1. A customer uses a bank card to purchase a product at a supermarket checkout. Thecheckout operator uses a number of devices to input data about the customer and theproduct.Identify these input devices and for each one describe a different item of data thatwill be input.

matched pairs:Chip readerBank/credit card account information/supermarket codeBar code readerInformation from a product label/product identity numberElectronic scalesWeight of an itemTouch screenIdentification of productNumber padBar code number when bar code reader cannot read bar code/the number of itemsMagnetic stripe readerInformation about the customer

2. (a) Describe batch processing of data, using the processing of bank cheques as an example.

(a) Data/cheques are collected togetherduring the course of the dayData/cheques are then processed all at onceData/cheques are processed overnightDank accounts updated following morningNo human intervention

(b) Explain why the booking of airline tickets using batch processing would not be a goodidea.

(b) It might lead to double bookingCustomer would not be sure booking has been successfulWould take a long time to receive confirmation/ticketProcessing would take a long time…… would cost company money

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3. Describe the drawbacks of using a command line interface (CLI) operating system.

A CLI only allows you to type in commandsWith CLI syntax has to be preciseCommands difficult to edit once enteredHave to learn a lot of commands exactly/have to be familiar with the commands

4. Optical discs and magnetic tapes are both used to store computer data.Give uses of optical discs and for each use give a reason why they are preferred tomagnetic tapes.

matched pairs:Companies selling their software/gamesCheap method of production/quick to access dataMaking personal backups/transferring data (from one computer to another)Cheap to buy/quicker to retrieve data/expensive to buy tape drivesDownloading/Copying media such as films/musicFaster/Easier to access individual scenes/tracks/ better or higher quality

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5. Iqbal wants to test the new computerised payroll system he would like to introduce to hiscompany. No company worker is paid less than $100 and no worker is paid more than$500. Explain what is meant by the following three types of test data using examples of the wages paid to workers.

Normal

Abnormal

Extreme

Normal data – data within a (given) range/appropriate for that data type Example – any wage between $100 and $500 Abnormal data – data outside the range/of the wrong data type Example – any wage less than $100 or greater than $500 or text example Extreme data – data on the boundaries of the range Example – $100 or $500

6. The head teacher of a school is concerned that students may be hacking into the examscores database to change their marks.Other than passwords, describe ICT methods that could be used to prevent this fromhappening.

Biometric methods – unique so only authorized users will have accessEncryption makes it difficult for unauthorised users to read dataFirewall – makes it difficult for unauthorised computers to access the systemDisconnect records computer from network – limit access physicallyAccess levels – only users with appropriate permissions can access data

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7. Discuss the use of blogs and social networking sites as means of communication.

Blog is public/anyone can see itBlog is online diary/personal opinionsViewers can only add comments on blogs/authors can reply to commentsOnly author can edit blogSocial networking sites might only be available to friends of userSocial networking site enable users to send messages to small group of ‘friends’ to arrangemeetingsFriends can respond more quickly to messages within the group to confirm availabilityEasier to share photographs with othersSocial networking sites can lead to seclusion from societySocial networking sites can lead to cyber bullying

8. Explain why computer systems have both backing storage and RAM.

If computer is switched off work in RAM goes but backing storage stores data for future useMore likely that data is accidentally deleted in RAMRAM is more expensive than backing storage per unit of memoryRAM is bulkier than backing storage per unit of memoryRAM provides faster access than backing storageSoftware package may be so large that it is physically impossible for RAM to store it.Data may need to be transferred from one computer to another and can’t do that with RAM

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9. (a) Doctors often use expert systems to help them to diagnose illnesses.Name components of a typical expert system.

User interfaceRules baseKnowledge baseInference engine

(b) Name other applications which involve the use of expert systems.

