Revision Module 2

Text Box: Data Capture You are expected to: ·        Describe methods of data capture and identify appropriate contexts for their use. Understand the concept of data encoding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read Topic 10 and Topic 9

Read  Heathcote Chapter 27.  Go to http://www.geocities.com/fatmax_uk2/ then go to AS Module 2.  Look at Mike Highfield’s PowerPoint slides.

 

Text Box: What is the most common way of entering data? What are the most common problems with this method? How is Voice Data Entry used?  What are the problems with it? Write down two ways in which a scanner is used. How does key-to-disk differ from on-line processing? What are the limitations of touch screen data entry? Where do you find MICR and Magnetic Stripes?  Write down two limitations of magnetic stripes. What is a smart card? Give two examples of the use of OMR.  Describe how an employee of the Gas Board might use a hand held device. What are the 4 main elements of a barcode?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Text Box: Verification and Validation You are expected to: Understand the distinction between accuracy of information and validity of data. Explain possible sources and types of error in data capture, transcription, transmission and processing. Describe methods of preventing and reducing such errors. Describe appropriate validation techniques for the various stages within an ICT system, from data capture to report generation.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Read Topic 10.  You may want to refer to Heathcote Chapters 27 and 28.

 

Go to http://davidroyall.com/ict/

 

Go to Module 2, Data Verification and Validation.  Look at the presentation.  Also look at the notes.

Text Box: What is meant by validation? What is meant by verification?  Learn the difference. Write down three things a data control clerk should do? What has to be done in a batch header document? Write down what validation checks are carried out in a database. What is a check digit? How is a password verified?  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information on Check Digits, go to:

http://www.lcweb.loc.gov/issn/check.html

 

You may also find http://www.geocities.com/fatmax_uk2/ helpful as well.

 

 

 

 

Text Box: Organisation of Data for Effective Retrieval You are expected to: Describe the nature and purpose of a relational database and how it works. ·        Understand that data needs to be organised in a relational database to allow for effective updating and retrieval. Understand how data can be retrieved to produce meaningful information. Recall the relevant advantages of relational databases over flat file information storage and retrieval systems. Select and justify appropriate file and relational database structures for particular applications.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Go to Topic 7.  Read Heathcote Chapter 23 – 25.  This is a particularly important area to be able to answer.

 

Go to http://www.geocities.com/fatmax_uk2/ and then to Module 2, then to 11.3, Organisation of Data.  Go to Chris Brown’s PowerPoint

Text Box: What is a database? What three things are used to describe a field? Write down three things that a computerised database can do.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Text Box: Give one example of a traditional database. Compare a flat file database with a relational database. What are the disadvantages of a relational database? Write down the four different kinds of relationship found in a database. Sum up the five principles of normalisation. Write down two different kinds of query and explain how they are used. What is a report? Why do many organisations use forms and switch boards on their databases?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have found the last section too hard, go to http://www.geocities.com/fatmax_uk2/ICT2/database_tables.ppt

 

Text Box: What is meant by a table What do forms do? What is a query? What is a report?  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now go to http://davidroyall.com/ict/

 

Go to Unit 5, Database Design.

 

Text Box: What is meant by a primary key? Why is a flat file inefficient? Describe in as much detail as you can the processes of normalising data.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Text Box: Software: Nature, Capabilities and Limitations You are expected to: ·        Describe the need for interfacing with peripherals storage devices, input and output devices and display devices. Describe the need for printer and other peripheral drivers. Nature and types of software Describe the distinction between systems software and applications software. Describe the purposes of operating systems. Describe the nature of package software, generic and specific, and of bespoke software. Describe the general characteristics of generic packages and the integration of objects and facilities for processing data protocols and standards. Describe the functionality offered by software, which provides access to the Internet. Capabilities of software Describe the desirable features of packages that would be appropriate to particular users and activities such as; links to other packages; search facilities; macro capabilities; application generators; editing capabilities; ability to change or extend data and record structures; short access times; data portability and upgrade paths. Upgradability Explain the technical and human implications of package change/upgrade. Reliability Explain the difficulties of thoroughly testing complex software.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read Topic 11

 

You will need to refer to the student notes pp 12 – 15 and 27 – 49.  This is a major part of the module and you should spend more time on this section.   Read Heathcote pp 80 – 108.

