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|1-AS Level Computing - Exam Questions


                        By JOKre of WILDFIRE


$F81
 On Tuesday 21st May 1996 09:30am I, JOKre, sat my AS Level 
Computing exam. The exam consisted of two parts, cleverly titled  A and 
B. Part A had 12 questions of which all must be answered. Part B had 3 
long questions of which any two must be answered. The exam lasted for 
three hours. It was advised that 2 hours be spent on part A and 1 on 
part B.
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 I did intend to make a note of the questions as I thought it would make 
an interesting article for anyone thinking of taking the exam in the 
future but my piece of rough paper was confiscated by the invigilator 
before the start of the exam.
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 There now follows all of the questions that I can remember. I have most 
probably got some of the wording wrong and I am taking an educated guess 
as to how many marks they were worth.
 Each answer in Part A should use approx. 1 page of A4 paper each. The 
answers to part B should be 2 - 3 pages long each.
$F84
 SECTION A

 Q1 - Explain two problems which may arise when attempting to transfer 
data between two software packages and suggest ways that these problems 
may be solved. Use examples where appropriate.
                                                    (6 Marks)
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 Q2 - Information technology is often used to maintain "Just in Time" 
stock control systems. Describe how this type of control works and 
explain why companies prefer this method of stock control.
                                                    (6 Marks)
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 Q3 - In order for a printer to function  correctly, a software package 
must be used to enable the computer to communicate with the printer.
 a) What name is given to this type of printer?
                                                    (2 Marks)
 b) Describe briefly how this software works, using examples where 
appropriate.
                                                    (4 Marks)
                                                   -----------
                                                    (6 Marks) 
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 Q4 - What are the advantages of a common user interface. (It's a very 
vague question but that's how it was put - JOKre)
                                                    (8 Marks)

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 Q5 - Explain what the terms "Data Validation" and "Data Verification" 
mean. For each term give two examples of where they may be used.
                                                    (8 marks)

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 Q6 - How many Microsoft employees does it take t...no that wasn't it. 
Ah I remember. Q6 - There are a number of factors that must be taken 
into account when choosing a printer. 
Choose three popular types (not manufacturer) of printer and explain 
four ways of comparing them, using examples where appropriate.
$F8A
 OK, there's six of 'em. I can't remember any more. There was one 
bugger right at the end worth 12 points which involved designing a 
large spreadsheet but I can't remember the question so I wont try.
$F8B
 SECTION B

 Q1 - Global communications have come under much debate in the media. 
Disscuss this topic in detail, using diagrams and examples where 
appropriate.
$F8C                                               (20 Marks)

 Q2 - Modern IT systems have enabled small businesses to add a personal 
touch to their work. Discuss this topic, including the methods used and 
cost of such touches.
                                                   (20 Marks)
$F8D
 There were three questions to this section but you only had to do two. 
These are the two I did. I think that the other onehad something to do 
with Database Managment but I chose these two as they both allowed me 
to do what I do best; natter on about nothing for ages.
$F8E
 So there it is, the AS Level in Computing. As you can see, it's a 
piece of piss. I fully reccomend that everybody goes for it. I'm not 
sure if you can do it by itself as I am taking it along with a BTEC 
National Diploma in IT which ties me up for the next two years.
$F8F
 Oh well. Hope you found the exam interesting. I didn't but then my 
future was on the line, yours isn't.

                            JOKre

         -- Today is the first day of the rest of your life --