Information and Communication Technology Second EditionCambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology Study and Revision Guide Second Edition Boost eBook Boost eBooks are interactive, accessible and flexible. They use the latest research and technology to provide the very best experience for students ‘and teachers. Personalise. Easily navigate the eBook with search, zoom and an image gallery. Make it your own with notes, bookmarks and highlights, Revise. Select key facts and definitions in the text and save them as flash cards for revision. Listen. Use text-to-speech to make the content more accessible to students nd to improve comprehension and pronunciation. Switch, Seamlessly move between the printed view for front-of-class teaching and the interactive view for independent study. Download. Access the eBook offline on any device — in school, at home or on, the move - with the Boost eBooks app (available on Android and iOS). To subscribe or register for a free trial, visit hoddereducation.co.uk/cambridge-igcse-itSTUDY AND REVISION UYo}s Cambridge IGCSE™ Information and Computing Technology Second Edition HODDER 4 Hoppe AN HACHETTE UK COMPANY‘his texthas nt been though the Cambridge International endorsement process. Any vferences ‘ormaterals related to ansnets, ads, papers or examinations ae based onthe opinion af he {uthr(s)- The Cambie Iterrational ylabes or curiam framework, associated assessment ‘uidance materi and specimen popes shoud sways be refered to for afntve guidance, ‘The Publishers would ke to thank the fllowing or permission to reproduce copyright materi Acknowledgements Every effort has been made to ace al copyright Hodes, ut any have been inadvertent ‘overlooked the Pulishers wl be pleased to mat the necessary arangements a the fest operant. Photos reproduced by permission of p.2 (opto bottom) Phorlamaiphot/Adabe Stock, Amnach Finehokanat/ 123, Kaspar Gimaldy/Aobe Stock, Murat BAYSAI/ Total, Geppe/Adabe Stocks 9-34 Sheval/Alamy Stock Photo: p28 JFL Photography /Acbestck. Although every eHart hasbeen made to onsre that nebste abreast crac at tne of sng {to pes, Hoade Education canst be held response fr the content of any website mentioned ‘in ebook. Its sometimes posbe to in vlocted web page by typing im he sede ofthe homme page for website nthe URL window of your browser Machete Us pole sto ate papers that ate natural, renenable and eeyelable products and Ide from naad grown i well managed frets and ster contol sure. The logging and Iaufactarng processes se expected to conform fo the enranmental reultions othe country ctor, ‘Orders: pease contact Hachette UX Distribution, Hely Hutchinson Cet, Milton Road Didcot. Oxfordshire, OX1 MH Telephone 44 0)238 627827. Ema eden @hachette 2. ins are ‘open fom 9 aun to 3 pum Monday ray. You can alo order trough our mee ‘twnchodderedueston com ISBN: 97813983 1852 6 © David Watson and Graham Brown 2022 Fis published in 2017 ‘his etion pushed in 2022 by Hodder easton, An acette UE Company Garmeite Hosts 5 Victoria Embanenent indore 082 ewachoddereducation com Impression runber 5 43.2 1 ‘rights reserved. Apart fom any ue permitted under UX copyright ow no pat ofthis pubiation ray be reproduced o transmit in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical eluding Potocopying nd recording, or held within any information storage and vetrieval stem, without permission writing fom te publisher or under cence fam the Copyright Licensing Agency Timid urther dete of sch cences (or reprograpie reproduc {Copyright eensing Agency Limited, wwe Cover photo © Juin Eichinger- stock adobecom ustraions by Aptaa ne "ypeset in India by Apa, In Printed in Spain ‘catalogue record fr this titles avaliable from the Bitch rary. seep scree ESC Fsc=c1os740Contents Section 1 Section 2 Introduction Theory 1 Types and components of computer systems 2 Inputand output devices 3 Storage devices and media & Networks and the effects of using them 5 The effects of using IT & CT applications 7 The systems life cycle 8 Safety and security Audience 10 Communication Practical 11 File management 42 Images 13° Layout 1% Styles 18 Prooting 16 Graphs and charts 47 Document production 18 Databases 19° Presentations 20 Spreadsheets 21 Website authoring Practice Paper 1: Theory Answers to exam-style questions ‘Answers to Practice Paper 1 Index 12 128 131 134 17 10 ue vue 156 159 167 181 188 206 209 Revise TesteD ReAOY ‘abed sian Adooovoud 09 e601 5141 Hodder & Stoughton Limited © David Watson and Graham Brown 2022Introduction Welcome to the Cambridge IGCSE™ Information and Communication Technology Study and Revision Guide Second Edition. This book has been written to help you revise everything you need to know for your ICT examinations, alongside the Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology Third Edition Student's Book. Following the new ICT syllabus (First exams in June 2023), it covers all the key content along with sample questions and answers and exam-style practice questions. A sample practice paper 1 is at the end of this book, with sample practice papers 2 and 3 (and their source files) onkine at https://www.hoddereducation.co.uk/cambridgeextras. These practice papers, ‘written by the authors, are stightly longer than the actual Cambridge IGCSE papers to ensure questions covering more of the syllabus can be offered. Red bold words are glossary words. The glossary can also be found online at Cambridge Extras. How to use this book Key objectives ‘A summary ofthe main information ‘Advice on how to answer the question. Brewer ee keke Exam-style questions for you to try and see what you have learned tis ilegal to photocopy this page a Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology Study and Revision Guide Secend EditionSample question and response Ez | Exam-style questions with sample student answers to show how the question can be answered. In the Theory section, high-level answers are strong answers while low-level answers require more revision. Teacher's comments Feedback from a teacher showing what was good and what could be improved in the student answers Se ee ome Sea eneeeetemoeeree Common errors Mistakes students often make, and how to avoid them. Answers, Outline answers to the exam-style questions and Practice Paper 1 from page 188. For answers to Practice Papers 2 and 3 please see online, along with the source files required to complete those papers. Where ellipses are used in the practical answer section, the ellipses indicate follow on marks ‘when the first mark has been attained. Assessment The information in this section is taken from the Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology 0417/0983 syllabus for ‘examination from 2023. You should always refer to the appropriate syllabus document for the year of examination to confirm the details and for more information, There are three examination papers. Papers 2 and 3 assess practical skills using a range of different software applications. Paper 2 Document ‘Theory Paper3 ere ee eee anos Pre: authoring Duration hour 30 minutes hours 15 minutes 2hours 15 minutes Marks 80 marks. To marks Tomarks Syllabus topics | 1-21 11-16,17,18,19 11-46, 20,21, examined ‘bed sian Adosovoud 09 e601 131 Hodder & Stoughton Limited © David Watson and Graham Brown 2022 iTypes and components of computer systems Key objectives The objectives of this chapter are to revise: ~ input and output devices © hardware and software: = backing store = types of hardware and software = operating systems = analogue and digital data types © types of computer = contral processing unit/microprocessor emerging technologies. = internal memory (RAM, ROM) 1.1 Hardware and software Prevseo l 1.1.1 Types of hardware Hardware refers to the physical components that make up any typical computer system. These components can be interal or external to the computer. 1.1.2 Types of software ‘Software is a general term used for programs that control the computer ‘system and process data; software can be applications software or system software, ‘abed sup Adooovoud 07 e601 5 Hodder & Stoughton Limited © David Watson and Graham Brown 2022 i1.1 Hardware and software Applications software provides the services that the user requires to solve a particular task. System software is designed to provide a platform ‘on which all other software can run. Examples of both include: 1.1.3 Analogue and digital data Computers can only understand data that is ina binary format (i.e. 0s ‘and 1s only). Ths i referred to as digital data which isin contrast to ‘analogue data found in the real world. ‘Analogue data is physical data that is continuous and not discrete in nature; it can have an infinite number of values. Digital data is written in binary format; the data is discrete and can only have specific values. The accuracy of digital data depends on how many bits are used to represent the data values. If analogue data needs to be sent to a computer, it must first be converted into digital data. If a computer needs to control a device (for example a motor), then the digital output must be converted ‘nto an analogue form. To convert data from analogue to digital requires ‘an analogue-to-digital converter and to convert from digital to analogue requires a digital-to-analogue converter. Itis illegal to photocopy this page i Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology Study and Revision Guide Secend Edition1 Types and components of computer systems 1.2 Main components of computer systems EE | 1.2.1 Central processing unit The central processing unit (CPU) is a computer component that interprets and executes commands from computer hardware and software. Its usually part of the motherboard. The main components of the CPU are the control unit, and arithmetic logic unit (ALU). It is often referred to as a microprocessor. 1.2.2 Internal memory and backing storage Random access memory (RAM) is an internal memory chip where data is stored temporarily. The contents of RAM are lost when the computer is powered down. Read-only memory (ROM) is also an internal memory chip and stores data permanently; the data is retained even when the computer 4s powered down. ROM also contains coding known as a boot file. This file tells the computer what to do when it first starts up. Basic input-output system (8105) is also part of this start-up procedure; here BIOS stores computer settings on a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) chip. This table summarises the differences between RAM and ROM: ‘Temporary memory so data canbe | Permanent memory so data cannot be changes changed Volatile memory contents lost when | Non-volatile memory ~ contents power turned off retained even when power turned off [Can be written to and read from Can only be read frem files, part of operating | Used to store BIOS and other start-up stem currently Can be increased in size to improve | computer's performance use data 1.2.3 Input and output devices Input devices allow data to be entered into a computer either manually (e-, using a keyboard) or automatically (e.g direct data entry such as OR code readers). Output devices allow the results of a computer's processing to be shown in a human-readable form (e.g. monitor or printer). Note that some devices can be both input and output (e.g. a touchscreen). Input and output devices are covered in more detail in Chapter 2. 