Downloaded from hlayiso.com
SENIOR CERTIFICATE/
NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE
GRADE 12
INFT.2
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY P2
NOVEMBER 2020
MARKS: 150
TIME: 3 hours
This question paper consists of 18 pages.
AFTERNOON SESSION
Copyright reserved Please turn over
Skip to contentAll 2020 papers 





View all





Information Technology Grade 12 P2 NSC November 2020 QP
Grade 12 Information Technology Paper 2 question paper from the NSC November Exam 2020 (English), 18 pages. Read online or download the free PDF.
Information Technology · Grade 12 · NSC November Exam · 2020. Question paper, 18 pages. Read online or download the PDF.
- Subject
- Information Technology
- Grade
- Grade 12
- Document type
- Question paper
- Year
- 2020
- Exam period
- NSC November Exam
- Paper
- 2
- Curriculum
- CAPS
- Pages
- 18
- File size
- 496.1 KB
Free to read online, no sign-up needed
Loading document…
Loading document…
1 of 18
This exam
Questions in this paper
- Question 1.1Solution Development and Software Engineering5 marks
- Question 1.2Solution Development and Software Engineering10 marks
- Question 2Systems Technologies25 marks
- Question 3Systems Technologies30 marks
- Question 4Database Design and SQL20 marks
- Question 5Solution Development and Software Engineering20 marks
Show all 7 questions
Document textSearch extracted text and jump to a page.
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
Information Technology/P2 2 DBE/November 2020
SC/NSC
INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION
1. This question paper consists of SIX sections:
SECTION A: Short Questions (15)
SECTION B: System Technologies (25)
SECTION C: Communications and Network Technologies (30)
SECTION D: Data and Information Management (20)
SECTION E: Solution Development (20)
SECTION F: Integrated Scenario (40)
2. Read ALL the questions carefully.
3. Answer ALL the questions.
4. The mark allocation generally gives an indication of the number of facts/
reasons required.
5. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this
question paper.
6. Write neatly and legibly.
Copyright reserved Please turn over
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
Information Technology/P2 3 DBE/November 2020
SC/NSC
SECTION A: SHORT QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1
1.1 Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions.
Choose the answer and write only the letter (A–D) next to the question
numbers (1.1.1 to 1.1.5) in the ANSWER BOOK, e.g. 1.1.6 D.
1.1.1 A person who studies an organisation's current computer systems
and procedures and then designs information system solutions to
help the organisation to operate more efficiently is a …
A systems analyst.
B database analyst.
C system administrator.
D programmer. (1)
1.1.2 A device that can be used to connect many different peripheral
devices with a single connector is known as a USB …
A adapter.
B flash drive.
C hub.
D port. (1)
1.1.3 The process of discovering new patterns in data using sophisticated
software is known as ...
A data warehousing.
B information processing.
C big data.
D data mining. (1)
1.1.4 The following variable name is NOT valid in Delphi:
A _dSalary
B dSalary
C 1dSalary
D salary1 (1)
1.1.5 Determine the value of y declared as an integer if the following
Delphi statement is executed:
y := ceil(25.0/6) + 30 mod 6 – round(15.0/4);
A 3
B 2
C 6
D 1 (1)
Copyright reserved Please turn over
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
Information Technology/P2 4 DBE/November 2020
SC/NSC
1.2 Choose a term from COLUMN B that matches the description in COLUMN A.
Write only the letter (A–R) next to the question numbers (1.2.1 to 1.2.10) in
the ANSWER BOOK, e.g. 1.2.11 S.
COLUMN A COLUMN B
1.2.1 A technique where two or more A digital divide
disks are grouped together by a
special controller to minimise the B ergonomic security
possible loss of data
C foreign key
1.2.2 A field in a database table that can
be used to identify records, but not D piggybacking
used in the table as a primary key
E RAID
Security based on the identification
1.2.3 of unique physical characteristics F digital age
of a person
G disk clean-up
An encryption protocol which
1.2.4 encodes data that is sent over the H utility software
internet
I composite key
The gap between people that have
1.2.5 access to computers and J rollback
technology and people who do not
K HTTP
The reorganisation of files on a
L SSL
1.2.6 hard disk drive that speeds up
access to the files M FTP
Software that enables the N interpreter
1.2.7 operating system to communicate
with hardware devices O disk defragmentation
The protocol used to transfer large P biometrics
1.2.8 files between remote computers
that have an internet connection Q drivers
An operation that reverses a R alternate key
1.2.9 database transaction and restores
the data to its previous state
Programs that are part of system
1.2.10 software and are used for
maintenance and administrative
tasks
(10 x 1) (10)
TOTAL SECTION A: 15
Copyright reserved Please turn over
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
Information Technology/P2 5 DBE/November 2020
SC/NSC
SECTION B: SYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES
QUESTION 2
SCENARIO
The owner of a start-up importing/exporting business asked your advice on a
number of IT-related issues.
2.1 The computer technician who will assemble the computers to be used in the
office suggested that each computer should have a solid-state drive and a hard
drive.
2.1.1 State ONE advantage that a solid-state drive has over a conventional
hard drive. (1)
2.1.2 State ONE disadvantage of a solid-state drive compared to a
conventional hard drive. (1)
2.2 Each of the office computers will be equipped with 8 GB of RAM and
Windows 10 as the operating system.
2.2.1 RAM is considered to be volatile memory. What does volatile mean in
this context? (1)
2.2.2 The owner has heard that some computers can only use 4 GB of
RAM. He is concerned that he will be paying for hardware that will not
be utilised.
Explain why these office computers will be able to utilise all 8 GB of
RAM. (1)
2.2.3 The computer technician needs to start installing the operating system
for the office computers.
(a) Indicate whether the hard disk drive or the solid-state drive
would be the best option on which to install the operating
system. (1)
(b) Give TWO reasons why you recommend the drive in your
answer to QUESTION 2.2.3(a). (2)
Copyright reserved Please turn over
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
Information Technology/P2 6 DBE/November 2020
SC/NSC
2.3 The business' computers will run on Microsoft Windows 10, but there are
applications that the owner wants to use that can only run on MacOS.
2.3.1 Suggest a possible technology that can be used to run both operating
systems without partitioning the hard drive. (1)
2.3.2 Someone recommended that the latest service pack should be
installed for the Windows operating system.
Briefly explain what a service pack is. (2)
2.4 VB.NET is a high-level programming language.
2.4.1 Define a high-level programming language. (1)
2.4.2 Interpreters and compilers are used to 'translate' a high-level
programming language into machine code.
(a) Explain the difference between interpreters and compilers by
stating the difference in the approach they follow when
'translating' code. (2)
(b) Explain the difference between interpreters and compilers by
stating the way each provides feedback and presents the result. (2)
(c) Does Delphi use an interpreter or a compiler? (1)
2.4.3 An API is used when coding in a high-level programming language.
What is the function of an API? (2)
2.5 Because of modular design, the latest desktop computers have many slots and
connectors to allow for computer components to be added.
Name the slot or connector used to add the following modules/components:
2.5.1 RAM (1)
2.5.2 DVD drive (1)
2.5.3 Graphics card (1)
2.6 Motherboards transfer a huge amount of data between various components at
any given moment in time.
Explain how the system clock aids in coordinating the transfer of data on a
motherboard. (2)
Copyright reserved Please turn over
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
Information Technology/P2 7 DBE/November 2020
SC/NSC
2.7 Consider the diagram below illustrating a process performed by the CPU:
Fetch
instructions from
memory
Store data back Decode the
to the memory instructions
Execute the
instructions
2.7.1 What is the process above called? (1)
2.7.2 The CPU and the RAM communicate with each other via a direct
path/connection on the motherboard.
Name this direct path/connection. (1)
TOTAL SECTION B: 25
Copyright reserved Please turn over
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
Information Technology/P2 8 DBE/November 2020
SC/NSC
SECTION C: COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORK TECHNOLOGIES
QUESTION 3
3.1 Wi-Fi, UTP cables and fibre-optic cables are network media that need to be
considered when networks are set up. Fibre-optic cables have a greater
bandwidth, but can be expensive.
3.1.1 Network bandwidth is measured in Mbps.
(a) Describe bandwidth in this context. (1)
(b) Expand the abbreviation Mbps. (1)
3.1.2 Apart from having a greater bandwidth and higher speed, name TWO
other advantages of fibre-optic cables as opposed to UTP cables. (2)
3.1.3 Give TWO reasons why UTP cables are sometimes preferred in an
office environment rather than Wi-Fi. (2)
3.1.4 Define the term network backbone. (1)
3.1.5 It has been stated that an NIC is a basic but essential piece of
equipment to set up a network.
State the function of an NIC. (1)
3.2 YouTube and Netflix are examples of VOD services.
Explain what a VOD service entails. (1)
3.3 AUPs outline the rights and responsibilities of users which is an important
requirement in network environments.
3.3.1 Explain why an organisation should include restriction details on the
installation of BitTorrent applications in their AUP. (1)
3.3.2 State the condition that should be adhered to, to ensure that the use
of BitTorrent is legal. (1)
3.4 Blogs are commonly used as a social media tool.
Give TWO reasons why information published on blogs could be inaccurate. (2)
3.5 The design of web pages can be static or dynamic.
How does a dynamic web page differ from a static web page from a user's
perspective? (2)
Copyright reserved Please turn over
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
Information Technology/P2 9 DBE/November 2020
SC/NSC
3.6 Digital signatures are common in the world of electronically conducted
business.
