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Computer Information System For You Answer Book
Computer Information System For You Answer Book
Computer Information System For You Answer Book
Suggested Answers
Chapter 1
Things to do (page 5)
2 Examples which must be manual include: holiday brochures; guidebooks to the
country/area; atlases/maps; encyclopaedias; geography textbooks
4 (a) (i) Any three sensible details such as: health problems/medication; name of
parent/guardian; home telephone number; parents/guardians mobile/cell phone
number; parents/guardians email address; parent/guardian work contact
telephone number; options taken; form teacher
(ii) You might have two pupils with the same surname and forename. The pupil
number is a unique identifier in these situations.
(b) The form should be laid out sensibly with important information first.
The form should contain the fields listed in the question and also the three answers
for part 4 (a)(i).
(c) Teachers and administrative staff can immediately identify a pupil if they cannot
remember their name.
They hold a huge amount of data (video clips, sound, graphics, photographs and
text), typically 650 Megabytes.
Information Systems for you, Fourth Edition answers Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011
(b) Any two from: graphics (still or animated), photographs, sound, video clips.
Chapter 2
Test Yourself (page 10)
A
programs
backing
quick
GIGO
information, searching
peripheral
microprocessor
Hardware
(a) Keyboard
(d) Mouse
Software
(h) Joystick
(i) Spreadsheet
(j) Database
2 (a) Microprocessor
(b) Both
(c) Faster can process more data in less time; more accurate; can work 24 hours per day
3 (a) Any two from, e.g.: accurate weather forecasting; space travel; processing of credit
cards.
Information Systems for you, Fourth Edition answers Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011
(b) Weather forecasting The amount of data that needs processing would take a long
time; Space travel for working out accurately orbits, project planning, etc.;
Processing of credit cards Can process data very quickly without human
intervention.
4 The points made in this paragraph could include points similar to the following:
It leads to unemployment;
It has led to many new crimes (e.g. hacking, identity theft, etc.).
Information Systems for you, Fourth Edition answers Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011
They can synchronise the data on both devices so that it is the same (e.g. they can
synchronise their address book).
4 (a) The barcode on the food is scanned by the reader on the microwave oven. The code is
looked up by the oven in a database stored on the chip. The cooking instructions are
found and the details are then input to the microprocessor which then controls the
power and timing of the oven.
(b) The user does not have to enter settings themselves, which are possible sources of
error.
The human may misread the instructions on the packaging and enter the wrong
information. This system has no such error.
5 Any two from:
The processor should have a low power consumption to prolong the battery life while
the computer is being used away from mains electricity.
It should not generate lots of heat as this can make the laptop uncomfortable to use.
It should not need fans to cool the chip down as the fans can drain the battery.
Chapter 3
Questions (page 18)
1
You no longer remain anonymous as people know what you look like.
You have to worry about your appearance just to use the computer.
2 (a) Scan the text in using a scanner and then use OCR software to recognise each
character so that the image of each page can be turned into a page of text which can
be edited using word-processing software before saving. This would be much faster
and therefore cheaper than having to type in the text or pay someone else to do it.
(b) An optical mark reader would input the results into the computer for subsequent
processing. This would be much faster and more accurate than employing a human to
type the details in. Because the device reads the data automatically, you do not have
to pay any wages for inputting the data.
(c) A barcode reader can be used to record the barcodes on the books and on the
members ticket. This system will reduce errors introduced by typing the data in and
would also be faster, meaning that fewer library staff would need to be employed.
Information Systems for you, Fourth Edition answers Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011
(d) MICR could be used to read the magnetic ink characters on cheques at high speed.
This reduces the clearing time and also it is hard to forge magnetic ink characters so
this reduces the likelihood of fraud.
Can scan colour photographs into sales details and then print them out.
(b)
Can print out curtain styles and colours to send or give to customers.
(c)
Can print copies out to give to friends and relatives, thus saving the developing costs.
(d)
keyboard
mouse
joysticks
light pens
barcode readers
retail
laser
inkjet
Information Systems for you, Fourth Edition answers Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011
Barcode reader/scanner. Used to input a code contained in the bars. Used in shops
and libraries.
J:
Inkjet printer. Used for high-quality print and for colour printing. Any job which
needs printing such as word processing.
3 See chapter.
4 Possible questions include:
Speed: need a fast printer for mail merges or large print runs.
Cost: although most inkjet printers are cheap to buy they can be expensive to run
because the ink cartridges are very expensive.
Ability to work with the chosen software: printer drivers should be available.
Information Systems for you, Fourth Edition answers Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011
3 (a) The following should be ticked: Dot-matrix printer; Plotter; Speaker; VDU
(b) One from: laser printer, inkjet printer, robot arm, actuator, etc.
(c) Mouse and keyboard
(d) One from: graphics tablet, joystick, sensor, scanner, barcode reader, etc.
Chapter 4
Test Yourself (page 30)
A
one
byte
character
kilobytes, megabytes
memory
ROM, RAM
Optical
CD-ROMs
Information Systems for you, Fourth Edition answers Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011
Information Systems for you, Fourth Edition answers Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011
Chapter 5
Test Yourself (page 35)
A
software
systems
operating
hardware
compilers
assembler
Information Systems for you, Fourth Edition answers Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011
FORWARD 50
Or you could also have the following:
LEFT 60
FORWARD 50
RIGHT 120
FORWARD 50
RIGHT 120
FORWARD 50
The same text style has been used for the instructions.
You can only select one item from the list supplied by the system.
(ii)
Users are prevented from using dates or places which are not on the lists.
Because the user is only allowed to enter data which the system supplies,
there is no need for any validation.
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The lists could be placed in alphabetical order so that items are easier to find.
The buttons could be made bigger so that users would find it easier to click on
them.
The list could be made longer so that more places are visible.
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6 (a) Any two from: much cheaper than having a program specially written; takes less time
to develop; database package is more likely not to contain bugs.
(b) The program will be designed to do exactly what the user requires. A database
solution might not do exactly what they want it to do.
7 (a) An icon is a small picture used to represent a command or action.
(b) Any two from:
You can just move the mouse onto the icon and click on it, so avoiding the need
to issue commands.
There is no need to worry about the syntax (i.e. the correct construction) of
commands.
It will be cheaper because the cost can be spread across lots of customers.
10 (a) Any two from: click on icons, click on buttons, click on items from pull-down menus.
(b) Press a particular key to make a selection; move a highlight bar to make a selection.
(c) Type in the required command using the correct syntax.
11 (a) Programs instructions which instruct the computer hardware what to do. For
example the operating system instructing the computer to print out a word-processed
document.
(b) A way of allowing a user to communicate with a computer that makes use of
Windows, Icons, and pull-down menus. Most operating systems and applications
software make use of a GUI.
