Cambridge A Level Information Technology (from 2017) 9626 — 2025 Oct/Nov Paper 1 · Variant 2

This document has 12 pages. Any blank pages are indicated. [Turn over DC (JP) 353890/3 © UCLES 2025 * 2 6 2 9 2 2 9 6 1 3 * INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 9626/12 Paper 1 Theory October/November 2025 1 hour 45 minutes You must answer on the question paper. No additional materials are needed. INSTRUCTIONS ● Answer all questions. ● Use a black or dark blue pen. ● Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the boxes at the top of the page. ● Write your answer to each question in the space provided. ● Do not use an erasable pen or correction fluid. ● Do not write on any bar codes. ● You may use an HB pencil for any diagrams, graphs or rough working. ● Calculators must not be used in this paper. INFORMATION ● The total mark for this paper is 70. ● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ]. Cambridge International AS & A Level ,










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2 9626/12/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 1 A train timetable is published every six months. State three factors that could affect the quality of this information. 1 … 2 … 3 … [3] 2 Describe how a control total is used to verify data. … … … … … … … … [3] * 0000800000002 * ,










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3 9626/12/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 [Turn over 3 An expert system contains an inference engine and a knowledge base. (a) Describe how the inference engine performs its role. … … … … … … … … … … [4] (b) Describe how a knowledge base is created. … … … … … … … … … … [4] * 0000800000003 * ,










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4 9626/12/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 4 Identify and explain two drawbacks of using a spreadsheet for computer modelling. 1 … … … … … 2 … … … … … [4] 5 Lucia has written an algorithm in pseudocode to determine whether a number (X) is a factor of another number (Y). X is a factor of Y if the result of Y/X is a whole number. • The algorithm uses a WHILE…ENDWHILE statement to check whether X is greater than zero and that X is less than Y. • If X is greater than zero and X is less than Y, the algorithm will output: • the values of X and Y • an appropriate message if X is a factor of Y OR • an appropriate message if X is not a factor of Y. In pseudocode INT(W) returns the whole number part of W. INPUT X INPUT Y WHILE X=0 AND <=Y W←Y/X Z=INT(W) IF W=Z THEN PRINT X, “ is a factor of Y” ELSE PRINT X, “ is not a factor of ”,Y ENDWHILE Lucia has made four mistakes in her algorithm. * 0000800000004 * ,










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5 9626/12/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 [Turn over Identify four mistakes in the code. For each mistake, explain in detail what the code as written would achieve. Stating that the code would not work is not sufficient to gain any marks. Mistake 1 … … … Mistake 2 … … … Mistake 3 … … … Mistake 4 … … … [8] * 0000800000005 * ,










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6 9626/12/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 6 Malware can be used to gather information to enable people to commit fraud. (a) Identify two other uses for malware. 1 … … 2 … … [2] (b) Identify and explain three disadvantages of using anti-virus software to protect your computer from malware. … … … … … … … … … … … … … … [6] * 0000800000006 * ,










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7 9626/12/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 [Turn over 7 A company wishes to gather some information from employees. (a) Describe the process of organising face-to-face interviews. … … … … … … … … … [4] (b) Justify the use of a relational database to store the information gathered. … … … … … … … … … [4] * 0000800000007 * ,










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8 9626/12/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 8 There are two methods of file compression, one is Lossy the other is Lossless. (a) Describe what is meant by Lossy compression. … … [1] (b) Describe what is meant by Lossless compression. … … [1] (c) Compare the impact on quality of video of using each of these methods of compression. … … … … … … … … … … … … [4] * 0000800000008 * ,










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9 9626/12/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 [Turn over 9 Justify the uses of encryption for data that is stored on a pen drive. … … … … … … … … … … … … … … [6] * 0000800000009 * ,










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10 9626/12/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 10 Describe four characteristics of a mainframe computer. 1 … … … 2 … … … 3 … … … 4 … … … [4] 11 Describe what is meant by the term FLOPS. … … … … … … [2] * 0000800000010 * ,










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11 9626/12/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 12 Describe how an operating system manages data on a hard disk. … … … … … … … … … … [4] 13 Describe the effects of the digital divide on health services. … … … … … … … … … … … … … [6] * 0000800000011 * ,









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12 9626/12/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 BLANK PAGE Permission to reproduce items where third-party owned material protected by copyright is included has been sought and cleared where possible. Every reasonable effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items requiring clearance have unwittingly been included, the publisher will be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity. To avoid the issue of disclosure of answer-related information to candidates, all copyright acknowledgements are reproduced online in the Cambridge Assessment International Education Copyright Acknowledgements Booklet. This is produced for each series of examinations and is freely available to download at www.cambridgeinternational.org after the live examination series. Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of Cambridge Assessment. Cambridge Assessment is the brand name of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which is a department of the University of Cambridge. * 0000800000012 * ,









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This document consists of 10 printed pages. © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 [Turn over Cambridge International AS & A Level INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 9626/12 Paper 1 Theory October/November 2025 MARK SCHEME Maximum Mark: 70 Published This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indicate the details of the discussions that took place at an Examiners’ meeting before marking began, which would have considered the acceptability of alternative answers. Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for Teachers. Cambridge International will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes. Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the October/November 2025 series for most Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level components, and some Cambridge O Level components.