1.2.4 Backing storage Although main memory is RAM and RON, data to be kept permanently. (that can also be altered) is stored on a backing store. Backing stores are generally either hard disk drives (HDD) or solid-state drives (550). Backing storage (usually solid state in modern computers) is used to permanently store data; but it can also be changed, added to or removed by ‘the computer or user. Backing storage can also be hard disk (magnetic) or Blu-ray disc (optical) and it can be either internal or external to the computer. Data access is slower than for RAM or ROM but backing storage is usually considerably larger (2 TB or 4 TB is not unusual). The cost per byte of storage is also much less for backing storage devices. RAM and ROM are directly addressable Iie. can be read directly) by the CPU but backing storage is not. The data ‘must be loaded into RAM first before it can be used by the computer. ‘bed san Adosov0ud 01166) Hodder & Stoughton Limited © David Watson and Graham Brown 2022 i1.3 Operating systems 1.3 Operating systems Ez | ‘An operating system (0S) isa type of software that enables a computer system to function and allows the user to communicate with the computer by: ‘© controlling input/output devices and backing storage devices - this usually involves control of data flow supervising the loading, running and storage of applications (apps) dealing with errors as they occur maintaining security keeping a computer log of events ‘© allowing communication between computer and user. 1.3.1 User interfaces In this part of the computer, we will consider four types of human= computer interface (HCI): AGUI is often called a windows icons menu and pointing (WIMP) devi environment and is used by PCs not equipped with touchscreens. Modern devices, such as notebooks, tablets and smartphones, all Use touchscreens and these adopt a post- WIMP environment - this Interface allows fingers to be used to carry out tasks such as pinching and rotating, which would bbe impossible with a . . . . Sample questions and responses ‘Describe the advantages and disadvantages of using dialogue-based and gesture-based interfaces, [6 marks] Give an example of where each type of interface is used. [2 marks] facts, features and/or characteristics of both types of interface. No comparison of the two types of interface has been asked for. In the second part of the question, itis important that the examples given reflect the list of advantages and disadvantages; they should nat be contradictory. Six ‘marks are awarded in the first part; you would be expected to give a minimum of six features. It would be advisable to give three features of each type of interface. Itis illegal to photocopy this page i Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology Study and Revision Guide Secend Edition1 Types and components of computer systems Sample high-level answer Teacher's comments 8) Advantages logue bneedincertacee when usedina veil, tere sno need fora ever to tate their hands off ‘he stezring wheel toincrease sound volancin steree. for example + inahome thsi very ueeful for people with disabilities, since mary task ‘an be carried out by the spoken wordonty + Ieieposeibe to use this asa security feature, since voice recognition could be used to identity apercon. Disadvantages of dialogue based interfaces: + the system stil ot that reliable with mary commands not beng recognised or needing to be repeated several times (especialy there background noice) + dialogue-based interfaces can be quite complex to set up + theuser needs toknow which command can be used. ‘Advantages of gesture based interfaces: 1+ replaces mecharicalinput devices + theres no physical contact required + (bls avery naturalinterface fora human operater:no training is needed to interface with the computer Disadvantages of gesture-based interfaces: + itispossiblefor unintentional movementto be picked up + itonly works fairly near to the camera or sensor (maximum of 15 metres) + tecanbe imitingwhat the aesture-based system wil accept e,Itmay ‘ake several attempts to find outexactly what finger movements are recognised). 1) Dialogue based systoms couldbe used inthe home by people with aisabilties ‘todo tacks suchas close th curtains suitchonthelghts (etc) by simple verbal commards, Gesture-based systems could be usedin avehcle to oper close windows and doors or to alter the heatinaair conditioning settings Sample low-level answer 4) The advantage ofa dalogue-ased interface sit allows aperson with disablities to control the cpering and closing of curtains without them having ‘toleave their seat. The biggest dicadvantage would be verbal commands to Control devices could annoy other people inthe house. ‘The advantage of gesture-based interfaces wouldbe na car where the passenger finds the music too loud they coud gesture to the driver to turn ‘the sound down. This, ofcourse, coulddistract the driver which isan obvious disadvantage, ¥) Dialogue-based interfaces could beused nthe houseby a person with sabilties ‘tocontrol devices without leaving their seat. Gesture-basedintertaces could be sed ina car tolet the driver know what needs tobe altered ‘abed sup Adonojoud oy e6an 511 Hodder & Stoughton Limited © David Watson and Graham Brown 2022 a1.3 Operating systems Sree eke kn ‘1 Explain the following terms. In each case, give an example to help in your ‘explanation. a Input device b Output device © Dialogue-based interface 4. Gesture-based interface (81 2 Inthe following table, five statements about CLI and GUI have been made. In ‘each case, tick [7] the appropriate box to show whether the statement refers toa CLI or GUl interface. ‘The user isin direct communication with the computer All commands need tobe typed in using the correct format Needs a complex OS and large memory requirement to operate Allows computer configuration settings tobe directly changed Makes use of pointing devices [such as a mousel or finger if Using a touchscreen] | (51 3. Seven statements are shown on the left and seven computer terms are shown on the right. By drawing lines, connect each statement tothe correct term. [ 1. Nor-voltle chip tats baten- powered and stores ley BOS data sucha he date, time and stem ARAM requremerts 2. Used wih touchscrens to alow actions such a, pinching and rotting as well a pp selection ad 2. Software vedin he cestion, manipulation, eo ‘modification and ana of erawngs and desis “internal memory chip which an be read om and ‘writen to; stores es, data and prt ofthe operating Dicey ‘stem current use 5. Picure or senbos used on sree to represent apps] {oranges when selected the app willbe unched, EoD partof aviNP stem 6 neal memory chip which stores data permanent, ts non-volatie in rare ands often Poste {ed to store the computer BOS 7. nerpels ad executes commands from hardware trad sotore pat of te motherbowrd main 6. eon ‘Components are CU and ALU m legal to photocopy this page a Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology Study and Revision Guide Secend Edition1 Types and components of computer systems 1.4 Types of computer EE | 1.4.1 Desktop computers ‘© Desktops: not portable but less expensive than other computer types and usually more powerful for the same cost. More stable internet connection since usually uses wired connectivity. 1.4.2 Mobile computers. There are four categories of mobile computers: In the sample question below, the term ‘give’ ‘means it is acceptable to write a single sentence to highlight a typical use. in the second part, be brief when giving an example. However, remember your example must match with the use or it won't gain any marks, Note that each use, plus its example, is only worth fone mark. This means it is very easy to lose the ‘mark ifeither your use or the chosen example are too vague ar don't match, ‘© Laptop (or notebook): lightweight, low power consumption, with no trailing wires, takes up less room than a desktop and is easy to work with multimedia systems since itis portable. Similar advantages to tablets but often bulkier (but this fs changing with introduction of notebooks). ‘© Smartphone: very small and easy to carry round (always with you), can connect to cellular network and WiFi, Has a long battery life. Small screen size and virtual keyboards can make them difficult to use; relatively small memories and slower data transfer rates. ‘© Tablet or phablet: similar features to smartphones but much larger screen size (can be up to 33 cm); can be used with much larger keyboards built into cases. Slowly taking over from laptops as the preferred portable computing device since they often have similar or better performance. Sample question and response En ‘Apart from making phone calls and text messaging, give five uses of the smartphone. For each use, give an example to Teacher's comments ilustrate your answer. [5 marks] jrygigagtanawer i welll - constructed. The student ‘Sample high-level answer eT ere © nthe Feld ofentertainment ‘examples; this means they = forexample when streaming videos or musk coulé potentially gain all. © Asacamera the marks available for ~ forexampe taking on the epur ofthe omen photos at an accident since | the question. Where only your phones ays withyou 41 mark i available for use © Internet services and example, both are (ordeal wea OR Sie por dr iE Seca Se nr needed to gain the marks. automatic website connections to tourist attractions, hotels or tax, yey pass © Téephonc banking ate somes ene ~ eros paynontctgooorsenzesatasupomaracorretavrant | | amet jtateg ye (noneed tocamry a credit/debit card withyou} tse ofa smartphone and © Remote contrat devices Sean ~ foreanpe devices that contain enbeddedprocessors(ea.anoven)can | tae Coneaquenty they ve controled an app ta thence. part resat os ‘marks! It is possible to join accessing the internet ‘Sample low-level answer eth lari aise ee Foutes ot a emsrtphone woddinchade: and using Facebook giving accel tte net. a maximum of 2 marks. plang compte ganes However, you should not @ using Facebook or Twitter use tradenames (Facebook) @ playing music ‘so this second mark would. be at serious risk. ‘bed san Adosov0ud 01166) © watching videos Hodder & Stoughton Limited © David Watson and Graham Brown 2022 i1.5 Emerging technologies Broek uke kes 4 Give three advantages and three disadvantages of using smartphones rather than laptop computers. ta 5 Explain the following terms. In each case, also give an example to help in your explanation. a Phablet Fast battery drain b Accelerometer d_ App store (G} 6 Six statements about types of computer are shown in the following table, Tick Iv] the appropriate columns to indicate whether each statement is true or false. ne) ‘Desktop computers are easier to upgrade/expand than laptops Laptop computers use a touchpad, as part of the keyboard, a5 a pointing device Phablets and tablets requir the use of plug-in keyboards to allow them tobe used to write emails Tablets don't allow the use of Voice over Internet | Protocol {VoIP or video calling ‘The built-in cameras on smartphones and tablets can be used to read OR codes Desktop computers must use a wired internet connection; they cannot connect to WiFi 1.5 Emerging technologies _| 1.5.1 Impact of emerging technologies Artificial intelligence (Al) is a machine or application which carries out a tas that requires some degre of intelligence, There ae a number of postive aspects of Al: © improvements in safety @ faster development of products ‘© improvements in quality ‘© autonomous vehicles. There are also a number of negative aspects of AI: ‘© can lead to job losses and de-silling ‘© technology dependency ‘suspicion that machines are ‘taking over. Extended reality (AR) refers tothe combination of real and virtual ) environments. The most common examples are augmented reality (AR) and | virtual reality (VR). The table summarises the differences between AR and VR: : SE 3 | [Theuser experiences relationship between digital | Technology i able to take the user out ofthe real world 3 |_| virtuat and physica eat worlds into’ virial, digital environment “|__| The user is not isolated from the real world and can still The user is fully immersed in the simulated world 2 | | interact and see what sin front of them | [The user can experience the AR world through special | Users wear a VR headsel which gives a 360° view ofthe 3 | gogotesorvia a smariphone/tabiet virtual wor | Virtua data and objects are overtaid Can be used in medicine/surgery, construction, l ‘education and military applications i Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology Study and Revision Guide Secend Edition1 Types and components of computer systems Sample question and response The manager of a car showroom has decided to use AR to allow their customers to gain the best possible experience when choosing a new car. Explain what features of AR persuaded the manager to decide to use this technology in the car showroom. [5 marks] Sample high-level answer [ARallows the user to experince the relationship between physica and digital world: sitingin the showroom the customer could be made to beteve they were sitting behind the whee of an actualcar, thus gaining the fullexperence of beg in the car Virtual formation and objects would be overlaid ontoreal world situations, which would so lead the customer tobeleve they were actually sitting in the car. ‘The user can experience the AR world through special goggles: this allows an nmersive experience but also permits the customer to stil interact with the real world, The customer is stil able task the car salesperson questions wiesiting Inthe virtual ear EE | Since this isan ‘explain’ question, it is necessary to give as many facts as possible to support the chosen features. It is imperative that the features given match the ‘car showroom scenario, ‘and generic answers are not given in the hope of gaining some marks. Three features with full justification would gain full marks, or six features, with less Supporting information, would also be acceptable. ‘Sample low-level answer ‘AR allows the customer to wear special goggles, which allows them toimmerse ‘themselves into the experience. They willbe cutoff fram the real world, which allows them to fuly nj the experience without outside noleos and lighting disturbing them. The AR eystem alows them ta drive the carwithout actually leaving the showroom Breck eu kn 7 Six statements about AR and VR are shown on the right. Draw lines to connect each feature to the AR or VR technology. 