Information and Communication Technology 4IT1 | Paper 1 Mock 01 | Written Paper 1
Question 1 Report
Camille works from home for a small design company. She uses a laptop to access customer information on the company network through the internet. At the end of each day, she saves files to online storage and joins a video meeting using her smartphone when travelling. Her manager is concerned that confidential data could be viewed by other people in Camille's home.
(a) State one device, other than Camille's laptop, that she could use to access the online meeting. [1]
(b) Describe two ways Camille can prevent another person in her home from accessing her work computer. [2]
(c) Explain why the company should give each remote worker a separate user account rather than sharing one account. [3]
(d) Give two advantages of saving the design files in cloud storage instead of only on Camille's laptop. [2]
(a) A smartphone, tablet computer or desktop computer could access the online meeting. [1]
(b) Camille can lock the screen when leaving it, use a strong password or PIN, use biometric access, keep account details private, or use a separate work area. Any two. [2]
(c) Separate accounts identify which person accessed or changed data, [1] allow different permissions for different workers, [1] can be disabled when a worker leaves, [1] avoid password sharing, and provide accountability through an audit trail. Any three. [3]
(d) Cloud storage allows files to be accessed from different devices or locations, protects them if the laptop fails or is lost, lets colleagues use shared current files, and can increase storage without replacing the laptop. Any two. [2]
Answer Details
(a) A smartphone, tablet computer or desktop computer could access the online meeting. [1]
(b) Camille can lock the screen when leaving it, use a strong password or PIN, use biometric access, keep account details private, or use a separate work area. Any two. [2]
(c) Separate accounts identify which person accessed or changed data, [1] allow different permissions for different workers, [1] can be disabled when a worker leaves, [1] avoid password sharing, and provide accountability through an audit trail. Any three. [3]
(d) Cloud storage allows files to be accessed from different devices or locations, protects them if the laptop fails or is lost, lets colleagues use shared current files, and can increase storage without replacing the laptop. Any two. [2]
Question 2 Report
Fig. 1 shows a search-results page used by Tessy while researching safe cycling routes for a community website. Tessy has a laptop and internet access at home, but several users will read the information on smartphones using a slow network. The results include a council page, a personal blog, a sponsored advert and an old downloadable document. Tessy must select online information that is accurate, available to all users and legal to reuse.
(a) Which two features of a search result could Tessy use to decide whether it is likely to be an official council source? [2]
(b) Describe how Tessy could use advanced search tools to find cycling information that was published in the last year. [3]
(c) Give two checks Tessy should make before copying a map or photograph from an online page into the community website. [4]
(d) Explain one reason why a cached copy of a web page may not be suitable as the only source of route information. [3]
(e) Describe two ways the website software could make the cycling information easier to access for users with different devices or needs. [4]
(a) Features suggesting an official council result include a .gov domain, the council named as publisher, an HTTPS address, or a verified official-organisation description. Any two. [2]
(b) Search for a relevant phrase such as safe cycling routes, use the search engine date/time filter, and select results from the past year or set a custom recent range. [3]
(c) Identify the copyright owner/licence and check that it permits copying or reuse. If no suitable licence is shown, request permission. Give attribution where the licence requires it. Any two developed checks. [4]
(d) A cached page may be out of date. Routes, road works or safety advice could have changed, so relying on it alone could give users inaccurate or unsafe information. [3]
(e) Use a responsive layout so content fits smartphones and laptops; provide alternative text for maps/images for screen readers; use high contrast and readable font sizes; provide captions/transcripts for video; or provide a low-data text version for slow networks. Any two described methods. [4]
Answer Details
(a) Features suggesting an official council result include a .gov domain, the council named as publisher, an HTTPS address, or a verified official-organisation description. Any two. [2]
(b) Search for a relevant phrase such as safe cycling routes, use the search engine date/time filter, and select results from the past year or set a custom recent range. [3]
(c) Identify the copyright owner/licence and check that it permits copying or reuse. If no suitable licence is shown, request permission. Give attribution where the licence requires it. Any two developed checks. [4]
(d) A cached page may be out of date. Routes, road works or safety advice could have changed, so relying on it alone could give users inaccurate or unsafe information. [3]
(e) Use a responsive layout so content fits smartphones and laptops; provide alternative text for maps/images for screen readers; use high contrast and readable font sizes; provide captions/transcripts for video; or provide a low-data text version for slow networks. Any two described methods. [4]
Question 3 Report
A theatre company is planning its tour. Each actor receives scripts and rehearsal schedules on a personal device. Some actors prefer a smartphone because it fits in a pocket. Others use an e-reader with an e-ink screen, while the stage manager uses a laptop computer to edit documents and create lighting plans. The company does not expect actors to edit large files, but they need to read for long periods and find the latest version of a script. The director wants to choose the most suitable device for each role and avoid printing hundreds of pages.