9626/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 2 of 10 Generic Marking Principles These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers. They should be applied alongside the specific content of the mark scheme or generic level descriptions for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these marking principles. GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 1: Marks must be awarded in line with: • the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question • the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the question • the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation scripts. GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 2: Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions). GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 3: Marks must be awarded positively: • marks are awarded for correct/valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit is given for valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme, referring to your Team Leader as appropriate • marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do • marks are not deducted for errors • marks are not deducted for omissions • answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when these features are specifically assessed by the question as indicated by the mark scheme. The meaning, however, should be unambiguous. GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 4: Rules must be applied consistently, e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed instructions or in the application of generic level descriptors. GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 5: Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the question (however; the use of the full mark range may be limited according to the quality of the candidate responses seen). GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 6: Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should not be awarded with grade thresholds or grade descriptors in mind.

9626/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 3 of 10 Annotations guidance for centres Examiners use a system of annotations as a shorthand for communicating their marking decisions to one another. Examiners are trained during the standardisation process on how and when to use annotations. The purpose of annotations is to inform the standardisation and monitoring processes and guide the supervising examiners when they are checking the work of examiners within their team. The meaning of annotations and how they are used is specific to each component and is understood by all examiners who mark the component. We publish annotations in our mark schemes to help centres understand the annotations they may see on copies of scripts. Note that there may not be a direct correlation between the number of annotations on a script and the mark awarded. Similarly, the use of an annotation may not be an indication of the quality of the response. The annotations listed below were available to examiners marking this component in this series. Annotations Annotation Meaning Benefit of the doubt To indicate where a key word/phrase is missing Incorrect Indicate a point in an answer Ignore subsequent work Statement/points are linked Maximum number of marks that can be awarded Not answered question Off-page comment Allows comments to be entered at the bottom of the RM marking window and then displayed when the associated question item is navigated to. To indicate a point that has already been made or was given in the question Indicates that work/page has been seen including blank answer spaces and blank pages. Correct Too vague Indicate a point in an answer

9626/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 4 of 10 Question Answer Marks 1 Three from: • Accuracy/free from error (1) • Completeness (1) • Level of detail (1) • Relevance (1) • Time/age/out of date (1) 3 Question Answer Marks 2 Three from: • Used to check the file has been transmitted correctly (any awareness of verification/checking of file transfer) (1) • The control total is done only on numeric data (1) • The control total is a calculated value/any awareness of calculation to achieve a total (1) • The control total is added to the file (to be transmitted) (1) • The control total is recalculated when the file has been transmitted (must have concept of “after transmission” linked to the recalculation) (1) • Statement about outcome based on comparison of two totals (1) 3 Question Answer Marks 3(a) Four from: • Acts as a reasoning system/applies logic/makes decisions (1) • Searches the knowledge base/database (1) • Selects/applies/uses applicable/relevant rules (1) • Uses rules to interrogate the knowledge base/database (1) • Uses the rules to determine outcomes (1) • Uses IF THEN analysis (1) • Uses forward chaining/backward chaining to reason/arrive at solutions (1) • Request clarification from the user if necessary/asks (further) questions from the user if necessary (1) 4 3(b) Four from: • Data is collected from experts/relevant sources/data mining (any awareness of source) (1) • Relevance of data is decided (1) • Data is entered (into knowledge base) (1) • Uses a knowledge base editor to edit/created by a knowledge base engineer (1) • Design/decide the rules base (1) • Create the rules base (1) • Create the links between the rules and knowledge/data (1) 4

9626/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 5 of 10 Question Answer Marks 4 Four available. Max two for each matched pair: e.g. • Impossible/difficult/improbable to include all the possible variables (1st) – too many/unknown/unexpected variables (variables in widest sense) (1) • Spreadsheet software is limited size/capacity/scalability (1st) – plus suitable explanation of an issue this causes (1) • May not have the required formulae/functions (NOT “options”) (1st) – plus suitable explanation of an issue this causes (1) • Need training to use the software (properly)/requires an expert/complicated for new users (1st) – plus suitable explanation of an issue this causes e.g. cost of expertise (1) – therefore takes time to create (do not award as extension for “requires an expert”) (1) • Spreadsheets can be edited by anyone who has the software (1st) – So different versions may develop (1) – So different outcomes arrived at (1) 4 Question Answer Marks 5 Eight available. Two per error and improvement. ONLY consider a maximum of four errors. Location (1st mark) What would be achieved WHILE X=0 WHILE loop would continue if X is equal to zero/would not continue if x is greater than 0 AND <=Y Logic error as <Y is not being compared to anything <=Y If X = Y, algorithm will continue. PRINT X, “is a factor of Y” Would not show value of Y / would show Y as the value Lines of code following the WHILE statement are NOT indented Code would run (regardless if conditions are met) ONCE/no loop No ENDIF The IF statement will only consider one line/will not compute as no close detected 8

