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. 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. 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. 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. (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 radiobased linkage. Microfilm serial Microfiche direct access Reel-to-reel tape serial Cartridge tape serial

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Suggested responses a. Programmable Read Only Memory - System manufacturer can embed his own data or instructions into the chip, as part of the make-up of a computer system. c. b. Central Processing Unit - Carries out operations on data specified by the instruction code of a program.

b. 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. c. (iii) Manage/Control the hardware components to allow complete system use. Plus a wide range of other good answers. b. c. d. e. The menu immediately lets you pick commands within the context, to do operations. Primary storage has a shorter access time; It is faster. Disk storage carries direct access, tape is serial access. Any three of the following: 5. Suggested Responses a. A plotter, because - it actually produces drawn lines with a linedrawing action, OR - it can, usually handle a larger paper size. 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 temperaturesstore between 10 C to 45C. Do not touch or unnecessarily expose the magnetic surface. Do not force the diskette into the drive.

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. The light 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.

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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.

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b. Answer 8510 c. Answer 1112 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.

- 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, with a long-range connection to the office computer. Contributions: 8. a. The Internet High speed modems High speed telephone lines Satellite down-links for long range connection The cost of maintaining a full size office.

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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 FOR YEAR = 1 TO M Do BALANCE = BALANCE * (1 + R) NEXT YEAR PRINT THE BALANCE WILL BE, BALANCE _____________________________________________________________ NB Prompts 1 mark, Consistent variables 1 mark, Print 1 mark, Loop 1 mark, Formula 1 mark.

Backing up means to create a copy of all or some information on a separate storage area as a safety measure in case the original is lost or damaged. 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) The address locates the element of data. It is used in specifying where information will be written to, or read from. Access time the average time taken to read or write an element of data using a particular storage type. Important depending on the work youre doing and the speed required.

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a) Answers: -1 1 1 b) Answers: -2 1 2 _____________________________________________________________