'A Takes the use out ofthe reaord envronment | Into a simulated dial enirorment '. ral objects and information are cveiad onto resl word tuations Allows the user to experience the reaonship between rea and physical words at he same te '. Users wear a headset which allows 360° vw of ‘simulated word (his Yoo the brain to bekeve the station sea Thesis ay ined a sited dit The wer not toate rom the real wor and ‘ast ble to interact and see wha happening Inthe real word [= | 6 Teacher's comments The first answer is probably worth 4 or 5 ‘marks since they have covered about five different points. Their answer has successfully distinguished AR from VR, wich fs very important in this question. The second answer has not siven sufficient evidence that the student really knows the difference between AR and VR. They hhave mixed up the two technologies in their answer, They would gain credit forthe use of special ‘goggles and a reference to ‘immersive experience. ‘bed san Adosov0ud 01166) Hodder & Stoughton Limited © David Watson and Graham Brown 2022 ilegal to photocopy this page Input and output devices Key objectives The objectives of this chapter are to revise. © the characteristics, uses, advantages and disadvantages of: = input devices = direct data entry devices = output devices, 2.1 Input devices ‘An input device is hardware that allows a user to interact with a computer and also allows the computer to collect data. The following table lists a number of input devices together with some of their uses as well as their advantages and disadvantages: Keyboard © Entering data manually into a computer © Typing in commands toa computer [e.g PrtSern, (CtrlsP and so on} Numeric @ oye ‘ALATMs to key in PIN to ‘obtain money © ALPOS terminals in case the barcode on aniter falls to scan property (© When using chip and PIN devices to make a card payment ‘© Well-known method © Easy method of entering data into a computer © Easier to carry out verification checks on data entered ‘© Faster input method than a standard keyboard when fentering numeric data © Easy-to-use input dovice since it involves fewer keys Difficult to use for people with certain physical disabilities Slow entry method compared to direct data entey Can lead to aliments such as RSI Keys can be small, making input difficult for some people (Order of numbers on keypads is often not intuitive Pointing | @ Controls the postion of ‘© Faster method to choose Difficut to use by people with premium land has more ‘ccurate control than a ‘mousel © Used in uxury cars. toselect functions such as operating the {Global Positioning ‘System, allowing use of ‘smartphene and oon mouse '© More robust and dosen't reed any special surface to ‘wrk properly © Requires te than a mouse © Less prone than a mouse at causing RSI desk space device: ‘anon-sereen pointer to | on-screen options certain disabilities allow selections, open/ | compared toakeyboard —_@ Can lead to injuries such as RSI aoe! © Onlyrequires a small ‘Some surfaces dont work well amount of desk space with mechanical mice Imouse slips on the surface] Pointing @ Similar tomouse but @ Sameadvantages asa @ Not everyone finds touchpads dovic uses a fiat panel below ‘easy to control and certain the keyboardon laptop | @ actions can be difficult such as touchpad computer laptop. there isnoneedto drag ana drop) carry a mouse around with you Pointing @ Usedincontrol rooms | @ More accurate positioning @ More expensive to buy than a where desk spaceisata | of pointeronsereenthana mouse May require training to use properly since t isa less well- known type of pointing device Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology Study and Revision Guide Secend Edition2 Input and output devices [nEn emote | Usediocorra incon: |@ Can operate roma nyt ove te ence SecA i orice sila eee tase ete oh saree meine flyers foresamplaavred mess |” repuarbei uv ancronmertat tedeeon Cayeusrimaroce | ioe Thaferoatn raat cn be Maced en ay ot ork walltntinaret novice ae | Nei ce beefs cla edeoke eae |e Dserens Loa Cieres il evces! |" covcestomeyounim | tanamoutinmany, | misigtnempu dete tent Couclororsinaatrs | gemesndsimutons | _tovarincrismsplcsions eyes | egtgessnncrsr | 0 teaceardesssecit [a Beer sway eden Caria srndstrlts | ensmowecrthebnecd |” dering asindston ees ‘mimic actual controls to control on-screen newman Touchcreen |e Sel-servceislegata |e Fast ta enryandexsyto-|@ Lined umber of porsBie perl ton Stemterace chaceseveae o KimctoanerPI, |e Meeseytoeondecroen | Screen cangt tery dry trusts ey Suessneceesaryoth ne’ |" quand cancun ates @ Publciscrmatentlosts | tny mebod trample nn cleaned one (egratenarperd | Eau takoop clan ee Mabie ronecan nce thosuriace lass _ | Screenacange erate, tte eed ee eee @ Canpuihesettsining|__ met atic thes dard Scanner |e Seannoginpaper | Corerts writen tetito[@_Gully of photos mdr Gecimentsd photos |" cron ormat slowing |” dopnta one ser cert tee et rete ee formatonaconpuar.. | byOchaxtwars nd used | Scoming erty coler o Arcgetwianieotd | Instr dacomers tung « |” inoge seenngl canbe avery mance word processor somproces @ Usedioceaninbarcotes [0 Mlows domegudptotss | ifthe urate boing scanned aposwanglaceer” |” andmanuscypeteoe, |" isdamoged.tesctoer cant es oa poeta nel Reel eateries Mie eared thescamer cones 9 BOE Sole 22 Distal |e Taking hoaprapha or | Cn ke many hols | Neediobe compute rato ames |” eet conprrectoatraanat |” usedgtt camera sect Scat eerte eres Re ers ea oder gece cesaee (egvevdingslGtcods | sro ear tse brgres carps Seirowepgetma’ |e Rensediaewppiaes | expeure tl crate won [bv nme on as gin | sere sftvaretaon @ entity Inmedtefevbuckebet” | ©. Comprerson mages en fhotyreattthtor | propel san iene ane ieee Gerdenaivert |e Eestostrepntoson | _lonestquay toovaraedtulangs, | coud india pans don Weroprone | @ Input spexcsoundie be | Faxtinpstmeiedand | Sound ies cantake vp arge sed in presentations, special effects, music ‘sampling and soon Asa sensor to pick ‘up sounds fe. in an intruder alert system, etection of liquid ripping from pipes] In video conferencing Input device for people with disabilities Useful for people with certain disabilities {© Allows the pessiilty of ‘manipulating sounds in real time © Canbe used in voice activation systems improving safety le, verbal commands n'a car to operate key functions. ‘without the driver taking their hands off he steering wheel) amount of memory uniess they are compressed Using verbal input can be inaccurate le. "how to wreck a nice beach’ could be mistaken for howto recognise speech hich would be a problem ita ‘microphone was used te input data intoa word processor! Invoice activation, you must remember keywords or certain functions ofthe system can be activated by mistake ‘abed sup Adoaojoud 01 e6an 511 Hodder & Stoughton Limited © David Watson and Graham Brown 2022ee rT Dis 2.1 Input devices ‘Analogue | @ Measure physical data |@ Readingstakenaremore | @ ‘sensors {rom the environment accurate than manual and send ittoacomputer | _ methods © Many sensors exist: | @ Readings taken = temperature continuousiy Ino vital (greenhouse readings would be missed) @ environment) © Possible to take readings. pressure intruder in places hazardous to ‘alert systeml humans or when severe = light control ot street | weather causes risks to lighting) human lite = soundlintruder alert |@ Data gathering s automatic system] soit can be automatically = humisity imonit sent toa computer the atmosphere ina ‘chip manufacturing process) = pH (monitor acidity Tevelsin a chemical Faulty readings can lead to spurious results, which con be dangerous{e.9. sensors sed in monitoring/contralling functions in an aeroplanel Most sensors are analogue, Which means they require Conversion to digital using an Ane process) Light pen © Selecting objects ona |@ Have greater accuracy than | @ Problems of ‘ag’ when moving CRT screen touchscreens the pon on sereon lespeciallyit © Usedwith CAD/CAM | @ Verysmall devices luseful | the screenis not cleanl software on a CRT where spaceisan issue] | @ Currently only work with CRT sereen © Very easy input device to sereens Sample questions and responses Name a suitable input device for each of the following applications. Give an advantage and a disadvantage of your chosen device in each case. A different device needs to be chosen for each application: 4) street lighting in a town where the lights are turned on automaticaly when it turns dark and are switched off again when it becomes light. b) a ‘smart house’ where the opening/closing of windows, turning lights on/off and operating other devices (such as a television) is done by voice command, €) simulation of an aircraft cockpit which needs to be as realistic as possible, 4) selection and control of icons (e.g. representing pumps) on a large screen in the control room of an oil refinery plant. [12 marks] ‘Sample high-level answer 8) Deviceight sensor ‘Advantage: allows for automatic control ofthe streetlight, therefore there ‘eno need tomanvally switch them oni: allows 24-hour control respective of the time of day or the weather. Disadvantage: unless cet up propery lights would come on and off during heavy cloud cover during the day causing constant onlof light sensors are analogue devces requiring the use ofan additional ADC to convert input to digital: sensors also need regular maintenance to operate correctly. Device: microphone ‘Advantage: person with dleablltes can easily control the operation oF devices in the hme From their seat without the need to physically openvclose windows and 20 on Disadvantage: can be expensive ta set up initially. dependence on technology is always abig risk for example what happens if the system breaks down? legal to photocopy this page Very dated technology Ey | The question only asks for a named devi not give any unnecessary descriptions. For advantages and disadvantages, ensure your answers refer to the scenario given and don't use generic ‘examples. Think about your answer carefully to ensure you don’t choose the same di for two applications for example, choosing sensors for applications {a} and {b] would lose you all the marks for part cl i Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology Study and Revision Guide Secend Edition©) Devi: joystick ‘Advantage: gives a fairy realstic controlot an aircrattinterface:\tis an easy input device to operate. Disadvantage: movement ofa joystick canbe too sensitive reducing the realism or leading to wanted results; an expensive interface would be needed {or actual realism since thejeystick doesn't feed backin a eimulation, 4) Device: trackerbal ‘Advantage: spaces at a premium n a controlroom (or safety reasons, desks need tobe uncluttered), therefore atrackerbal sa better option than, say ‘a mouse ora keyboard they are a very robust device and can handle rough ‘treatment by the operators: they have more accurate controlof the or- ‘screen process parameters. Disadvantage: ofcen requires training to gain maximum benefit oF the device since operators would only be used tousing a mouse or touchscreen before. Sample low-level answer 2) Devices sensor ‘Advantage Inexpenohe tem wthlow malitenarce Dieadvantage: may reak downinuse 1) Device: sound sencor ‘Advantage: a person with dbs doesn't need tomove. Disadvantage: can pickup other sounds and nat workpreperty ©) Device: steering wheal ‘Advantage: can contro an arcrafc asin realife. Dtesdvantage: aeroplanes drive steering whee 4) Device: touchscreen Advantage: e30y-to-use interface. Dleadvantage:acreon becomes Art Exam-style questions for you to try 1 Awater purification plant needs to check acidity levels and oxygen levels in the water. This process is controlled from large LCD screens ina control room. A ist of possible input devices is given in the table below. Select which input devices would be suitable for this pollution monitoring plant and its control room, Peers Ca Microphone pllsensor | Keypad Oyen gas sensor Touchscreen Joystick Remote contro Light pen Trackerbal “ha 2 Describe