Manipulation Processing b Batch Processing b Interactive Processing

Manipulation & Processing b Batch Processing b Interactive Processing - NEW b Real-time Processing b Transaction b IT 02 Pseudo Real-time Processing

Part Question ICT 2 January 2001 (a) Explain what the term batch processing means. (3 marks) (c) Explain what the term transaction processing means. (3 marks)

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Some key points Batch Processing allows efficient processing of a large volume of documents all of the same type. all data is collected together over a set period of time/into batches of a set size to be processed in one computer run without any human intervention

Some key points Transaction processing deals with each set of data as it is submitted. Each transaction is completed, before the next is begun.

Manipulation & Processing Data as Text - stored, retrieved, edited, searched, deleted etc. Pictures - stored, cropped, resized etc. Numbers - arithmetic calculations etc. Sound - sampled, stored, edited etc.

Dissemination and Distribution how information is displayed Text Tables Graphics (static moving) Sound and what form/methods are used for distribution Hard/soft copy e-mail, presentation, formal report etc.

Hardware; Nature, Capabilities & Limitations Characteristics, Capabilities and Limitations of: Input Devices Output Devices Storage Devices Communications Devices

Question ICT 2 January 2001 3 State a suitable medium for transferring sound files, and give a reason for your choice. (2 marks)

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Answer ICT 2 January 2001 3 Sound files are most commonly transported these days using Compact Disks. We buy them all the time. CDs are used because they are quite cheap to produce and can hold a lot of data, making them prefect for albums.

What the Principal Examiner said Question 3 This question was generally poorly answered with candidates not realising that the medium for the transfer of files was required e. g. CD-ROM, CD-R/W. Either the format of the sound files was stated e. g. ‘wav’ or a method of transfer e. g. e-mail.

Security of Data how to look after your data Privacy • knowing who is allowed to see the data Security • keeping data safe from what shouldn't happen to it Integrity • making sure that data doesn’t become corrupt or have errors introduced during processing

Network Environments Elements • Hardware • Software • Communications and topology Characteristics LAN versus WAN

Human/Computer Interface b HCI b Types • GUI • WYSIWYG • Menu Driven • Command Line • Natural Language

Natural Language

Common User Interface 6 All the staff in a small office use the same word-processing, spreadsheet and database packages. These packages all have a common user interface. (a) Give four advantages of having a common user interface. (4 marks)

Ideas to include in an answer · · · ease of transfer of skills to different packages shorter familiarisation/learning time after learning first package less training costs for employer greater range of tasks/software accessible to users confidence building for naive users

What the Principal Examiner said Few candidates read this question carefully enough, and did not realise that the advantages required referred to the ‘Common User Interface’ shared by the packages and gave answers about ease of transfer of data between the packages or about being able to use different computers within the office.