Engine car fault diagnosisProspectingTaxCareersChess gamesAnimal/plant classification

10. Name and describe validation checks which could be carried out on a 16-digit creditcard number when it is typed into a computer.

pairs:Length checkChecks there are exactly 16 charactersInvalid character/type checkChecks all characters entered are digitsCheck digitSingle digit calculated from other digits appended to these, computer carries out fresh calculationon digit and compares answer with original check digit.Existency checkIs the card number on the database

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11. Describe how the following health problems can arise due to the use of computers. Give adifferent cause for each.

RSI in the wrists

RSI in the fingers

Headaches

Back pain

RSI (Repetitive strain injuries) in the wrists – caused by repetitive typing/prolonged gripping of mouse RSI in the fingers – caused by repetitive clicking of mouse Headaches – staring at the screen for too long Back pain – sitting in the same position for long periods

12. A bank is looking into a variety of security measures to protect its customers’ data.Describe types of authentication technique they could use and for each give a benefitand a drawback.

matched triples:User ID and passwordBenefit – each user ID could be unique/only user will know the password/data can only beaccessed by person who knows the password/Password can be changed frequently to avoidhackers guessing them/Unsuccessful logins can throw you out of the systemDrawback – user might forget password/keylogging software can be used to intercept itBiometricsBenefit – each user has unique biometricsDrawback – equipment is expensive to buy/may be difficult or expensive to get equipment to userMagnetic/chip card with PINBenefit – Hacker needs to have the card and know the PIN

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Drawback – can lose the card/can forget PINTANBenefit – Always changing so a hacker would not be able to use it even if they intercepted it whenuser typed it in.Drawback – need to have card and remember PIN and use it within a short period of time.

13. Describe how the components of an expert system are used to help a doctor to diagnosean illness.

Symptoms are entered using the user interfaceUser interface displays questions......based on previous responsesUser answers questions using user interfaceinference engine compares symptomscompares symptoms with those in the knowledge basecompares symptoms using rules base……matches of symptoms are foundUser interface/screen displays possible diagnoses/illnesses/probabilities

14. A bank uses a chip and PIN system at its ATMs. A customer withdraws cash by insertingtheir bank card. Write down the steps involved in the computer processing of thetransaction.

The customer is asked to type in their PINThe (ATM) checks to see if the card is validThe customer is asked which language/currency they requireThe bank account details are read from the chipCustomer is asked if they want a receiptThe typed PIN number is compared with that stored in the chipIf they are the same the transaction proceedsIf they are not the same the customer is asked to re-enter PINIf three failed attempts transaction rejected and card withheldThe customer is asked which service is requiredThe customer selects required service (cash)The customer is asked how much money they want to withdrawThe customer’s account is checked to see if it has sufficient funds

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The amount is checked against the card limitIf there are sufficient funds (and the amount is within the card limit) the transaction is authorised/ifnot transaction is rejectedThe amount is deducted from the customer accountThe bank notes are issuedThe card is returned (by the computer)If required receipt is printed.

15. A house has a microprocessor controlled burglar alarm.(a) Identify three input devices which would be used in this system to feed data back tothe microprocessor.

Temperature sensorInfra red sensor/Movement sensor/camera/motion sensorlight sensorPressure sensor/padContact switchSound sensor/microphonekey pad/touch screen

Biometric devices

(b) Describe how a microprocessor would use these devices to detect the presence of anintruder and what action it would take.

Microprocessor checks input from the user is authenticMicroprocessor (continually) monitors sensors.If light/infra red sensor reading changesIf movement sensor activated...If contact switch activated...If pressure greater than pre-set value.....If sound greater than pre-set value.....If temperature greater than pre-set value....Microprocessor sends signal to sound alarmMicroprocessor sends signal to flashing light/house lights.Microprocessor sends signal automatically to policeMicroprocessor automatically sends message/calls/texts owner

16. Mobile telephones (cellphones) are used for accessing the internet.Give advantages and disadvantages of using a mobile telephone rather than usinga laptop computer to access the internet.

advantages:More likely to have it with you

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Can access internet from greater number of placesEasier to use while on the move

disadvantages:Display is more difficult to see/display screen is smallerKeyboard is smaller so more difficult to typeSome sites do not have full facilities for mobile phone

17. Describe what a virus is and what effect it may have on the data on a hard disc.

A piece of program codeWhich replicates itselfFills up hard disc making it unusableDeletes data/changes data (from hard disc)Makes software/operating system unusable

18. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of students using the internet to carry out research.

