[Year 12 IT Apps] Sample examination questions

[Russell Edwards]

Donna Benjamin wrote:
> 7-c, 

Wouldn't this be "B"? This question highlights the fact that these 
"network" types are never really explained properly in Potts or most 
other places. Client-server and P2P really refer to the organisational 
structure of a piece or class of application software, transfer protocol 
or other arrangement. LAN, WAN, intranet and Internet really refer to 
the lower layers of the network. A and D don't apply. C may or may not 
apply (it could be a private internetwork). B probably applies as the 
information (email) is distributed across all nodes, not stored a 
centralized location (server). However it's not a purely asymmetric 
system as there is a team leader who is sending out most of the 
emails... a "server" so to speak. Also of course, SMTP is a 
client-server protocol.

I think I may be reading too much into that question!! But I'll still be 
blowed if I know what it's getting it.

I have a few other queries about the exam,

Section B
Q1, why make a flat file database such as this? Shouldn't we be pushing 
relational databases, preferably in 3NF? At least by asking them what 
the pitfalls of the flat file version are?

Q6, what is meant by "design elements"?

Q9, what are they getting at? What's wrong with putting "restore files 
from backup" as the "procedure" in every case, and coming up with 
trivial answers for the action, that only relate to the integrity of the 
primary copy and not the backup?   If the question is trying to hint at 
geographical redundancy, or the pros and cons of differential and 
incremental backups then I think it needs to be a little more explicit.


Russell

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