Question 1

(1a)(i) Definition of domain name
A domain name is a unique address used to identify a website on the internet. It serves as the human-readable form of an IP address, making it easier for users to access websites without remembering long strings of numbers.

(1a)(ii) Examples of domain name extensions and uses

• .com – used mainly by commercial organizations and businesses.
• .org – used mainly by non-profit and non-governmental organizations.
• .edu – used by educational institutions such as schools, colleges and universities.
• .gov – used by government ministries, departments and agencies.
• .mil – used by military and defence organizations.
• .net – used by network providers, internet service providers and related organizations.

(1b)(i) Difference between auxiliary storage and main storage
Main storage (primary memory) is the internal memory directly accessible by the CPU, such as RAM and ROM. It is very fast and is used to store data and instructions that are currently being processed. RAM is volatile, meaning it loses its contents when power is switched off, and it generally has limited capacity compared with secondary storage.
Auxiliary storage (secondary memory) is external to the CPU and is used for long-term and permanent storage of data. Examples include hard disk drives, solid-state drives, USB flash drives and DVDs. It is slower than main memory but non-volatile, retains data when power is off and usually has much larger storage capacity.

(1b)(ii) Steps to add page numbers in MS Word

• Click on the Insert tab on the ribbon.
• In the Header & Footer group, click on Page Number.
• Select the desired position for the page number, e.g. Top of Page or Bottom of Page.
• Choose the preferred page number style from the gallery.
• When satisfied, click Close Header and Footer to apply the page numbers to the document.

Question 2

(2a)(i) Flowchart to calculate area of a rectangle
The logical steps in flowchart form are:

• START
• INPUT length (L) and breadth (B)
• PROCESS: AREA = L × B
• OUTPUT: display AREA
• END

(2a)(ii) Relational operators used in programming

• = – equal to
• <> or != – not equal to
• < – less than
• > – greater than
• <= – less than or equal to
• >= – greater than or equal to

(2b)(i) Flowchart symbols and their meanings

• Oval / Terminal symbol – represents the Start or End of a program.
• Rectangle / Process box – represents a process or operation such as calculation or assignment.
• Diamond / Decision box – represents a decision point where a condition is tested, usually resulting in Yes/No or True/False branches.
• Parallelogram – represents input or output operations such as reading data or displaying results.
• Arrow – shows the direction of flow or sequence of steps in the program.

(2b)(ii) Definition of algorithm
An algorithm is a step-by-step, well-defined set of instructions or rules designed to solve a specific problem or accomplish a particular task. A good algorithm must be clear, finite in length, and must produce a correct result when followed.

Question 3

(3a) Definitions of networking devices

• Router: A router is a device that connects multiple networks together and directs data packets between them. It examines the destination address and determines the best path for data transmission from one network to another.
• Modem: A modem is a device that modulates and demodulates signals to allow computers to transmit data over telephone or cable lines. It converts digital signals from a computer to analog signals for transmission, and converts received analog signals back to digital form.
• Switch: A switch is a networking device that connects multiple devices within a local area network (LAN). It uses the MAC addresses of devices to forward data frames only to the specific port where the destination device is connected, reducing unnecessary traffic.

(3b) Difference between binary and octal number systems
Binary number system: This is a base 2 number system that uses only two digits, 0 and 1. It is the fundamental language of computers because all data and instructions inside the computer are represented in binary form.
Octal number system: This is a base 8 number system that uses eight digits, from 0 to 7. It is often used as a shorthand notation for binary numbers, because each octal digit corresponds exactly to three binary digits (bits).

(3c) Components of a computer system (block diagram description)
The computer system can be represented in a block diagram with the following major components:

• Central Processing Unit (CPU): This is the brain of the computer and contains:
  • Control Unit (CU) – directs and coordinates all operations of the computer system by interpreting instructions and controlling other units.
  • Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) – performs arithmetic operations such as addition and subtraction, and logical operations such as comparisons.
  • Registers – very high-speed temporary storage locations inside the CPU used to hold data and instructions currently being processed.
• Main Memory (Primary Storage): Comprises RAM and ROM. It stores data and programs that are currently in use so that the CPU can access them quickly.
• Input Units: Devices such as keyboard, mouse, scanner and microphone used to enter data and instructions into the computer.
• Output Units: Devices such as monitor, printer and speakers used to display or present the results of processing to the user.

Question 4

(4a)(i) Compiler
A compiler is a type of language translator that converts an entire program written in a high-level programming language into machine code (object code) at once before execution. The compiler reads the whole source code, checks for errors, translates it into machine language, and then the resulting executable program can be run many times without further translation.