applications for each of the following input devices. Justify your choice of device in each case: 2 Driving wheet Microphone © Touchscreen Digital camera {el 2 Input and output devices Teacher's comments The first answer would ‘probably gain the full 12 marks as each device has bbeen correciy identified and the advantages and disadvantages refer to the actual application and are not generic. The second answer would ‘only gain about 5 marks, Devices (a), (c) and (d) ‘would just about gain 3 marks; the second device is far too vague and is also a repeat of sensors as an input device. Part () advantage and part (@) disadvantage would also gain 2 marks since they are just enough ~ ‘the answers are weak ‘but not wrong. The rest of the advantages and disadvantages are either incorrect or much too ‘vague to gain any marks. ‘bed san Adosov0ud 01 166) Hodder & Stoughton Limited © David Watson and Graham Brown 2022 ais illegal to photocopy this page 2.2 Direct data entry devices Direct data entry (DDE) devices are used to input data into a computer without the need for very much, if any, human interaction. For example, barcode readers are DDE devices and the only human intervention is to point a reader/scanner at the barcode. The data collection and transfer to a computer is done automaticaly. The following table lists a number of DDE devices together with a description and some of their uses as well as their advantages and disadvantages: 2.2 Direct data entry devices EE | Magnetic | Readsinformation @ On credit/ebit, Stripereader onmagneticstripes cards foruse onthe back of a card, at ATMs or POS for example a debit | terminals for creditcard, which @ Security cards to holds data suchas allowentry toa account number, building, hotel room sort code, expiry and soon date and start date does not hold the PIN Contactless Aread-onlyRFID © Debit cards - allow debitcard_chipisembedded in customersto pay, readers the card, containing for items up toa data such as PIN, certain amount) ‘account number, without the need to Sort code, expiry entera PIN date and soon radio trequency reader can read the chip from afew centimetres away ChipandPIN The credit/debit @ To make payments reader cardis inserted into at garages, the device and the restaurants, travel embedded chip is agents and so.on read. APINisthen @ Thecardreader entered that should uses an internet ‘matchthe PIN stared link [usually WiFi onthe chip before to contact the the transaction can card-isouing bank take place when making 2 Faster data entey than using a keyboard or keypad Error-tree (no typing) Information is more secure: the data isn't held in human readable format Physically robust system Faster transaction ‘as noneed to enter PIN, Uses 128-bit ‘encryption Noneed tora customer to remember their PIN Retailers naw don't have access to customers’ credit card/debit card information More secure than contactless payments ineeds a PIN} The limit on spending is much higher than for contactless methods Ifthe magnetic stripe is damages, the information| cannot be read Reader needs to be in close contact with card Data may not be human-readable but certain devices can ead and clone data on the ‘magnetic stripe IRis possible to ‘monitor contactless transactions i someone near you is using an RFID reading device The maximum transactions limited to a smatt value Inthe PINs accessed by third party, the chip and PIN systems very insecure cards can be cloned using devices attached to ATMs) The lack of an upper limit can cause probloms ita stolen cardis used before itis reported stolen Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology Study and Revision Guide Secend Edition2 Input and output devices Porras ra io Use radiowaveste |@ Livestocktracking |@ Tagscanberead | ® Tagcollisions can Frequency | read and capture onatarm fromareasonable | occur where data fentfication information stored @ Retaillunike distance fom two or more IRFIDI readers | on a tag. The tag harcodes,thereisno |@ Veryfastreadrate tags overlap] is made up of a needtoscan-thetag| [ittakesless than @ Radio waves can be ‘microchip and an isautomatically read | 100 milliseconds to blocked or jammed antenna. (Note from a distance) respond) which means the passive tags usethe @ Securty|RFIDtags © Allows bi- data cant be read reader'sradiowave | attachedtogoods | directional data | @ tis possible tohack energy torelay back | allowsupermarkets | transfer(datacan | into transmitted information! tocheckifarticles | be sentin bath data and read or arebeingremoved | directions) changeit fromthestore | @ Allows bulk © Tho system is more without payment] detection/reading to complexand more © Admission passe ‘occur (several tags expensive than for example ata canbereadatthe barcode readers theme park togain | same timel accesso rides and | @ Unlike barcodes, it events is dificult to copy oF © Libraries toteack |_alterthe data stored books cut en ten} | on RFID tags Optica mark | Canreadmarks © Reading (© Fast method of data | @ Needs expensive recognition written inink or questionnaire input documents |__ and complex forms tome) pencil on apre- responses, canbeleadedinto © Formsneedto be printed orm either @ Automatic marking | ahopperandread | carefully designed by joining dots of multi-choiew ‘utomaticaly] tocapture required CA ortiingina || cxampapers 1 More accurate than | _ data OMF iris the '© Automatic counting | entering the data amount of data that (oxonge D> of voting choices in| using a keyboard canbe captured) anclection (removes riskef _@ Problems occur it typing errors} the form isnot filed © Fastertofillin a incorrectly loften formthan fusing | instructions on how ocr teri out the form need tobe giver) ‘Optical Converts text (© Processing of (© Much fasterdata | @ Thesystem cant character | on hard copy passports and ID entry than manually always read certain recognition documents intoan —cardsat an airport | keyingindata using handwriting styles, {ocr} electronic format. security desk a keyboard © Scanning of The data canthen | @ Converting (© More accurate and documents isn't be processed and handwritten text less error-prone always 100% used, for examplein into computer- than manual gata accurate ‘word processor Usable format fentrymethods @ ~Acomplex and © Automaticnumber | @ Ifused in expensive system plate recognition ‘questionnaires, toidentfy cars allows customer when entering, for | to expand on example, carparks | answers unlike © Digitisation of OMR where a valuable, ancient ‘customer is limited decuments and toanswering a set books questions) ‘bed sup Adosovoud 01 8H Hodder & Stoughton Limited © David Watson and Graham Brown 2022legal to photocopy this page Pores Reads barcode @ In supermarkets on labels on tems: products, enabling automatic product IMNEOBEUMIENY information, pricing and automatic re Barcodesareread ordering o items, byalaser or LED they also allow for scanner/reader itemised billing Whichseans the @ Inlibraries to track thickness of the dark books out on loan ‘andlight ines and @ Safety records of converts the data equipment, for into a digital format example in an office leg. recording the last time an electrical safety check was carried out) ‘uiek OR codes aremade @ Inadvertsing, the response (QR) up of a matrix of QR code can contain codereaders dark squares on ight phone numbers, backgrounds. physical addresses, website addresses and son © Cancontain weblinks that are automatically activated when the codesare scannedin © Canstore WiFi authentication details store large amounts (69. Passwords and of information! type of encryption data; the codes | beiogused) ccan be read by the Inaugment Comerabuititos | fealiyleg.ina car showroom) smartphone or tablet A Met Canestablish virtual online stores ithe {OR code is scanned bythe customer's phone and the goods dre automatically Geliveredt their home! OR codes are able to Sample question and response 2.2 Direct data entry devices Faster checkouts and fewer errors than tying in prices using s keypad Allows for ‘automatic stock ‘entrain many opplications, such asina supermarket, allowing for just- in-time’ stocking of ‘Awell-tried ang trusted technology OR codes can store much more information/data than barcodes Fewer errors than using barcodes, since OR codes allow the use of built-in ‘error-checking| procedures Easier to read than barcodes, they don't need expensive seanners and ‘can be read by 2 smartphone/tablet QR codes canbe ‘encrypted which makes them more secure than barcodes The local bus station and railway station at @ VISIT WHITEPOOL popular holiday resort use posters containing etc) QR codes that give arrivals important information about amenities and attractions 4 in the local area. Describe how a holidaymaker can use their Visit our local ‘smartphone to find out information about attractions. Need help? local attractions in the area using this poster. Call 0800 1111 11000 [5 marks] Not totally folproef, barcodes can be altered or swopped by someone Barcodes are more easily damaged than RFID tags oF magnetic stripe Cards damaged or torn, barcades may not be successtully seanned There is more than one GR code format QR codes can’ be used to store malicious codes {known ing). When the OR code is scanned, the User is cont toa bogus website or fven unwittingly downloads malware Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology Study and Revision Guide Secend EditionSample high-level answer 1© the holiiaymaker points thelr smartphone at the GR code on the poster(s) ‘© anapp on thelr smartphone processes the image taken by the camera (© browser software on the smartphone automatically reads the data abet holiday resort generated by the app © theuser will then see either information about local attractions and possible phone numbers or they wilbe sent alink to. website where they wilfind useful laformation about various attractions at the holday resort. (© the user wil alsobe able to buy tickets online to alow them vo isit theatres, museums and 99 on without the need to queve © entrypacces wil be sent to the holidaymaker’s emartphone (probably inthe form ofa barcade or OR code), ‘Asa ‘describe’ question, a full description of the process of how the smartphone and QR code would be used by the holidaymaker is expected. The answer should be as detailed as possible and make references to the given scenario rather than giving generic responses. Five marks will be awarded so you need to make at least five valid points for a strong answer. he Sample low-level answer The holidaymaker would use their smartphone and photograph the GR code. The Gk code may conta weblinks which take Che user to the holday resort's website ‘Theuser would typein this website on ther phone and get the information they want, They could also use their smartphone tocall the number on the poster at ‘the bus station or allway station. Teacher's comments The first answer would Exam-style questions for you to try probably gain full marks, ‘3. Which five computer terms and devices are being described below? pec ty may be marta a Amatrix of filled-in dark squares on a light background; the matrix anedertaytoes is read by the builtin camera in a smartphone or tablet. points since this isa bb Adevice that can read marks written in pen or pencil; the pen or __—_-descrption (and usually pencil marks must be made in predetermined postions. requires sentences), They «© Adevice that converts a photograph or document into a computer- would, however, still gain readable format. at least 4 of the 5 marks dA device used to control the operation of other electronic devices since their answer is very using infrared signals. ‘thorough. © Direct data entry device that uses radio waves to read and capture information stored on an electronic tag. 15] The second answer is very 4 a Explain how barcodes could be used in a library to track books that brief and only worth 1 are out on loan. {4} ‘or 2 marks: 1 mark for b Another library uses RFID tags to track books on loan. Describe mention of the use of a the relative advantages and disadvantages of using RFID tags camera (in a smartphone) compared to the method you described in part (a [4] to record the OR code 5 Seven applications are given below. Tick [v] the appro iate column ‘and 1 mark (probably) for toindcae the best ODE device foreach he app Bhering the holiday hot, oer - line’ since a phone number Reading the ruber plate on aveniieeterng 3 ee peyear ark oceans Reading ond counting he wen aps inan oe aur cy worth no marks. és ecb au on emer SEB i secur desk 5 Used in augmented eaiy ata car showroom to 3 eth canomer en mms experience : Testing