Information Systems for you, Fourth Edition answers Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011
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(c) A network system that allows many different users to access a computer at the same
time. Networked computers such as computers being used by an airline use multiaccess systems.
12
Chapter 6
Questions (page 39)
1 (a) Enables the code to be input into the computer quickly and accurately.
(b) If the barcode reader breaks down, then the code can be typed in.
(c) It would not be possible to produce barcodes for information for a particular student
such as name, address, telephone number, etc.
key-to-disk
data capture
MICR
OMR
laser scanner
sensors
turnaround
Information Systems for you, Fourth Edition answers Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011
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They should be as short as possible in order to reduce the time to input them.
Chapter 7
Test Yourself (page 52)
A
verification
proofreading
check digit
transposition
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Information Systems for you, Fourth Edition answers Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011
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(c) Check digits are numbers added to the end of a large group of numbers to ensure that
the numbers before it are entered correctly. The computer removes this number and
then uses all the other numbers to calculate it. If the numbers have been entered
correctly, then the computer will calculate a number the same as the check digit. In
this example the stock number could have a check digit at the end.
4 (a) Each word is checked against the dictionary for the spelling. Any words spelt
correctly are left and the spell checker only prompts the user if the word is not found
in the dictionary. Alternative spellings are usually given.
(b) Names of streets, people, slang words, etc. Some words have alternative spellings,
e.g. computerize/computerise. These can be added to a custom dictionary for future
reference.
5 (a) By using a paper document such as a questionnaire or survey. Could also use data
capture forms.
By interviewing people.
(b) A pre-input check on data, performed by the software to make sure that the data
entered are allowable/reasonable.
(c) 59 (i.e. the total of the student numbers)
6 By double entry of the data; by proofreading.
7 (a) A data type check will check that only numbers have been entered.
A length check will check that exactly six numbers have been entered.
(b) Real-time access
8 (a) To ensure that the data entered matches exactly the original source of the data.
(b) Double entry of data, where the data are entered twice and only if the data match
exactly will they be accepted for processing.
Proofreading, where the data are compared with the source of the data to make sure
they match.
9 (a) Because the person entering the password might think they have entered a certain
combination of characters but could have entered a different combination. This means
that, without verification, they would not be able to use the password.
(b) Double entry of the password. Only if both versions are identical will the password be
accepted.
Information Systems for you, Fourth Edition answers Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011
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Chapter 8
Questions (page 57)
(a)
Several pupils could have the same surname and it is necessary to distinguish between
them.
(b)
You need the system to store details about previous pupils as well about pupils in the
future.
(c)
Date of birth could be used. It is less likely that two pupils will have the same name and
date of birth.
A spare copy taken for security purposes in case the original copy becomes damaged or
stolen.
(b)
The backups are usually on the hard drive. If the computer were stolen then the original
copy and the backup copy could be lost.
(c)
He should not keep the original copies with the backup copies. If the box were to be
stolen then all the data would be lost.
database
files
records
fields
structure
duplication
master
transaction
security
grandfather, son
Information Systems for you, Fourth Edition answers Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011
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Date of publication
Computer Studies
2011
Computing
2010
Business GNVQ
2009
Compilers
2007
Computer Graphics
2004
C Programming
1989
(f) (i) If the book was: never returned; destroyed; removed from library because out of
date; etc.
(ii) If a new book was added to the library.
2 (a) (i) Verification a check to make sure that what was typed in is exactly the same as
that on the source document. For example typing in the details from a customer
order form and then at the end comparing the two to check the details are
identical.
(ii) Validation is a check performed by the applications software to make sure that the
data being entered is reasonable/allowable. For example a range check on a date
of birth to check that the date does not make the person ridiculously old or young.
(b) (i) One of:
It is easier to program.
Information Systems for you, Fourth Edition answers Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011
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3
Method
Magnetic tape
Magnetic disk
Serial
Yes
Yes
Sequential
Yes
Yes
Indexed sequential
No
Yes
Direct (random)
No
Yes
4 (a) 5
(b) It is a unique field for a particular record/row in the table.
(c) It only allows data to be entered into the field that is consistent with the field type.
You cannot enter alphabetic characters into a numeric field.
5 (a) A structured and organised collection of files that can be used to extract the
information in a variety of different ways.
(b) Any two from the following:
Chapter 9
Test Yourself (page 66)
A
on
interactive
interactive
real-time
batch
multiprogramming
multi-access
timesharing
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Information Systems for you, Fourth Edition answers Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011
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Chapter 10
Questions (page 69)
1 (a) analogue; (b) digital; (c) analogue; (d) digital; (e) digital or analogue
2 Digital readings are more precise. It is easier to make a mistake when taking an analogue
reading.
Information Systems for you, Fourth Edition answers Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011
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Chapter 11
Test Yourself (page 74)
A hard copy
B posted
C electronic mail
D multimedia
E sound card
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Output on a screen is useful for just checking that the apparatus is producing readings
correctly. Hard copy is used to keep a permanent record of the results to be used in your
notes. Advantage of hard copy hardcopy can be taken away and studied.
Disadvantage of hard copy costs of obtaining the output are higher because of the cost
of the paper and ink/toner.
Advantage of screen output output on screen is more environmentally friendly as no
paper or ink/toner is used.
Disadvantage of screen output only available while the computer is turned on.
(b)
(i)
Graphics might have been created or obtained from another package (e.g. from
the internet), from a photo package, from a free disk, etc.
(ii)
DTP packages are capable of reading graphics files in many different formats
which makes them easy to import.
Information Systems for you, Fourth Edition answers Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011
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Chapter 12
Things to do (page 81)
1 (a)
(b) It needs to be in the same order as the master file otherwise there would be too much
forward and backward winding of the tape which would take a long time.
(c) Their account number or customer number
(d) The primary key field
(e) The master file has not been updated by the transaction file.
(f) The bottom-left tape file on the diagram (i.e. the updated customer file)
(g) The old customer file
(h) After the validation and update stages
(i) The old customer file, the new customer file, and the payments transaction file.
2 (a) So that the transactions are in the same order as in the master file.
(b) Amendment, insertion, deletion
(c) Reference to a record that is not included in the master file.
An instruction to delete a record that was deleted during the last update.
Information Systems for you, Fourth Edition answers Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011
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Chapter 13
Test Yourself (page 91)
A
systems analyst
output
fact find
feasibility study
feasibility report
design
analysis
trained
documentation
parallel
evaluated
Information Systems for you, Fourth Edition answers Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011
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(c) Systems flowcharts and other diagrams which show how the system works; program
listings which have comments at the side (i.e. annotated listings); names and
structures of the files used.
3 (a) Facts such as: how many employees, how many people in each branch, management
structure, how many houses each sells, whether each branch uses the same admin.
system, etc.
(b) Involve the staff in the project; interview each member to reassure them.
