INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
PAPER 2
GRADE 12 
NSC EXAMS
PAST PAPERS AND MEMOS NOVEMBER 2018

MEMORANDUM 

SECTION A: SHORT QUESTIONS 
QUESTION 1 
1.1
1.1.1 D ✔ (1)
1.1.2 B ✔ (1)
1.1.3 D ✔ (1)
1.1.4 A ✔✔ (2)
1.1.5 Faulty question – no possible answer 
1.2
1.2.1 CMOS ✔ (Also accept: BIOS, Firmware) (1) 
1.2.2 Biometrics/Bio authentication/Any specific correct example such  as Voice recognition, Face/Iris/Fingerprint-scanning ✔ 
Do not accept: Digital fingerprint, only fingerprint/face/iris (1)
1.2.3 Digital signature ✔ (1)
1.2.4 Utility ✔ software (1)
1.2.5 Constructor ✔ (1)
1.2.6 Normalisation ✔ (1)
1.2.7 Trace table ✔ 
Also accept: watch facility of the built-in debugger, debugger (1)
1.2.8 Lossy ✔ compression (1) TOTAL SECTION A: 13

SECTION B: SYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES 
QUESTION 2 
2.1 Any TWO ✔✔ 

• Portable/could walk around to the tables and take orders
• Small in size/easy to fit into hand 
• No cabling/Wireless/Can link to system using Wi-Fi
• Touch screens make selecting options quick/easy to use 
• Saves time/quicker order taking/billing 

There must be a reference to a feature of a tablet relating to placing orders
Do not accept: any reference to cost/cheaper 
Do not accept: general answer applicable to any device 
Do not accept: answers related to the software/GUI (2)
2.2
2.2.1 Any TWO hardware components ✔✔ 

• CPU/Processor
• Hard drive/storage 
• Memory/RAM
• Motherboard (2)

2.2.2 Any TWO actions for disk cleanup ✔✔ 

• Deletes the temporary internet files 
• Empties the recycle bin 
• Deletes any other temporary files 
• Deletes downloaded files
• Debug dump files 
• Delete setup log files 
• Delete system error memory dump files 
• Delete unused/unnecessary/unwanted files (2)

2.3
2.3.1 Any TWO comparisons between cache and RAM+ ✔✔ 

• Cache is faster than RAM
• Cache has smaller capacity than RAM 
• Cache stores recently used instructions/has a pre-fetch unit while RAM stores the whole program 
• Cache found on CPU and RAM on motherboard 
• Cache is more expensive per MB than RAM 
• Cache is SRAM/static and RAM is DRAM/dynamic 
• It is easier to upgrade RAM (2)

2.3.2

• The device driver facilitates communication ✔ between the  computer and the printer/hardware ✔
  OR
• The device driver allows the operating system/computer to  communicate/control/manage the hardware/printer
  OR
• The device driver converts the basic instructions of the operating  system/computer to messages that can be interpreted by the  hardware component. 

Concepts: 

•  Communication/converting instructions 
• Hardware/printer (2) 

2.3.3

• To license the use of the software/prevent illegal copies of  software from being used ✔
  OR
• Make all/licensed features of the software available (1)

2.3.4 (a) Any ONE advantage of installing updates: ✔ 

•  Always have latest functions/features 
• Bugs and problems are resolved 
• Security loopholes are fixed 
• Increase performance/work faster (1)

2.3.4 (b) Any ONE disadvantage of installing updates automatically: ✔ 

•  Unexpected/unplanned use of data 
• A hastily released update may cause more problems than it  fixes/lose existing/familiar/pre-set features 
• Unwanted features/preferences 
• Slows system down (due to background processes) 
• Unwanted restart/inconvenient timing of update (1)

2.3.5 (a) When RAM fills up/is full✔ (1) 
2.3.5 (b) The operating system makes use of hard drive space ✔ as extra  RAM ✔ 
OR 

• Uses (dedicated) area on HDD/storage 
• Moves unused data to HDD/virtual memory where it will easily  be accessible again (2)

2.4
2.4.1 Any ONE: ✔ 

•  Physical damage 
•  Power surge  

Also accept examples of physical damage such as dropping a PC can cause a hard drive head crash while transporting/Spilling  water on motherboard or HDD with PC case open 
Do not accept: Any example or mention of data being damaged (1)
2.4.2 UPS/Invertor ✔ (1) 
2.4.3 Backup: 

