Information Technology 9626/11 October/November 2022: question paper and mark scheme
Cambridge AS & A Level Information Technology (9626), Paper 1 Theory, October/November 2022. Read both free below, or download them. Done the paper? Get it marked by AI against this mark scheme.
Computers often have utility software supplied with the operating system.
Explain what is meant by utility software and why it is needed.
…… [4]
Mark scheme
1 Three from: 4
• A program that helps perform maintenance (in a computer system) (1)
• A program that performs a specific task ... (1)
... usually related to managing system resources (1)
• Operating systems can contain a number of different utilities/types (for
managing files and storage devices) (1)
• Identified suitable example (e.g. file management/storage device) (1)
One from:
• Generic statement of why utility software is required (1)
e.g.
• It is needed to keep the computer free from viruses (1)
• It is needed to make the files contiguous (1)
• It is needed to improve the computer's performance by managing the
allocation of computer memory (1)
Sandeep works for a company which uses software to help protect its computer systems against malware. The company is looking for additional ways to minimise the effects of malware. Sandeep and the other workers have already been advised on good practice when logging on and how to use emails safely.
Describe other methods the company can instruct workers to use so that malware can be prevented from entering its computer systems.
…… [4]
Mark scheme
2 Four from: 4
• Follow anti-malware policies. (1)
• Report malicious websites to the e.g. network manager/compliance(1)
• Maintain up to date knowledge of risks (from malware) (1)
• Be suspicious about clicking on links (1)
• Know that they must not connect removable media/memory
sticks//personally owned device to their computer//the network (1)
• Report strange/unexpected system behaviour to the e.g.network
manager/compliance (1)
• Only download software from a trusted source//do not download
software onto the computer (1)
• Disconnect computer from network when not making use of network
facilities (1)
Most companies use transaction files to update master files in their payroll systems. One part of the updating process is to calculate weekly or monthly pay. Another part is to update workers’ personal and work details.
Without referring to the calculation of pay, describe the three types of transaction that would take place when workers’ details are being updated. You must give an example for each type of transaction.
Transaction type 1: ……
Example 1: ……
Transaction type 2: ……
Example 2: ……
Transaction type 3: ……
Example 3: ……
[6]
Mark scheme
3 Up to six marks available for three matched pairs 6
e.g.
• Delete/remove a (master file) record (1)
• To remove duplicates//Where a record is no longer needed (accept
examples) (1)
• Amend/change a (master file) record (1)
• E.g. A worker moves department/gets a pay rise/changes name (1)
• Add/append a (master file) record (1)
• A new worker joins the company (1)
A customer at a supermarket checkout pays for their goods by inserting a card into a chip reader and entering their personal identification number (PIN). Electronic funds transfer takes place.
Describe what happens during the electronic funds transfer.
…… [6]
Mark scheme
4 Six from: 6
• Chip is read/checked ... (1)
... to make sure it has not been reported stolen, is in date and is a valid
card number (MUST be two of three) ... (1)
... If not message appears saying the card is invalid (and the transaction
does not continue) (MAY BE AWARDED WHERE ONLY ONE OF
PREVIOUS THREE EXAMPLES HAS BEEN GIVEN) (1)
• PIN entered by the customer is compared with that stored on the chip
(1)
• If PIN is verified the transaction continues ... (1)
... otherwise (error) message will appear ... (1)
... customer is asked to re-enter PIN (1)
• If after three attempts the PINs do not match the transaction is rejected
(1)
• Supermarket computer contacts customer bank (to find customer's
records) to see if there are sufficient funds in the customer’s account
(1)
• If there are sufficient funds in the customer’s account transaction is
completed (1)
• If there are insufficient funds in the customer’s account transaction is
rejected (1)
• Amount of the transaction is deducted from customer’s bank account
(1)
• Amount of the transaction is credited to supermarket’s bank account
(1)
Encryption is a method used by organisations to keep data confidential. Symmetric or asymmetric encryption is used.
Explain what is meant by asymmetric encryption.
