BTEC IT Unit 1 – Mock Exam Corrections (25 01 Jan25-Unit1-EP)

PNG file format

PNG is a lossless image format, meaning it reduces file size without losing image quality.

PNG advantage

PNG supports transparency, making it useful for logos, icons and images that need no background.

PNG disadvantage

PNG files can be larger than JPEG files, especially for detailed photographs.

PNG correction

PNG does not lose quality when compressed because it uses lossless compression.

BMP file format

BMP is an uncompressed or lightly compressed image format that stores images in high detail.

BMP advantage

BMP can keep very high image quality because little or no data is removed.

BMP disadvantage

BMP files are usually very large, so they take up more storage and are slower to transfer.

JPEG file format

JPEG is a lossy image format often used for photographs because it creates smaller file sizes.

JPEG advantage

JPEG files are small and easy to share, upload and store.

JPEG disadvantage

JPEG loses some image quality each time it is compressed or saved.

Vector image

A vector image is made from shapes, lines and mathematical paths, so it can be resized without losing quality.

SVG file format

SVG is a vector format useful for logos because it can scale to different sizes without becoming pixelated.

Login authentication

Login authentication checks that a user is who they claim to be before allowing access to a system.

Username in authentication

The username identifies which account is trying to access the network.

Password in authentication

The password is checked against the stored password for that account before access is granted.

Authentication process

The user enters a username and password, then the system compares them with stored credentials.

Successful login

If the details match, the user is given access to the network and the correct files, apps and permissions.

Failed login

If the details do not match, access is denied and the user may be asked to try again.

Access levels

Access levels control what a user can view, edit, delete or run on a network.

Two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication uses two forms of proof, such as a password and a code sent to a phone.

Privacy in the classroom

Privacy means staff and students should protect personal data and not access, share or expose information without permission.

Student privacy example

Students should not look at or share another student’s files, messages, grades or personal information.

Staff privacy example

Staff must keep student records, grades, behaviour logs and personal details secure and confidential.

Online behaviour

Online behaviour means acting responsibly when using email, chat, forums, shared documents and learning platforms.

Netiquette

Netiquette is the expected polite and respectful behaviour when communicating online.

Poor netiquette example

Sending rude messages, spamming, trolling or using offensive language is poor netiquette.

Acceptable use policy

An acceptable use policy explains what users are allowed and not allowed to do on a school or college IT system.

Acceptable use example

Students may be allowed to use the network for learning but not for hacking, bullying, gaming or accessing banned websites.

Moral factor

A moral factor is about what is right or wrong when using IT, even if it is not always covered by law.

Ethical factor

An ethical factor is about responsible, fair and respectful use of IT systems and data.

Why privacy matters in schools

Privacy matters because students and staff trust the college to keep personal and educational data safe.

Why netiquette matters

Netiquette matters because poor online behaviour can cause bullying, conflict and disruption to learning.

Why acceptable use matters

Acceptable use matters because it sets clear rules and consequences for safe and responsible IT use.

EPOS terminal

An EPOS terminal is used by sales staff to record sales and update stock levels automatically.

Payment card reader

A payment card reader takes card payment details and sends them securely for authorisation.

Store desktop PC

The store desktop PC receives stock updates from the EPOS system and sends stock requests to the warehouse.

Store printer

The store printer can print receipts, reports or local stock documents.

Warehouse desktop PC

The warehouse desktop PC receives stock requests and sends them to the warehouse printer.

Warehouse printer

The warehouse printer prints stock requests so warehouse staff know what items to send.

Database server

The database server stores central stock data for stores and the warehouse.

EPOS to desktop PC connection

The EPOS terminal connects to the store desktop PC so sales can update local stock records.

Card reader to EPOS connection

The payment card reader connects to the EPOS terminal to process customer payments.

Store to warehouse connection

The store desktop PC connects to the warehouse database server over a WAN or internet/VPN connection.

Warehouse PC to printer connection

The warehouse desktop PC connects to a printer using a wired network, USB or wireless connection.

EPOS diagram annotation example

When a sale is made, the EPOS terminal updates stock levels on the stockroom desktop PC.

Warehouse diagram annotation example

At the end of the day, the stockroom desktop PC sends a stock request to the warehouse database server.

Wired connection

A wired connection uses cables such as Ethernet and is usually stable, fast and secure.

Wireless connection

A wireless connection uses signals such as Wi-Fi and is useful where cabling is difficult.

WAN in the EPOS scenario

A WAN links the store and warehouse so stock requests can be sent between different locations.

