Information and Communication Technology 0417/13 October/November 2024: question paper and mark scheme

Mark scheme

1(a)(i) Two from: 2 Data can only be read Non-volatile memory Stores data permanently 1(a)(ii) Two from: 2 Data can be written to and read from Volatile memory Stores data temporarily 1(b)(i) One from: 1 Contains: Start-up instructions BIOS Hardware initialisation routines Self-test procedures 1(b)(ii) Stores the data the computer is currently processing 1 1(b)(iii) One from, for example: 1 Storing HD movies Video games Data backup 1(b)(iv) One from: 1 Storing backup data Stores an archive

Mark scheme

2(a)(i) Two from: 2 Comma Separated Values Delimited by commas Text file 2(a)(ii) Two from: 2 Roshal Archive Used for data compression Data container to hold other files 2(a)(iii) Two from: 2 Plain text file Contains un-formatted text data Can be used by any text editors 2(b) Three from: 3 css gif htm / html jpg / jpeg mp4 / mp3 pdf png rtf svg zip 2(c) Two from: 2 Allows users to save files so that they can be opened on any platform The formatting of the file is not package-specific therefore formatting will not affect the file Using generic formats allows files created on one type of computer to be read on another type of computer

Mark scheme

3 Similarities 6 Max five from: Both store data Both have fast access Both have fixed storage capacity Both store files permanently Both can be plugged into any computer system Both are secondary storage Both allow data to be written to and read from Differences Max five from: SSD uses semi-conductor technology HDD uses magnetic technology HDD can be affected by strong magnetic fields SSD are more robust as no moving parts SSD produces less heat SSD uses less processing power SSD use less electrical power

Mark scheme

4(a)(i) Four from: 4 A switch connects a number of computers together to make a LAN Each device has a unique MAC address The switch receives a signal from one device The signal contains the MAC address of the sender and receiver Reads the recipient’s MAC address Sends data to the specific device 4(a)(ii) Four from: 4 A router connects to a modem The router splits the data into packets Each packet contains the IP addresses and the data A router sends data packets to different networks A router receives data packets from different networks All devices within the network contain unique IP addresses The router stores IP addresses in its routing table The router reads the destination IP address Checks the IP address against its routing table Finds the best / fastest route to the device using the routing table If it cannot find the best route it uses the default one The router forwards the packet to the appropriate network segment Directs incoming and outgoing internet traffic to the device with the local IP address The router can store a route to the target device 4(b) One from: 1 Used to connect LANs together Connects different types of network so they act as one single LAN 4(c) Six from: 6 Strong passwords make it harder to crack the password Change passwords frequently using an unused password Change passwords regularly to ensure that unauthorised access is lower Use different passwords on different accounts to ensure that if one password is guessed others are safe Using biometric passwords as these are unique to the user Biometric passwords are very hard to forge Safer to use a combination of different types of password For added security a One Time Password could be used Ensure that the password cannot be linked back to the user as it makes it easier to guess Biometric passwords can be affected by the environment Biometric passwords can be affected by human changes OTP / biometric passwords require extra hardware to be used

Mark scheme

5(a) Causes 4 Two from: Typing on a computer keyboard for a long period of time Excessive use of a mouse Holding a mouse incorrectly Working in a cramped workspace Resting the wrists on the desk when typing Strategies Two from: Use an ergonomic keyboard Use an ergonomic mouse Use a wrist rest Arrange the workspace Use voice recognition Exercise hands 5(b) Causes 4 Two from: Staring at a computer screen for a long period of time Sitting too close to the screen Working in inappropriate lighting Glare on the computer screen Dirt on the screens Blue light affecting the eyes Strategies Two from: Turn down / up the brightness of the screen to match the room lighting Use flicker free screens Use blue light filters / glasses Turn the screen 90 degrees to the window Use an adjustable screen Keep the screens clear of dust Have eyes tested regularly Use night screen mode

Mark scheme

6 Advantages 6 Max two from: Smartphones are more portable therefore can play the game in different places More varieties of games as the smartphone is more likely to be used Disadvantages Max five from: Smaller screen makes it difficult to see the content of the game Smaller controls makes it more difficult to use Drains the battery more on the smartphone Desktop computers not reliant on batteries Takes up more of the processing power of a smartphone meaning that hardware intensive games not used The game can be interrupted more due to the functions of the phone The smartphone is more likely to be with the user therefore there can be more issues with gambling Excessive use of the smartphone can lead to more health issues As storage is smaller on a smartphone the game can take up a lot of storage space some games cannot be downloaded / run on a smartphone Causes distractions which could lead to injury

Mark scheme

7(a) Inputs 6 Max three from, for example: Student personal details Marks and grades Student behaviour Student test results Attendance data Punctuality data Processing Max three from, for example: Average grades are calculated Comparison made with forecast grades Class averages are created Data is saved Graphs are created Outputs Max three from, for example: Termly/yearly reports are printed / sent to parents Progress against forecast grades are printed / sent Statistical analysis is produced 7(b) Two from: 2 It is a method of learning It is an application / software / program Used to help students to learn about a subject It is tailored to the individual student It can take account of previous assessments when setting learning objectives

Mark scheme

8(a)(i) One mark for check and one mark for description 2 Format check The data must be in the format LLNNN Length Check The data must contain 5 characters Presence check The field must contain data / cannot be null 8(a)(ii) One mark for check and one mark for description 2 Range check The price must be in the range of 10–100 Type / character check The field only contains number 8(b) 4 Name_of_plant Alphanumeric Scented Boolean Price Numeric: currency Height Numeric: decimal

Mark scheme

9(a) Behaviour 2 Presentation 9(b) Two from: 2 They restrict the output so that the display remains constant / fixed Different browsers should render the table in the same way The tables are independent of the screen resolution Organises the data on the web page

Mark scheme

10 Benefits 6 Max five from: The screen lasts longer as no physical contact with the user Natural form of communication which makes the game more realistic Fast form of data entry Do not require additional devices The screen display is free of buttons Drawbacks Max five from: Reduced commands Commands have to be learnt correctly Causes fatigue Immersion syndrome Distinct physical actions needed as gestures can be mistaken The device can be triggered accidentally If the system is too complex more gestures have to be learnt Uses more processing power Requires a good camera More physical space needed