(a) Which device type is likely to be most suitable for an actor reading a script for several hours? [2]
(b) Describe two advantages of using digital scripts rather than paper scripts on the tour. [2]
(c) Explain why the stage manager needs a laptop rather than only a smartphone or e-reader. [2]
(a) An e-reader is most suitable. Its e-ink display is designed for prolonged reading and it typically has long battery life. [2]
(b) The latest script can be sent online quickly, avoiding printing and carrying many paper copies. Digital scripts also use less physical storage space and can be searched or annotated. Any two advantages gain credit. [2]
(c) The stage manager needs a laptop’s larger screen and keyboard to edit complex documents. A laptop can run full software for lighting plans, manage larger files and multitask, unlike an e-reader or a smartphone alone. [2]
Answer Details
(a) An e-reader is most suitable. Its e-ink display is designed for prolonged reading and it typically has long battery life. [2]
(b) The latest script can be sent online quickly, avoiding printing and carrying many paper copies. Digital scripts also use less physical storage space and can be searched or annotated. Any two advantages gain credit. [2]
(c) The stage manager needs a laptop’s larger screen and keyboard to edit complex documents. A laptop can run full software for lighting plans, manage larger files and multitask, unlike an e-reader or a smartphone alone. [2]
Question 4 Report
Fig. 1 shows the way Tessy sends a newsletter from her laptop to parents. The school uses online email software. Camille reads the message later on a smartphone. The message is stored on a mail server while it travels across the internet. Tessy wants a communication method that does not require every parent to be using their devices at the same time.
(a) Which type of digital communication is shown in Fig. 1? [2]
(b) State two items of information Tessy must enter before she can send the newsletter. [2]
(c) Describe how the mail server allows Camille to access the newsletter at a different time from Tessy sending it. [5]
(d) Explain why email is suitable for the school newsletter, but may not be suitable for reporting an urgent change to the school timetable. [7]
(a) This is email, an asynchronous/store-and-forward communication method. Sender and recipient do not need to be online simultaneously. [2]
(b) Tessy must enter items such as the recipient email address, subject, message content and, where needed, an attachment. Any two. [2]
(c) Tessy's email software connects to an email service/server and uploads the message across the internet. The server stores it in Camille's mailbox. Later, Camille's smartphone connects to the server, and her email software downloads/displays the message when she accesses her account. [5]
(d) Email suits a newsletter because one message can be sent to many parents through a mailing list; text and files such as a timetable can be attached; parents can read it at a convenient time; and it creates a written record that can be saved/searched. It is less suitable for an urgent timetable change because a parent may not check email immediately, delivery/notifications may be delayed or internet may be unavailable. SMS or a phone call is more likely to alert a parent immediately. [7]
Answer Details
(a) This is email, an asynchronous/store-and-forward communication method. Sender and recipient do not need to be online simultaneously. [2]
(b) Tessy must enter items such as the recipient email address, subject, message content and, where needed, an attachment. Any two. [2]
(c) Tessy's email software connects to an email service/server and uploads the message across the internet. The server stores it in Camille's mailbox. Later, Camille's smartphone connects to the server, and her email software downloads/displays the message when she accesses her account. [5]
(d) Email suits a newsletter because one message can be sent to many parents through a mailing list; text and files such as a timetable can be attached; parents can read it at a convenient time; and it creates a written record that can be saved/searched. It is less suitable for an urgent timetable change because a parent may not check email immediately, delivery/notifications may be delayed or internet may be unavailable. SMS or a phone call is more likely to alert a parent immediately. [7]
Question 5 Report
A museum is creating an interactive exhibit about local shipbuilding. Visitors will use a large touchscreen to search photographs, listen to recorded interviews and select a language. The exhibit computer must be hidden inside a locked cabinet. Viren, the museum technician, has drawn Fig. 1 to show possible input, processing, output and storage components. The museum expects school groups to use the exhibit for six hours each day. It needs equipment that is reliable, easy for visitors with different needs to use and simple for staff to update with new media files.
Fig. 1 is not drawn to scale.
