Cambridge A Level Information Technology (from 2017) 9626 — 2018 Oct/Nov Paper 3 · Variant 3

1 The photograph shown in Fig. 1 was taken and manipulated into the JPEG image shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 1 Fig. 2 (a) Describe all the software features used to change the image in Fig. 1 to produce the image in Fig. 2. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................... [2] (b) Explain why the features of the face in Fig. 2 are no longer easy to see. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ...............................................................................................................................................[6]

Mark scheme: Question Answer Marks 1(a) Two from: 2 Crop tool to remove excess background/to show just the face Border line added to the whole image Resize tool to make image larger Saved as compressed (JPEG) format. 1(b) Six from: 6 The image in Fig. 1 has been created/saved as a bitmap Bitmaps are made of pixels The image in Fig. 2 has been saved as a compressed image with too much compression Loss of pixel/data during compression so detail is lost in the image of the face The compression artefacts are visible to the human eye The pixels in Fig. 2 are no longer small enough to be indistinguishable by the human eye When enlarged the pixels of the face/image become visible The face now looks unrealistic/blocky so the features are not distinguishable.

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An office area has an air conditioning system. The user guide for the system contains a troubleshooting flowchart that users can follow if the air conditioning is not working properly. The flowchart is shown in Fig. 3. START No No Use REMOTE to Is REMOTE Are Batteries Insert turn on power working? installed? Batteries Yes Yes Yes Are Batteries Replace dead? Batteries Is the Air Yes Conditioning No working at all? Is the Air No Yes Conditioning working properly? Check the Power No Is the Power Supply is Supply connected to connected? power outlet No Is the Air Yes Clear the Intake Air Intake Yes blocked? No NoCheck the Power Is the Power Supply is Supply switched switched on on? Yes Clean the Is the Air Air Filter Yes Filter dirty? Yes Reset Circuit Is there a Breaker Circuit Breaker No blown? Is the No Yes Set the Are there any Temperature No Temperature heaters on in set correctly? the room? correctly Yes Is there Yes Check with a power Turn off heaters Power Company outage? No Are there Yes Reduce the too many number of people No people in the in the room room? No Is the Reset Timer Yes Call Service Engineer to Timer set correctly No correct fault with Air correctly? Conditioning STOP Fig. 3 The flowchart is considered to be too complex to follow quickly. Using the information in the flowchart, redesign the troubleshooting guide by completing the table below with statements of instructions so that it is more easily understood. Some sets of instructions have been done for you. Symptom Items that must be checked If, after checking the items below, the air conditioning still does not work, call the service engineer. The remote control does not Check the batteries in the remote control are installed. work Check the batteries in the remote control are working. The air conditioning does not work at all The air conditioning is not working properly [8]

Mark scheme: 2 Eight from: 8 Symptom: The air conditioning does not work at all: Check that the power supply is connected to the power outlet Check that the power supply is on Check if a fuse has blown/a circuit breaker has been tripped Check if there has been a power failure/outage Check that the timer is set correctly Symptom: The air-conditioning is not working properly: Check if the air intake is blocked/clear Check if the air filter is dirty/clean Check if the temperature has been set correctly Check if there are any heaters on Check if there are too many people in the room. Checks must be related to symptom.

3 Evaluate the use of Bluetooth® wireless technology for communication between devices. .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................[8]

Mark scheme: 3 This question to be marked as a Level of Response. 8 Level 3 (7–8 marks) Candidates will evaluate, giving advantages and disadvantages of, a range of devices, in detail the use of Bluetooth® wireless technology for communication between devices. The information will be relevant, clear, organised and presented in a structured and coherent format. There will be a reasoned conclusion/opinion. Subject specific terminology will be used accurately and appropriately. Level 2 (4–6 marks) Candidates will explain, with advantages and disadvantages, the use of Bluetooth ® wireless technology for communication between devices. For the most part, the information will be relevant and presented in a structured and coherent format. There may be a reasoned conclusion/opinion. Subject specific terminology will be used appropriately and for the most part correctly. Level 1 (1–3 marks) Candidates will describe the use of Bluetooth® wireless technology for communication between devices. Answers may be in the form of a list. There will be little or no use of specialist terms. Level 0 (0 marks) Response with no valid content. Answers may make reference to e.g. Bluetooth® has... ..a range of applications/uses for wireless communications between devices like phones/ headsets/speakers/ ..a range of applications/uses for control of communications between devices Advantages: Bluetooth® requires minimal setup e.g. just a few button presses and (possibly) a 4 digit code so is easy to use/setup or pair/bond devices c.f. other network types Bluetooth® is low energy technology so suitable for mobile devices Bluetooth® is standardised so easy to implement/most devices will connect readily Bluetooth® is standard in a range of devices e.g. smartphones, speakers, headsets Bluetooth® is not easy to intercept nor will it easily interfere with other device connections

