WAEC SSCE - Data Processing - 2017 (Essay and Test of Practical Work)

Bayanin Amsa

This question tests basic classification of computers, the meaning of ICT, and its social impact.

(a) Four classes of computer based on size. In order of decreasing size and processing power:

• Supercomputer: the largest and fastest, used for weather forecasting and scientific research.
• Mainframe computer: large, serving many users at once in banks and government offices.
• Minicomputer (midrange): medium-sized, used by small organisations.
• Microcomputer: the smallest, such as desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones.

(b) Information and Communication Technology (ICT). ICT is the use of computers, telecommunication systems and other electronic devices to capture, process, store, retrieve and transmit information. It combines computing (Information Technology) with communication technologies such as the Internet, telephony and networking.

(c) Three ways ICT has impacted on society.

• Communication: people now communicate instantly across the world through email, social media and video calls.
• Education: ICT enables e-learning, online research and access to vast digital libraries.
• Commerce and employment: e-commerce and e-banking allow buying, selling and money transfer online, while creating new ICT jobs (though also displacing some manual jobs).

Examination reminder: when asked to classify by size, do not mix in classification by type (digital, analog, hybrid) or by purpose - the examiner wants supercomputer, mainframe, mini and micro.

Bayanin Amsa

This question tests understanding of software maintenance and its types.

(a) Software maintenance. Software maintenance is the process of modifying and updating a software product after it has been delivered and put into use, in order to correct faults, improve performance, or adapt it to a changed environment.

(b) Four types of software maintenance.

• Corrective maintenance: fixing errors or bugs discovered while the software is in use.
• Adaptive maintenance: changing the software so it keeps working when the environment changes (new hardware, new operating system).
• Perfective maintenance: improving performance or adding new features requested by users.
• Preventive maintenance: making changes to prevent future problems and make the software easier to maintain.

(c) Four importances of software maintenance.

• It corrects errors and keeps the software working reliably.
• It keeps the software up to date with new hardware, operating systems and user needs.
• It improves performance, security and usability.
• It extends the useful life of the software and protects the investment made in it.

Examination reminder: match the type to its purpose - "fixing bugs" is corrective, "coping with a new environment" is adaptive, "adding improvements" is perfective, and "preventing future faults" is preventive.

Bayanin Amsa

This scenario tests knowledge of web platforms, ICT professionals, software and computer networks.

(a) Platform. Mr Okafor can achieve his aim through a website (a web-based platform / web portal) accessible over the Internet, which lets him publish information, monitor branch sales online and interact with customers.

(b) Professional to design it. A web designer / web developer (a website programmer) should be hired to build the platform.

(c) Two software packages to create the platform.

• A web-authoring/design package such as Adobe Dreamweaver (or a content-management system such as WordPress).
• A web browser for testing, together with a scripting/programming environment (for example an HTML/CSS editor with a language such as PHP or JavaScript).

(d)(i) Type of network to connect offices within the same headquarters building: a Local Area Network (LAN), because all the offices are confined to one site.

(d)(ii) Three reasons to support the LAN.

• It allows sharing of resources such as printers and files among the offices.
• It enables fast communication and data exchange between staff.
• It provides centralised control and security, and reduces cost by sharing equipment.

(e) Two transmission media for the LAN: twisted-pair (UTP) cable and coaxial cable (fibre-optic cable is also acceptable); a wireless medium such as Wi-Fi/radio waves is another option.

Examination reminder: the key word in (d) is "within the headquarters in Abuja" (one location) - that signals a LAN. Monitoring branches "across Nigeria" over the Internet is what makes a website the right platform in (a).

Bayanin Amsa

This question tests computer ethics and safe conduct in the computer room and laboratory.

(a)(i) Computer ethics. Computer ethics is the set of moral principles and rules that govern the acceptable and responsible use of computers and information, guiding what a user should or should not do (for example respecting privacy, avoiding piracy and not spreading malware).

(a)(ii) Three computer-room management ethics.

• Do not eat or drink near the computers.
• Respect other users' privacy and do not tamper with or copy their files without permission.
• Shut down systems properly and keep the room tidy after use (do not install or delete software without authorisation).

(b) Five laboratory rules and regulations.

• Do not bring food or drinks into the laboratory.
• Keep the laboratory clean and free of dust.
• Do not switch on or off any equipment without permission.
• Handle all equipment and cables carefully to avoid damage or electric shock.
• Scan any removable storage device for viruses before use, and log off/shut down properly before leaving.

Examination reminder: distinguish ethics (moral conduct, such as respecting privacy and not pirating software) from safety rules (physical protection, such as no liquids and careful handling); the parts of this question ask for both.