Information Systems for you, Fourth Edition answers Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011
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(c) Direct: there is a direct and complete change to the new system.
Phased: the new system is phased in gradually.
Parallel: the old and the new systems are run alongside each other for a period.
4 (a) Fact finding about the existing system. Identification of problems with the existing
system. Finding what the user requirements are. Producing a feasibility study.
(b) Detailing how the system will match the users requirements. Determination of the
input and output requirements. Identification of the files needed. Determining the
hardware and software requirements. Working out the data structures/database
design.
(c) Installation of the new system/writing of the programs needed.
(d) Upgrades to hardware and software. Writing patches in software to cope with changes
in user requirements.
5 (a) C; (b) B and G; (c) D; (d) A and E; (e) F
6 See answer to Question 4.
7 See chapter for the stages of systems analysis.
8 (a) Evaluation; (b) Testing; (c) Analysis; (d) Design; (e) Implementation; (f) Testing
Chapter 14
Questions (page 97)
Physical quantity
Digital or analogue
Wind speed
Analogue
Wind direction
Analogue
Temperature
Analogue
Rainfall
Analogue
Sensor
Digital or analogue
Digital
Digital
Analogue
Digital
Information Systems for you, Fourth Edition answers Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011
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Information Systems for you, Fourth Edition answers Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011
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(ii) A sufficient number of readings should be taken so that an accurate graph can be
produced.
(d) As a table or graph/chart.
2 (a) Boxes should be filled in the following order: Download information; Add
information to regional weather file; Save regional weather file.
(b) Need to have a diagram in the following order: Computer at the regional weather
centremodemtelephone networkmodemcomputer at remote weather station.
(c) (i) Following should be ticked:
Restarting the system wastes time as the same information may be collected from
the same remote weather stations on several occasions.
The information available is not collected if part of the system is faulty.
(ii) systems analysis and design
monitoring and evaluation
(d) Advantages: It is quicker since you do not need to visit the weather stations to collect
the information. It is more reliable data are always collected regularly at the same
time. It is cheaper to collect the information since there is no need for extra
employees to pick up the data.
Disadvantages: System is expensive to set up. Breaks in communication lines are
hard to find.
3 (a) (i) Because the anemometer produces analogue signals and computers can only
process digital signals.
(ii) An analogue to digital converter (ADC) is needed.
(b) Any two from: The data can be obtained 24/7. No human is needed to take the
readings as they are taken continuously. The computer can process the readings and
present the information graphically which makes the information easier to
understand.
Chapter 15
Questions (page 101)
2 (a) Used as a separate computer rather than being networked together.
(b) May be input directly into their computer to update the stock file and reorder goods if
necessary.
(c) The disk would need to be sent to the shops by post or via a carrier. With lists on
paper they may be faxed which is much quicker.
Information Systems for you, Fourth Edition answers Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011
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3 Being sent two letters instead of one. Having to wait for goods that are sold out. Not
knowing whether the goods are available elsewhere without phoning around.
4 Suppliers would like to avoid paperwork by using EDI which is more efficient. Binscope
does not have the technology to do this.
No facilities for electronic mail which is quicker.
password is
Disadvantages
A network manager is
needed
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3 Suppliers would like to avoid paperwork by using EDI which is more efficient. Binscope
does not have the technology to do this; No facilities for electronic mail which is quicker.
5 They should not be something easily guessed (e.g. your nickname, name of your pet etc.);
They should not be too short; They should consist of letters and numbers and other
characters (e.g. $, @, : etc.); They should consist of upper and lower case characters.
network
LANs
WANs
modems
analogue
electronic
protocol
gateway
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WAN
Difference 1
Confined to a
small area
Difference 2
Cable
belongs to
the company
Communication
channels from a
third party are used
Lots of users can slow down access to files held on the network.
4 Advantages:
Cheaper
Much faster when sending mail internationally
Can attach files
Easy to send the same document to lots of people
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Disadvantages:
Not everyone can send or receive email
Email is not as secure as ordinary mail
Use of email may cause the loss of jobs
5 Any two benefits from:
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Intranets are usually behind firewalls which protects the information from being
hacked into.
They can be used in schools as they can prevent students from accessing
unwanted information.
The internal email system is more secure than relying on the ordinary email
system which makes use of the internet.
Only information relevant to the organisation can be accessed and this means you
can restrict staff from wasting time on the internet.
Chapter 16
Test Yourself (page 119)
A
data
physical
keypads
backup
backup
smoke, gas
viruses
antivirus
tape
encrypted
Information Systems for you, Fourth Edition answers Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011
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Use passwords so that only people authorised can see the contents.
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3 (a) One from: it can erase or ruin data; display annoying messages; slow the system
down.
(b) Use antivirus software to remove the virus and repair the data.
4 (a) (i) See answer to 1(a)
(ii) Scan all disks and files using antivirus software. Dont copy illegal software.
Dont download from the internet.
(b) (i) Unauthorised access to a computer.
(ii) One from:
Use passwords that are long enough and are changed regularly.
5 Two from:
Do not open file attachments to emails unless they are from trusted sources.
6 Two from:
Key pads can be used to restrict entry to the rooms containing the computers.
ID badges should be worn by all staff so that intruders can be easily identified.
Use transaction logs to show who has viewed and altered information.
Use access controls so that employees can only view the information that is
needed for their particular job. This is achieved using the user-IDs.
8 (a) Firewalls are hardware, software or both that is used to filter out unauthorised
requests from outside users to gain access to an internal network using the internet.
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(b) Keeps hackers out; can be used to restrict access to the internet so that pupils in a
school cannot access undesirable information.
Chapter 17
Questions (page 124)
1 (a) Whether anyone in your family eats beef; how much is spent in the shop in a week;
whether you buy all the items in the one store; how much you spend in each of the
departments; how many special offers you buy; what days and times you shop at the
store; etc.
(b) Using a loyalty card links the customers personal details to their purchases. Before,
if they used cash the shop did not know who they were. Now they do.
(c) Two from: to understand the buying habits of customers; to keep the customers loyal
to their store; to provide the customers with details of special offers.
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It has led to fewer unskilled jobs since many of these have been replaced by
computers.
Older people feel alienated because they do not understand the technology.
2 Data in electronic form is easier to copy, transfer (over the internet or other networks) and
access if it is not protected by proper security. It is not possible to detect very easily if
data have been altered. It is much faster to make alterations without being seen.
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3 (a) Almost any valid field relating to personal information or the persons lifestyle can be
put here.
(b) The data should be processed fairly and lawfully.
Personal data shall be obtained for only one or more specified or lawful purposes, and
shall not be further processed in any manner incompatible with that purpose or those
purposes.
Personal data shall be adequate, relevant and not excessive in relation to the purpose
or purposes for which they are processed.
