Cambridge IGCSE ICT Paper 1

State one reason why analogue data has to be converted to digital data. [1]

Answer explanation

So it can be processed by a computer

State one reason why digital data might have to be converted to analogue data. [1]

Answer explanation

One from:

So it can be used in control systems

So that the data can be understood by a human

Complete each of the following sentences.

Software that the user requires to carry out a task is called ... [1]

Answer explanation

Applications

Software that the computer requires to operate is called ... [1]

Answer explanation

System

The collective name for the physical components of a computer is ... [1]

Answer explanation

Hardware

The component used to process instructions in a computer is called ... [1]

Answer explanation

One from:

Central Processing Unit

Micro processor

Describe the differences between backing storage and internal memory. [4]

Answer explanation

Backing Storage

Max three from:

• - Backing Storage is non-volatile only

• - This is permanent storage

• - Storage devices have slower access rates than internal memory

• - Larger storage capacity than internal memory

• - Secondary storage

• Internal Memory

• Max three from:

• - Data can be either volatile or non-volatile

• - Can be permanent or temporary storage

• - Directly accessed by the CPU

• - Primary storage

State one example of internal memory. [1]

Answer explanation

RAM / ROM

Cloud storage is an example of backing storage. State one other example of backing storage. [1]

Answer explanation

One from:

Magnetic storage

Optical storage

Solid state storage

Allow a correct example as an alternative to each

A Graphical User Interface (GUI) can be used in an expert system. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using a GUI. [6]

Answer explanation

Benefits

Max five from:

-Easy to use especially for a beginner

-Commands tend to be intuitive

-Commands do not need to be typed in therefore less typing errors

-No need to learn complex syntax

-A GUI lets users exchange data between different software applications

Drawbacks

Max five from:

-GUIs take up a large amount of hard disk space

-They need a significant amount of RAM to run

-They use a lot of processing power

-They can be slow for experienced programmers to use

-Restricted to pre-determined options