• A duplicate copy ✔ of a file is created on another device/for use  when the original copy is damaged or lost ✔
• Archiving: ✔
• Less frequently used/outdated/older files (can be compressed) and stored where they can be retrieved when necessary (3) 

2.4.4 Monitors communication with computer/system and the  internet/other networks✔ and blocks unauthorised communication✔ by software/malware (2)

TOTAL SECTION B: 23

SECTION C: COMMUNICATION AND NETWORK TECHNOLOGIES
QUESTION 3 
3.1 Any TWO advantages of networks ✔✔ 

• Fast and efficient communication 
• Centralisation of data/data always up to date 
• Transfer of files between devices 
• Leisure/LAN computing games/Watching movies 
• Increased control and security (2) 

3.2
3.2.1 An NIC is used to encode or 'convert' the data so that the data can  be transmitted over a specific medium and it decodes the data that  is received. 
Concepts: 

•  Decode/Encode ✔ 
• Making communication between devices possible ✔ over a  network (2)

3.2.2 Radio waves ✔ (1)
3.3
3.3.1 Fibre Optic cables ✔ (1) 
3.3.2 A reason and explanation for addressing poor signal strength: ✔✔ A device/technique with a valid explanation 
Also accept : Any TWO of the following- 

• Provide sufficient/multiple access points 
• Interference by structures should be limited by strategically  placing access points/line of sight
• Use a repeater/booster/amplifier/device/router to increase  signal strength/WiMax
• Limit the noise by making use of different frequencies (2)

3.3.3 Any TWO reasons for using WiMax: ✔✔ 

• Greater range 
• Faster/faster communication 
• Provides higher bandwidth/data transfer
• Better security (2)

3.4
3.4.1 The Semantic Web refers to a web where the content has been  optimised for computers and devices to filter content intelligently to  be able to navigate without human intervention or involvement. 
Concepts: Any TWO for Semantic web ✔✔ 

• Content optimised 
• Filter content intelligently 
• Without human involvement (2)

3.4.2 Any ONE reason for using metadata: ✔ 

• To supply additional data on which specific searches are done.
• Searching is optimised 
• Improved results 

Accept any explanation that metadata is used to improve results on  specific searches. (1)
3.5
3.5.1 POP3 ✔ (1) 
3.5.2

• Notification – The user is notified ✔ by a sound or message that a  new e-mail has arrived 
• Push Technology – The user receives the e-mail ✔/is notified and  the e-mail is automatically downloaded to the device (2)

3.5.3 A link/folder ✔ is shared ✔ with another user. 
Concepts for making large files available: 

• Folder/Link provided
• Storage shared (2) 

3.5.4 (a) Phishing is a technique to obtain personal/sensitive information ✔ from a user that appears to be from a legitimate institution in order  to trick the user into providing information. ✔ 
Concepts of phishing: 

• provide information about self
• Appears to be legitimate/tricking you (2)

3.5.4 (b) Any ONE example of phishing: ✔ 

• Request to confirm bank details
• Request to provide pin number for bank cards 
• Request to confirm user name and provide password 
• Request personal information (1)

TOTAL SECTION C: 21 

SECTION D: DATA AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT 
QUESTION 4 
4.1 Any ONE example of the role of a database in a POS ✔ 

• When a transaction takes place, the database is updated to increase or  reduce the stock items/items available/Relevant data obtained at POS is  stored for the restaurant
• Customers details are updated as they pay for meals 
• Accounting information is updated as customers pay 
• Obtain the (latest) item information/prices from the database 
• Can do calculations/generate statistics
  OR
  Any other valid example to do with data in a sales environment (1)

4.2
4.2.1(a) Any ONE ✔ 

• String
• Text (1)

4.2.1(b) Any ONE ✔ 

• Boolean
• YesNo
• True/False (1)

4.2.2 The table will be sorted according to initial and not surname. ✔ OR The waiter's initial and surname are captured in one field/Initials  captured as the first section of the initial and surname field. (1) 
4.2.3 

(b) ✔ TotalHours is NOT included 
(c) ✔ FK correctly identified 
NOTE: 

• The field names may differ from those in the above table (6)

4.2.4 One Waiter has many Job cards  

Mark allocation 

• ✔ Correct ER diagram format
• ✔ One (Waiter) to many (Job_Card) relationship
• ✔ Placing entities in correct relationship/order (3)

4.3
4.3.1 Any ONE issue that threatens physical integrity ✔ 

• Power failure
• Natural disasters 
• Mechanical failure of hardware 
• Theft of devices (1)