Internet is not regulatedDanger of accessing inappropriate websites.Can take long time to find required informationHave to have internet connectivity/computer/phone line/modemInternet tends to be up to dateInternet has vast amounts of information/wide range of informationFaster to search only if referring to use of search engineCan access biased/inaccurate/unreliable websitesLack of expertise can lead to inefficient searchingEasy to plagiarise information

19. A group of car mechanics wants to have an expert system to help them with their work indiagnosing car engine faults.Describe how such a system would be created.

Data is gathered/collected from expertsKnowledge base is designed/createdA structure to relate each item in the database / knowledge base is createdAn interrogation technique to access the data is created

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A user interface/method of displaying the results/method of inputting data/ input screen/outputscreen is designed/createdThe inference engine is designed/createdThe rules base is designed/createdThe system is tested

20. Describe online processing of data, using the booking of airline tickets as an example.

User/customer is in direct contact with the main computer/CPUAppears that nobody else can access system at that point/processing is almost immediateComputer asks customer for details of flightComputer asks for personal details of passengersComputer searches for matching flightsComputer may display list of seats availableComputer may ask customer to select a seat(Customer selects seat from those available and) computer flags seat as bookedComputer asks customer to complete payment detailsComputer checks details are valid by communicating with customer’s bankComputer checks if sufficient fundsAirline’s database is updated immediatelyNumber of seats available reduces by number bookedPrevents double bookingConfirmation/e-ticket may be sent to customer by email

21. Schools are concerned with the possibility that students are using the schools’ internetconnections to access undesirable sites.Name and describe security methods the schools could use to prevent this fromhappening.

Proxy serverThe proxy server can restrict the web sites students can access/can block access to sites withobjectionable materialFirewallLimits the computers (using IP address) that can access the system/that can be accessed fromwithin the school

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Applying parental guidance settings.Can block undesirable topics

22. Describe features of a graphical user interface (GUI).

Window – an area on the screen that displays information for a specific program. Icon represents a folder or a program – can be seen within a window or freestanding on screen Menus – contains lists of options for a certain program/software Pointing device/Pointer – used to select menu options/icons/close/open windows

23. A head teacher wishes to publicise school activities to make his school better known in theneighborhood. He could do this by using the school’s website or producing a magazine using DTP to be delivered by hand.Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

Advantages of DTP (Desktop publishing)Can be sure every local family gets to see itNot everybody has a computer/internet/modemCan read it anywhere/not limited to where computer is.Disadvantages of websiteCan’t be sure every local family gets to see itNot everybody has a computer/internet/modemCan’t read it anywhere/ limited to where computer is.Disadvantages of DTPTakes time to physically distribute by handMight need to pay somebody to distribute by handCosts of ink/paper/printingNot as easy to updateNot interactive/hyperlinksNo animation/videoNo soundAdvantages of websiteNo costs of ink/paper/printingEasier to updateInteractive/hyperlinksAnimation/videoSound

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24. Robots are now used on many car production lines.Describe how their use has affected the nature of employment in the car industry.

Car workers have been made unemployedCar workers have had to be retrainedCar workers have become deskilledMore technical staff have been employedWork areas are cleanerThere is a healthier environmentWorkers have a safer environmentFewer manual tasks

25. Ali wants to back up his data.

(a) Give reasons why making backups is necessary.

Data could be corrupted on original mediumData could be accidentally amended/overwritten on original mediumData could be accidentally deleted from original medium

Data could be maliciously deleted from original medium

(b) Ali thinks that making backups will prevent his data from getting viruses.Describe what a virus is and explain why Ali is wrong.