9626/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 6 of 10 Question Answer Marks 6(a) Two from: e.g. • To commit theft (1) • To commit industrial espionage (1) • To commit sabotage (1) • Reasons of extortion/financial gain (1) • To track behaviour/actions/keystrokes/inputs (1) 2 6(b) Six available for three matched pair answers. Max two for each matched pair: e.g. • System slow-down/sluggish/lack of response (1) anti-virus software uses up resources/processing power/memory/space (1) • Disrupts user experience/annoys user (1) with popups/system restarts. (1) • Limited to known viruses/database/software has to be updated regularly (1) new viruses are developed all the time (1) (only award if either of previous two marks given) • False sense of security (1st) – new viruses are developed all the time (1) – unless file is updated (1) • False positive/identification (1st) – unnecessarily quarantined/blocked files (1) Max two from: • Limited check/Only checks for viruses (1st) – it does not remove other type of malware (1) OR • It does not check all types of malware (1st) – such as (e.g.) rootkits (1) 6

9626/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 7 of 10 Question Answer Marks 7(a) Four from: • Decide on what you want to learn/know (1) • Identify/prepare questions (1) • Decide on interviewer (1) • Identify population/decide which group of staff to interview (1) • Choose suitable date/time (1) • Choose suitable location (any indication of choice OR criteria) (1) • Select/invite attendees/employees (1) • Choose suitable timetable/length (1) • Prepare suitable recording methodology (1) 4 7(b) Four from: Analysis • You can create complex reports (1st) – allows to combine data from multiple tables (1) • You can create complex queries (1st) – … (1) • You can create dynamic queries (1st) – … (1) Organisation • Quicker to search (1st) – Because data is held in tables (1) Consistency • Data is not repeated/reduced redundant data/only entered once (1st) – Quicker/easier to modify the data (1) – File size can be smaller/frees up (NOT “creates”) storage space (1) – Reduced chance for errors (1) 4 Question Answer Marks 8(a) One from: • Compressed data cannot be reconstructed (1) • It permanently removes data (1) 1 8(b) One from: • Compressed data can be reconstructed (1) • Does not permanently remove data (1) 1

9626/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 8 of 10 Question Answer Marks 8(c) Four available. One per instance of a valid comparison: e.g. • Lossless will not affect the quality of video/lossy will affect the quality (1) • Lossy reduces the colour range (1) • Lossy can alter the frame rate (make the video jumpy/stutter) (1) • Lossy can desync the audio with video (1) • Lossy can affect the colour settings of the video (1) • Lossy can affect resolution of video (1) • Lossy can affect the bitrate/make incompatible with devices (1) 4 Question Answer Marks 9 Six from: • Definition of encryption (1) • Protects data/data “is safe”/improves data security (1) • Data remains protected if pen drive is lost (1) • Proves that the data has maintained its integrity (1) • Files cannot be understood unless decrypted (must have concept of encryption/decryption) (1) • Files cannot be understood by an unauthorised user/anyone without the decryption key (1) • Remains encrypted regardless of where it is moved to (1) • Reduces motivation to steal pen drive (1) • Increased confidence in saving sensitive data/files on the pen drive (1) 6 Question Answer Marks 10 Four from: • They have a long lifespan (1) • They perform consistently (1) • They have very little downtime (1) • They are easier to maintain/hot swap (1) • They have stronger security (1) • They have high fault tolerance (1) • They achieve very high temperatures/They require heat maintenance (1) • They have a large number of processors/multi-core processors/uses parallel processing (1) • They can carry out multiple processes at the same time • They can run multiple operating systems at the same time (1) • They have a high degree of backwards compatibility (1) 4

9626/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 9 of 10 Question Answer Marks 11 Two from: • FLOPS is floating point operations per second (1) • Are a unit of measurement of processing power (1) • Are used to measure supercomputer’s performance (1) 2 Question Answer Marks 12 Four from: Organisation e.g. • It organises the arrangement of the files on the disk (1st) Max one from: – uses indexes to determine where to put data (1) – organises data by (two from) cylinder, head, sector (1) – organises data by memory location/index (1) Maintenance e.g. • Maintains / creates directory structures (1) • Random access/serial access to files (1) • Disk formatting tools/Defragmentation tools (any mention) (1) Access e.g. • Controls access / implements access rights / implements password protection / Makes file sharing possible (1) • Specifies tasks that can be performed on a file (two from e.g. open, close, delete, copy, create, move) (1) 4

9626/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 10 of 10 Question Answer Marks 13 Six from: e.g. • Can give differing levels of access to health services (1) • Increased risk of death/length of illness extended (1) • May not have online health services (1) – Reasonable implication (1) • Delayed access to results (1) • May need to attend doctor in person/travel to hospital (1) • Not everyone may be able to book online (1st) – need to visit/telephone (1) – which means time is wasted/used less efficiently (1) • Not everyone can order/reorder medicine/prescriptions online (1) • Doctors can work remotely from the patient (1st) – increased access to doctor/patient (1) – ambulances are less frequently used (1) • Not everyone can submit/receive test results online (1) • Not everyone can be monitored remotely (1) 6