embeded west areaeswritenn i Brat cod ant bvertag pole 3 Digtiotion ofa cient sok and nranbecrinGs z Meckling mblilchotes exens questions; 3 automatically im 3 Hodder & Stoughton Limited © David Watson and Graham Brown 2022 a2.3 Output devices 2.3 Output devices Ez | The following table lists a number of output devices together with some of their uses as well as their advantages and disadvantag} Tmontor | @ Inspecstarent,n Jo Theyhaeaverylargevewng, | CRT montorsareeary catoterer | Sowneresghigen |@ Extimontoreallowtheureot | LeDscrme foucedtoarowand "|" Ugttpene ol The fro phot feec Nomen sare posh trent Set scram Frey consume considera peepee then causing beeches and 0 | | _|__problems_ mrontor fw U8 ° @ (co o teu he an = Wyott owpemr | = Cera conrat om cyt Sut ee coraumpton ‘arove veg angles pif UI ca ca NE Ve Wane psa or I esa crit scrensere | tablet apap theses + Star tro seme mation mmaceupot | andsmarigaves | Dor afer om nage Dlarinag hong ylans | = Where bine = Poelats ave weak coats touenereen = Bont etertroma Puts that cansowat sont tector fac inge Bier ack at ay Gag LEDs|| requred/co | = Veryshorpageresolsion| Grea lyon ets emitting @ LED: screens compared to CRT = Need backlighting (LCDs. Gode(ade |" = Owmratyused |e LED dont produc teow mas inlargecaiber |” = Noman layoring ign tlecan adie tical Sano > Nenwedorbekigng vanaheHriaten Ty tebe thceleDeprotuetner | LED omni ore exsensive han = Cope ensmpin coe = Letstesveryongte | - Conaufrfom cour > Serena cea bean oe shitieg econ Scone allowed tpecnd npr traingsom |" tune Kayoor/teyped serahed sd dying tsingttana | sttoluppbing | Exrymetiodtovseandiess_ | topo prtrmenca or fete) re @ Aathprel re mechnia fracinestatratwny/ |” Grkelaysaraionestne | sifeartokoowits users eciaion none, | _surtece sae felon hsregtered. et chometsetl |. Theyalbwal-och iret aytons have Pap © inermaton Henk at |” tuncbonetechesseominewt, | _tsdhackeg. urbng tu mnaeum port. | rata thts uid the taba dolar cel | Nophyisn anteesorbutens ‘Nowra traces obs more coihafiatie is illegal to photocopy this page Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology Study and Revision Guide Secend Edition2 Input and output devices Cmrn ‘Multimedia projectors. {take computer ‘output and enlarge itto be projected onto white wall) Laser printer {uses a rotating drum, dry ink toner] cartridges and electrostatic printing) Inkjet printer: {use thermat bubble or piezoelectric technology: use four er five ‘small wet ink cartridges and stepper motors tofeed the paper! Dot matrix printer {a type of ‘impact printer that uses an inked ribbon Uke an old typewriter] and printhead containing an array of pins) Sem Training presentations | @ llarge sereen makes iteasyforalarge | @ number of people to take part} ‘Advertising, for example at a shopping | @ mall Home cinema systems [projecting image from DYO/BIu-ray, television, mobile phone and so on} Wherelownoise | @ required eg. in an office! . ‘When fast, high- quality, high- resolution printing is neededle.g.alarge © print run} Where alow-volume @ printrunis needed @ leg.acne-ott photograph) Good for high-quality colour printing leg. | @ they have a photo quality option which | @ enhances photos] Useful when an . ‘unusual printing medium isusedieg. | @ printing logos on T-shirts (cloth Usefulin places where |@ the atmosphere is damp or dusty le.g.2 factory floor! . Can be used in places where their noise is not an issue (e.g. ina workshop) Usetut if the print run requires mlti- partstationery (ie. | @ carbon copies}or | @ continuous stationery for example, when producing thousands of wage slips during a night run Enables many people to see 2 presentation Avoids the need for several networked computers since & ‘computer output can be seen ‘on one large screen ‘Space saving - projectors can be mounted on the ceiling, for ‘example Faster printing than an inkjet printer for large print runs ‘ality ofthe printing is high ‘and these printers can handle ‘small fonte and fine lines better than an inkjet Toner cartridges last fora tong time ‘The paper trays have much ‘greater capacity than inkjet printers Low start-up costs ‘Can handle many types of paper (e.g. cardboard! and other materials (eg. as plastics, cloth, photo paper. et] Cheaper to buy than laser printers ‘The ink cartridges can be refilled ‘Smaller footprint and lighter than a laser printer Don't praduce azone gas or ink particulates, ‘Can be used in an environment that would be harmful oa laser ‘or inkjet printer Carbon copies multi-part} can be made (very useful when producing wage slips where the impact head prints on the inside ofa folded paper and not ‘onthe outside, thus keeping information confidential) Very cheap to run and maintain Very good for tong print runs since they can use continuaus ‘stationery {which can be 2000 continuous perforated sheets} Images can be abit fuzzy and colours faded or incorrect shade Expensive items to purchase and maintain Setting up projectors can be dificult ‘Adarkened room is usually needed Need a separate audio system Iwhich can add to the costs and complexity of setting up] Can be expensive torun (especially colour printers} since the toner cartridges. and maintenance are expensive Produce azone gas and volatile toner particles (which can be harmful to people inan office, for exarplel Unlike inkjet printers, they can't handle a variety of printing materials {any material that is heat sensitive can't be used) Larger and heavier than inkjet printers Inkjet inkis very expensive Not suited for long print runs since they have very small paper trays andthe ink cartridges don't last long The paper fastness of the ink isn't good: for example, a highlighter pen cant be used inthe printed sheets since the ink wil ‘dissolve Need regular head cleaning toprevent the head clogging up with ink a process which uses a lot of inkl Not as durable as laser printers Very ncisy in operation Expensive to buy initially Yery tow at printing Very limited colour printing options {some 4-coloured ribbons exist, but the colour range is very limited) Printing is generally of very poor quality, The technology is very outdated: the printers are only suitable where laser or inkjet are not suitable Hodder & Stoughton Limited © David Watson and Graham Brown 2022 ‘abed sup Adoaojoud 01 e6an 511is illegal to photocopy this page Cre {graph plotters {use pens to draw lines onvery large sheets of paper or plastic ‘30 printer uses adaitive printing technology where a solid ‘object is built upinvery thin layers (typically «0.1mm thick) “makes use of ‘adapted inkjet or laser printer technology) ‘Speakers or loudspeakers {convert electri signals toscund) Actuators {used in controt applications) Producing architectural érawings: and preduct blueprints Producing engineering drawings Drawing animation characters fr the film industry Making prosthetic limbs, which are Unique to each person Making bespoke items to allow for reconstructive surgery based on exact scans of the patients anatomy Making precision parts for industry leg in aerospace] Fashion and art; allows for new creative ideas. Making parts for items ne longer in production fog vintage cars) Sound in multimedia presentations: Actas an interface ‘with devices for people with certain disabilities (e.g people with visual impairment) Playback of music files Audible warnings in systems being computer-contralled leg. nuclear power station safety systems) Control meters, pumps, switches and Allow a computer to control physicat devices by using a DAC Interface Very high-quality rawings Can produce large monochrome and colour drawings toa high accuracy (Can print an a variety of materials (e.9. aluminium, cardboard, plastic, clath, steel, wood) as well as paper Not expensive torun Easier to produce prototypes. that work lit is also much quicker and less expensive than, making areal part Although expensive itis stil ‘cheaper than making a product in the conventional way Many medical benefits, such as, producing artificial organs and Itis good forthe environment keeping items working for longer by making bespoke parts reduces the throw away ‘mentality ‘Sounds add an extra dimension toa presentation making itmore interesting and informative Useful when helping people with disabilities where ‘a microphane/speaker ‘combination atfords a workable interface with devices ‘Awell-tried technology Allow automatic control of many devices Relatively inexpensive technology 2.3 Output devices Very stow printing Expensive equipment to purchase intialy [although Funning costs are relatively low! Need avery large physical featprint Counterfeit tems are easier te produce using 30 printing Can lead to illegal activity leg. production of dangerous items based on blueprints, found oninel Printing isa stow process Potential for job losses as 90 printing can replace certain skills Use of 30 printers is very expensive Speaker output can be very annoying inthe office environment Expensive ithigh quality sound is required Require the use of a DAC interface if digital devices are sending signals to actuators [An additional device inthe system that could go wrong Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology Study and Revision Guide Secend EditionSample question and response Name the following output devices and give a suitable application for each device. Cres w= —— ae = a 2 eee ‘Sample high-level answer Device 1:30 printer Application: making parts for can ro longer be bought Device 2:(loud) speaker Application ina presentation (i the form of spa word or music Device 8:t0 Applicaton: informat passergers to select opt Device 4: inkjet printer Application: produ photograph Device 5:(araph) plotter App print intage vehicle which keosk at an airport allowing one-of high quality colour ation: making large engineering drawing Look carefully at the pictures of the devices since it can be easy to confuse them. A brief description of an application that would se this output device is required - don't give alot of detail since it only carries one mark. However, its vital that your application matches the device. You shouldn't use the same application ‘more than once. Teacher's comments The first answer would gain full marks since ‘each device has been correctly identified. The applications given are also ‘correct and the student has given just enough information. ‘dosoi0ud 01165 Hodder & Stoughton Limited © David Watson and Graham Brown 2022 a2.3 Output devices Sample low-level answer Device 1:30 printer Application: making parte that move Device 2:epeater Applenton, producing sound Dovce 8 montor Appa showing output ona sere Doce A:printor Application predicing hard copy output on paper Dovce 5 plotter Application: making large dravingsof houses. Teacher's comments “The second answer would only gain 4 marks. The answer ‘monito’ isn't enough since ‘the image s clearly a touchscreen (monitor: the answer ‘printer fs not enough and would gain no marks. However, since none ofthe answers are actully wrong, the student could still gain the application marks. The First four answers given are not applications; they ae simply describing what type of output is given by the device. However, the last application is probably just enough to get the mark. SE ck ounce cers {6 Acompany manufactures parts for cars. The factory isa very noisy, dirty environment. Each part needs tobe labelled at each stage of the process; ths abel is produced by a printer onthe factory floor. The company also has some offices where staff carry out online sales, answer customer queries, produce monthly salary slips and develop new products. 