Question 1 (5 marks)

A multimedia web authoring business has asked you to investigate and compare the operating

systems of MS Windows and MacOS as they are currently considering upgrading their current

computers systems.

Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of both operating systems in relation to its intended use

and make a recommendation based upon your findings

I would recommend the use of Mac due to it being a more reliable operating system as

compared to Microsoft windows. With the Ms Windows constantly having bugs and problems

with security it is not suited keeping the website data safe which is highly important for the web

authoring business. With the Mac having a strong firewall it eliminates the need for another

firewall as is required in windows. Another benefit of using the Mac is that all features are

included where ms vista has four different types each coming with different features. Windows

however does have a greater range of other applications and due to the wide range of use is

compatible. Mac overall performs better then Ms with the lower requirement of specifications

and better reliability and features.

Type = Short Answer

Target = 80-100 words

Question 2 (8 marks)

A research company has been contracted by a retirement village to conduct a study in preparation for

creating a website for its residents and potential clients. An excerpt from the study is provided below.

(a) Explain why the control group is necessary in a study of this nature. (1 mark)

A control group is required in the study to see how much difference there is between the elderly and younger

age group. Without having the control group then you are unable to compare the differences between the age

(b) The research company is preparing to present a report for the retirement village on its findings.

What two significant conclusions can be drawn about possible features that the retirement village

should include on their website? Explain the reasons for your conclusions.

(3 marks)

The older generation are less computer literate then the younger generation. This leads to the high

number of errors that occurred when they were performing the task and also the longer amount of

time taken to perform the tasks. Therefore the site will need to be simple with clear easy to find

instructions. This lack of computer literacy is due to the lack of computers that the older generation

have had as compared to the younger generations.

(c) Review the four tasks, which were performed by the two groups. Suggest an additional task that

the two groups could perform in order to improve the information that the research company would

provide to the retirement village. Explain what your task is designed to evaluate and give your

reasons as to why it may be relevant. (4 marks)

An additional task that the groups could complete is email usage. The groups should be able to login

to an email account, open an email and compose a new email. This is relevant as newsletters and

updated information may be sent to the residents of the retirement village and so they need to ensure

that most can receive the updated information.

Question 3

SA

Surf Life Saving is conducting its annual National Carnival at Scarborough Beach.

There will be four main event areas. Each event area will consist of a competition tent manned by surf

life saving officials and judges. The event areas are:

1: Swimming.

Competition tent 2: Beach events.

Competition tent 3: Rescue boards.

Competition tent 4: Surf boats.

The National Carnival has over 18,000 entrants. The carnival will cover an area of 1 kilometre of

beach near the Surf Life Saving clubrooms. The carnival will run for 2 weeks. The results from the

competition tents need to be sent as quickly as possible to the clubrooms so that the carnival officials

can update the result sheets. These updated results sheets are required at subsequent events, such

as finals.

Results are gathered every day from pda's and laptops via wired and wireless networks. The data is

stored on a central database at the clubrooms

Describe the processes and procedures that should be used by surf life saving officials, judges and

carnival organisers to minimise possible threats to the integrity and security of the data? (5 marks)

To maintain the security of the data there should be restricted access to certain parts of the database with the

use of passwords and usernames. This will be important in the results area to ensure that competitors can not

alter the results and the competitor’s information will need to be kept secure to ensure that it cannot be

stolen and problems such as identity theft cannot occur. Virus scanners and firewalls will also need to be in

place to prevent intrusions. The wireless network will also need to be secured and only let in those with a

username and password. They also need to ensure that the weather conditions don’t affect the equipment

which could cause a loss of data. If problems do occur to minimise the risk of data loss regular backups is

recommended. It is important to ensure that the data integrity (accuracy) is maintained. This can be done by

having validation rules place on the entries. For example for the phone number no more than 10 characters

and only accept numbers.