Virus is a piece of programming codeWhich replicates itself...Can fill up storage medium making it unusableDeletes data/change dataMakes software/operating system unusable

If the original medium has a virus the backup will have it as well/backup will have no effect on the hard disc so it is still susceptible to viruses

26. Describe differences between a blog and a wiki.

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Blog usually has a single author/ a Wiki usually has many authorsBlog is usually in reverse chronological structure/ a Wiki has a structure determined by contentand usersBlog is usually personal/someone’s opinion/ a Wiki is usually objectiveCan’t edit a blog/ a Wiki can be edited/ Can only add comments to a blog

27. Describe the benefits and drawbacks to companies of using video conferencing.

Benefits:Can call meeting at short noticeNo need to pay travelling expensesCan work from homeEmployees will save time travellingDo not have to pay hotel expensesDo not have to pay for conference room facilitiesSafer as participants do not have to travelDon’t have to transport/carry equipment/lots of documents/documents don’t get lost in transit

Drawbacks:Takes time/costs money to learn new technology/to be trainedDifficult to have international meetings because of time differencesInitial cost of hardware (and software)Equipment can break down/power cuts can stop conferencePoor strength of signal/time lag/lip sync can be a problem/ connection can be lostLoss of personal/social contactLegal documents cannot be signed

28. A greenhouse is controlled by a microprocessor.(a) Other than a light sensor name sensors used in the greenhouse.

Temperature

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HumidityMoisture

pH

(b) Explain why computers are unable to read the data directly from these sensors andname the device which would enable them to do so.

Sensor measures analogue Computer works in digital

Analogue to digital converter

(c) Describe how the microprocessor uses data from the light sensor.

microprocessor compares light reading with preset valueif lower than pre-set value microprocessor sends signal to switch on light bulbif higher than pre-set value microprocessor sends signal to switch off light bulbprocess is continuous/ monitoring of sensors is continuous

29. Computers are used in supermarkets at point of sales terminals. When paying for goods thecustomer inserts the bank card into the chip reader.

(a) Identify items of data contained in the chip on a bank card.

Card numberPINExpiry dateType of card/issuer

Security number

(b) Describe checks that would be carried out using information on the card beforethe bank is asked to authorise the transaction.

Card is valid/card number existsCard is in datePIN entered matches that on card

Checks if card is stolen

(c) Describe five steps which would be carried out by the computers at the supermarketand at the customer’s bank to complete the transaction.

Customer bank contactedBank looks up customer account number

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Checks available balanceChecks daily (card) limitIf insufficient funds then transaction is rejectedIf sufficient funds then transaction is authorisedMoney deducted from customer accountMoney credited to supermarket account

30. (a) State what is meant by OMR and OCR.

Optical Mark Recognition/Reader Optical Character Recognition/Reader

(b) Compare and contrast the use of OMR, OCR and a keyboard as methods of dataentry.

OCR and OMR are quicker methods of entering data compared to a keyboardOMR has limited uses such as exam answersOMR can be used in school registersOptical Character Recognition is more prone to errorsOCR can be used by utility companies to read meters/to make entered text editableKeyboard is used to input data manually/typingKeyboard can be more accurate than OCR/less accurate than OMRKeyboard and OCR can input text more easily than OMRPre printed stationery is required for OMRSpecialised equipment is required for OCR/OMR

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31. Describe what is meant by pharming.

installing malicious code on a PC or serveruser is redirected to bogus websiteuser accesses websites which look authenticbut belong to the fraudster/hackerare used to gain bank/personal details

32. Name items of hardware, other than a PC, needed to conduct a video conference.

Projector/large screenWebcam/video cameraSpeakers/headphonesMicrophoneRouter/modem

33. A geography teacher wants to build a weather station. She wants to use a computer toCollect the results.

(a) Describe physical variables which would be measured.

Descriptions of:TemperaturePressureSunlightHumidity

Rainfall

(b) The geography teacher wants to create a model to demonstrate basic weatherforecasting to her students.Describe features of a spreadsheet which make it suitable for modellingpurposes.