2 Name a suitable printer for producing the labels onthe factory ftoor.Justty your choice of printer. a 'b Name the equipment needed in the office to: produce wage sips. it find answers to queries from customers’ emails or phone enquiries, ii, develop new parts for use in their cars. Justify our choice of device in all cases. ) 7 Five input devices (on the left, ive description lin the middlel and five applications on the right are shown in the diagram below. Draw lines to connect each input device to its correct description. Then draw lines to connect each description toits correct application. Device Dat conversed no cade acer secre caer whch shen Augmented realy Eoneied no apt sonal Deve Wiens pra dak care erphore Sige tes ing nro LED light source ian os 2 Dave at a ape ae ea fe OR eater ocean ans the a asomec zg {Soy mage toot Toma fo : Device at ea code n he x 2 sensor form of a matrix of dark squares, peers 2 = not batons eres 2 Device that detects acy levels 2 ‘Scanner [of 2 solution; the data is in an a ee 2 fnsiogue format aaa i a Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology Study and Revision Guide Secend Edition2 Input and output devices ‘abed sup Ado2ojoud 01 e697) Hodder & Stoughton Limited © David Watson and Graham Brown 2022 aItis illegal to photocopy this page Storage devices and media Key objectives The objectives of this chapter are to revise: = magnetic (hard disk drive and magnetic tape drivel = optical (CD, DVD and Blu-ray read/write devices) = solid state [solid-state drive, pen drive and flash drive) = magnetic media [magnetic disks and magnetic tape) = optical (CD, DVD and Blu-ray discs) = solid state fincluding SD, XO and CFast cards) Secondary storage includes all non-volatile storage devices that are not part of primary memory. The storage capacity of these devices is much larger than RAM or ROM (primary memory), but data access time is much longer. Operating systems, applications, photos, device drivers and other files/data are all stored on these secondary storage devices. There are three types of technology used by secondary storage devices: © magnetic © optical © solid state 3.1 Magnetic media and magnetic storage devices itagnetic media rely onthe property that certain materials have magnetic properties (such as iron oxide) and these properties can be used to store data (1s and 0s). Magnetic media are a type of permanent storage unless they are overwritten or deleted by the system or the user. ‘Two common magnetic devices are the magnetic tape drive and the hard disk drive (400). 3.1.1 Magnetic tape drives Magnetic tape drives consist of reels of plastic tape coated in a magnetic oxide layer (e.g. iron oxide). The data stored, the 1s and 0s, have different magnetic signatures, which allow a read/write head to read and write data. The tape moves over the read/write head; this is basically a tiny, ‘induced magnet that can magnetise the tape (to write data) or become ‘excited’ when magnetised tape passes over it (to read data). Magnetic tapes have huge storage capacity, but data access time is very slow since the tape must fast forward or backward until the required data is found. The uses of magnetic tapes include: «in batch processing (e.g. production of utility bills and wage stips in large numbers overnight) ‘© as backups of data for long-term storage/archiving (magnetic tape is ‘very stable over a long period of time) «© for daly backups in companies that handle large amounts of data (e.g. updating customer's bank accounts). Itis important to remember that sto ‘medium refers to the physical device on which the data is actually stored (e.g. a CD) anda storage device refers to the hardware used to read data from or write data to the medium le. CD reader/writer). Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology Study and Revision Guide Second Edition3 Storage devices and media The following table shows some of the advantages and disadvantages of magnetic tap Advantag Disadvant time it takes to find data; ‘© Loss expensive (per bytel than hard | @ Have o very slow data access time data transfer rate is the tisk drives or solid-state drives @ Updating data requires anew tape | timeit takes to transfer © Avery robust technology tobe produced: itis not possible to | data from a device to © Vast storage capacity simply write over the original data- | the computer [and vice ‘Very good data transfer rate this introduces errors and is a stow versal. process (© They are affected by magnetic fields 3.1.2 Hard disk drives Hard disk drives (HDDs) are one of the most common methods to store data on a computer. Data is stored on disk surfaces (called platters) that are coated in a magnetic material. The platters can be made from aluminium, glass or ceramic coated in iron oxide, and a typical disk drive has several platters. Read/write heads (containing tiny magnets) hover close to each disk surface on an air cushion to allow data to be written or read. [Actuators are used to move the read/write heads, which move back and forth across the disk surfaces as the disks spin very fast. There are two read/write heads per platter (one for each surface). Data is stored in concentric circles (called tracks); these are broken up into sectors. These sectors are mapped using a file allocation table (FAT) that shows which sectors are free and which contain data. Magnetic disk drives suffer from latency (the time taken for a specific block of data on a track to rotate round to the read/write head). The uses of HDDs include: ‘© to store operating systems, systems software, apps and data (such as photos and music) ‘© as website servers and file servers on networks used in real-time systems (such as airline bookings or booking cinema/theatre tickets). The following table shows some of the advantages and disadvantages of HDs: ages vis: Very fast data transter rates | @ Havea slow data access time and suffer Verylarge storage capacities _fromlatency ‘ried and trusted technology, | @ ‘Fairly easly damaged which makes them suitable for | @ Have many maving parts that can wear website and eloud sorvers ‘ut and fail leading te data lose © They are affected by magnetic fields {© They tend to be fairly noisy due to high- speed spinning disks. 3.1.3 Portable hard disk drives Portable hard disk drives work in the same way as fixed HDD devices; ‘they have the same advantages and disadvantages. Their main use is backing up data and to allow data to be transferred between computers. ‘bed sun AdoDovoud 01 166) Hodder & Stoughton Limited © David Watson and Graham Brown 2022 a3.2 Optical media and optical storage devices 3.2 Optical media and optical storage devices EE | Optical media devices use lasers to read and write data onto plastic (polycarbonate) disks. The media (disks) rely on the optical properties of certain chemical dyes and metal alloys to enable the storage of 1 and 0s. The most common types of optical storage devices include: © CDs and DVDs © Blu-ray discs. 3.2.1 CD and DVD optical disks Ds and DVDs can be designated as ‘R’ (write once), ‘RW’ (read/write many times) and ROM’ (read-only) All disks have a thin coating of alloy or ight sensitive organic dye on at least one surface. Laser light alters the optical properties when writing data. As the disk spins, an optical read/write head moves to the start of the track and a narrow laser beam follows a spiral track from the centre moving outwards. CDs and DVDs are split up into sectors and allow for direct access to data. The data is stored on the surface in pits (low points) and lands (high points) - these pits and lands are created when laser light writes data to ‘the disk surface. Both CDs and DVDs use red lasers which read the pits and lands and convert the stored data into a binary format. The wavelength of the reflected laser light is slightly different to the original wavelength (due to the pits and Lands) causing destructive interference - this allows the pits and lands to be read. DVDs have dual-layering (two polycarbonate disks are sandwiched together), which increases their storage capacity (two recording surfaces, are created), The following table compares the uses, advantages and disadvantages of the different types of CD and DVD. | Uses @ Home recordings of @ Used to record TV @ Permanent storage for supply muse (60-Rl and prograrmescrerand |” cfeimputer games, mike aed moves (V0-8 ae ee Transl of data between [© Useain cosed-circut |e Supplying movies on ROM computers televton(€¢T¥) format can prevent opyng because the dats canbe fevsed | Backup fortes Tarantsges [@ Cheaperthan RW dks [@_ Can go through Omron oee Once burned and severatreod andwrte |” biadventage when esed for finale. they become | operations roves games nd software 5 owe f@ Canusecdtterentrie | stop data beng overwniten 3 formatsaachtinethe | inerrer a Gskiswritento, | © Lessespensive than HDD z fe NelesvostetitesR |e) efsers =| | format | | | Disadvantages © Can only record on © Relatively expensive © Data transfer rate is slower 3 fanerroreccurs,thedsk | format than HOD or SSO E hastobe decarded | @ Ie possblto © rent poste change data : © NotattCO/OVD players acitentaly everwre 2 Canreed CD-Rand data 3] | DVO Rormats i Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology Study and Revision Guide Second Edition3 Storage devices and media 3.2.2 Blu-ray discs Blu-ray discs are an optical medium that use blue laser light. This light has a shorter wavelength than red laser light, thus increasing the storage capacity when compared to DVDs. They come with buitt-in secure encryption systems that help to prevent piracy and copyright infringements. Blu-ray allows greater interactivity than DVDs, for example they allow the user to create playlists, reorder programmes stored, access websites and download subtitles/artwork, They have a much greater data transfer rate than DVDs (at least four times faster), which means they are well-suited to playback of High Definition (HD) or 4 K/8 K formats. The storage capacity ‘is at least five times that of the equivalent DVD. The following table compares the uses and advantages and disadvantages of Blu-ray discs. Serre ences Pence ‘Storing high defintion/4 K/B | Very large storage capacity ‘Mare expensive than OVD formats: eo Very fast data transfer ates Introduction of new DVDs using an HO format Used as secondary storage has eroded some of the advantages of Blu= ‘Very good data access times Have data encryption built-in for security of data ‘oF for backing up data ray Used in some camcorders Comparison of CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray discs ack pitch (stan Peed a} co. Red 780 am Single 1.2mm 1.60 um polycarbonate layer | DvD lduatlayer) | Red 60am Two 0.6 mm O4ym polycarbonate layers Blu-ray (single-layer) | Blue 205 am Single 1.2mm 0.30 pn | polycarbonate layer Blu-ray dual-layer) Blue 405 0m Two 0.8 mm 0.30 pm polycarbonate layers (Note: nm = 10° metres; jm = 10-* metres) (Note: Blu-ray can currently go up to six-layer technology, but this fs outside the scope of this book.) 3.3 Solid-state media and solid-state storage devices EE | Solid-state technology does not rely on magnetic or optical properties. They make use of the ability to control the movement of electrons across transistors and have no moving parts. By controlling electron movement, it is possible to create and read 1s and 0s in a massive grid in a very tiny space. They are often referred to as flash memories or flash drives. Due to the technology used, solid-state devices do not suffer from latency, unlike HDDs. SSDs are also non-volatile, rewritable storage media, ‘bed san Adosov0Ud 01166) Hodder & Stoughton Limited © David Watson and Graham Brown 2022 i3.3 Solid-state media and solid-state storage devices 3.3.1 Floating gate and control gate transistors As they have no moving parts, solid-state devices can operate at speeds much greater than HDDs or optical disk drives. However, they still operate at speecs that ae slower than RAM. SSDs make use of fioating gate transistors and control gate transistors (the transistors use CMOS and NAND technology). Solid-state memories make use of a grid; at each intersection of the arid there isa floating gate transistor and a control gate transistor. When current reaches the control gate, electrons flow to the floating gate creating a positive charge; by applying exact voltages to the transistors, a pattern of 1s and Os can be ‘CMOS means complementary metal oxide semi-conductor and NAND refers toa created. type of logic gate. contol gate eecre floating ote ‘ating Gsultion) tunel onde coating econ source (atowselecrors substrate ‘rough After 12 months or so, this charge can leak away, therefore solid-state devices should be used once a year (at least) to ensure they retain their memory contents. 