Firewall

A firewall monitors and controls network traffic to block unauthorised access.

Firewall benefit

A firewall helps protect company systems from hackers, malware and suspicious network traffic.

User access controls

User access controls limit what each employee can access based on their role.

User access control benefit

Access controls reduce damage if an account is misused because users only access what they need.

Strong password policy

A strong password policy requires secure passwords that are hard to guess.

Strong password benefit

Strong passwords reduce the chance of unauthorised users accessing company systems.

Backups

Backups are copies of data that can be restored if files are lost, damaged or deleted.

Backup benefit

Backups protect the company from data loss caused by hardware failure, mistakes, malware or disasters.

Anti-malware software

Anti-malware software detects, quarantines and removes malicious software.

Physical security

Physical security protects hardware and servers using locks, ID cards, CCTV or restricted rooms.

Encryption

Encryption converts data into unreadable form so it cannot be understood without the correct key.

Encryption benefit

If data is intercepted or stolen, encryption makes it difficult for attackers to read it.

Digital certificate

A digital certificate proves the identity of a website and helps create a secure encrypted connection.

Digital certificate reason 1

Digital certificates show customers that they are connected to the genuine website, not a fake copy.

Digital certificate reason 2

Digital certificates support HTTPS, which encrypts data sent between the browser and website.

Digital certificate and trust

A browser can check a certificate authority to confirm that a website certificate is valid.

Invalid certificate risk

An invalid certificate may warn users that the website could be fake, expired or unsafe.

HTTPS

HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP used to send website data securely.

HTTP

HTTP transfers web pages but does not encrypt data, so it is not suitable for sensitive information.

SSL/TLS

SSL/TLS is the security technology used by HTTPS to encrypt data during transmission.

Security protocol

A security protocol is a set of rules used to protect data when it is transmitted across a network.

HTTPS benefit

HTTPS protects customer details, passwords and payment information while they are sent online.

TLS encryption

TLS encrypts transmitted data so intercepted data cannot easily be read by attackers.

TLS authentication

TLS uses digital certificates to confirm the identity of the website.

TLS integrity

TLS helps detect if data has been changed while being transmitted.

Website data transmission

When a customer orders online, HTTPS/TLS protects personal and payment data travelling between browser and server.

Positive cloud impact: access

Cloud storage lets staff access files from different locations, which supports remote and flexible working.

Positive cloud impact: collaboration

Cloud storage lets multiple staff work on shared files, improving teamwork and reducing duplicate versions.

Positive cloud impact: backup

Cloud providers often include backup and redundancy, reducing the risk of losing data.

Positive cloud impact: disaster recovery

If the company building is damaged, cloud data can still be accessed from another location.

Positive cloud impact: scalability

The company can increase or reduce cloud storage when needed instead of buying new hardware.

Positive cloud impact: lower hardware cost

The company may spend less on local servers, storage devices and maintenance.

Negative cloud impact: internet dependence

Staff need a reliable internet connection to access cloud files.

Negative cloud impact: downtime

If the cloud provider has an outage, staff may be unable to access important data.

Negative cloud impact: ongoing cost

Cloud storage may have monthly or yearly subscription costs that increase over time.

Negative cloud impact: less control

The company has less direct control because data is stored on another organisation’s servers.

Negative cloud impact: security risk

Cloud accounts can be targeted by hackers, especially if passwords or permissions are weak.

Negative cloud impact: data protection

The company must make sure the cloud provider stores and handles data legally and securely.

Cloud evaluation point

Cloud storage is useful for collaboration and remote access, but the company must manage costs, security and internet reliability.

Collaborative working

Collaborative working means staff work together on shared tasks, documents or projects using networked systems.

Central file storage

Central file storage lets designers save work in one shared place so others can access the latest version.

Central file storage benefit

It reduces duplicate files and makes it easier for teams to find and manage project work.

Shared folders

Shared folders allow team members to access common project files, images and resources.

Shared folder risk

If permissions are not set correctly, users may edit, delete or view files they should not access.

File permissions

File permissions control who can read, write, edit or delete shared files.

Version control

Version control tracks changes to files and can help recover earlier versions if mistakes are made.

Network printer

A network printer lets several designers print from different computers without needing separate printers.

Email on a company network

Email allows designers to send messages, files, updates and feedback to each other.

Instant messaging

Instant messaging allows quick real-time communication between designers.

Video conferencing

Video conferencing supports meetings between staff in different locations.

Remote access

Remote access lets designers connect to company files and systems when working away from the office.