(Any other of the Data Protection Principles could be chosen.)
(c) You have the right to see any personal details held about you (provided it is not in
certain categories).
You have the right to compensation if a company contravenes the act and causes
some damage to you.
4 (a) Any four from: gender; marital status; names of children; university student number;
degree course taken; loan payment; address, rent paid etc.
(b) Data has no meaning attached to it whereas information has a context and a meaning.
5 (a) Any two from the following: the right to seek compensation for the damaged caused
by wrong information; the right to have any wrong information corrected; the right to
see the data held about them.
(b) Wrong address goods delivered to the wrong address; Wrong date of birth a child
could be given credit by mistake and the child could buy goods they had no money to
pay for; Wrong credit card information someone else could be charged for the
goods they have purchased.
(c) The following should be ticked: Word-processed documents; A database of friends
names and addresses; Files stored on paper.
Chapter 18
Test Yourself (page 135)
A
credit card
phantom
smart
PIN
piracy
hacking
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It means that only authorised users are allowed access to the system.
If someone steals the card it will be no use to gain access unless they know the
PIN as well.
4 (a) Two from: removing removable media before it has finished saving data; program or
system crashes; virus attacks; hackers altering/deleting data; machine malfunction.
(b) Train users to make sure they user virus scanners, do not remove removable media
before it has finished writing, etc.
Install up-to-date virus-scanning software to prevent viruses entering the system.
Using a firewall to prevent hackers accessing the system.
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Chapter 19
Things to do (page 140)
1 Some people would regard such a use as an infringement of privacy because it is spying
on people without their knowledge. It could be used by the state to monitor the
whereabouts of people they want to monitor. Corrupt police officers could use the system
for their own ends (e.g. to monitor the movements of their husbands or wives etc.).
3 (a) Filing clerks, people who deliver internal mail.
(b) Typist who now use word processors.
Clerical staff who now use computers.
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Social issues
Young people are spending too much time on the internet or playing computer games.
Generation is likely to be less healthy.
People dont communicate as well as they used to.
High-tech society alienates those people who do not understand the technology.
Reliance on IT
Reliance on IT can be seen with the effects of the Millennium bug.
Sometimes people cannot do the job manually if they need to.
Environmental
Less paper means fewer trees have to be cut down.
Laser printers give out ozone which causes harmful UV rays to reach the earth.
Less wastage in chemical processes reduces energy needed.
3 Illegal copying of software. Hacking into other peoples computer systems. Writing and
distributing viruses. Using the internet to distribute untrue material about a person.
Transferring personal data without permission. Accessing illegal pornographic images
using the internet.
4 Robots are initially very expensive. They replace jobs, thereby causing unemployment.
Robots need to be carefully programmed. They need to be regularly maintained.
Chapter 20
Questions (page 144)
1 (a) temperature/heat sensor; (b) mercury tilt switch; (c) proximity sensor; (d) sound
sensor; (e) temperature sensor; (f) pH sensor; (g) humidity sensor; (h) humidity sensor; (i)
light sensor; (j) light sensor
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(b) (i) Between the temperature sensor and the microprocessor. (N.B. the water level
sensor only detects whether the water is present or not and therefore produces a
digital signal).
(ii)
3 (a) Closed-loop
(b) Open-loop
(c) A closed-loop traffic light system would keep the same timed sequence regardless of
traffic conditions.
An open-loop system uses sensors to detect the traffic and will alter the sequencing
accordingly.
4 (a) Two from: electrical activity of the heart, temperature, respiration. etc.
(b) Three from:
Only needs to alert the doctors if the quantities measured fall outside certain predescribed values.
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6
Situation
Sensor
Time
interval
Period of
logging
Heat
Daily
10 years
Heat
5 minutes
1 hour
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3 (a) FILL
MOVE
FILL
MOVE
FILL
MOVE
(b) (i) The computer has no way of knowing whether there is a bottle under the hopper
since there is no sensor to detect the hopper.
(ii) A touch sensor to detect that the bottle has moved into the correct position.
(iii) It senses to see if there is a bottle present and when the bottle is in a suitable
position a signal is sent back to the computer. If the bottle isnt in the correct
position the computer instructs the conveyer belt to move so that it is.
(c) Realtime should be ticked.
(d) Running costs will be lower (less wages); more likely to have the correct amount in
each bottle.
Leads to greater unemployment. The initial costs of the equipment are high.
4 (a) Any two from: to protect the computer or provide additional power; to convert the
analogue signals to digital ones and vice versa; to enable the sensors to be connected
to the computer.
(b) Analogue signals vary continuously whereas digital signals can only be one value or
another (e.g. 0 or 1).
(c) The data from the sensors is input into a spreadsheet and the spreadsheet graph/chart
function is used to plot a graph.
5 (a) Sensors are used to take measurements of the conditions at set intervals (every half
hour, every hour, etc.) and these signals are sent to the computer where they are
stored and compared with the ideal conditions.
(b) The signal from a particular sensor is compared with the ideal value stored by the
computer. If it is not in the range of the ideal value then the computer will send a
signal to turn a device on which will alter the conditions until the conditions lie in the
range again. This process takes place continuously.
(c) The data could be stored in a database or spreadsheet file and then the
graphing/charting facilities of these packages could be used to produce graphs/charts
to present the values.
(d) Finding the mean values.
Finding the number of readings taken that were outside the allowable range.
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6 Measurements from the sensor are constantly taken and fed back to the computer where
they are compared with a range of values. If the measurement lies outside the range then a
signal will be sent to turn the pump on thus adding more air. Once the signal from the
sensor lies inside the range the computer will send a signal to turn the pump off. This
process of monitoring/feedback takes place continuously.
7 An infrared beam is emitted which bounces off objects in front of the buggy. When an
obstacle is detected, the buggy can take another route.
8 Position/proximity sensors to sense an obstacle.
Memory to remember the route.
Some processing ability to know to erase those instructions of the route that were
incorrect.
9 (a) System uses the signals from several satellites to obtain the exact position of any
object (e.g. aircraft, ship, car, etc.) on the Earths surface.
(b) Computer inside the GPS works out a route and then gives output in the form of
sound instructions directing the driver to their destination.
(c) Two advantages from the following:
Less fuel is used because you can travel straight to the destination without getting
lost.
it is safer as the person is not trying to read directions from a map while they are
driving.
The system could save your life if you got lost in a desert.
You can tell the emergency services your exact whereabouts if there is an
emergency.
New roads may be built or routes changed that the system will not know about.
Backup maps still need to be kept in case the satellite navigation system breaks
down.
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Chapter 21
Things to do (page 156)
1 Overloaded sockets cause a fire hazard. Room needs re-wiring with more sockets put in.
Trailing wires are easy to trip over. Sink them under the floor.
