ICT and Computer Applications in Business
What the examiner expects
ICT covers the components of a computer system, hardware and software, input, processing, output and storage, operating systems and application software. Learn word processing, spreadsheets and databases. In spreadsheets, understand cells, ranges, formulas, functions such as SUM, AVERAGE, IF and VLOOKUP, relative and absolute references, and chart selection. In databases, know fields, records, tables, primary keys and queries. Networking, the internet, email, cloud computing, e-commerce and digital payments are increasingly examined, along with security: malware, phishing, firewalls, strong passwords and backups.
Traps
- Relative references change when copied; absolute references such as $B$1 do not.
- A formula displays a result, while text beginning with an apostrophe stays as text.
- A primary key must be unique and not null; a foreign key links tables.
- RAM is volatile and loses data when power is off; ROM is non-volatile.
- Phishing deceives users into revealing credentials; spam is unsolicited bulk mail.
- A backup on the same device is not a backup.
Worked example
A spreadsheet holds marks in B2. The formula =IF(B2>=80, "A", IF(B2>=60, "B", "C")) returns A for 80 or more, B for 60 to 79, and C below 60. If the grade boundaries are in F1 and G1, =IF(B2>=$F$1, "Pass", "Fail") can be copied down without the boundaries shifting, because the dollar signs lock the cells.
Rule of thumb
For any spreadsheet task, separate inputs, calculations and outputs, label units, and test the formula on one row before filling down.