…… [5]
Mark scheme
5 Five from: 5
• Often called public-key encryption (1)
• Uses two different keys// one public and one private/secret (key) (1)
• No need to transfer a key (with the message) (1)
• The public key/key held by the person doing the encryption is used to
encrypt the data (1)
• The corresponding private/secret key is used to decrypt the data (1)
• The private key is kept secret (1)
• Anyone with a copy of the public key can encrypt information (1)
• Only the private key holder can read the information (1)
• It is not possible to deduce the private key from the public key (1)
The digital divide affects many people. There can be a divide between older and younger people.
Describe how this digital divide could be reduced.
…… [5]
Mark scheme
6 Five from: 5
e.g.
• Younger people could train older people (1)
• The government could subsidise internet access for older people (1)
• Government could encourage libraries/community centres to offer free
internet access to older people/those who do not have access (1)
• Retirement villages could be built incorporating technologies (1)
• Information providers should be required to produce content in suitable
formats so that people with weaker eyesight can easily access the
content (1)
• Grants can be made to organisations to deliver digital literacy training
programmes to older people (1)
• Schools could allow older people access to technology facilities in the
evenings//during school holidays (1)
• Schools could provide teaching and training to older people to improve
their skills (1)
Spreadsheet models can be used to forecast the population growth of humans.
Analyse the effectiveness of using a spreadsheet model for this purpose.
…… [8]
Mark scheme
7 Eight from: 8
• Spreadsheet models can do complex calculations (1)
• Formulas are recalculated automatically ... (1)
... speeding up the use of the model (1)
• Graphs that are produced to show population growth ... (1)
... will (automatically) change as new values are added/old values
altered (1)
• (Reliable because) provide consistent results from the same inputs //will
always produce the same answer (1)
• Spreadsheets can automatically download data to provide data in the
fields (1)
• Cannot account for every possible variable when forecasting population
growth ... (1)
... therefore model can give misleading results (1)
• To try to account for as many variables as possible requires complex
formulae ... (1)
... which may need experts who are expensive to hire (1)
• Producing an effective model may be time consuming (1)
• The model can have formulae replicated (1)
• Complex population predictions may need additional software/modules ...
(1)
... which is expensive to buy (1)
• Data can be entered accurately because of computer-based validation
and verification (1)
Max. six marks if bullets/list of points
Max six if no expansions
Maria has been asked to write a word-processed report for her homework. She needs to choose between using proprietary software and open source software.
Describe the differences between these two types of software.
…… [6]
Mark scheme
8 Six from: 6
• Proprietary software is owned by the copyright holder//not owned by the
user (1)
• Proprietary software users have to purchase a licence/pay to use it ... (1)
... open source software is usually free to download// includes a request
for a donation to charity (1)
• There are almost always restrictions on the use of proprietary software
... (1)
... open-source software can be used/accessed/implemented by anyone
(1)
• The specific terms of use are included in an end-user license agreement
(1)
• The source code of proprietary software is a secret ... (1)
... open-source software source code is open to inspection (1)
• Usually covered by copyright which provides a legal basis for its owner to
establish exclusive rights ... (1)
... open-source software code can sometimes be amended without
breach of copyright legislation (1)
Jose has a greenhouse to grow his plants. He lives in a country which has a warm climate so the greenhouse does not need a heater but has microprocessor controlled windows and a temperature sensor.
(a) Describe how the sensor represents the temperature so the computer can read the data.
…… [1]
(b) Complete this pseudocode algorithm to show the processing which takes place to control the temperature of the greenhouse.
WHILE system switched on
INPUT temperature
IF temperature > preset
THEN
IF window closed
THEN
…… [8]
(c) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages, to Jose, of using microprocessor control in this scenario.
…… [8]
Mark scheme
9(a) One from: 1
• Electrical resistance is changed/voltage is generated (depending on the
temperature) (1)
• Electrical signals are generated (which are converted into values (to
represent temperature)) (1).