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4 Industrial robots are used to position and fit a windscreen to a new car during a car assembly process. Describe ways in which the necessary positional and procedural data could be ‘taught’ to the robot so that the windscreen is correctly fitted to the car. .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................[6]

Mark scheme: 4 Six from: 6 Positional commands entered using GUI/text-based commands Specify required X-Y-Z positions ‘Lead-by-the-nose’ method by one person holding the end-effector and moving to positions... ...with recording of motions/positions Off-line programming to input the positions as code Mapping the positions in graphic format Use of a ‘teach pendant’/hand-held control to move end-effectors and program the positions at the same time Robot simulation tools used to replicate and the positions/motion Record the data for programming real robot.

5 JavaScript can be embedded in the code of web pages to add interactivity to a page. Explain what is meant by the following terms when they are used in JavaScript: (a) an array. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ...............................................................................................................................................[1] (b) a variable. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ...............................................................................................................................................[1] (c) a function. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ...............................................................................................................................................[1] (d) a comment. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ...............................................................................................................................................[1] (e) an object. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ...............................................................................................................................................[1] (f) an expression. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ...............................................................................................................................................[1]

Mark scheme: 5(a) Stores multiple values in a single variable. 1 5(b) Containers for storing data values. 1 5(c) One from: 1 A block of code designed to perform a particular task Code executed when it is invoked (called). 5(d) One from: 1 Text preceded by // is not executed/ignored by JavaScript Used to explain the code Used to halt execution of the code Text that is not executed before a line of code Text that is not executed at end of line of code. 5(e) One from: 1 A collection of variables and functions Representing the attributes and behaviour of an ‘item’/‘thing’ being modelled in a program. 5(f) One from: 1 Any (valid) unit of code that resolves to a value Two types of expression exist: ...........can have a value ...........can assign a value to a variable.

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6 A company selling goods online has a network which is configured to allow its web server, FTP server and email server to be accessible from the internet. The company was concerned that the network configuration exposed the whole LAN to security risks so has attempted to improve security by altering the configuration from that in Fig. 4 to the configuration shown in Fig. 5. Company internal file, Company internal file, database and email servers database and email servers Staff Staff workstations workstations Web server Web server Email FTP server Internal server Firewall Email firewall server External FTP server firewall Router Router Internet Internet Fig. 4 Fig. 5 (a) Explain how the network configuration has been altered in order to maximise security of the company file servers while still allowing access to the other services from the internet. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ...............................................................................................................................................[6] (b) Explain, using the information from Fig. 5, why the additional firewall provides more security for the company network. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ...............................................................................................................................................[4]

Mark scheme: 6(a) Six from: 6 Installation of additional/two firewalls (to separate the servers from internal network) Installation of/configured a perimeter network/demilitarised zone/DMZ DMZ can be physical or logical subnetwork DMZ external node/computer system can only access the services in the DMZ and not the internal LAN The services accessible to external users are placed in the DMZ... ...email server and web server and FTP server Services for internal use are kept behind internal firewall so not accessible from the internet External firewall is the perimeter/front end and allows traffic destined for DMZ to pass Internal firewall is configured to allow traffic from DMZ to enter company LAN. 6(b) Four from: 4 The extra firewalls means that any attacker that gets past the first firewall would have to get past the second to access the company LAN An attacker could not be sure how many other firewalls would be found on the network One firewall is an external firewall and one is an internal firewall and could have different security The internal firewall security protects the data one LAN segment The external firewall security only has to deal with data from the internet The internal services are now protected by both firewalls.

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7 (a) Describe what is meant by web-conferencing. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ...............................................................................................................................................[2] (b) Describe how web-conferencing is made possible by internet technologies. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ...............................................................................................................................................[6]

Mark scheme: 7(a) Two from: 2 Real-time collaboration/communication using web browsers between multiple users via/using the internet/network All users see the same screen at the same time in their web browsers Collaborative interaction between users/webinars/webcasts. 7(b) Six from: 6 Uses TCP/IP connections providing end-to-end data communication (TCP/IP) specifies how data is put into packets and addressed... ...how it transmitted and routed ...how it is received Can use point-to-point/circuit switching methods to provide a secure link Point-to-point limits users to just two Requires web-hosting services Using HTTP/HTTPS as a protocol for transmission and display of data Has a database server optimised for use by other services/mobile applications Use of FTP to upload/download data files Use of IRC (internet relay chat) for text-based messaging Application layer technology used also for file transfer.