(4a)(ii) Conversion of 742₈ to binary
Write each octal digit as its equivalent 3-bit binary number:
7 = 111, 4 = 100, 2 = 010
Therefore:
742₈ = 111 100 010₂ = 111100010₂.

(4a)(iii) Ways to protect a computer from viruses

• Install reputable antivirus software and update it regularly.
• Avoid downloading files or software from unknown or untrusted websites.
• Do not open suspicious email attachments or click on unknown links.
• Keep the operating system and all application software up to date with the latest security patches.
• Scan external storage devices such as USB drives and external hard disks before opening files.
• Enable and properly configure firewall protection to block unauthorized access.

(4b) How CPU registers carry out addition
The CPU performs addition using its internal registers and the ALU in the following sequence:

• The first operand (number) is fetched from memory and loaded into a register, for example, Register A.
• The second operand is fetched and loaded into another register, for example, Register B.
• The control unit instructs the Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) to perform an addition operation on the contents of Register A and Register B.
• The ALU adds the two values and places the result in a special register called the accumulator or another designated register.
• The result stored in the accumulator can then be written back to main memory, displayed as output, or used as input for another operation.

Question 5

(5a)(i) Communication system
A communication system is a set of devices, transmission media and protocols that work together to transfer information from one point to another. It normally consists of a sender (source), a transmission medium or channel, and a receiver (destination).

(5a)(ii) Benefits of ICT

• Provides faster and easier communication across long distances through email, instant messaging and video calls.
• Gives easy access to information and resources via the internet and online databases.
• Improves efficiency and productivity in businesses through automation and better data management.
• Enables e-commerce, online banking and electronic payment systems.
• Supports distance learning, virtual classrooms and e-education platforms.
• Creates new employment opportunities in areas such as software development, networking and technical support.

(5a)(iii) Icon
An icon is a small graphical image or symbol displayed on a computer screen that represents a program, file, folder or function. When a user clicks or double-clicks on an icon, the associated item is opened or executed.

(5b)(i) Reasons for computerization in business

• To increase the speed and efficiency of processing business transactions.
• To ensure accurate record-keeping and reliable data management.
• To reduce human errors in calculations and data entry.
• To allow easy storage and quick retrieval of large volumes of data.
• To improve communication within the organization and with customers and suppliers.
• To reduce overall operating costs in the long run through automation and better resource utilization.

(5b)(ii) Differences between CorelDraw and PowerPoint

• Purpose: CorelDraw is a vector graphics and illustration software used for designing logos, flyers, posters and professional artwork, while PowerPoint is a presentation software used to create slideshow presentations.
• Primary users: CorelDraw is used mainly by graphic designers and print professionals, whereas PowerPoint is widely used by students, teachers and business professionals for communication and teaching.
• Output type: CorelDraw produces high-quality, scalable vector graphics suitable for printing and digital media, while PowerPoint produces presentation slides that combine text, images, charts and simple animations for display on screen or projector.

Question 6

(6a)(i) Mesh topology
Mesh topology is a network layout in which every device (node) is connected directly to every other device in the network. This provides multiple paths for data to travel between any two devices.

(6a)(ii) Disadvantages of mesh topology

• Very expensive to install because it requires a large amount of cabling.
• Installation, configuration and cabling are complex and time-consuming.
• Requires many network interface cards and ports on devices.
• Difficult to manage, maintain and troubleshoot due to the many connections.
• Not practical or economical for very large networks because of high cost and complexity.

(6b)(i) Form in a database
A form in a database is a user-friendly interface object used to enter, view, edit and display data stored in tables. It arranges fields neatly on the screen and makes data entry easier for users who may not be familiar with working directly with raw tables.

(6b)(ii) Scientists and their inventions

• Blaise Pascal: Invented the Pascaline (Pascal's calculator) around 1642. It was one of the earliest mechanical calculators, capable of performing addition and subtraction.
• Charles Babbage: Designed the Analytical Engine in the 1830s, a mechanical general-purpose computer considered the forerunner of modern computers. It used punched cards and was capable of performing a variety of calculations automatically.

(6b)(iii) Views in MS Word

• Print Layout View: Displays the document exactly as it will appear when printed, showing margins, page breaks, headers, footers and other layout elements. It is the most commonly used view for editing documents.
• Web Layout View: Shows the document as it would appear in a web browser, without fixed page breaks. Text and graphics are arranged to fit the screen width, making it suitable for designing web pages and online documents.