advantage and disadvantage:

Type of Methods Advantage Disadvantage

What information needs to be gathered from the analysis:

Identify Good Design FeaturesComputer Based Form Paper Based Form

You have just opened up a mobile phone shop. You need to create a database to hold stock records for each phone model. Identify fields and data types required to set up the database structure. Then design a computer based form which would be used to enter details of each phone model.

Database StructureField Datatype

Describe the different types of Validation and Verification techniques available to ensure correct data is entered:

Validation Example use

Describe the three main steps involved in the development of a new database system?

Why is testing a new system required?

Describe what modular testing is?

If mobiles phones cost between £85 and £250 then give examples of three types of test data that could be used?

Verification Techniques

Describe four methods of implementing a new system. For each method give advantages and disadvantages:

Diagram: Implementation Method Advantage Disadvantage

List the types of information found in technical and user documentation?

User Documentation Technical Documentation

Describe the steps taken to evaluate a new system?

Identify 4 physical safety concerns in a classroom/office and provide possible solutions?

Strategies to minimise potential safety risks:

Give examples of personal data:

Why data should be kept confidential and protected:

How to avoid inappropriate disclosure of personal data:

Discuss why esafey is taught in schools:

Solutions to stay safe onlineWeb Browsing Email

Social Media Online Gaming

Describe Threat including effects: Strategies to preventHacking:

Computer Virus:

Spyware:

Phishing:

Pharming

Smishing:

Online Credit Card Fraud:

Describe four method of biometrics authentication:

Describe Secure Socket Layer (SSL):

Three Features of a web page that identify it as using a secure server:

What do you need to consider when planning and creating ICT solutions:

Explain the need for copyright legislation and the principles of copyright relating to computer software (e.g. software piracy):

Describe methods that software producers employ to prevent software copyright being broken:

Discuss the legal, moral, ethical and cultural implications of creating an ICT solution:

Discuss why the internet is not policed (although legislation is enforced in some countries)

Discuss why the internet is not policed (although legislation is enforced in some countries):

Describe the constraints that affect the use of email, including the laws within a country:

Define the Terms:Internet:

Intranet:

World Wide Web:

Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP):

Uniform Resource Locator (URL):

Protocol secure variant (HTTPS):

Service Provider (ISP):

File Transfer Protocol (FTP):

Explain the concept of storage in the cloud:

Describe the structure of a web address:

Explain what a search engine is used for:

Define the term blog and describe the use of a blog as a means of communication:

Define the term wiki and describe the use of a wiki as a means of communication:

Define the term social networking and describe the use of social networking websites as a means of communication: