1 - Databases
2 - Field Types
Written Task (3)- Validation
4 - Databases
5 - Database Revision Questions
8– Websites
7 - Information Systems
8 - Coding and Markup Languages
9- Media Questions – Text and Sound Files
10 - Storage Requirements
11 - Graphic Files
12- Video and .pdf Files
13 - Hardware and Software requirements
14 - Output Devices
15 - CPU
16 - Device Types
17- Software
18 - Backing Storage
Written Task (19)- Networks
20 - Security Risks
21– Security Precautions
22– Legal Implications
23 - Environment
1 - Databases
1Describe the difference between flat file databases and linked databases or relational databases. (2)
Linked database have two or more tables. Flat file databases only have one table and are not linked to any other tables.
2Explain what is meant by the terms given below: (3)
(a)Database File
(b)Record
(c)Field
A database File is a structured collection of records
Records contain the all information about one person or one member of staff-
Each individual piece of information is stored in a field.
3What should the contents of a primarykey field always be? (1)
Unique
4Give 2 examples of data which would be suitable for a primarykey.
SQA number, national insurance number
5Explain the difference between a primary key and a foreign key.(2)
A primary key is a field in a table where the data is unique. A foreign key is a field in one table, which is the primary key in another and is used to link the tables together.
6What is used to link database tables (files) together? (1)
Foreign key
Total Marks: 11
2 - Field Types
List the eight field types which you may include in a database and give example for each.
Text Fields hold words, for example, names and addresses. NOTE: phone numbers would be text fields because you need to keep the leading 0.
Number Fields hold numbers, for example, a pay number or items bought.
Date Fields hold dates, such as dates of birth or date of registration.
Time Fields, as the name suggests, hold time and are usually combined with Date Fields.
Graphics Fields (OLE Object), are used to hold images, for example a staff ID photograph.
Hyperlink Fields – allow you to link to files stored elsewhere, such as the Internet, network or computer.
Boolean Fields – whilst designed to store a value of 1 or 0, usually allow users to select the option of Yes/No.
Calculated Fields contain a formula which draws on the content of other fields. For example, in the design for a Customer Bill Table shown below, the Total field is a calculated field where the formula is Total: [PRICE]*[QUANTITY]:
Written Task (3)- Validation
List four validation checks which may be carried out on data being entered into a database and give an example for each. (8)
- Presence Check – this checks that data has been entered and that a field has not been left blank. A primary key field will not allow you to leave it blank. You can set the properties of any other field to also ensure that data is entered and the field is not left blank.
- Restricted Choice – allows the user to choose from a drop down list containing range of text or other values. These drop-down lists are usually set up when you are creating the structure of your database, by using a lookup wizard data type. Restricted choice also speeds up data entry as the values to choose from have been pre-entered and do not need to be entered again. It also minimises the risk of incorrect data being entered.
- Length Check – specifies the maximum number of characters a field can hold and will, once set, not permit you to go above this limit. For example a National Insurance Number has a maximum of 9 characters, so a field size for it would be set to 9.
- Range Check – specifies the range of numbers that data entered in a field must lie within. For example, a date field could be set up so that it would not allow you to enter a date that is out with the values: >=01/05/2016 AND <= 31/05/2016
4 - Databases
1Suggest two reasons why a database table might have to be amended. (2)
For example, using a STAFF RECORDS database, a new record would have to be added when a new employee joined the staff. It may have to be edited to change the address and phone number when an employee moved house. When an employee resigns and leaves the company, their record would be deleted.
2Explain the difference between a simple sort and a complex sort.(2)
A simple sort is based on the contents of one field.
A complex sort is where two or more fields are used to organise the data into order.
3Give two ways in which database tables can be sorted.(2)
numerically descending or alphabetically ascending.
4Explain the difference between a simple search and a complex search.(2)
A simple search of a database would be done on the contents one field only.
A complex search is where two or more fields are used.
5Give four criteria which could be included in a search condition.(4)
= equals
> not equal to
< less than
> greater than
6Explain the benefit of doing a complex search rather than a simple search.(1)
A complex search allows you to find out more detailed information and allows you to find the answer more quickly.
Total marks: 13
5 - Database Revision Questions
1Explain the difference between a file, record and field is in a database. (3)
A database File is a structured collection of Records, of related information about something - with the single pieces of information stored in Fields.
2What is the difference between a flat file and linked tables? (1)
a flat file database – which means that it is a single table not linked to any other tables.
3Give seven field types and give an example of the type of information which might be held in each field type that you have given. (7)
Text Fields hold words, for example, names and addresses. NOTE: phone numbers would be text fields because you need to keep the leading 0.
Number Fields hold numbers, for example, a pay number or items bought.
Date Fields hold dates, such as dates of birth or date of registration.
Time Fields, as the name suggests, hold time and are usually combined with Date Fields.
Graphics Fields (OLE Object), are used to hold images, for example a staff ID photograph.
Hyperlink Fields – allow you to link to files stored elsewhere, such as the Internet, network or computer.
Boolean Fields – whilst designed to store a value of 1 or 0, usually allow users to select the option of Yes/No.
Calculated Fields contain a formula which draws on the content of other fields. For example, in the design for a Customer Bill Table shown below, the Total field is a calculated field where the formula is Total: [PRICE]*[QUANTITY]:
4What type of key uniquely identifies each record in a database? (1)
Primary key
5What is the purpose of a foreign key? (1)
A foreign key is field in one table, which is the primary key in another and is used to link the tables together.
6Explain why you would use and give an example for: (4)
- Presence Check – this checks that data has been entered and that a field has not been left blank. A primary key field will not allow you to leave it blank. You can set the properties of any other field to also ensure that data is entered and the field is not left blank.
- Restricted Choice – allows the user to choose from a drop down list containing range of text or other values. These drop-down lists are usually set up when you are creating the structure of your database, by using a lookup wizard data type. Restricted choice also speeds up data entry as the values to choose from have been pre-entered and do not need to be entered again. It also minimises the risk of incorrect data being entered.
- Length Check – specifies the maximum number of characters a field can hold and will, once set, not permit you to go above this limit. For example a National Insurance Number has a maximum of 9 characters, so a field size for it would be set to 9.
- Range Check – specifies the range of numbers that data entered in a field must lie within. For example, a date field could be set up so that it would not allow you to enter a date that is out with the values: >=01/05/2016 AND <= 31/05/2016
6What can be used to link database tables together to avoid duplication of data? (1)
Foreign keys
7Suggest a way in which a database table can be amended. (1)
a new record would have to be added when a new employee joined the staff. It may have to be edited to change the address and phone number when an employee moved house. When an employee resigns and leaves the company, their record would be deleted.
8What two ways can a database table be sorted? (2)
simple sort or complex sort
9Why might you include a linked field in a database? (1)
To connect to a website
10How many values can a Boolean field contain? (1)
Two values – yes or no.
11Explain the difference between a simple sort and a complex sort. (1)
A simple sort is based on the contents of one field.
A complex sort is where two or more fields are used to organise the data into order.
12How many fields are involved in a simple search? (1)
One field
13What is a complex search based upon? (1)
A complex search is where two or more fields are used.
14Explain the difference between list view and form view. (1)
list view – which means all the records are visible on the screen at a time.
Forms -they allow us view the records one at a time.
15What tool can be used to help create reports and forms? (1)
report wizard or form wizard
Total Marks: 29
8– Websites
1Give five media types which can be used to give information on web pages. (5)
Information systems can hold and use different types of data, such as text, graphics, sound, animation and video.
2What is a URL? (1)
every web page has a URL (Universal Resource Locator), which is unique to that web page – it’s address!
3Explain what http is used for. (1)
- this is short for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. All web pages are created using Hypertext Mark-up Language (HTML) and is the protocol used to transfer web pages to your computer from an http server.
4Explain what a domain name is? (1)
domain name - the server the web page is stored on.
5Give four domain types and explain what type of website they would represent. (4)
Domain TypeType of Site Country of Origin
.comCommercial
.orgNon-profit Organisation Worldwide
.netInternet Company
.govGovernment
.co.ukCommercial UK
.ac.ukAcademic UK
6What are hyperlinks used for? (1)
Hyperlinks are used to link web pages together.
7Describe how a hyperlink can be created using either a piece of text or a graphic. (2)
Select or highlight the piece of text or graphic that you want to use as the hyperlink.
Choose Insert Hyperlink from the menu.
You will be prompted to browse to the page you want to link to.
9Explain the difference between an internal hyperlink and an external hyperlink. (2)
An internal hyperlink will take you to another page within the website you are currently in.
An external hyperlink will take you to a web page on another website on another computer.
10Which kind of addressing would an internal hyperlink use? Relative or absolute? (1)
A relative URL is when an internal hyperlink is being used to link to other web pages on the website currently being used: For example: education/ema/ This points to the folder education, which has a file within it called ema. The browser assumes the current server is the requested computer system.
11Give an example of an absolute web address. (1)
12What are browsers used for? (1)
A program called a browser is needed to help you look at and move from, one web page to another – navigate the World Wide Web.
13Which two features of browsers can be used to navigate websites? (2)
Entering the URL (address) of the web page you want.
Clicking on a hyperlink to a web page.
