ISF DP Computer Science

System Fundamentals #

TermMeaning
PlanningThe process of making a detailed plan for a system before it is implemented.
System installationThe process of setting up and installing a new system.
Change managementThe process of managing and implementing changes in an organization.
Compatibility issuesIssues that may arise when different systems interact with each other, particularly on an international basis.
Implementation processesThe various methods used to implement or convert to a new system, such as parallel running, pilot running, direct changeover, and phased conversion.
Data migrationThe process of transferring data from one system to another.
TestingThe process of evaluating a system’s functionality and performance to ensure it meets its requirements.
User documentationDocumentation that provides instructions and information about how to use a system.
User trainingThe process of training users to operate and interact with a new system.
System backupThe process of creating and storing a copy of a system’s data to protect against data loss.
Software deploymentThe process of releasing and updating software in a networked environment.
Computer system componentsThe physical and virtual components that make up a computer system, including hardware, software, peripherals, networks, and human resources.
System design and analysisThe process of designing and analyzing a system to ensure it meets its requirements and is effective.
StakeholdersThe individuals or groups who have an interest in a system, including the end-users, developers, and clients.
Requirements gatheringThe process of gathering information and requirements from stakeholders to ensure a system meets their needs.
System prototypesA preliminary version of a system used to demonstrate its functionality to stakeholders.
UsabilityThe measure of how easy and effective a system is to use.
Human-machine interactionThe relationship and interaction between humans and machines, particularly in the context of computer systems.
Social and ethical issuesIssues related to the impact of computer systems on society, including privacy, intellectual property, and the environment.

Example Problems | 1.1 Systems in Organizations #

System Installation #

State one benefit of using software-as-a-service (SaaS). [1]


State one drawback of using software-as-a-service (SaaS). [1]


An organization is implementing a new computer system.

Identify two organizational issues related to the implementation of the new system. [2]


Outline two aspects of change management that need to be considered, other than data migration. [4]


Changever Methods #

Describe one method of implementation for a new computer system. [2]


Describe the pilot running method for the implementation of a new system. [2]


A decision needs to be made on whether to use parallel running or a direct changeover method of implementation.

Explain one advantage of using parallel running instead of a direct changeover. [3]


Explain why parallel running is an expensive changeover method. [3]


Compare direct changeover with parallel running as a method of implementation. [4]


Evaluate phased conversion as a method of installation for a new system. [4]


The management considered phased conversion and direct changeover as methods of implementation.

Evaluate these two methods of implementation. [5]


The new system is now ready for implementation.

Evaluate two methods the business could use to implement the new system. Include the benefits and drawbacks of each. [6]


Legacy Systems #

Outline the meaning of the term “legacy system”. [2]


An organization needs to improve its current computer systems. The systems are legacy systems with a large number of end users.

Identify two issues concerning the roles of end users that must be considered in relation to the new system. [2]


The organization will continue to maintain the legacy system.

Explain one problem of maintaining legacy systems. [3]


Data Migration #

An international organization is moving its offices from Africa to Europe. All of its data will need to be moved to a new system.

Define the term data migration. [1]


The organization needs to use existing data in the new system.

Explain one problem that may occur during data migration. [3]


Images are sometimes larger than the limit placed on email attachments. For example, a 60 MB image file needs to be sent by email without losing quality, but a file larger than 10 MB cannot be uploaded as an attachment.

Describe how large image files can be sent by email. [3]


Outline two issues that could arise concerning data migration. [4]


Mergers #

State two compatibility issues that may arise when international businesses merge. [2]


State two compatibility issues that may occur when two information technology (IT) systems are merged. [2]


Documentation #

State the purpose of technical documentation provided with software. [1]


Outline one reason why accurate user documentation is necessary for a system. [2]


Identify two ways that user documentation may be provided. [2]


Identify two methods of providing user documentation. [2]


Training #

Identify one method of training for end users. [1]


Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages for the end user of the method of training identified above. [3]


Outline one method that can be used to deliver user training. [2]


Software Deployment #

Outline one way in which users can be informed of software updates. [2]


Identify two reasons why patches may be necessary for an operating system. [2]


Identify two methods that can be used to obtain these patches. [2]


Testing #

State one type of testing that involves users. [1]


Outline one reason testing should take place at every stage of the development process. [2]


Describe the purpose of user acceptance testing. [2]


Outline one consequence of not involving end-users in the design and testing stages. [2]


Outline why beta testing is useful. [2]


A software company has been employed to program and implement a new system proposed by the systems analyst.