(a) Which component in Fig. 1 is used to give sound information to visitors? State why this is an output device. [3]
(b) Describe four features of the exhibit software that would improve accessibility for a visitor with impaired vision or hearing. [4]
(c) Give four reasons why an SSD is suitable for storing the exhibit's photographs, audio and software. [4]
(d) Explain why the computer should be placed in a locked cabinet, while the touchscreen remains available to visitors. [3]
(e) State three checks staff should make after installing an update to the exhibit software. [3]
(a) Speakers provide sound information. [1] They produce sound for visitors, [1] so information travels from the computer to the user rather than being entered into the system. [1]
(b) Accessibility features include adjustable text size, high-contrast mode, text-to-speech/audio narration, subtitles/captions, large clear buttons, touchscreen navigation without a keyboard, and language selection. Any four. [4]
(c) An SSD loads large media files quickly, has no moving parts and so resists shock, runs quietly, uses less power/produces less heat, is compact, and is reliable for frequent use. Any four. [4]
(d) A locked cabinet prevents theft and unauthorised physical access to the computer. [1] It protects cables, ports and settings from damage/tampering. [1] The touchscreen remains accessible because visitors use it as the input and display interface. [1]
(e) Test touchscreen selections, speaker audio, photographs/videos, language and accessibility features, and authorised staff updating access. Any three. [3]
Answer Details
(a) Speakers provide sound information. [1] They produce sound for visitors, [1] so information travels from the computer to the user rather than being entered into the system. [1]
(b) Accessibility features include adjustable text size, high-contrast mode, text-to-speech/audio narration, subtitles/captions, large clear buttons, touchscreen navigation without a keyboard, and language selection. Any four. [4]
(c) An SSD loads large media files quickly, has no moving parts and so resists shock, runs quietly, uses less power/produces less heat, is compact, and is reliable for frequent use. Any four. [4]
(d) A locked cabinet prevents theft and unauthorised physical access to the computer. [1] It protects cables, ports and settings from damage/tampering. [1] The touchscreen remains accessible because visitors use it as the input and display interface. [1]
(e) Test touchscreen selections, speaker audio, photographs/videos, language and accessibility features, and authorised staff updating access. Any three. [3]
Question 6 Report
Read the information below about a family business that makes handmade ceramic lamps. Kay sells products from a workshop and through a local furniture shop. She is considering creating an online store that can accept payments from customers in other countries. The store would use product photographs, a delivery company website and social media advertising. Kay has one part-time assistant, a limited marketing budget and no specialist computer technician. She wants to know how the internet could alter the organisation rather than simply increase sales.
(a) Which four types of information should Kay provide on each online product page to help a customer make a purchase decision? [4]
(b) Give five ways in which an online store could benefit this small organisation. [5]
(c) Describe three ways that selling online could affect the existing relationship between the workshop and the local furniture shop. [6]
(d) Explain whether Kay should launch the online store immediately, using the information in the scenario. Give reasons for your decision. [6]
(a) An online product page must give enough information for a customer to judge what is being bought and the total practical cost. Four valid items are: product photograph, price, dimensions or size, and material. [4] Available colours or styles, stock availability, delivery cost or time, returns information and a product description are also acceptable.
(b) Five benefits of an online store are:
- It can reach customers outside the local area, including customers in other countries. [1]
- Sales can be made at any time, not only when the workshop or furniture shop is open. [1]
- It is likely to cost less than opening another physical shop. [1]
- Customers can view the full range of lamps online. [1]
- Social media advertising can target particular customer groups. [1]
Online sales data showing popular products, and direct communication through email or online messages, are further acceptable benefits. [5]
(c) Selling online may change the relationship with the furniture shop in different ways.
- The online store may compete with the furniture shop for the same customers. This could reduce the shop's sales or make it less willing to stock Kay's lamps. [2]
- Kay could instead use the website and social media to direct local customers to the furniture shop. This could increase visits and support the retailer. [2]
- They may need to agree different prices, sales territories or stock arrangements, so that both businesses know which customers each will serve and avoid conflict. [2]
[6]
(d) The strongest conclusion is that Kay should launch gradually, rather than make an immediate full-scale launch. An online store could reach new customers beyond the local area, so there is a clear opportunity. [1] However, Kay has limited marketing funds, so a small trial limits the financial risk if online demand is lower than expected. [2] She has no specialist technician, so using a reputable hosted store platform and secure payment provider reduces the technical and security burden. [2] She should test delivery arrangements, returns procedures and stock control before expanding, because customers in other countries will need reliable fulfilment and accurate availability information. [1]
An immediate launch could also be credited if it is justified using the scenario, but a supported decision is essential. [6]
Answer Details
(a) An online product page must give enough information for a customer to judge what is being bought and the total practical cost. Four valid items are: product photograph, price, dimensions or size, and material. [4] Available colours or styles, stock availability, delivery cost or time, returns information and a product description are also acceptable.