4.3.2 Any TWO aspects to ensure logical integrity: ✔✔ 

• Data validation/validation rules
• Each record has a unique primary key
• Normalisation rules applied 
• Ensuring referential integrity/Foreign key must refer to an  existing record in the other table
• Verification of data (2)

4.4 Any THREE responsibilities of a database administrator: ✔✔✔ 

• Design the database
• Security of the database/access rights
• Backup and restoration plans and policies/updating software 
• Monitoring the performance of the database
• Manage/maintain the database. (3)

4.5 TWO benefits of having a server DBMS: 
Managing simultaneous multiple connections to the database to execute the  transactions/It will allow a large number of users to connect simultaneously to  a database 
Concepts: 

• Multiple connections/users✔ 
• Simultaneous access✔ (2) 

4.6
4.6.1 Any ONE reason for security: ✔ 

• Data is transmitted across networks 
• Multiple servers are used/Many systems are used 
• Create security exposure on multiple fronts/many users (1)

4.6.2 Any ONE benefit of working with a distributed database: ✔ 

• Faster performance /less congestion 
• Less downtime 
•  If connection is interrupted, database is not damaged/corrupted (1) 

4.6.3 Partitioning: 
Each site manages its own part of the database ✔ and uploads  data to a central database in a scheduled batch process. ✔ 
Concepts: 

• Local data
• Uploaded to central database (2)

TOTAL SECTION D: 25

SECTION E: SOLUTION DEVELOPMENT 
QUESTION 5 
5.1
5.1.1 Any TWO guidelines for readable code: ✔✔ 

• Commenting of code 
• Descriptive variable names 
• Modularity 
• Indentation 
• Open lines between sections 
• Collapsible regions (2) 

5.1.2 An algorithm is a possible solution to a problem ✔ which contains a  set of steps/instructions ✔ 
Concepts: 

• Set of steps/instructions
• To perform a task/solve problem (2) 

5.1.3 

1. Debugging is the technique/process of finding ✔ and resolving ✔ defects/problems/errors/bugs. (2)
2. A runtime error is an error that causes termination or break in the  running of a program. ✔
   Do not accept: Prevents from running (1)
3. Any ONE example of runtime error: ✔
   • Division by 0 
   • Data type mismatch/typing in a word instead of a number
   • Reference to an index in an array that is not part of the  declaration 
   • Attempting to access a resource/file that is not available. Also accept other valid examples. (1) 

5.1.4  (2) 

5.1.5

• Statement 1: variable X := 5 mod 2; Integer/Real/Any number type ✔
• Statement 2: variable Y := 5 mod 2 = 0; Boolean ✔ (2) 

5.2
5.2.1 Creates a link between the external/physical/textfile file ✔and file variable/logical file ✔ in the program (2) 
5.2.2 Any ONE reason for replacing append with rewrite ✔✔ 

• The file will be emptied/ the contents will be removed
  OR
• Rewrite statement will replace/overwrite the current contents of  the text file with Mrs Smith. 

Do not accept: create a new file (2)
5.2.3 Any ONE reason for I/O Error: ✔ 

• The file was not closed in during a previous procedure/The file  buffer was not cleared/The file is corrupt
• The file was not correctly assigned
• Append or rewrite was not used to open the file/Reset was used  to open the file 
• Writeln-statement does not refer to the text file (example: writeln(sline)) 
• The executable file is not in the same directory/folder as the text  file 
•  The file was closed (1) 

5.3
5.3.1 

(12/2 = 6) 
5.3.2 Any ONE of: ✔ 

•  c = 5
• The user must enter a pin number which contains 5 digits. (1)

5.4 Marking Concepts: 

• 1 mark – Inner loop
• 1 mark – Loop to correct counter
• 1 mark – Formulate a display
• 1 mark – Display in correct position
• 1 mark – Reset display variable/ move to next line 

Concepts: 

• 1 mark – Clear output variable in correct position
• 1 mark – Inner loop correct position
• 1 mark – Inner loop (counter2) from 1 to outer loop counter
• 1 mark – Add inner loop counter to output string
• 1 mark – Display output string outside inner loop, inside outer loop 

ALTERNATE SOLUTION 

Accept any other valid algorithm (5)

TOTAL SECTION E: 29

SECTION F: INTEGRATED SCENARIO 
QUESTION 6 
6.1
6.1.1 An area where wireless/Wi-Fi/ Internet✔access is  available/connected/shared ✔ (2) 
6.1.2

• Un-encrypted data/files that are sent can be intercepted ✔
  OR
• Any other acceptable example of personal information being  exposed/hacking/threat of malware/viruses (1) 