 

Go to http://davidroyall.com/ict/ .  Read the notes and open up the presentation  (PowerPoint icon).

 

Text Box: What is meant by generic software? Write down three features you would find in a Word Processor? What do you do to format a cell? Look at the slides on Presentation Graphics.  Now look at the next slide.  Comment on whether it’s a good slide, giving reasons for your answer. Describe the three different things a web browser can do. What is a URL?  How does it differ from a hot link? Software is a term used to describe computer programs.  What is the difference between applications software and systems software?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Text Box: What does the operating system do? Operating systems have utility programs.  Describe their function giving examples. Write down the function of DOS. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a command line interface? Write down three other kinds of systems software other than utility programs and the operating system. What is meant by bespoke software? Some software is sold as general-purpose software.  What would you expect to find on such a package? What is the difference between an integrated package and a software suite?   Describe the advantages of these as opposed to separate packages.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You may find the website www.tucows.com useful to look at the range of software available.

 

You may also find the material http://www.geocities.com/fatmax_uk2/ useful.

 


 

 

Text Box: Manipulation and/or Processing You are expected to: Describe the different modes of operation: batch, interactive, transaction and real-time, identifying appropriate contexts for use. Describe the characteristics of processing data in the form of text, pictures, numbers and sound.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Read Topic 10 and Topic 8


 

Refer to student notes pp 18 – 22 .  Go http://www.geocities.com/fatmax_uk2/

 

Go to Manipulation and/or Processing.  Read the definition of batch processing, and then to the presentation Modes of Processing.

 

Text Box: What is a transaction?  Give one example that is financial, and a second example of a transaction that is not financial. What is the difference between a transaction file and a master file? Describe the steps taken in batch processing? What does interactive processing mean? Give an example of where an interactive process occurs and then batch processing occurs later. What is the difference between real time processing and pseudo real time processing?  Give an example of each. What factors need to be considered when deciding whether to use real time or batch processing?        

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You may find it useful to look at http://davidroyall.com/ict/ although his presentation is identical to the one in Fatmax (except the background!).

 

Now go to the presentation Processing Different Types of Data.

Text Box: What is the difference between a byte and a bit? How many different combinations can be held in a single byte? Why do modern computers have words of up to 64 bits? What is an ASCII code? How do you format a number if you want to do a calculation with it? How is sound digitised? What is meant by MIDI? Compare the two methods of representing graphics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

You may want to research the topic in more detail by following http://www.alcester.net/ags/links/Information_Technology/AS/IT02/5_Manipulation/

 


 

 

Text Box: Dissemination/Distribution You are expected to: Describe the need for suitable output formats and orderings to communicate the results of data interrogation and undertake report generation.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read Topic 7 and Topic 9

 

Read Heathcote Chapter 30.

 

Go to http://www.alcester.net/ags/links/Information_Technology/AS/IT02/6_Dissemination/

 

 

 

 

Text Box: Why are charts used in presentations? What kinds of graph or chart are available?  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Go to http://www.cs.appstate.edu/~crr/cs4570_spr01/lecture11/sld007.htm

 

Text Box: Look at Slides 4 – 6.  Are these easy to read? Write down two considerations you need to take when presenting data. How can you tell lies with a graph? How do you ensure excellence in your graphics? What features do you expect in a good presentation? What is wrong with the examples shown?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You may be interested in http://www.dfki.de/etai/statements/reiter-nov-97.html which discusses the whys and wherefores of graphics in presentation.  Alternatively, http://www.elearningpost.com/features/archives/001017.asp

 

 

 

Text Box: Hardware: Nature, Capabilities and Limitations You are expected to: Describe the broad characteristics, capabilities and limitations of current input, storage, communications, processing and output devices, identifying appropriate contexts for use by each device.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read Topic 8
 

If you want to know in details the working of the computer then go to http://www.pctechguide.com/Default.htm

 

Read Heathcote Chapters 26, 29, and 32. 

 

Go to http://www.geocities.com/fatmax_uk2/ and go to Components of an Information System.