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8 A research and development (R&D) department of a company develops expensive goods. The development process has to be kept secret. The biometrics of all staff of the company are to be measured and used to restrict entry via the doors to the department. A comparison of the suitability of various biometric methods that are available for use to identify staff has been compiled and is shown in Fig. 6. Each aspect of the biometric method has been rated High (H), Medium (M) or Low (L). Biometric How How unique How How easy How How Performance method universal is the permanent to collect acceptable resistant rating of the used to amongst measurement is the at door to staff? is the biometric identify a staff amongst staff measurement from method to method member of members? members? to staff staff? circumvent staff members? by staff? Face H L M H H L L Fingerprint M H H M M H H Hand shape/ M M M H M M M geometry Veins in M M M H H H M hand Iris H H H H H H H Retina H H M L L H H Voice M L L M H L L of staff member Facial H H L H H H H thermogram of staff member DNA of staff H H H L L H H member Key: H = High M = Medium L = Low Fig. 6 Use the information in Fig. 6 to choose, with reasons, the biometric measurements that would be most suitable for measurement at the door. .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................[8]

Mark scheme: 8 Eight from: 8 Face, hand geometry, and iris fit this parameter are easy to read quickly/highly collectable at the door Face, hand geometry, iris can be collected by machine/ computer system/ have a M/H Fingerprint, facial thermogram, retina and iris have a M/H /highly unique to individuals.... ...but can be found in every individual Iris, retina, voice and facial thermogram are acceptable to staff both in original collection and use at the door... ...must not be intrusive/embarrassing when collected/read parameter/have a M/H Face, voice and DNA fit this parameter are difficult/not easy to circumvent to prevent copying/use by several individuals Fingerprint, retina, iris, DNA do not change over time/be permanent so readings are repeatable ...facial thermogram is not permanent Voice is most acceptable, but not very unique Facial thermogram is unique, acceptable and easily collectable, but changes over time so would need to be re-measured often Fingerprint, Iris, Retina are most unique, collectable and accepted.

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9 (a) Describe the benefits to students of using online tutorials. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ...............................................................................................................................................[6] (b) Give two reasons why a student might not be able to use online tutorials. 1 ................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... 2 ................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................... ...............................................................................................................................................[2]

Mark scheme: 9(a) Six from: 6 Students can access/learn from the tutorial in their own time/have a flexible schedule Can study in own familiar/comfortable surroundings Time is not wasted travelling to school/college/university No travel costs incurred as no travelling Students can often access/learn from the tutorial for free/no tuition fees Motivation is increased/students can work at own pace/ask extra questions/students feel empowered Students have access to ‘live’ interaction with tutors/teachers Students can have personalised/customised courses/tutorials. 9(b) Two from: 2 (Younger) students who are dependent on teachers for learning cannot use online tutorial effectively (Disabled/older/any) students might have difficulty with the technology No access to the internet/computer/IT services due to cost/lack of IT skills/expertise Not enrolled on course/too many students using the tutorial at once.

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10 Social networking has led to a reduction in meeting face to face. Discuss the ways that social networking has changed social patterns. .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................[8]

Mark scheme: 10 Eight from: 8 Voters can contact politicians/others with views/post views for others to comment upon so increasing their influence on politicians/government Extremist views/inaccurate/fake news can spread very easily Can (re-)connect with friends very easily/more often Can keep up to date with latest news/developments Difficult to keep views/personal activities secret/private Can become victim of e.g. cyber-bullying/victimisation Have more ‘friends’ Become more isolated from family/less interaction with others so more vulnerable to external influences/extreme views/radicalisation Less likely to share private/personal/confidential details in case it is shared widely Less trusting of friends in case they share personal details/ inappropriate images/conversations/facts Personal details are published leading to vulnerability to identity theft Background checks by prospective employers can check/reveal (embarrassing) social media postings. Max 6 for all positives or all negatives. 1 mark available for a reasoned conclusion/opinion.

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11 Computer-aided manufacture (CAM) can be used in the production of a computer motherboard. Analyse the use of CAM. .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................[6]

Mark scheme: 11 Six from: 6 CAM can produce items quicker than manual machines due to higher machining speeds CAM shows greater consistency of product as every finished product is the same CAM can have higher production rate as it can run continuously without much supervision CAM can produce more elegant/sophisticated shapes with greater ease than manual machining/methods CAM is more expensive than manual machinery so adds to production costs Costs may be offset by greater efficiency in e.g. speed of production/volume production CAM programs/CNC can take a long time to produce Need to be accurate/correct to ensure production of item is properly carried out.

12 Analyse the use of project scheduling tools to organise a project to create a road bridge. .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................[6]

Mark scheme: 12 Six from: 6 Tool that allows planning and executing a project from inception to completion Can provide tracking of workers/builders/who is doing what and when Can show if anyone is missing deadlines Can move tasks reschedule/around/interchange tasks Allows flexibility to cope with e.g. unforeseen problems Can allow resources to be sourced/allocated/delivered at appropriate times Project scheduling tools can make simple projects more complex than they need to be Project scheduling tools can be expensive/costly for small projects.

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