May 2024 - Weak Areas Tasmiyah

Question 1

192.168.1.1 is the default IP Address for the main server on a network. It is also the:

A Default Gateway

B MAC Address

C PSTN

D Subnet Mask

Answer 1

A - Default Gateway

Question 2

Which business software allows users to work together using combinations of text, images
and video?

A CAD

B Expert Systems

C Multimedia

D Project Management

Answer 2

C - Multimedia

Question 3

Blue Milk Cantina is a large chain of juice bars across the UK. They have recently updated the IT
systems at the Head Ofce and the distribution warehouse. Head Ofce deals with stafng and
wages, while the warehouse holds the stock for the juice bars. The warehouse uses robots to
move the stock around.
The managers in the juice bars use tablet computers to place orders, keep track of staffing
hours and to communicate with Head Office.

16 The juice bar managers place an order each week using the tablet computers.

(a) Identify two input devices that could be used to place the order. (2)

Answer 3

Touch screen (1)
* Microphone (1)
* (Virtual) Keyboard (1)
* Stylus (1)

Question 4

Identify and describe one benefit and one limitation of using a tablet computer to place the
orders. (4)

Answer 4

Benefit:
* Portable (1st) so can use it anywhere in the
bar/warehouse (1)
* Small (1st) so easily locked away (1)

Limitation
- Virtual keyboard (1st) difficult to use to place orders if
not accurate when touched (1)
* Small screen (1st) difficult to see some items on the
order screen (1)
* Use a battery (1st) which can run out causing ordering
issues (1)

Question 5

Each tablet connects to the internet and the company WAN using Wifi in the juice bars.

Identify and describe two types of communications hardware, other than ethernet cables,
required to connect to the WAN. (4)

Answer 5

• Wireless Access Point (1st) to allow wireless devices to
  connect to a wired network (1)
• Hub (1st) to send the data one LAN / WAN (1)
• Switch (1st) to allow tablets to be connected to the LAN
  and WAN (1)
• Modem (1st) to connect the LAN to the internet/WAN (1)
• Router (1st) to connect devices on the LAN/WAN (1)
• Fibre optic/Copper cable (1st) to connect the LAN to the
  WAN/internet (1)

Question 6

Blue Milk Cantina use an app to manage staffing hours and wages.

What type of software is this an example of?

Answer 6

• Bespoke software (1)
• Application software (1)
• Closed Source (1)
• Open Source (1)
• Productivity software (1)
• Database (1)
• Spreadsheet (1)

Question 7

Blue Milk Cantina use a Multiuser Operating System for the personal computers at
Head Office.

Describe one benefit and one limitation of using a Multiuser Operating System (4)

Answer 7

BENEFIT:
- Multiprocessor OS will support multiple cores (1st)
which can result in faster performance speeds (1)

• Supports multiple users (1st) so anyone with permission
  can log on to any computer (1)
• Reduces disruption (1st) if one device is broken other
  devices can still be used by all employees (1)

LIMITATION:
Creating multiple accounts/users can increase security
risk (1st) with data being visible by more than one
person (1)

With devices being accessed on one network a virus
can spread quickly (1st) impacting all the users/devices
(1)

Question 8

Each week a video conference meeting is held between Head Office and all of the juice bar
managers.

Explain one advantage and one disadvantage of using video conferencing for this meeting. (6)

Answer 8

Advantage:
It reduces their travel expenses (1) because they managers can connect remotely (1) which is a better use of their time. (1)

Body language can be used (1) which allows points to
be emphasised/explained (1) so that they are more
easily understood (1)

Disadvantage:
It requires stable internet connection (1) so if the internet is not reliable (1), it can make the meeting difficult (1)

Question 9

The Head Ofce IT system has one server that is used for multiple functions.

(a) Identify and describe two advantages of separating the web and mail servers from the main
file server. - 4

Answer 9

1) It increases the server efficiency (1) as the resources only are allocated for one purpose only (1)

2) If the mail server goes down (1), the file server can still be accessed (1)

Question 10

The Head Ofce IT system consists of 8 personal computers, one server and a three-in-one
scanner/printer/copier.
Identify a suitable network topology that could be used at the Head Office.

Justify your choice
including reference to the hardware required. - 10 mark

Question 11

Updates to the firmware for the warehouse robots come with a Standard Operating Procedure
(SOP).

Identify and describe three advantages of using a SOP when updating the firmware. -6

Answer 11

1)It creates less errors when the firmware is being updated (1)because consistent processes are used each time. (1)
2) They can trace back errors easily (1) because of the steps followed will be carried out in an organised manner. (1)
3) It reduces the learning time (1) for the new employees (1)

Question 12

The warehouse has a range of hardware and software that is maintained by a team of ICT
technicians.

Identify and describe two barriers to communication for the ICT technicians working in the
warehouse.

Answer 12

• Noise (1) : there could be ongoing operations happening in the background (1) which could make it difficult to hear what is being said. (1)
• Distraction (1) : the technicians could lose focus on what is being said because of what is happening in the warehouse (1)
• Language (1st) as the technicians may not speak the
  same language as each other (1)

Question 12

The IT technicians must keep the warehouse IT systems running with minimal downtime.

(a) Identify and describe two personal attributes that the IT technicians should have. - 4 marks

Answer 12

• Problem solving (1st) when working through problems
  that they are trying to fix (1).
• Respect (1st) as others will be willing to work with them
  (1)
• Self-motivation (1st) when working on own to fix
  problems (1)
• Determination (1st) to continue with a job even if there
  are errors/issues arising (1)

Question 13

One of the juice bar managers has been caught stealing cash from the till. The staf in the
juice bar knew about it but did not report it as they were worried about their jobs.
Blue Milk Cantina is to implement a company whistleblowing policy.

Discuss the issues that should be included in the whistleblowing policy. - 10 marks