9(b) WHILE system switched on 8
INPUT temperature
IF temperature > preset
THEN
IF window closed
THEN
send signal to motor to open window
ENDIF
ELSE
IF window open
THEN
send signal to motor to close window
ENDIF
ENDIF
ENDWHILE
• send signal to open//open window (NOT ‘output’) (1)
• send signal to open//open window as 1st statement (1)
• ENDIF closes the IF statement (1)
• ALL three ENDIFs in same vertical plane as relevant IFs (within reason)
(1)
• ELSE (1)
• ELSE in same vertical plane as THEN (1)
• ‘IF window open’ (or equivalent) ... (1)
... IF window open condition closed with ENDIF (1)
• Close window instruction (1)
• Send signal to motor to close window appropriately positioned (1)
• IF temperature > preset value condition closed with ENDIF (1)
• Whole of IF Window open section indented correctly (allow follow through
on close window instruction position) (1)
• ENDWHILE as final statement (1)
9(c) Eight from: 8
Advantages max 6
• Reduced chance of plants dying/wilting etc (1)
• Jose could forget to (e.g.) open window//be so busy that he is unable to
(e.g.) open window ... (1)
... computers can be permanently switched on and take action
regularly/will not forget (1)
• Jose can do other tasks (1)
• Computers can take action immediately if the temperature gets too hot ...
(1)
... there would be a delay before Jose can take action (1)
• Readings taken by computers tend to be more accurate ... (1)
... and action taken is therefore more likely to be the correct one (1)
(ACCEPT CONVERSE ARGUMENTS ABOUT JOSE’S INACCURACY)
• If Jose was physically disabled, he may find it difficult to open window ...
(1)
... whereas computer can do it automatically (1)
Disadvantages max 6
• Computers can be expensive to buy ... (1)
... whereas it would not cost Jose any money to look after the plants
himself (1)
• Computer maintenance costs can be expensive ... (1)
... whereas with Jose that is not a problem (1)
• It is quite difficult to program computers to take correct action ... (1)
... but Jose would know instinctively//will have expertise (1)
• Sensors can deteriorate//become inaccurate ... (1)
... whereas Jose's actions will tend to be more consistent (1)
... and will need recalibration (1)
• A computer-controlled system will not be able to function if there is a
problem with the computer/there is a power cut/load shedding (1)
Max. six marks if bullets/list of points
Must have at least expansions or comparisons to achieve six marks in
either section
Companies who store the personal data of individuals use a number of methods to prevent illegal access to this data.
Apart from preventing illegal access, suggest other methods companies can use to protect the confidentiality of this data.
…… [5]
Mark scheme
10 Five from: 5
• Follow data protection act rules (1)
• Use only the minimum necessary confidential personal information (1)
• Use anonymised information wherever possible (1)
• Securely dispose of confidential personal information when it is no
longer needed (1)
• Only share/disclose/publish confidential personal information where it is
lawful to do so (1)
• Only allow authorised workers to view the data (1)
• Encrypt the data (1)
• Ensure workers have a duty of confidence/sign a confidentiality
agreement (1)
• Use aggregated data wherever possible (1)
• Remove geotags from photos/images (1)
Explain what is meant by an indirect data source. In your explanation include descriptions of two different indirect data sources.
…… [4]
Mark scheme
11 Max TWO from: 4
e.g.
• Data has been collected for a particular/different purpose ... (1)
... but then that data is used for something else (1)
Max TWO from:
e.g.
• The Electoral Register is a list of adults who are entitled to vote in a local
or national election (1)
• Customers in stores often provide personal information when they buy
products (1)
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Where can I find the 9626/11 October/November 2022 mark scheme?+
On this page, free: the mark scheme for AS & A Level Information Technology 9626/11, October/November 2022 (9626_w22_ms_11), and the question paper (9626_w22_qp_11), to read or download, with each question's marking points written out underneath.
How many marks is 9626/11 out of?+
Information Technology 9626/11 for October/November 2022 is out of 70 marks, with 1 hour 45 minutes to answer it.
Can I get my 9626/11 answers marked?+
Yes. Upload your answers to 9626/11/O/N/22 as a PDF or photos, and CIE Buddy marks every question against this paper's official mark scheme, using Cambridge's marking rules. You get your score, each lost mark explained on your own script, and the topics to revise. It's a guide, not an official Cambridge grade.