Text Box: What is the difference between hardware and software? Why is it wrong to describe a CD ROM as software? What are the three main components of a computer? How can you make a machine run faster? Write down the three different kinds of input device, giving one example of each. How can a loudspeaker be used on a computer system? You are going to buy a printer.  Apart from cost, what other considerations might you think about? What is the advantage of an LCD monitor? What is the role of a storage device? What are the disadvantages of using tape as a storage medium. What kind of hard disk is most likely to be found on your PC? What are the limitations of floppy disks? What other kinds of storage medium are available? What is the difference between back up and archive? What considerations would you take when deciding on the purchase of hardware?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Text Box: Security of Data You are expected to: Understand the importance of, and the mechanisms for, maintaining data security, describing the distinction between security and privacy. Understand simple processes that protect the integrity of data against malicious or accidental alteration, e.g., standard clerical procedures, passwords, levels of permitted access, write protect mechanisms, backup procedures, restoration and recovery procedures. Backup systems ·         Understand the need for regular and systematic backup and procedures for recovery.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read Topic 10
 

 Read Heathcote Chapter 31.  Fatmax does not have anything on this yet.

 

Go to http://davidroyall.com/ict/ and select Module 2, Data Security.  Read the notes and look at the presentation.

 

Text Box: What is the difference between data security and data integrity? Write down two ways of increasing data integrity. Write down two ways of increasing data security. How can a password ensure the integrity and security of data? What features are there in a good password? How can an unauthorised person get to view data? Why is important to back up data? What other things need to be considered in a disaster recovery plan? What hardware is used in backing up data?    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You may find http://www.alcester.net/ags/links/Information_Technology/AS/IT02/8_Security/ useful in getting further background information.

 


 

 

Text Box: Network Environments You are expected to: Describe the characteristics and relative advantages of network and stand-alone environments. Describe the difference between a Local Area Network (LAN) and a Wide Area Network (WAN). Describe the required elements of network environments including hardware, software, communications and topology.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Read Topic 12

 

Read Heathcote Chapters 34 and 35.  Go to http://www.alcester.net/ags/links/Information_Technology/AS/IT02/9_Networks/ for a number of links.

 

Go to http://www.frick-cpa.com/netess/Net_TOC.asp  Go to Section 1

Text Box: What is a network? What three benefits does a network provide? What is the difference between a WAN and a LAN? How does a peer-to-peer network differ from a server based network? Write down three kinds of server and describe what they do. Compare server based networks with peer-to peer.  What are the advantages and disadvantages of each kind?    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Go to Section 2.

Text Box: What is meant by topology? What is a bus network? What are the advantages and disadvantages of a bus network? Draw a diagram of a star network, and describe its advantages and disadvantages. How does a ring network work? What considerations should you take into account when setting up a network?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Text Box: Human/Computer Interface You are expected to: Understand the need to facilitate an effective dialogue between humans and machines. Explain the need to design systems which are appropriate to users at all levels and in different environments, e.g. the impact of clarity of structure and layout. Describe how the user-interface can be designed for effective communication with the user. Describe the advantages of common user interfaces between different generic application packages. Describe the advantages and limitations of a natural language interface.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Read about the Human Computer Interface

 

 

 Read Heathcote Chapter 31.

 

Go to http://www.pcwebopaedia.com/TERM/i/interface.html

Text Box: What is meant by an interface? What is a user interface?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Go to either

 http://cne.gmu.edu/itcore/userinterface/GUIHistory1.html  Go to GUI Great Ideas.

Or

http://www.pcwebopaedia.com/TERM/G/Graphical_User_Interface_GUI.html

 

Text Box: What is a graphical user interface? What is meant by Windows?  (Ignore the harder stuff at the bottom unless you are an enthusiast!  You don’t need it for the exam). What other things are needed for a GUI? What are the advantages of GUI’s? What is meant by a command line interface? Find out about natural language interfaces.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are lots of links about GUI at Alcester Grammar School. http://www.alcester.net/ags/links/Information_Technology/AS/IT02/10_HCI/

 

 

Text Box: Remember: Read the question carefully.  Answer the question. Do not put in unconsidered supplementary material (waffle). If there are four marks to be had for two answers, you will need to make two points for each answer.  Usually an answer and an explanation. All examples you quote should be relevant to ICT and its use in organisations, unless specifically asked for in the question. You must NOT quote trade names.  So if your answer is based on Access, you need to write database management system.