14What is a search engine? (1)
A search engine is a program which you can use to look for web pages.
15Why are keywords important when using a search engine? (1)
A keyword is an important word connected to the information you are looking for. The search engine then trawls the Internet looking for occurrences of the keyword and then returns a list of URLs for web pages, when it has found the keyword.
16Suggest a keyword or keywords which could be used in a search engine, to find your school’s website. (1)
St Joseph’s College, school
Total marks: 24
7 - Information Systems
1What factors must be considered about the target audience for an information system? (2)
Target audience - What is the purpose of your information system and what type of user are you aiming your website at? Are the users you intend to target beginners (novice), intermediate or expert users? Is there an age range?
2Suggestthree ways that can be implemented in an information system to make is usable and accessible. (3)
- Usability and accessibility of the website, or indeed any information system, should include consideration of clear navigation routes, to make it as easy as possible for users – clear and simple toolbars, with sensible names for internal hyperlinks.
- Facilities such as on-line help and on-line tutorials.
- Inclusion of a search facility to speed up users locating pages containing information they want.
3 Why should the names of internal hyperlinks be sensible? (1)
So it is clear to the user what they mean
4What can inclusion of a search facility do? (1)
Inclusion of a search facility to speed up users locating pages containing information they want.
5Detail two considerations which should be given for visual layout of an information system. (2)
- Choosing suitable colours for backgrounds and fonts.
- Choosing an easily readable and attractive font and setting a good font size.
- Using the same font and font size on every page or slide.
- Decide on the type and size of graphics to be included.
- The same navigation bars in the same position on every page.
- Careful planning of the content of each page so that it remains clear and uncluttered.
- Commands producing the same action each time they are activated.
- Clear steps to lead users through processes, with suitable error messages.
- Including sound and video files to add to the appeal of the website or other information system, and increase interactivity by the user.
6Suggest a way in which the interactivity with an information system can be kept consistent. (1)
The same navigation bars in the same position on every page.
7What should be tested in an information system? (1)
Once you have created your information system is it important that you test it thoroughly to ensure that all the links (both internal and external), work correctly.
8Explain the difference between alpha and beta testing. (2)
All initial testing should be done by you as the developer. This is called alpha testing. Once you have debugged any errors you have identified, you should then ask someone else, who has not been involved in the development or implementation of your information system, to test it. This is called beta testing.
9What sixfeatures can be used for navigation in a website? (6)
The user can navigate using the address bar to input the URL, the forward and backward buttons, a home button, hyperlinks, breadcrumbs (as mentioned earlier) and site maps. Hotspots are linked to images or objects, the pointer changes to a hand. Site maps provide an overview of the whole website.
10What is usability?(1)
This is how easy it is to use and learn how to use an item. If icons are familiar it makes it easier for new users.
11Describe three ways in which you can make your website consistant. (3)
- The navigation buttons are on the same place on each page
- The same typeface and colours on each pate
- A balance of text and graphics throughout
12Explain readability (1)
This is the reading age of the text and how easy it is to understand; there is software that can be used to work this out. (NOTE: Readability of code is different: this is done by adding comments to your program).
13Explain accessability (2)
If an information system is able to be used by anyone, including people with disabilities, it is said to be accessible. This can be achieved by using speech recognition, voice synthesiser software or specialist input devices. This means changing the typeface, magnifying the screen, automatic form filing.
14When might you use a linear navigation ion a web site. (1)
When you have to read one page after another
Total marks: /27.
8 - Coding and Markup Languages
1Why do people use WYSIWYG web authoring software to create web pages? (1)
Using WYSIWIG web authoring software makes it easier for people who are not expert computer programmers to create web pages.
2What is HTML short for? (1)
HTML (Hypertext Mark-up Language).
3What two things does HTML use to create web pages? (2)
Tags and elements
4Give two examples of HTML elements syntax. (2)
• An HTML element starts with a start tag / opening tag.
• An HTML element ends with an end tag / closing tag.
• The element content is everything between the start and the end tag.
• Some HTML elements have empty content.
• Empty elements are closed in the start tag.
• Most HTML elements can have attributes.
5What is an HTML element? (1)
An HTML element is everything from the start tag to the end tag:
6Which HTML tag starts a heading? (1)
<h1>
7Which HTML tag ends a paragraph? (1)
.</p>
8Write the HTML code for a hypterlink to St Joseph’s College ‘ (3)
a href="This is a link</a>
9Write the tag that ends an HTML document? (1)
</html>
10What are scripts used for? (2)
they are small programs written for a special runtime environment, that can automate the execution of tasks which could alternatively be executed one-by-one by a human operator.
11Give the name of the default scripting language used for HTML. (1)