Some desks are either too high or too low and are likely to cause backache when used.
Replace with desks of the correct height.
Chairs are non-adjustable and are therefore illegal for use in an office. Replace with
adjustable chairs.
There are no blinds on the windows so the sun will shine in and cause glare on the
screens. Need adjustable blinds on the windows.
Office is too cramped. More space is needed between the desks.
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Chapter 22
Questions (page 159)
1 (a) Sending copies of documents to other solicitors, courts, etc.
(b) Sending copies of accounts to the clients, HM Revenue and Customs, etc.
(c) Sending plans to the local councils for approval.
(d) Sending copies of estimates and plans to clients.
2 The copy would show a signature but it is difficult to be sure that it is the clients. It could
have been scanned in and inserted into the document.
fax
document
data interchange
teleconferencing
telecommuting
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(c) Producing pages showing wanted people. Advertising stolen property that has been
recovered so that it can be returned to the owners.
2 (a) Using computers with video cameras and ISDN/fast broadband links to have a
meeting without anyone having to leave their desks. They can see each other and talk
to each other in real time and can pass computer-prepared documents to each other.
(b) Two from:
3 (a) See answer to 2(a) above. Note teleconferencing and electronic conferencing are the
same thing.
(b) Much cheaper since no need to pay travel or hotel costs. People do not waste valuable
time travelling and you do not have to pay staff to cover for them as much.
(c) ISDN adapter/card; special videoconferencing software; a video camera; a
microphone; speakers; etc.
4 (a) A large, worldwide collection of interconnected computers.
(b) Prepare the message. Type in the address of the person you wish to send the message
to. Send the message.
(c) Four from: shopping, weather, financial news, news, sport, chat lines, file transfer
facilities, downloading software, etc.
(d) Advantages: more up to date; easier for the users to find stories that interest them;
cheaper source of information; does not waste paper; can use animation and video
clips; can hear the information, so suitable for blind people; etc.
Disadvantages: equipment and software needed is expensive; loss of jobs (e.g.
typesetters, delivery drivers, etc.); widens the gap between rich and poor; some older
people do not understand computers so this could alienate them; etc.
Chapter 23
Things to do (page 170)
1 (a) Easy to vary the number of tills and the frequency at which people join the queues to
see what happens. Manual calculations involve a huge amount of work and are
therefore off-putting.
(b) Since there are so many temperatures that could be tried it would take too long to put
them into the calculations manually.
2 See the examples contained in the chapter.
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3 (a) No need to travel to the area where the animals live. Can build up the model on a
computer in your own home or school.
(b) Would be both expensive and dangerous.
(c) Spreadsheet or specialist model building package.
4 See chapter.
5 (a) Various options could be investigated using the model so that the best solution could
be found without going to the effort and expense of doing it for real.
(b), (c) and (d) The arrangement of the road junction (e.g. how many roads, lanes, etc.) to
enable an accurate model to be created. Data can be collected on current traffic flow using
a data logger. Information obtained from similar layouts on speeds through the junction
could be added to the model to give a realistic picture.
1,300
1,200
800
300
1,000
900
700
700
400
600
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Potential users of the system are interviewed to find out what is required from the
desired expert system.
Experts are consulted who are asked to supply data about their expertise.
The knowledge base is created using the information collected from the experts.
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The user interface is created which allows the user to enter data as input from various
sources. The output screens are also created.
Testing is undertaken to ensure that the expert system is producing the same results as
a human expert in the field.
The system is evaluated and improvements are made to the system before it goes live.
Chapter 24
Things to do (page 177)
1 set s, g, c, m = 0: set count = 0
repeat
input code
x = code/1000
y = INT(x)
if y = 1 then s = s + 1
else if y = 2 then g = g + 1
else if y = 3 then c = c + 1
else if y = 4 then m = m + 1
else print error
count = count + 1
until count = 100
print s, g, c, m
2
Input Y
Output N
100
1200
500
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5 Total = 0
For N = 1 to 3
Read number
Total = Total + number
Next N
Average = Total/3
Print Average
6 Read grade
Case grade of
85 to 100 Display Grade A*
75 to 84 Display Grade A
65 to 74 Display Grade B
60 to 64 Display Grade C
50 to 59 Display Grade D
0 to 49 Display Grade E
Endcase
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It allows several programmers to work on a task as the task is broken down into several
modules
It may be possible to reuse parts of the solution
2 See chapter.
3 worst = 0
best = 0
sum = 0
for N = 1 to 365
input exchange_rate
if exchange_rate>best then best = exchange_rate
if exchange_rate<worst then worst = exchange_rate
Sum = sum + exchange_rate
next N
average = sum/365
output best, worst, average
Chapter 25
Examination Questions (page 319)
1 (a) The PIN.
(b) For security. It ensures that they are the authorised user of the card.
(c) Two from: fewer bank staff needed; takes staff away from routine transactions to do
more profitable sales type work; fewer chances of errors; provides 24 hours a day,
365 days a year banking.
(d) Two from: provides 24 hours a day, 365 days a year banking; queues are smaller; do
not need to interact with the bank staff; can visit late at night when the parking is
easier.
(e) One from: danger of being robbed; phantom withdrawals; wrong amount of money
being issued.
(f) Using a modem/fast broadband link and the internet and special software supplied by
the bank.
(g) (i) PIN and account number/name.
(ii) Two from: statement details; balance transfer; pay bill; etc.
(iii) Ability to obtain cash.
(h) Can check the account balance from home.
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Can set up standing orders and direct debits without leaving home.
(i) Need computer equipment.
Possibility of security breaches by hackers.
2 (a) The banks sort code. The customers account number.
(b) Using magnetic ink character recognition (MICR).
(c) (i) The amount the cheque is for.
(ii) This is not known until the person has written the cheque. It has to be put on the
cheque so that it can be read with the MICR reader.
(d) (i) Step 4; Step 3; Step 1; Step 2.
(ii) For security. Only the person who owns the card should know the PIN.
(iii) Magnetic stripe
(iv) Three from: order a new cheque book; obtain a balance; obtain a statement/ministatement; transfer money between accounts; etc.
(e) To identify the customer. To pay for goods using an EFTPOS terminal. To pay for
calls in some public telephones.
3 (a) Two from: manufacturers code; product code; country of origin; check digit.
(b) One from:
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Small shops will close as they can no longer attract customers because of their more
expensive goods.
Information about shoppers from loyalty card schemes erodes privacy.
5 (a) One of: bank account number, bank sort code number, encrypted PIN.
(b) Gives an instruction to remove the money from the customers account and deposit it
in the stores bank account. This happens immediately.
6 See page 183 of the Student Book.
7 (a) Analogue data are continuously changing data that do not jump from one value to the
next but instead have an infinite number of in-between values.