6.1.3

1. A peer-to-peer protocol/network ✔for downloading files from the  internet
   OR
   A file sharing software (1)

6.1.3(b) Any TWO reasons to block BitTorrent ✔✔ 

• Security issues
• To prevent piracy of software
• Data use/Data cap 
• Congestion/Slow down performance of network (2)

6.2
6.2.1 Virtual Private Network ✔ (1) 
6.2.2 Allows users to log into a network via the internet with the same  security of a LAN.  
Concepts: Any TWO ✔✔ 

• Log in via Internet
• Remotely
• Secured network/connection (2)

6.3
6.3.1 (a) Dynamic page ✔ 
Any ONE motivation: ✔ 

•  Additional parameters are included that provide information to  the software on the server in order to generate a dynamic  page.
• ASP (Active Server Pages) are dynamic in nature. (2)

6.3.1 (b) Any ONE for a mobi website ✔✔ 

• Ends with .mobi 
  OR 
• M prefix (2)

6.3.2 (a) Any TWO hints to use less power ✔✔ 

• Turn off devices when not in use
• Change screen settings to dim 
• Use automatic app that puts apps to sleep 
• Close unnecessary apps 
• Turn off Wi-Fi when not in use
• Turn off Bluetooth/GPS when not in use (2)

6.3.2 (b) Any ONE way to reduce impact on environment ✔ 

• Send old equipment to e-cycler/for recycling 
• Donate useful equipment to others 
• Re-use parts, that is still usable, in other computers (1)

6.3.3 SEO/Search (engine) optimisation ✔ (1)
6.4
6.4.1 DDoS: 

• Many bot computers are used to bombard the servers hosting the  restaurants website with a large number of requests ✔ , the servers  are over loaded and cannot respond so the website becomes  unavailable ✔ 

Concepts: 

• High number of requests/overloaded with requests
• Website becomes unavailable (2)

6.4.2 Any TWO measures to prevent cybercrime ✔✔ 

• Install and update anti-virus software
• Use a firewall 
• Use a strong password 
• Make sure software is updated regularly
• Be aware of trends in cybercrime/Training of staff to be vigilant 
• Not answering to phishing mail 
• Make use of encryption 
• Human verification/Captcha (2)

6.5
6.5.1 The app is connected to the Internet. ✔ 
The front end of the app is installed on the device, and the data is accessible/stored in the cloud/web server. ✔ (2)
6.5.2 Any TWO reasons for the popularity of apps: ✔✔ 

• Interface is easier to navigate 
• Has a dedicated purpose 
• Apps knows where to find data/do not have to enter URL's 
•  All the interface data already installed on your device/ speeds up responsiveness/use less data
• Can fetch data in the background
• Give notifications 
• Can work with syncing device/online storage
• Can use additional sensors like GPS (2)

6.5.3(a) GPS ✔ (1)
6.5.3(b) Any TWO benefits of a check-in service: ✔✔ 

• Users will know if friends visit restaurant and can join them 
• Profiling of customers 
• Advertising specific deals/Marketing strategy 
• When some-one is near restaurant invite them 
• Easily reached for online orders 
• Invisible data capture 
• Feedback from customers (2) 

6.6
6.6.1 The purpose of a data warehouse is to provide storage for large  amounts of data ✔ and tools to access the data ✔ for data mining  purposes.  
Concepts: 

• Large amount of data stored 
• Using the data (2)

6.6.2 Any TWO roles played by people in data-mining process ✔✔ 

•  Select/gather/prepare data sets
• Interpret/reporting 
• Verify data mining results 
• Develop data mining software/algorithms 

Also accept: specific examples (2)
6.6.3 To identify hidden trends that can be used to make management  decisions for example purchasing more stock for the months with  high customer volumes. 
Concepts: 

• Identifying trends/patterns ✔ 
• Using information in a practical way in the restaurant context ✔ 

Also accept: Valid examples and explanation of the use of the  data in the restaurant context (2)
6.7
6.7.1 Any TWO advantages for using an online application ✔✔ 

•  Don’t need local powerful resources/processing done  elsewhere 
• Is not installed on system/saves hard disk space 
• Always the latest version available/automatically updated 
• Run in the browser 
• Can be used on any device 
• Can be used from anywhere where there is Internet access 
• Automatic online backup of data
• Do not accept: Functionality or Cost. (2)

6.7.2 Do not need internet access ✔ to use the software. (1) 

TOTAL SECTION F: 37 
GRAND TOTAL: 150