Descriptions of:Uses text and numbersPerforms automatic recalculationPerforms whatifs

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Replicates formulaeFormulae/functionsCan have absolute and relative cell references/named cells or ranges

Graphs/charts

(c) Describe other uses of modelling.

descriptions from:SimulationsMathematical modelsScientific modelsCivil engineering modelsFinancial modelsFlight/pilot simulation/trainingLarge scale chemical experimentsDesign of fairground ridesTraffic control

Building fire simulation

(d) Give reasons, other than reducing timescale, why computer models aresometimes used rather than the real thing.

Some situations are/real thing might be dangerous/model is less dangerousCost of building real thing may be expensiveReal thing may waste raw materials/natural resourcesEasier to change data/variablesCosts less to change data/variablesThe real thing may be impossible to access/createReal thing may be on too vast a scaleExtremes which can’t be tested in real life can be tested using models

34. Aftab owns a company which has a small number of computers. He wants to connect thecomputers into a network. He does not wish to connect the computers to the internet but hedoes want the workers to be able to communicate within the company.

(a) Name a network device used to connect the computers together.

Hub/switch/bridge

(b) Name an item of software used to send messages between the computers.

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Email software/IM software

(c) What is the name given to this type of network?

LAN/intranet

(d) Give reasons why Aftab may not want his workers to access the internet.

They may waste time playing games/going on social network sites/updating their blog/ onlineshopping/banking/surfingThey could access undesirable sitesThey could download viruses/malwareCould make the company susceptible to hackers

35. A company owns several stores which offer internet shopping to customers.(a) Give advantages to the company of internet shopping.

Fewer staff needed – less spent on wagesFewer shops needed – less spent on rates/rent/utilitiesLess actual cash handled – fewer robberiesLess money spent on security staff

Potentially larger customer base

(b) Give disadvantages to the company of internet shopping.

Initial cost of hardware/software is expensiveNeed to retrain staffLess customer loyalty/loss of customers/more difficult to sell other services/product due tolack of personal touchCosts of system maintenanceGreater costs due to more delivery staff

36. The head teacher wants to replace the current printed school magazine with one slide show

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available on a number of machines in a computer room at parents’ evenings.Name features available in a slideshow not available in a hard copy magazine. Foreach one say how it could be used in the school’s slideshow.

matched pairs from:SoundSpoken introduction by head/voiceover the presentation/background music/schoolchoir/band/orchestra/sound effects when changing/opening a slideAnimationText effects/cartoon representing school activitiesVideoIntroduction by head/school play/choir/band/orchestra/sports activitiesHyperlinksMove to another slide

Slide transitionsTo keep the viewer’s attention

37. Describe methods of verification and explain why verification is needed.

Visually comparing typed in data with original source Computer compares two versions of the typed in data

Data may be entered/copied inaccuratelyCheck needs to be carried out to ensure accurate data entryValidation may not pick up that although the data is acceptable it may still be incorrect

38. Describe what is meant by phishing.

Fraudster sends an e-mailwhich appear to be authenticIs sent by a fraudster posing as a bank/organisationin order to get the target's bank details/personal details

39. Students at a school use the internet to research their work.Discuss the reliability of information found on the internet.

Internet is not policed so information is not necessarily reliable

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Anybody can have a website so information is not necessarily reliableAnybody can publish their understanding of a topic so information is not necessarily reliableIf site has excessive advertising it could be unreliableIf the advertising is related only to its own products it could be unreliableThe final part of a URL can help to identify reliability…… .ac, .gov, .org are usually fairly reliableCan compare information from sites to see if it is reliableIf site is endorsed by reliable/reputable people/organisations it can be accepted as being reliableIf it has links to other reliable sites it is usually reliableIf it has testimonials it is likely to be reliableIf the author’s credentials are good it is likely to be reliableIf information is comparable to information from reliable/authenticated/text books it is likely to bereliableIf the date of the last update was a long time ago it is likely to be unreliable

40. Give benefits of using social networking sites.

Easy to keep in immediate contact with friends/make new friendsEasy to communicate to more than one friend/to communicate with people overseasCan search for people who you’ve fallen out of touch withEasy to arrange meetings/visits to cinemas/theatreCan share photographs/videos/images/opinions/views

41. Aftab owns a company which has a small network of computers.(a) Give advantages of having computers networked.

(a) Only one printer is neededOnly one scanner is neededData can be shared between computers/data can be accessed by one computerfrom another more easilySoftware can be shared/updated more easily

All computers can access the internet through one connection

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He wants to connect the computers to the internet.