Digital data jump from one value to the next without any in-between values.
(b) Any three from the following: temperature; blood pressure; central venous pressure
(to determine the amount of blood returning to the heart and the capacity of the heart
to pump blood into the arteries); pulse; blood gases (e.g. concentration of dissolved
oxygen); blood sugar; brain activity; electrical activity of the heart (ECG
(electrocardiogram)); intra cranial pressure (pressure inside the skull); breakdown of
gases from a patients breath; respiratory rate
(c) Any three from the following:
Real-time monitoring patients vital readings are taken in real time which is
much better than taking readings every so often by staff. If any measurements fall
outside the acceptable range an alarm sounds to alert medical staff.
Frees up medical staff from taking routine measurements to allow them to focus
on administration of drugs, etc.
Reduces costs one member of staff can be responsible for more patients in
intensive care units.
Trends in the patients condition can be spotted the side by side graphs on the
screen make it easy for doctors to spot trends in the patients condition.
More accurate readings sensors produce more accurate readings than people,
who can make mistakes when taking readings.
Students can try the procedures many times until they get them right.
There is the option for the instructor to test the trainee on each procedure.
The students can access the system using the internet and can therefore practise in
their own time.
The system could eliminate the need to practise on real patients or model mouths.
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The feeling of the tools for the student dentist may not be the same as with a real
instrument.
The system does not have the interaction between a real patient and the dentist
(i.e. talking to the patient).
Chapter 26
Questions (page 196)
Fewer staff needed since customers type in their own details.
High street premises are not needed for the sale of goods and this makes huge cost savings.
Advertising costs are much lower as you can use banner adverts to link to your site.
Allows parents and pupils to access school information from their own homes.
It is much cheaper for schools to promote themselves using the internet.
It is easy to change information that varies from one year to the next (e.g. the dates of
terms etc.).
Other information that the school might include on this site is as follows:
Calendar of events
Details of teaching staff and their telephone extensions and email addresses
Examination timetables
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2 You need to consider that the postal service delivers parcels and packages as well as just
letters. Only when everyone has access to email will the service replace the traditional
mail. The parcel service is likely to grow as more goods are bought over the internet.
Type in the email address of the person you are sending it to (or select the address
from an address book).
Type in the email addresses of anyone else who needs to be sent a copy.
Click on send.
(b) Three from: mail is sent immediately; quicker to write; you can attach the original
letter with the reply thus saving time searching for it; email is cheaper to send than a
traditional letter; saves time because you dont need to buy stamps, envelopes, etc.
(c) Two from: not everyone has an email address; emails are not as secure as ordinary
mail; people need some training to use the system.
internet
website
electronic mail
web browser
web servers
e-commerce
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Copyright material is harder to protect as more people spread the material around the
world.
Use software such as cyber patrol which filters out pornographic material.
Use passwords so that unsupervised young children do not have access to the internet.
Make sure that all sites which use credit card details for the purchase of goods use
encryption to keep credit card details secure.
Staff can access their email anywhere there is a computer (even at home).
It is easy to send all staff the same email by making use of mailing lists.
All staff will need access to computer equipment which can be expensive.
A whole school network would be needed, with each pupil having their own
account, and this is quite expensive.
Post is easier because all pupils will have a letterbox but sending letters is time
consuming and expensive.
Many pupils will have mobiles so it is much easier to contact them via phone than
in the past.
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Email can be used to send class lists for exam entries and results between schools
and the examination board and vice versa and if these lists are sent as file
attachments, no errors will be made typing the information in again.
Email may not be secure enough for results unless the files are encrypted.
It may be hard for the head teacher to contact a specific person at the exam board
headquarters as both parties are frequently in meetings.
It is easier to shop from home if you live a long way from the shops.
Chat rooms make friends with people having similar interests from around the
world.
Home shopping you can take advantage of the cheapest products and compare
prices easily and get them delivered to your door.
News and weather you can see what is happening around the world.
Instant messages you can send instant messages to your friends who are online.
6 (a) Any two advantages such as: goods/services usually cheaper; greater choice; dont
have to waste time shopping; easier to make comparisons; lots of special introductory
offers; etc.
(b) Any two disadvantages such as: credit card details could be intercepted; it may be a
bogus company that you are dealing with; it is harder to return damaged goods; more
difficult to deal with problems such as non delivery of goods; etc.
(c) (i) Any two such as: airlines, insurance companies, grocery stores, travel agents,
book stores, etc.
(ii) Any two such as: high street travel agents as more holidays are booked online,
high street book stores, record stores, etc.
7 Chat rooms they might arrange to meet someone who is not what they say they are.
Pornography they could access this purely by accident.
Spending too much time on the internet
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8 Two from:
Check the date that the material was produced to make sure that it is up to date.
Send an email.
Write a message to explain what the file you are attaching contains.
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Click on send.
3 (a) The file is stored on the server of the internet service provider Ahmed uses. The file is
stored on the email server. When Ahmed logs on, he is told that he has an email. The
browser software obtains the text from the server and displays the message. Ahmed
downloads the file. He either saves it for later or opens it.
(b) Two from:
Internet service providers can prevent files from being sent if they are too large.
The recipient must have suitable software in order to view the contents of the file.
File attachments frequently contain viruses so people are put off from opening
them.
4 See pages 201 and 202 in the Student Book for definitions of these terms.
5 Three from:
The ability to send and receive email so that you can ask for help from others.
The ability to cut and paste text and pictures so they can be transferred to other
software such as word-processor software.
The ability to save useful web addresses as favourites so the websites can be quickly
found again.
6 (a) You can see exactly what you are looking at (e.g. a certain house on a certain road).
(b) For downloading when you are travelling so you know where to go in a strange town
or city.
7 Uploading the transferring of a file or program from the users computer to a remote
computer where the file or program is then stored.
Downloading the transferring of a file or program from the internet to the users own
computer or portable device.
8 (a) ISP internet service provider. This is the organisation that provides you with your
connection to the internet. When you log on to the internet, you are connecting to
your internet service provider who then connects you to the internet.
(b) Podcast digital media files that can be audio or video that are released in episodes
so that you can be fed them automatically when you connect to the service. This
method is called web syndication. They are useful sources of current affairs
information.
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(c) Wikis a web page that can be viewed and modified by anyone who has web
browser software. Using web browser software allows you to change the content of a
web page.
(d) Search engine software that finds information on websites on the internet based on
input criteria. You type in a key word or phrase and the search engine locates
websites containing those key words or phrases.
(e) Web browser this is the software that you use to search for information stored on
the internet. It also compiles the web pages so that they can be displayed as the webpage developer intended.