3.3.2 Solid-state drives Solid-state technology is used to create secondary storage devices known as solid-state drives (SSDs). The following table summarises the uses, advantages and disadvantages of SSDs: antages of solid-state drives Ceres © SSOshavelargely | @ Nomoving parts ~ loss likely to '@ $$ endurance/longevity is stillan replaced HDDsasthe malfunction than HDDS ‘issue (but this situation continues to main type of backing Much lighter in weight improvel storage Don't need to get up to speed’ before | @ The memory chipsin SSDs havea © Used in laptops and read/write operations Limited number of write cycles ~ this tablets where their @ Have very low power consumption and can lead to unrecoverable dats loss ‘smal size makes them sogenerate much less heat than HDDs @ Ifthe controller chip, memory cache verysuitableas the @ Very thin since they only contain tiny ‘or one of the NAND memory chips main storage transistors ‘are damaged, it may be impossible (© Very fast data transter speeds [about torecover the date 100 times faster than HDDs] (© They are more expensive te buy [per (© Don't suffer from latency since there are | GB) than HDDs, no moving parts © Although data access is very fast, © Allow for permanent deletion of data the rewriting of data can be slower lwhen writing over or deleting dataon |_ than HDDs as SSDs need to delete ‘SSDs, the old datais destroyed unlike | old datafrst before writing the new. in HDDs where the data can stil be data recovered) this isa very important ‘end-of-life’ security consideration 3.3.3 Pen drives Pen drives (memory sticks) are small solid-state storage devices that connect to a computer via a USB port. They are another example of @ flash drive/memory. They are known as pen drives or memory sticks. The following table compares the uses and advantages and disadvantages of pen drives. legal to photocopy this page a Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology Study and Revision Guide Second EditionStorage devices and media © Back upfiles/data such @ Verycompact and portable storage | @ Longevity still an issue [but this {3s photos and music device (e.g. can be kept on a key ring) situation continues to improvel (© Transportfiles/data___@ Veryrabust device Ino moving parts] | @ Itisnt possible to write-protect between computers @ Don't need additional software towork | data: care must be taken not to © Asecurity device(eg. © Not affected by magnatc fields ‘overwrite data accidentally ‘containing essentia les @ Plug straight into a USB port © Easyto lose due to small size tomakesoftware work] © Dont need much current to operate @ Care needed when removing “called. dongle’ when @ Allow for permanent deletion of data device from computer follow the Used in this way Very good data transfer rates correct removal procedure or data © When battery-powered, corruption or data loss can occur] '$80s can be used as © the device internals become (MP3) damaged, it may be impossible to recover lost data 3.3.4 Memory cards Memory cards use solid-state technology. There are three common types: ‘© SD cards (Secure Digital card) very small, used primarily where high capacity is needed (e.g. digital video recorders/cameras, smartphones, tablets and drones). XD cards (eXtreme Digital card): a type of removable memory card designed for use in digital cameras. Fast card (Compact Fast card): 2 memory card used in very small devices (e.g. used as a removable memory in high-end digital cameras). re ons '© Store photos on digital | @ Very compact - can be used in Expensive per GB comparad to HODs ‘cameras smal portable devices (such asa | @ Much lower storage than other types of © Inmobite phones to camera) portable storage device ‘extend memory © Nomoving parts: very durable @ Havea finite number af read/write © InMP3 playersto store @ Makes iteasy to transfer photos cycles music between devices (© Easy to lose or be stolen due to small © Abacking store inhand-@ Relatively large memory capacities | size held devices (© Not all computers/devices have memory card readers 3.4 The future of storage devices Flash memory is fast becoming the most common device for storage and for transferring data between devices. However, these days, data/files are now stored on remote cloud servers. Music and movies are often streamed straight from the internet, thus there is no need to store the music or movies on a computer. Many televisions are now smart televisfons and programmes can be streamed on demand, meaning OVD and Blu-ray players are no longer needed. Sample questions and responses ‘a) Name three types of media used in secondary storage devices. [3 marks] b) A current secondary storage medium has enabled the development of items such as smartphones, tablets and very thin laptop computers. 4) Name this medium. ‘i) Explain why this medium has allowed development of smartphones, tablets and thin laptop computers. ‘abed sup Adosoj0ud 0 [4 marks} Hodder & Stoughton Limited © David Watson and Graham Brown 2022 illegal to photocopy this page 3.4 The future of storage devices Sample high-level answer 8) magnetic (doks and tape), optical (CDIDVD/Bluay) and sold state, 9) solid-state |i) solid-state devices have the following features: they are very thin have low power consumption and run very cool = they arelightneight = they have no moving parts and are very rélable = they havea very fast data transfer rate ~ datacanbe permanently deleted. Allofthe above features alow for smaller and smaller devices tobe developed, sine they don't take up much space and allow more component's tobe crammed into small paces, In (bl four marks are awarded for naming the ‘medium; this means no real details required ‘and you can be as brief as possible. However, part (bli) requires an explanation, so you need to mention the advantages and features of the technology that allowed it to be used in the development of the named devices in the Sample low-level answer 2) Hard disk dre (HDD). CD/DVD writerreaderandsold-state deve (660). » 9 990 i) low power concumption big capacity and low might question. Teacher's comments ‘The First answer shows a clear understanding of the difference between ‘medium and device and has given more than enough in part (b)ii) to gain ‘maximum marks. ‘The second answer gets no marks since they have confused medium with device in all cases - very unfortunate since they obviously knew the technologies. It highlights the importance of reading the question carefully and making sure you answer the question accurately. Part (b)(}) again names a device and not the medium. But some leeway could be exercised in part ()() since they obviously knew the question referred to solid state ~ two marks are possible (‘big capacity’ i just too vague to be worth any marks). Beek eke hes 11 Tick (V1 whether the following devices use magnetic, optical or soli state technology: c al Solid Blu-ray reader/writer player Portable hard disk dr Flash drive I Fast card [ DVD-RW drive [ Pen drive | al a 2 a Blu-ray and DVD are two types of disk that use optical technology. | Describe three differences between Blu-ray and DVD. [3]. ii Give one application that uses Blu-ray and one application that uses DVD-RW. a1 b Hard disk drives (HDDs| and solid-state drives [SSDs] are used in many computers. I Describe three differences between HDDs and SSDs. ta li Explain why SSDs are gradually leading to the phasing out of HDDs. (1 a Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology Study and Revision Guide Second Edition3 Storage devices and media 3 Indicate whether the following ten statements are True or False by placing a tick (71 in the appropriate box. — True) Fal ‘550s suffer from high latency due tothe time it takes for disks to spin round to the read/write head [Blu-ray discs only allow data to be read Platters in an HOD can be recorded on both the bottom and top surfaces ‘The data transfer rate isthe time i takes to locate data on an HOD Both DVDs and Blu-ray dises use dual-layer technology SSDs have @ shorter working life than the equivalent HODs (One advantage of flash drives is that old data can be permanently deleted CD-RW can act as a ROM Solid-state drives have many complex moving _parts that makes them wear out quickly Blu-ray dics use laser light mith a shorter wavelength than DVDs tol 4 Complete the following sentences by writing the correct missing term or phrase. a Solid-state devices use a anda. at the intersection ofa grid of transistors; by applying an exact, ‘pattern of... can be created 16) b Blu-ray discs use ight toread and write data: both DVDs and Blu-ray discs Use... toincrease their storage capacity... have built-in secure ‘encryption (31 ¢ Hard disk drives contain a number of which can be made from each disk surface has a. head that floats on a cushion of air; HODs suffer from due to the relatively long time it takes data to be read waiting for the disk to rotate round to the read/write head. [4] 5 Explain why optical disks are slowly being phased out. In your answer, give a justification for each statement you make and indicate why they are being phased out ta 6 Astudent was looking at a laptop made in 2012 and was ‘comparing it to one made in 2022. They noticed the 2012 laptop. was much thicker and heavier than the 2022 model. They also noticed that the 2012 model had a DVD/CD player/writer ina side drawer, a touchpad and four USB connectors. However, the 2022 ‘model had only one USB-C connector. no touchpad and no external devices, such as a DVO reader/writer. Explain the advances in technology between the 2012 laptop and the 2022 laptop (51 ‘abed sup Adoaoj0ud 01 Hodder & Stoughton Limited © David Watson and Graham Brown 2022 aNetworks and the effects of using them Key objectives The objectives ofthis chapter are to revise: fe networks rN rauters = common network devices: network interface cards, hubs, switches, bridges = WiFi and Bluetooth = cloud computing = intranets, extranets and the internet = networks, wireless local area networks and wide area networks ties and communication security [including passwords and authentication) -malware = electronic conferencing, 4.1 Networks EE | 4.1.1 Common network devices and terms Network interface card ‘Anetwork interface card (NIC) allows a device to connect to a network, such as the internet. It is usually part of the internal motherboard, but they can also be wireless (WNICs) and use an antenna to communicate with a network using microwaves (NICs can either plug into a USB port or be installed internaly). Each NIC is given a unique hard-wired media access control address. Media access control address ‘The media access control (MAC) address is a hexadecimal number that uniquely identifies a device. MAC addresses use 48 bits made up of six groups of hexadecimal digits: NN = NN ~ NN bb - DD - DD Manufacturer's code Device serial number For example: 00 ~ 1 ~ B3 - 4F ~ 25 ~ FF is the MAC address of an Apple” device. MAC addresses are useful in identifying network faults since they uniquely identify each device connected to the network. Internet Protocol address ‘Whenever a device connects to the internet, it is given an Internet Protocol (IP) address supplied by Internet Service Provider. This will change each time a user connects (website servers keep the same IP value since they dor't log off the network and are always connected). Protocols are necessary since they define the rules agreed by senders ‘and receivers of data when communicating over the internet. There are presently two type of IP address: ‘© IPvé: this is based on 32 bits and is written as four groups of 8 bits (G2 bits), for example: 254.25.28.77 Itis illegal to photocopy this page i Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology Study and Revision Guide Second Edition4 Networks and the effects of using them ‘© IPV6: since IPv4 no longer offers sufficient unique addresses on the internet as it continues to expand, IPv6 is now being adopted; this uses 128 bits written as eight groups of four hexadecimal digits, for example: |ASFB:7A88:FFFO:OFFF:3021:2085:66FB:FOFA Data packets Data moved round networks is split up into data packets; each data packet travels from ‘A’ to ‘8’ independently. The data packet has a header and a trailer. The trailer indicates the end of the data packet and also contains an error-checking mechanism. The header contains the following items: © sender's IP address © receiver's IP address ‘© sequence number (so packets can be reassembled in the correct order) © packet size (number of bytes) ‘© number of packets in the whole message. ‘When a router receives a data packet, it checks the recipient IP address against a routing table and determines the next stage in its journey. The sequence numbers allow the data packets to be reassembled in the correct order at the destination address. Hubs: Hubs are hardware devices usually found in local area networks (LANS). They deliver all data packets received by a network to all devices on the network. This causes unnecessary traffic on the network reducing bandwidth, This is not secure, as every device is receiving every data packet. Switches. ‘Switches are ‘intelligent’ hubs. They deliver each data packet to a specific device on a network (switches contain MAC addresses of all devices on a network). None of the other devices will see the data packet, thus reducing traffic and improving security. The following table summarises the features of hubs and switches: '@ Usod to exchange data packets within their own LANS © Used to.connect devices ina network together (© Can't exchange data ith external networks. ‘Switches send data packets toa ‘specific device onthe network © Security using switches is bettor ‘than in hubs. (© Switches use MAC addresses to locate devices on the network © Switches use a lock-up table to find the MAC address ofthe device intended to receive the data packet Used to exchange data packets within their own LANS. 1© Used to connect devices ina network together © Can't exchange data with external pnotworks. Hubs send data packets to every device connected to the network ‘bed sun AdoDovoud 01 166) Hodder & Stoughton Limited © David Watson and Graham Brown 2022 a4.1 Networks Bridges Bridges are used to connect a LAN to another LAN that uses the same protocol. They allow separate LANs to be joined to form a single LAN. Bridges cannot communicate with external networks. 