(b) Name the device he would need to be able to do this.

(b) Router/modem

(c) Give benefits and drawbacks of connecting to the internet.

(c) Advantages – from:Can communicate with other companies by emailCan use the internet to place ordersCan use the internet to buy materialsCan hold video conferencesCan create own website to publicise company

Disadvantages – from:Workers may access undesirable sitesWorkers may waste time playing games/going on social network sites/updating their blog/online shopping/bankingViruses/malware could be downloadedCould make the company susceptible to hackers

42. Many banks offer internet banking. To access this online service customers have to log onto the system.

(a) Explain why authentication techniques are necessary.

Authentication techniques such as user names and passwords identify the user to thesystemWithout authentication anybody would be able to access dataHackers would be able to amend/delete data without being prevented

Would have to rely on other methods such as firewalls to prevent unauthorised access.

(b) Customer data is encrypted. Explain what encryption is and why it is used.

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Causes data to be scrambled/encodedRequires an encryption key/software to encryptRequires a decryption key/encryption software to decryptResults in data which is not understandable/readableProtects sensitive data…… from being understood if it falls in to the wrong hands

43. The growth of the internet has led to many new developments.Explain what the following terms mean.

Spyware

Spam

Social networking site

Spyware

Software that gathers data from computers without the user realisingIt monitors and records all key pressesIt sends this information back to the hacker who sent it outSpam

Electronic junk mail/sending of unsolicited emailsSent to everybody on a mailing list/many emails sent at onceCan slow down networksCan fill up the receiver’s mail box and therefore hard diskSocial networking site

Online communities of like minded usersEnables users to share photosEnables users to communicate with each otherEnables users to organise meetingsAllows users to set up profiles

44. Sarbjit has a desktop computer at home which he uses for internet banking.(a) Identify other computer systems he could use to do internet banking when awayfrom home.

Smart phoneLaptop with internet access

Tablet computer

(b) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages to banks of using internet banking.

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Advantages:Fewer bank tellers so less paid out in wagesLess actual cash handled – fewer robberiesHave access to a wider customer baseFewer branch offices needed – less spent on rates/rent/utilitiesLess money spent on security staffDisadvantagesInitial cost of hardware/software is expensiveNeed to retrain staffLoss of customers/more difficult to sell other services due to lack of personal touchCosts of system maintenance

45. a. Give advantages to bank customers of using ATMs rather than going to the bank towithdraw cash.

No embarrassment of not having sufficient fundsLess time spent queuingCan get money any time of day or nightOwn bank may be further to travel to than nearest ATMCan use most ATMs/does not have to be own bankHave choice of languages so is easier to understand/be understood

b. Some mobile telephones (cell phones) can be used to make video calls.Describe advantages of making video calls rather than sending messages by email.

You get immediate feedbackYou know you have the right person/don’t have to worry that you’ve got the wrong email addressYou can ask questions immediately based on feedback/carry out an interactive conversationLess impersonal/less risk of upsetting recipientCan make yourself understood more easilyYou can see the other person’s reaction

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46. Explain to a computer how to draw a square.

Repeat must be used.

47. How do satellite systems and space technologies relate to ICT?

Navigation, communication, spying, business, etc.

48. What are the main effects on ICT on the society?

Quicker solutions, lower cost, dangers of misuse.

49. How is ICT used at the workplaces?

Quicker solutions, lower cost, dangers of misuse.

50. Explain systems analysis and design.

Problem formulation, data collection, design of the system, implementation, maintenance, etc.

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