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JUNE 2001

CXC IT THEORY ANSWERS

1. Suggested Responses

a. Ability to write a sequence of operations using like

syntax.

Ability to refer to variables in the natural state (by the

given name) rather than using binary locations in the

computer. Ability to use the same written program on

different machines.

b. Logic error - error in how the algorithm goes about

solving the problem.

Test Data Input data testing the system response to a

range of inputs, including critical situations.

Source Code Human Readable text version of a program

in a high level language.

Variable a symbolic representation of an element whose

value can be assigned and changed.

c. To see that the specifications laid down by the analysis

team are correctly understood by the programming team,

and efficiently satisfied by the programs produced.

2. Suggested responses

a. Programmable Read - System manufacturer canOnly Memory embed his own data or

instructions into the chip, as

part of the make-up of a

computer system.

b. Central Processing Unit - Carries out operations on data

specified by the instruction code of a

program.

Arithmetic/Logic Unit - Does the Arithmetic and Logic

operations of the computer.

Random Access Memory - Holds data and instructions about to be

used by the central processing unit.

3. Suggested Responses

a. Data means raw information, essentially meaningless in

its initial state.

Information can be used and assimulated in a

meaningful manner by a human, and usually input to a

system for Information is used for decision-making.

i.e. Data arranged in a meaningful and organized manner

and is useful to the user.

b. (i) UPLOAD

- Sending information along data communication

channels TO another machine from the users

machine.

- With the operation being activated by the user.

If the candidate includes the fact that the other machine is

the host or the server the full two marks are given.

(ii) Wide Area Network (Definition of abbreviation)- A connected group of computers spanning a large

geographical area.

- Connections usually made by some form of radio-

based linkage.

c. Microfilm serial

Microfiche direct access

Reel-to-reel tape serial

Cartridge tape serial

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4. Suggested Responses

a. (i) Interact with the user and give the user a way to issue

commands to the computer.

(ii) Manage the arrangement for storing files.

(iii) Manage/Control the hardware components to allow

complete system use. Plus a wide range of other good

answers.

b. The menu immediately lets you pick commands within

the context, to do operations.

c. Primary storage has a shorter access time; It is faster.

d. Disk storage carries direct access, tape is serial access.

e. Any three of the following:

- Protect the diskette from dust

- Protect the diskette from moisture

- Do not drop or step on a diskette

- Do not store at extreme high or low temperatures-

store between 10 C to 45C.

- Do not touch or unnecessarily expose the

magnetic surface.

- Do not force the diskette into the drive.

5. Suggested Responses

a. A plotter, because

- it actually produces drawn lines with a line-

drawing action,

OR

- it can, usually handle a larger paper size.

b. Problem: The ribbon is worn or ribbon is incorrectly

placed, OR Print head gap too wide/hammers not striking

properly.

Solution: Change the ribbon cartridge, or place the ribbon

correctly OR set the head gap.

c. The l ight pen

Signals the system when the scanning point on the screen

strikes the tip of the pen.

Since the system actually can calculate where the scanning

point was located at that instant, it can tell where the pen

was located at that time.

The system registers the positional changes and draws

lines or does actions as required.

Mouse-type button features are also included with the

device. A light pen is light sensitive and so can also be

used as a pickup device for bar-code reading.

ANY three of the above- one mark each. The notions in

the bolded text must be included in the particular answer

item.

d. Both of them recognize shape of character. BUT

The Magnetic ink character recognition reads the character

using the ability to detect magnetic ink, whereas optical

character, recognition relies on reflected light.

6. b. Answer 8510

c. Answer 1112

7. a. Personal. Information can be used in violation of privacy,

for marketing purposes.

Corporate Industrial information can be surreptitiously

used for personal or other corporate gain (Industrial

Espionage)

b. - Software restrictions can allow access to a portion of data

with restriction on access to other portions.

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- Software restrictions can allow someone far away to

maintain access, with the appropriate privileges still in

force.

- Software restrictions can allow the system to be used for

other things, which data access restrictions.

c. Telecommuting is where an employee works at home, witha long-range connection to the office computer.

Contributions:

- The Internet

- High speed modems

- High speed telephone lines

- Satellite down-links for long range connection

- The cost of maintaining a full size office.

8. a. Backing up means to create a copy of all or some

information on a separate storage area as a safety measurein case the original is lost or damaged.

b. The read-write head reads information on the surface of the

media and puts information onto the media. (The meaning

and purpose for this device can be simultaneously

embodied)

c. The address locates the element of data. It is used in

specifying where information will be written to, or read

from.

d. Access time the average time taken to read or write anelement of data using a particular storage type. Important

depending on the work youre doing and the speed

required.

9. a) Answers: -1 1 1

b) Answers: -2 1 2

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10. PRINT ENTER THE INTEREST RATE AS A DECIMAL

FRACTION

INPUT R

PRINT GIVE THE NUMBER OF YEARS

INPUT N

PRINT GIVE THE STARTING BALANCE

INPUT BALANCE

FORYEAR = 1 TO M Do

BALANCE = BALANCE * (1 + R)

NEXT YEAR

PRINT THE BALANCE WILL BE, BALANCE

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NB Prompts 1 mark, Consistent variables 1 mark, Print 1 mark, Loop 1

mark, Formula 1 mark.