ICT4 October 2005

Networks  Choosing a network for a company  cost of network  size of organisation  how the system will be used  existing systems  performance required  security issues

Types of networks available and the use of associated hardware  client server networks  peer to peer networks  Bus/Ethernet  Ring  Star  Suitable topologies for LAN and WAN  wireless networks

Software components  Network management, administration and problem solving strategies Network management, administration and problem solving strategies  User accounts and logs; security strategies;  configuration management; remote management;  disaster planning (backup and restoration);  auditing (keeping logs).

Question 1.A company is considering installing a new network. 1.A company is considering installing a new network. (a)Describe two factors that influence the choice of network for a company.[2] (b)Use sketches to show the difference between a ring and star network and discuss the relative merits of each topology. [6] 2. Describe briefly the main features of a client-server network and a peer to peer network. Give 2 advantages and 2 disadvantages of using a peer to peer network.

 3.‘Only 60 percent of companies in the UK have adequate disaster recovery plans.’ Discuss this statement, including in your answer:  Why such plans are necessary  The potential threats to information systems  The contingency plans needed to combat these threats.[12]

The Internet  Definition  Impact on Business  FTP for distributing information  E-commerce - requirements for interactive shopping  Online databases – search engines and adding pages – URLs, Web crawlers, Boolean searches, web links  Distributed computing –shared processing

 Connecting to the Internet  Dialup, Broadband, Mobile  Moral, Social and Ethical Issues associated with the Internet  censorship  accuracy of information  privacy  effects upon communities  ownership and control

Questions A supermarket is introducing an interactive shopping system alongside its traditional stores. A supermarket is introducing an interactive shopping system alongside its traditional stores. (a) The company is to advertise the new service on the Internet and in national newspapers. How might the design of the newspaper and Internet advertisements differ?[2] (b)The company will need to maintain the website used for interactive shopping and develop a catalogue of stock. Describe, with reasons, two additional services/facilities the company will need to allow the new system to operate.[4] (c)Outline one positive and one negative social consequence of the introduction of interactive shopping.

(a)Describe in detail the main features of dial- up and broadband Internet connection comparing and contrasting the benefits and limitations of each, for the home user. [10] (b)Accessing information from on-line databases may be achieved in a number of ways. Describe how any two of the following can be used to access information, identifying the strengths and/or weaknesses of each approach: Urls; Web crawlers; Boolean searches; Hyperlinks. 2 x [4]

(a)The Internet can be a useful resource for students researching information for homework. Many young people also use the Internet to access chat rooms or download music. Discuss the benefits and possible problems associated with using the Internet for these three purposes. 3 x [4] (b)The Internet is also a useful resource for employees. Discuss the main legal and moral issues associated with downloading information from the Internet at the workplace. [6]

Human Computer Interface (HCI )  The factors to be taken into account when designing a good user interface  consistency of signposting and pop up information  on screen help  layout appropriate to task  differentiation between user expertise  clear navigational structure

Types of HCI  command lines such as MsDos  GUIs - graphical user interfaces including Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointers  voice interfaces:  -speech recognition systems  - natural language interfaces  - speech synthesis  graphical devices such as graphics pads  game playing devices such as joysticks,steering wheels, game pads  touch sensitive screens such as public information systems; POS systems at retail outlets  biometric devices such as iris recognition, hand prints.

Question 1.(a)State two advanced features of a database package that could be used by a company manager writing a report, giving reasons for their use. [3] (b) Describe how the database HCI could take into account variations in expertise of users. [3] 2. Describe in you own words the psychological factors that effect human computer interaction. 3. Discuss three factors which should be considered when providing a good human computer interface, explaining the impact of each one on the system’s resources. [8]

Working with ICT  Telecommuting  Teleworking  Video-conferencing  Codes of Conduct  Definition --An agreement made by an employee to obey the rules of the organisation and work within specified guidelines as regards use of ICT and the Internet.  Potential problems  Contents  Legal v Moral

Questions 1. Teleworking and videoconferencing are two relatively new ways of working, brought about by developments in ICT. (a) Describe what you understand by each term, including reference to the associated hardware required by each. [4] (b) Compare and contrast traditional working practices with teleworking/video conferencing, commenting on the implications for the employer and employee. [6] (b) Compare and contrast traditional working practices with teleworking/video conferencing, commenting on the implications for the employer and employee. [6] 2. As the IT Manager for a large company, you have been asked to develop an employee code of conduct. Describe four issues which might be included in such a code.[8] 3. ‘Codes of practice’ exist for professionals within the IT industry separate from any legal requirements. Explain with the aid of an example, the distinction between a legal requirement and a code of conduct.[3] 4. Discuss the social, moral and ethical issues for a professional working within the industry that might arisen when introducing and using information and communication systems.[6]

ICT Security Policies  Threats and Consequences  Factors in Designing  Operational procedures  Prevention  Accidental misuse  Deliberate crimes or misuse  Risk Analysis

Questions 1.You have been asked to set up an ICT Security Policy for a local business. Discuss the methods that could be adopted to prevent (a) accidental misuse and (b) deliberate misuse of the ICT equipment. 2 x [4] 2. Some IT applications use software which maintains an audit trail. Name one such application and state why the facility is necessary. [3] 3. A particular organisation uses a financial accounting software system which supports an audit trail. (a) Describe the functionality which should have been built into the audit trail. [2] (b) Explain why this functionality is required.[3] (c) State two potential system overheads caused by the operation of this functionality.[2]

 Database Systems  Management of Change  Consequences  the skills required and not required  organisational structure  work patterns  internal procedures  the workforce (fears introduced by of change)