Based on ITGS Case Study: N & Q Investment
hotspot
a place that offers internet access
(a place that provides public) wireless LAN/WiFi
accessible by laptop/WiFi phone/PDA etc.
short range of access.
https
Hypertext Transfer Protocol (Secure)
used to encrypt and decrypt data
… passing between the user and the server
operates at transport layer
suitable application for sending sensitive information, such as bank details.
SSID
Service Set Identifier
name used to identify a wireless LAN
32 character unique identifier
used to select correct network
there may be others in range
allows use of virtual access points from same physical access point.
router
used to connect different networks together
receives data packets from a wide area network
can connect to an Internet Service Provider
device that forwards data packets along a network
selects optimum route (for data packets)
switch
network device that is used to connect segments of a LAN
useful when connecting within various parts of a building
network segments are isolated from each other
sometimes called a bridge
filters and forwards data packets to another segment of a network
reduces the incidence of data collisions.
Examine two methods that Hector can use to ensure the security of the wireless network he intends to use in his home.
Answers may include:
use of firewall
use of anti-virus/anti-spyware/other malware protection
secure your wireless router or access point
set up admin rights set up admin password/settings
don’t use default password
don’t use default settings for the device connected to the network
don’t broadcast SSID
change the default SSID
this should prevent sniffers
enable WPA or WEP encryption
WPA is more secure than WEP
use long keys
change keys often
use MAC filtering for controlling access to your WLAN
only designated computers can access the network
reduce your WLAN transmitter power
disable remote administration.
[1–2 marks]
A limited response that indicates very little understanding of the topic and uses little or no appropriate subject terminology.
[3–5 marks]
A reasonable explanation that demonstrates some understanding of the topic. Some relevant examples are used to support explanations within the response. There is some use of appropriate subject terminology in the response. At the bottom end of the band the answer may be descriptive and lack detail.
[6–8 marks]
To enter this band, there must be some reference to wireless configuration. A clear, detailed explanation of the issue which demonstrates a thorough understanding of the topic. Relevant examples are used to support explanations within the response. There is appropriate subject terminology throughout the response.
Betty “has been provided with a laptop computer by her local office. Unfortunately, Hector has found that her laptop has different specifications and uses different versions of software. Hector and Betty are both concerned as this will potentially cause problems in sharing and editing documents” (lines 46-49).
Evaluate two possible strategies that N&Q Investments could adopt in order to reduce the problems with sharing and editing documents.
Answers may include:
centralized control over purchasing
policy on hardware purchase
policy on software purchase
policy on operating systems
version control of software throughout company
examples of software incompatibilities
standardize file formats used
check for backward compatibility issues
insist on simple/standard document layouts
provide templates
provide macros
use of pdf files
web-based applications / cloud computing
references to companies/organizations that they have researched.
If the candidate only offers one strategy, then award a maximum of [8 marks].
Opinion, discuss, evaluate, justify, recommend and to what extent
0
No knowledge or understanding of relevant IT issues and concepts or use of IT terminology.
1–3 marks
A brief and generalized response with very little knowledge and understanding of relevant IT issues and concepts with very little use of relevant IT terminology.
4–6 marks
A response that may include opinions, conclusions and/or judgments that are no more than unsubstantiated statements.
The response will largely take the form of a description with a limited use of relevant IT terminology and some knowledge and/or understanding of IT issues and/or concepts.
If no reference is made to the information in the stimulus material, award up to [4 marks].
At the top end of this band the description is sustained.
At the bottom of the band a tendency towards fragmentary, common sense points with very little use of IT terminology.
7–9 marks
A response that demonstrates opinions, conclusions and/or judgments that have limited support.
The response is a competent analysis that uses IT terminology appropriately. If there is no reference to IT terminology the candidate cannot access this markband.
There is evidence that the response is linked to the information in the stimulus material.
At the top end of the band the response is balanced, the response is explicitly linked to the information in the stimulus material and there may be an attempt to evaluate it in the form of largely unsubstantiated comments. There is also evidence of clear and coherent connections between the IT issues.
At the lower end of the band the response may lack depth, be unbalanced or tend to be descriptive. There may be also implicit links to the information in the stimulus.
10–12 marks
There must be evidence of independent research for candidates to reach this markband.
A detailed and balanced (at least one argument in favour and one against) response that demonstrates opinions, conclusions and/or judgments that are well supported and a clear understanding of the way IT facts and ideas are related.
Thorough knowledge and understanding of IT issues and concepts.
Appropriate use of IT terminology and application to specific situations throughout the response. If there is no reference to IT terminology candidates cannot access this markband.
The response is explicitly linked to the information in the stimulus material.
At the bottom end of the band opinions, conclusions and/or judgment may be tentative.