Chapter 27
Questions (page 213)
1
Inputs
Output
2 C
3 (a)
Inputs
Output
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(b)
Inputs
Output
(c)
Inputs
Output
(d)
Inputs
Output
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5 (a)
Inputs
Output
(b)
Inputs
Output
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(c)
Inputs
Output
(d)
Inputs
Output
(e)
Inputs
Output
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6 (a)
A
(b)
A
(c)
(d)
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7
A
8 C
9 (a)
A
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Output X
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Output X
12
A
13
14
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(b)
2 (a)
(b)
(c)
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(d)
(e)
3 (a)
B
(b)
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4 M = Managers key
C = Chief cashiers key
D = Deputy managers key
1 present
0 not present
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Chapter 28
Test Yourself (page 225)
A
word processor
electronic mail
high
DTP
spell checker
grammar
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The ability to import clip art and photographs into a document to provide
illustrations.
Mail merge so that personalised letters can be sent to lots of people automatically.
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4 (a) Two from: bullets and numbering; putting the text into more than one column;
changing the margins; changing the font; etc.
(b) Two from: words can be more easily changed; you can preview the page before
printing and this saves paper; you can put pictures/photographs into a document
before printing; etc.
(c) Two from: more people type their own correspondence; need to re-train to use word
processors; de-skills the job of typing; fewer typists are needed; etc.
Chapter 29
Things to do (page 243)
1 (a) B7
(b) =B3+B4+B5+B6 or =SUM(B3..B6) or similar commands
(c) (i) Pie; (ii) Bar
(d) Atlas on CD-ROM, World Development Database, etc.
The times starting at 10.00 a.m. in steps of 20 minutes and with the required
lunch hour and finishing at 4.00 p.m.
There should be a place for the patients name and possibly their patient number
(in case there are two patients with the same name on the same day).
(c) Working out the cost of treatment for each patient to produce a bill.
Preparing the end-of-year accounts for the surgery.
2 (a) C8.
(b) E8 and G8
(c) C5/D5
(d) Any of the cells from G5 to G9 will contain a different formula.
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The new total scores are re-calculated. The new totals now suggest that System C
with the highest score should be chosen.
Chapter 30
Things to do (page 252)
1 (a) (i) Desk Top Publishing
(ii) See chapter
(b) (i) Laser or inkjet printer; scanner; graphics tablet
(ii) Scanner in order to scan in and digitize images in books, old photographs.
Graphics tablet in order to produce drawings by selecting graphic items from the
tablet.
Laser or ink-jet printer to produce hard copy (i.e. printouts) of the finished work.
2 To see a two-page spread on the screen the text needs to be quite small, so to avoid
eyestrain, a large screen should be used.
3 Importing a piece of clip art into the document
Centring the text
Use of italics
Text flow around the piece of clip art
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Chapter 31
Questions (page 256)
Look at examples of the data to determine the widest fields. It is always best to err on the side
of caution and give the user plenty of room for fields such as name and address. Some fields
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though are always the same length and it is useful from the validation point of view to keep
these to fit the data exactly.
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(e) Total reliance on the system could cause problems if the system broke down.
2 (a) Price, number of bedrooms, council tax banding, room sizes, etc.
(b) Coded data takes up less space on disks when stored and takes less time to type in
initially and then when typing search conditions.
(c) Hard disk. This provides faster access so the people dont need to wait as long; Has a
very high capacity so will be able to store all the details along with the photographs.
(d) (i) Faster location of fields when searching.
(ii) More wasted space.
(e) Need a WAN with a larger computer connected via modems and telecommunication
lines to the branches. Each branch should have a PC which has a laser printer for
printouts for the customers.
3 (a) List Description, FOR Current_stock-level more than 100 and Lead_time less than 14
(b) A duplicate copy of the data should be made periodically under a different file name
and a tape streamer should be used to back up the entire hard disk every evening.
Backup copies should be stored away from the computer in a fireproof safe.
(c) Use tapes and a tape streamer to take archive copies which are stored in a fireproof
safe.
(d) (i) Supplier file
(ii) Supplier details such as name, address, credit limit, amount owed, etc.
(iii)
Field name
Field type
Size
Supp_name
character
40
Supp_add
character
60
Post_code
character
10
Tel_no.
character
13
(e) Each week the stock file is used with the supplier file to produce a list of orders to be
sent to each supplier for goods which have fallen below the minimum_stock level.
The reorder quantity is obtained from the stock file and the suppliers details are
obtained from the suppliers file.
4 List all for film_category = Adventure AND Rating = 18 AND Cost < 2.00
(a) Membership number, date of birth, phone number and members name.
(b) Any suitable form.
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5 (a) Form should include sensible details such as price, make, model, engine size, year,
etc.
The general layout of the form is important and the form should contain a suitable
amount of space for the seller to insert the information.
(b) Need a sensible sort and search command (could be in either order).
(N.B. there needs to be some way of ensuring that the vehicle is under 5 years old).
Could do this either from the year or, not as accurately, from the registration number.
(c) He would probably be able to keep the details in his head or in a card index file for
such a small number of cars.
Chapter 32
Questions (page 271)
1
2 The cursor or turtle does not end up in the same place it started from and it also points in a
different direction.
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(c) The following should be ticked: Cars take longer to stop on wet roads than on dry
roads; The faster a car is travelling, the greater the distance needed to stop; Cars
should stop at red traffic lights.
(d) Two such as:
Used by economists to predict what will happen in certain situations (e.g. the
affect of interest rate increases).
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Chapter 33
Test Yourself (page 286)
He would need to sell 40 to break even.
There are no road works or other obstructions along any of the routes that
they use.
The time of day (some roads may be more congested than others at certain
times of the day).
The number of traffic lights/junctions which will slow the ambulance down.
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(c) (i) Branch 1 had much fewer sales (about 1/3) than branch 2 yet still managed to
produce a similar profit.
The predicted figures for branch 1 were lower than the actual figures whereas
with branch 2 it was the reverse situation.
(ii) Could have another column to work out the actual sales as a percentage of
predicted sales.
Could also work out the percentage profits for each branch.
Chapter 34
Things to do (page 294)
1 (a) Computer-Aided Design
(b) Alterations to drawings may be easily made and printed without redrawing. Drawings
may be stored on disk thus taking up less office space. You can transfer a plan to a
3D view.
2 (a) Addition of video clips and high-quality sound. It also utilises the higher storage
capacity of CD-ROMs.
3 (a) Drawings which have been drawn by an artist and are available for you to place in
your own documents or material.
(b) You might not be much good at art yourself or you dont have the time.
(c) Need to search for a suitable design. There might not be a suitable design. Need to be
careful about copyright.
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3 (a) Four from: spray; flood fill; geometric shapes; rubber; zoom; text; arrows; drawing
tool; etc.
(b) Automatic dimensioning; 3D conversion; automatic shading; movement; walk
through; database of parts/drawing objects; etc.