4.1.2 Routers Routers are used to route data packets from one network to another network using IP addresses. Routers are used to join a LAN to the internet or to other external networks: When a data packet is received, the router inspects the IP address of the recipient and determines whether the data packet is intended for its own network or for another network; if the IP address indicates another network, the data packet is sent to the next router. Routers use a routing table that contains information about the router's immediate network and information about routers in the immediate vicinity. This allows routers to establish how to deal with each data packet. Routers don't store MAC addresses; only IP addresses are stored so it knows where to send the data packet in the next stage of its journey. Many modern broadband routers combine the function of a router and a switch, The following table compares the function of routers and bridges: com Bridge ‘The main objective ofa router isto connect various types of network Ae aan obiective ala brigoelet connect LANs tegether together Routers scan adevice's IP address __| Bridges scan a device's MAC address Data is sent out using data packets | Data is sent out using data packets ‘Connected networks willuse different | Connects networks together that use protocols the same protocols ‘A routing table is used todirect data Bridges don't make use of routing packets tothe correct device tables ‘Aroutor has more than two ports __ A bridge has only two ports 4.1.3 WiFi and Bluetooth WiFi and Bluetooth both allow wireless communications between devices. The following table compares WiFi and Bluetooth: WiFi Bluetooth (@ WiFisendsand receives radio | © Bluetooth uses rado waves in a band of 79 frequencies known as waves in many frequency bands channels} @ Bestsuitedto operating full-scale | © Used when transferring data between two or more devices in close =] | networks becouseitotfers much proximity, where speed of transmission is notimportat e.g. sending z faster data transfer rates, better music to Bluetooth headphones) =| | rangeandbettersecuritythan | @ Whena device wants to communicate it picks one of the 79 channels at 2| | tueteoth random E| |e WiFimakes use ofwireless access |@ ta channel is already in use, another one is chosen 3] |” points (aPst~also known as Maximum elective range i 30m 2 | | hotspots Toinerease security, devices constantly change channels epread- 2 |e Maximumettectve ranges 100m spectrum frequency hopping) | | wiFican connect manydevices toa | @ Can only allow upt seven devices tbe connected at once | |” network atthe same time Makes use of key matching encryption [devices are pared and 3 B|_ |e Uses Wireless Equivalent Privacy | temporary key used to encrypt data, Once encrypted a long-term key | |* (weplana WiFi Protected Access replaces the tomporary key and the connection is encrypted forms 9 (weal secure wireless personal area network - WPAN) *] Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology Study and Revision Guide Second Edition4.1.4 Cloud computing 4 Networks and the effects of using them Cloud storage is a method of data storage using physical remote servers. The data is Frequently stored on more than one server in case maintenance/ repairs need to be carried out (this is called data redundancy). There are three common types of cloud storage: . provider are different companies/entities . client and cloud storage provider act as a single entity. . Private cloud: storage provided by dedicated servers behind a Public cloud: a storage environment where the client and cloud storage eval; Hybrid cloud: a combination of public and private clouds; sensitive data is stored on a private cloud and other data is stored on a public cloud. The following table compares the advantages and disadvantages of using cloud storage. '© Client files stored in the cloud can be accessed atary@ time, from any device, anywhere in the world, provided internet access is available ‘There is no need for acustomer/client to carry an external ‘storage device with them, or even use the same computer, to store and retrieve information ‘The claud provides the user with remate backup of data to alleviate data loss/disaster recovery la customer/lient has a failure of their harddisk or backup device, cloud storage wil allow recovery oftheir data ‘The cloud system offers almost unlimited storage capacity fat price! ‘Security aspects of storing datain the cloud (see below tab! Ifthe customer/cient has a slow or unstable internet connection, they could have problems accessing or downloading their data/files Costs can be high a large storage capacity is required: also high download/upload data transfer limits with the customer/lient internet Service Provider can be expensive Potential failure ofthe cloud storage company is always possible this posesa risk of loss of all backup data ‘There are issues regarding cloud security and data loss. A user needs to ask: ‘© What physical security exists in the building housing the servers? ‘© How well protected are the servers against natural disasters or power cuts? ‘© How secure is the data with regards to personnel who work for the cloud provider? There have been cases of data loss through hacking (these breaches ‘include the leaking of Facebook accounts in 2019 and Capital One bank had 80000 banks accounts hacked in 2019) 4.1.5 Common network environments: Refer to Chapter 10, p.117 regarding extranets, intranets and the internet. 4.1.6 Network types There are three comman types of network: 4 local area network © wireless local area network ‘© wide area network Local area network ‘When using local area networks (LANs), connected devices geographically close, for example in one building. The devices are connected together using hubs or switches. One hub or switch is usually connected to a router to connect the LAN to external networks, like the internet. are usually ‘bed sun AdoDovoud 01 166) Hodder & Stoughton Limited © David Watson and Graham Brown 2022 a4.1 Networks The following table highlights the advantages and disadvantages of networking computers and devices (such as printers) in the form of a LAN: EETeOr © Thessharing ofresources, suchas @ Easier spread of viruses throughout ‘expensive peripherals fe.9.acolour | the whole network laser printer] and applications @ Queues can form for shared software resources (such asa printer, which '© Better communication between canbe frustrating users of the LAN (© Slower access to external (© Anetwork administrator can control networks, such asthe internet ‘and monitor all aspects of the @ Increased security risk when network (2.9. changing passwords, compared to stand-alone monitoring internet use and so.enl computers (© tthe main server breaks down, in many types of network structures, the network will no longer function properly Wireless local area networks Wireless LANs (WLANs) are very similar to LANs, but they don’t use wires and cables to connect devices together, they use WiFi. Devices, known as access points, or hotspots, are connected using wires into a network at fixed locations. Users or devices can then access the network wirelessly at these access points. WLANs use spread-spectrum technology (with a range of 30 m to 50 m) or infrared (range of less than 5 m). The following table compares the relative advantages and disadvantages of using wired and wireless networks: Wireless networking Wired networking This easier to expand the networks andit isn't Using cables produces a more reliable and stable network. necessary to connect the devices using cables. This Wireless connectivity is often subjected to interference ‘ives devices increased mobility povided they are within range of the wireless APS No cabling so there isa safety improvement and | Having lots of wires can lead toa number of hazards such increased flexibility 2s tripping hazards, overheating of connections [leading toa potential fre risk] and disconnection of cables during reutine office cleaning ‘Theres an increased chance of interference from | Setting up cabled networks tends to be cheaper overall in external sources spite of the need to buy and install cables Data is less secure than with wired systems. tis | Cabled networks lose the ability for devices to be mobile; ‘easier to intercept radio waves and microwaves must be close enough to allow for cable connections. than cables, soit is essential to protect data transmissions by using encryption Data transmission rate is stl stower than for cabled networks although it continues to improve Itis possible fr signals tobe stopped by thick walls (eg. in old houses) and there may be areas of variable signal strength leading to “drop out Data transfer rates tend tobe faster and there won't be any ‘dead spots’ Wide area networks ‘Wide area networks (WANs) cover a large area geographically, for example a whole country or even larger. WANS are a number of LANs connected together by a series of routers (e.g. the network of ATMs is a WAN as is the internet) legal to photocopy this page a Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology Study and Revision Guide Second Edition4 Networks and the effects of using them Due to the large geographical distances, WANs make use of the public communications infrastructure (e.g. telephone lines and satellites) but sometimes use private dedicated lines if greater security is needed. The typical distances that define the type of network are: ‘© WAN: 100 km to over 1000 km ‘© MAN: 1 km to 100 km 'AMAN is a metropolitan area network; this is rot in the syllabus but is included here for completeness, Sample questions and responses Ey | 4) Describe the differences between hubs and switches when used on a LAN. [3 marks} b) Describe the differences between routers and bridges. [3 marks} _ | Both these questions re ‘describe" so iti necessary to includi features of hubs, switches, routers and bridges. An unbalanced answer will inevitably lose many of the available marks. Sample high-level answer 4) First ofall there are a numberof similarities between hubs and switches: © they both alow the exchange of data within their own LANS © nolther dovice can communicate or exchange data with an external network (© they are both used to connect devices together to forma LAN, ‘Themain differences canbe summarised as follows: © switches send data packets toa specific device on the network © secunty using witches is better than security using hubs (© switches use MAC addresces tolocate devices on the network (© switches use alookup table tofind the MAC address of the device intended to receive the data packet: (© hubs send data packets to every device connected to the network 8) Themain features oF routers include: (© themain bjective ofarouter is to connect various types of network together © routers use data packets to send out data across networks (© routersallow networks with different: protocols to understand data and ‘communications (© they usea routing table to direct data packets to the correct network and hence device. ‘The main features of bridges include © bridges connect LAN using the same protocole together (© they use MAC addresses to identify devices on the comected networks (© data ls sent-to devices on the connected networks and outside using data packer structures (© unlike routers, they dorituse routing tables. ‘The above features indicate a numberof similarities and cfferences between ‘the four devices named in the question. ‘Sample low-level answer 2) Hubs and sutches are used innetworks to senddata around the network. Hubs are usedn LAN and svches ar sed in WLANs whch schema

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