(b) Five benefits of an online store are:
- It can reach customers outside the local area, including customers in other countries. [1]
- Sales can be made at any time, not only when the workshop or furniture shop is open. [1]
- It is likely to cost less than opening another physical shop. [1]
- Customers can view the full range of lamps online. [1]
- Social media advertising can target particular customer groups. [1]
Online sales data showing popular products, and direct communication through email or online messages, are further acceptable benefits. [5]
(c) Selling online may change the relationship with the furniture shop in different ways.
- The online store may compete with the furniture shop for the same customers. This could reduce the shop's sales or make it less willing to stock Kay's lamps. [2]
- Kay could instead use the website and social media to direct local customers to the furniture shop. This could increase visits and support the retailer. [2]
- They may need to agree different prices, sales territories or stock arrangements, so that both businesses know which customers each will serve and avoid conflict. [2]
[6]
(d) The strongest conclusion is that Kay should launch gradually, rather than make an immediate full-scale launch. An online store could reach new customers beyond the local area, so there is a clear opportunity. [1] However, Kay has limited marketing funds, so a small trial limits the financial risk if online demand is lower than expected. [2] She has no specialist technician, so using a reputable hosted store platform and secure payment provider reduces the technical and security burden. [2] She should test delivery arrangements, returns procedures and stock control before expanding, because customers in other countries will need reliable fulfilment and accurate availability information. [1]
An immediate launch could also be credited if it is justified using the scenario, but a supported decision is essential. [6]
Question 7 Report
Fig. 1 shows a proposed ICT system for a small community health clinic. Reception staff use desktop computers to enter appointment information. Nurses use tablets on the clinic wireless network to view patient records. The practice manager, Camille, needs secure access to reports from a laptop when working from home. Patient data must not be stored on individual devices. The clinic has limited technical support and needs a system that can continue to work if one computer fails.
The clinic is considering the equipment and software shown in Fig. 1.
(a) Which type of network is represented by the links between the reception computers, server and wireless tablets? Give a reason for your answer. [3]
(b) State three suitable input devices or methods that nurses could use to add information to a patient record on a tablet. [3]
(c) Describe how user accounts and access permissions could be set up so that reception staff can use the system but cannot view clinical notes. [4]
(d) Explain why a server-based storage system is more suitable than saving patient files on each reception computer. [3]
(e) Give three actions the clinic should include in its backup plan for patient data. [3]
(a) This is a local area network (LAN) [1] because devices are within one clinic/building [1] and use local wired/wireless links rather than a wide geographical area. [1]
(b) Nurses could use a touchscreen keyboard, on-screen forms/drop-down lists, stylus, microphone with speech recognition, approved document-image camera, or connected barcode scanner. Any three. [3]
(c) Create an individual account for every staff member, [1] requiring a password or multi-factor authentication. [1] Put reception staff in a reception role/group, [1] with access to appointments/contact details but denied access to clinical notes. [1]
(d) A server stores files centrally, [1] so authorised staff access the current record from different network devices. [1] Backups, updates and security are managed centrally, and failure of one reception computer does not lose the records. [1]
(e) Include scheduled automatic backups, an off-site/secure-cloud copy, encryption of backup files, restore testing, several versions, and restricted access to backup media. Any three. [3]
Answer Details
(a) This is a local area network (LAN) [1] because devices are within one clinic/building [1] and use local wired/wireless links rather than a wide geographical area. [1]
(b) Nurses could use a touchscreen keyboard, on-screen forms/drop-down lists, stylus, microphone with speech recognition, approved document-image camera, or connected barcode scanner. Any three. [3]
(c) Create an individual account for every staff member, [1] requiring a password or multi-factor authentication. [1] Put reception staff in a reception role/group, [1] with access to appointments/contact details but denied access to clinical notes. [1]
(d) A server stores files centrally, [1] so authorised staff access the current record from different network devices. [1] Backups, updates and security are managed centrally, and failure of one reception computer does not lose the records. [1]
(e) Include scheduled automatic backups, an off-site/secure-cloud copy, encryption of backup files, restore testing, several versions, and restricted access to backup media. Any three. [3]