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3 (a) A microprocessor is a single chip that contains the CPU and provides input and
output facilities.
(b) An analogue to digital converter.
(c) The situation is continually monitored by the use of sensors and signals are fed back
to the CPU where the CPU decides if action needs to be taken.
(d) Two from:
(e) One from: weather forecasting; telephone systems; navigation systems; defence
systems; etc.
4 (a) (i) Communication software.
(ii) It makes sure that the computers are using the same protocol so that they are able
to communicate with each other.
(b) Operating system; to control the hardware and also to run the applications software.
CAD software; software to design the bedrooms.
Database software: to keep the details, including prices, of all the components used to
make the fitted bedrooms.
(c) (i) Punched card reader/OMR.
(ii) Two from: cheaper than performing the payroll manually; fewer errors; takes less
time.
(iii) Two from: cost of training/extra equipment and software needed; resentment
from the staff whose jobs could be replaced.
5 The correct order of the boxes is as follows:
Input using keyboard
List of invalid entries
Payments transaction file
Masterfile
Sorted payments transaction file
Update program
6 (a) Software used to control the hardware and also to run the applications software.
(b) Three from: provides a user interface; controls the operation of the disk drives and
also how the data are stored on the drive; contains programs for formatting the disk,
copying files, etc.; it enables the computer to control more than one program.
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(c) (i) More than one user is able to communicate with the software at the same time.
(ii) Able to run more than one program at the same time.
(iii) As soon as a transaction or event takes place, it is processed immediately and the
results of the processing are shown.
(iv) The data are gathered, batched and then processed in one go. The output is
produced in one go.
7 (a) Digital camera/scanner.
(b) (i) Two from: faster transfer of data; takes up less space on the hard drive; quicker to
load; etc.
(ii) Need software to decompress the file.
(c) Three from: quicker to copy files on disk; easier to make alterations without any
trace; can transmit the files easily over the internet; hackers can hack into the system
if it is connected to the internet.
Goods do not need to be individually priced and the price can be put on the shelf
edge.
It is much faster than the checkout person inputting codes using a keyboard.
(c) The screen for the new customers will need to contain places to input the information
about the customer such as name, address, telephone number, etc. With existing
customers this is known already and can simply be obtained from the customer file.
New customers may need to have their credit and other details validated so their
details may need to go to the accounts department for validation.
(d) Any sensible screen design with the more important fields in a prominent position.
Each new customer should have a unique field such as customer number.
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120 to see if the range check disallows numbers greater than 100.
(b) Three from: installation instructions; how to make backup copies of the software;
how to correct common errors; how to contact the help-line; how to customise the
system.
4 (a) User training to make sure everyone who is to use the system understands it
thoroughly.
Conversion of the data onto the new system.
(b) Two from: installation instructions; how to make backup copies of the software; how
to correct common errors; how to contact the help-line; how to customise the system.
(c) Two people could enter the same data and only if they agree, will it be accepted for
processing.
Get the person inputting the data to check (i.e. proofread) what they have typed
against the paper order.
(d) Quicker to type in a code, so this saves time.
Codes are used to uniquely define a product.
(e) Regular backup copies are taken.
Copies are dumped to a tape streamer and then removed off site.
5 Finding out what outputs from the system are needed
The method of data capture used for the input (OMR, bar coding, magnetic stripes etc.);
The design of any codes used
The design of the files used by the system
The hardware configuration used
The purchase/writing of any software used
Testing the system.
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6 (a) Two from: controlling data input and output; controlling the disk drives and how and
where the data are stored on the disk; providing an interface between the user and the
hardware; etc.
(b) Windows 98, OS/2, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows 7 Unix etc.
(c) The ability of a computer to be able to perform more than one task at the same time.
(d) Any sensible network topology can be drawn.
(e) Two from: ability to share expensive peripherals; ability for all authorised users to
access the same data files; ability to use email between terminals; etc.
(f) Three from: use of passwords to allow only certain users access to certain data files;
no disk drives so that viruses cannot be introduced via floppy disks; central backing
up of data so that ordinary users do not have to remember to do this; scanning of all
portable media when attached to the computer, to check for viruses.
7 Data should be obtained and processed fairly and lawfully.
Personal data should be accurate and up to date.
Appropriate security measures should be taken to protect the personal data.
People should be allowed to see the personal data held about them so that they may check
it for its accuracy.
etc.
8 (a) Columns; fonts and sizes (or vice versa); clip art.
(b) A laser printer prints good quality text and graphics.
(c) Scanner to scan photographs and then import them into documents.
(d) (i) The following should be ticked: Formats a floppy disk; Displays a screen saver
when the computer is not being used.
(ii) The following should be ticked: Formats a floppy disk; Displays a screen saver
when the computer is not being used.
(e) (i) index, hardware
(ii) The following should be ticked: The language used should be easy to understand;
There should be no missing instructions; It should be easy to find the information
you want.
(f) The following should be ticked: The tennis club has 12 members; None of the Tennis
Clubs members can use information technology; The hardware and software needed
cost more than 2,500.
9 (a) The following should be ticked: The number printed under the barcode is also stored
in the barcode; Every member has a different number on their membership card;
Barcodes can be read into the computer without the need for data preparation.
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(b) The following should be ticked: It is faster to use a barcode reader than to type the
number into the computer; The librarian types the number into the computer if the
barcode reader is not working; The librarian could make a mistake typing in the
number.
(c) The following should be ticked: When a barcode is read, the check digit is worked
out. If it is correct then the computer assumes that the barcode has been read
accurately; Every barcode has a different check digit; When you work out the check
digit on a barcode, you should always get the same answer.
(d) (i) One records the book being borrowed and the other records the member
borrowing the book. In other words the two are linked together.
(ii) The computer will already know who the member is since the book and member
numbers are stored together.
(e) The following should be ticked: online, multitasking, multi-access
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2 (a) Water and electricity are a lethal combination so the computer must be away from
any taps/sinks.
Food and drink must not be brought into the lab.
(b) Two from: temperature; pH; moisture; pressure; etc.
3 Illegal copying of programs; access to pornographic material on the internet; transfer of
personal data; etc.
4 Advantages: Accurate stock ordering means the stores are less likely to run out of
essential items. Prices might be cheaper as some of the savings produced by the system
are passed onto the customer. Using barcodes means that there are fewer queues at the
tills.
Disadvantages: Shelf labels sometimes disagree with the price charged at the till. Older
people may not understand the system.
5 The software is used to produce a plan outline of the room. Standard parts can then be
added, e.g. windows, radiators, etc. You can also add pre-drawn shapes such as desks,
tables, workstations, etc. You can move things around. You can view the room in 3D from
different angles. You can save and print your design.
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