The OCR Specification Says That You Should Be Able To

Name:

Fundamentals of Computer Systems

The OCR specification says that you should be able to:

•define a computer system

•describe the importance of computer systems in the modern world

•explain the need for reliability in computer systems

•explain the need for adherence to suitable professional standards in the development, use and maintenance of computer systems

•explain the importance of ethical, environmental and legal considerations when creating computer systems.

Past Paper Exam questions

Jan 2011

1. Karen wants to use handheld computers to take customers’orders in her restaurant. She is thinking of using custom written, open source software.

(a) State what is meant by custom written software.

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(b) State two reasons why Karen may decide to use custom written software.

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(c) Discuss the implications of creating open source software for the restaurant.
The quality of written communication will be assessed in your answer to this question.

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[6]

2. Computer technology has changed the ways in which teenagers interact with each other. Explain how developments in software and hardware have enabled new methods of communication among teenagers. The quality of written communication will be assessed in your answer to this question.

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Jan 2012

3. A school uses a computer system to monitor the attendance, punctuality and homework of its pupils

(a) Describe two ways in which modern computer technology can help the school monitor the pupils.

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(b) The school has decided to use off-the-shelf software.

(i) State two advantages of off-the-shelf software

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(ii) State two disadvantages of off-the-shelf software

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4. Explain how the school might address any legal issues when creating a system which stores personal data about pupils. The quality of written communication will be assessed in your answer to this question.

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[6]

5. An online game is developed by a large team of programmers. Explain, with examples, why a large team of programmers need to agree standards when developing the game. The quality of written communication will be assessed in your answer to this question.

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[6]

Jan 2013

6.The accident and emergency department of a hospital uses a computer system to decide the order in which patients are treated. Describe advantages of using a computer system instead of a person to decide the order, and the need for this system to be reliable. The quality of written communication will be assessed in your answer to this question.

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7. Some of the software in Amin’s computer is open source. Describe what is meant by open source software.

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