Question 5, May 2021, Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Information and Communication Technology, Paper-1

Hugh creates a website for a band.

(a) Explain one drawback to the website users of Hugh reducing the file size of images used on the website. (2)

Reducing the file size of images used on the website may be less clear, colourful and engaging as less data is used to represent the image.

(b) Describe the function of two network components that are used to transfer data on the Internet. (4)

Network component Gateway

Function It connects two different types of network. A LAN is connected to a WAN using a gateway.

Network component Router

Function It stores the addresses of all devices that are connected to it so that it can forward network traffic to its destination using the quickest route.

(c) Explain why streaming allows users with limited storage on their devices to listen to the band's music. (2)

Streaming allows users with limited storage on their devices to listen to the band's music because a portion of data is stored temporarily in buffer to play a few seconds of music.

(d) Describe one method that should be used to secure payment data transferred between Hugh's server and other computers. (3)

Encryption method should be used to secure payment data transferred between Hugh's server and other computers as it uses a key to scramble data into an unreadable form. If encrypted data is intercepted on the network, it is useless unless the interceptor has or can identify the key.

(e) Describe how WPA is a more secure protocol than WEP. (2)

WPA generates a new key for each device on the wireless network. New keys are also provided for each packet of data that is sent. But in WEP, every device on the wireless network uses the same key for every transfer. If an eavesdropper studies enough packets, he can identify the key, and this provides him unlimited access to all data from every device on the wireless network.

(f) Hosted applications have fewer features than local applications. 

Explain one positive impact on the user experience of reducing the number of features. (2)

Hosted applications are only available with an internet connection and can be affected by latency and bandwidth, which can create poor user experience. Tor educe latency and the need for bandwidth, hosted applications have fewer features than local applications so that applications load more quickly because there is less load on the server's processor.

(g) Evaluate how online communities have impacted on how we socialise. (8)

Online social communities are the most effective form of social networking, as these are created to bring together like-minded people with common interests, passions, and views. But unlike social network development, these are more inclusive and more interactive, with members sharing a better sense of understanding and stronger bonding. Moreover, the security threats that are so rampant on social networking sites are not an issue with them. Building online communities have become the need of the day as it can improve the quality of life.

Online communities make an effective branding strategy for business organizations. They take social media to the next level, opening up the whole new world of social business. These encompass the objective to gain membership and enhance engagement. The members act as promoters as they endorse the products and promote the brand, without any extra expenditure on advertising. They are equally important for charitable organizations, social institutions, and trusts. These serve as powerful tools for amplifying a social message and bringing a large number of people together for contributing to a common cause. Like-minded individuals can join hands to contribute financially, bring in more members for support, as well as share their ideas on the community platform. Social communities provide platforms to people who want to serve the society through funds, food supplies and other aids. Many people look for platforms to serve humanity during natural disasters, pandemic or any major threat.

When people are brought together on the same platform to discuss new ideas, unexpected solutions are often derived. This is a major reason behind the popularity of the social communities.

A community-driven approach has been part and parcel of human existence. No doubt those online communities are extending their reach to all aspects of life today.

(Total for Question 5 = 23 marks)