Explain why software testing is important at all stages of implementation. [3]


The company decides to improve its service by introducing a new user interface for its customers and has developed this interface to the point that it needs to be tested by users who are outside of the company.

Explain why beta testing is used to gather feedback for the new user interface. [3]


Identify three consequences of inadequate testing. [3]


The company decides to improve its service by introducing a new user interface for its customers and has developed this interface to the point that it needs to be tested by users who are outside of the company.

Explain why beta testing is used to gather feedback for the new user interface. [3]


Data Loss #

Identify one cause of data loss. [1]


Describe one method that can be used to prevent data loss. [2]


Describe one way offsite storage can be used to prevent data loss. [2]


A large mail order company is concerned about the security of its stored data.

Describe two possible causes of data loss. [4]


Outline two backup strategies that may be used to limit data loss. [4]

Example Problems | 1.2 System Design Basics #

Components of a Computer System #

Define the term peripheral. [1]


An airline has a server that holds the flight database. Passengers can check in using a number of self-service client kiosks located in the airport.

Define the term client. [1]


Identify two roles that a computer can perform in a network. [2]


Define the term server. [1]


A school has a local area network (LAN) connecting its computers and peripheral devices. The LAN also provides access to the internet.

Describe the role of a router in this network. [3]


An airline has a server that holds the flight database. Passengers can check in using a number of self-service client kiosks located in the airport.

Explain the functions performed by the server in this situation. [4]


Stakeholders #

A business’s computer system needs to be updated.

Identify one stakeholder to be considered when planning the new system. [1]


Outline one consequence of not including all stakeholders in the design of the new system. [2]


Gathering Requirements #

Identify one method of gathering requirements from end users. [1]


A systems analyst has been employed to make proposals on how to improve the current operation of a design company.\ To achieve this, the analyst decided to carry out interviews.

Identify one other method of obtaining information from the end-users. [1]


Outline one advantage of using the method identified in part (a)(i) in preference to interviews. [2]


Describe two appropriate techniques to gather the information needed to find a suitable solution for the updated system. [4]


Describe two advantages of using surveys to determine user requirements for updating a computer system. [4]


Describe two advantages of using direct observations to determine user requirements for updating a computer system. [4]


System Design #

Outline the purpose of a system flow chart. [2]


Outline the purpose of prototypes. [2]


A company is using a prototyping approach as part of their software development process.

Outline one advantage of prototyping. [2]


Outline one situation in which the use of a prototype is not the best approach. [2]


Describe the role of end users in the process of replacing an old computer system with a new one. [2]


Usability and Accessibility #

State two usability issues that could occur when using a cell phone (mobile phone). [2]


Identify two usability problems that can occur in a voice recognition system. [2]


Identify one common feature found in the user interface of application software to improve its usability. [1]


Identify two methods that can be used to improve the accessibility of a computer system for users. [2]


Social Issues #

Describe one way a cell phone app can help the user improve their health. [2]


Outline one concern of cell phone apps sharing the location of the user. [2]


Employees are increasingly working from home.

Discuss the social impacts of this changed work pattern on employees. [4]


State one other hardware or software problem associated with the use of images. [1]


Ethical Issues #

A student posts images and videos on a public website of her friends at a party.

Outline one ethical issue with the student posting these images and videos. [2]


Using images in design may have ethical considerations.

Explain one ethical problem associated with using images. [3]


Discuss the social and ethical issues associated with the introduction of a new computer system. [4]