What is the purpose of a digital signature? (1)
3.7 Web developers use a variety of technologies, such as HTML, CSS and
AJAX, to produce visually impressive websites.
3.7.1 What type of software on the client's computer is used to execute
HTML instructions? (1)
3.7.2 Name TWO ways in which CSS files help to maintain uniformity
across several web pages. (2)
3.7.3 What is the purpose of AJAX in the context of website development? (2)
3.8 DDoS attacks are typically performed by botnets.
3.8.1 Define the term botnet. (2)
3.8.2 Describe what happens in a DDoS attack. (3)
3.8.3 What is a zombie in the context of a botnet? (1)
3.9 Cybercrime is a common phenomenon in the modern world.
3.9.1 Briefly explain what a keylogger is. (1)
3.9.2 Suggest TWO safeguards that computer users can employ to avoid
becoming the victims of cybercrime. (2)
TOTAL SECTION C: 30
Copyright reserved Please turn over
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
Information Technology/P2 10 DBE/November 2020
SC/NSC
SECTION D: DATA AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
QUESTION 4
SCENARIO
The import of plants can be dangerous as the plants may be invasive or introduce
diseases to native plants and ecosystems. A rigid testing process must first be
conducted before any alien plant may be taken across a country's borders.
A database is used to manage requests and keep track of the number of plants
brought into the country. An application needs to be made and processed each time an
importer wants to import plants.
The database contains two tables which are designed as follows:
Table: tblImporters
Field name Data type Description
ImporterID Short Text (10) An ID to uniquely identify an
importer entity
ImporterName Short Text (40) Name of organisation/person of the
importer
ImporterCountry Short Text (40) Location/Country the importer is
from
DateRegistered Date/Time Short date which indicates the date
that the importer was registered
Table: tblApplications
Field name Data type Description
ApplicationID AutoNumber An ID to uniquely identify a log
record/request to import plants
PlantName Short Text (80) The scientific name of the plant
requested to be imported
Quantity Number The number of plants requested to
be imported
Approved Number 0 indicates that the import request
has been denied
1 indicates that the import request
has been approved
DateReceived Date/Time The date on which the import
request was made/the record was
created
DateProcessed Date/Time The date on which the import
request was approved or denied
ProcessedDuration Number The number of days it took for the
request to be processed
Copyright reserved Please turn over
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
Information Technology/P2 11 DBE/November 2020
SC/NSC
4.1 The database design is incomplete. Primary keys have not been identified
yet and a relationship still needs to be created between the two tables,
tblImporters and tblApplications.
4.1.1 State TWO specific requirements relevant to the content of a primary
key field. (2)
4.1.2 A foreign key field needs to be identified in order to establish a
relationship between the tables.
(a) Identify a suitable foreign key and give the name of the field and
the name of the table that contains the field. (2)
(b) Name the type of relationship between tables tblImporters and
tblApplications. (1)
4.1.3 Name the diagram used to illustrate the relationship between the two
tables. (1)
4.2 Suggest a more appropriate data type for the Approved field in the
tblApplications table. (1)
4.3 Explain why the ProcessedDuration field in the tblApplications table is
redundant. (1)
4.4 During the beta version testing of the system, the DBA noticed inconsistencies
in the capturing of the names of countries in the ImporterCountry field. For
example, Canada's name was captured in the following different ways:
CA
Canada
Cannada
4.4.1 Explain what is meant by the term beta version. (1)
4.4.2 Suggest a way in which the system can be adapted so that the name of
a country is captured uniformly in the ImporterCountry field. (1)
4.5 Ensuring the quality of the data involves extensive data validation and
verification. Use the field Approved in the tblApplications table to explain the
following:
4.5.1 Data validation (2)
4.5.2 Data verification (1)
Copyright reserved Please turn over
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
Information Technology/P2 12 DBE/November 2020
SC/NSC
4.6 Only authorised people should have access to the database server hosting the
database.
Suggest any TWO physical ways in which access to the database server can be
restricted. (2)
4.7 Data independence is a characteristic of a well-designed database.
4.7.1 Explain the term data independence. (2)
4.7.2 One level of data independence is physical independence.
Name another level of data independence. (1)
4.7.3 Give TWO important reasons for enforcing data independence. (2)
TOTAL SECTION D: 20
Copyright reserved Please turn over
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
Information Technology/P2 13 DBE/November 2020
SC/NSC
SECTION E: SOLUTION DEVELOPMENT
QUESTION 5
5.1 There are many types of errors that can occur in software development.
5.1.1 Differentiate between a syntax error and a runtime error. (2)
5.1.2 Give TWO guidelines on how a programmer can construct useful error
messages. (2)
5.2 Several search algorithms are available to be used, e.g. binary and linear
search algorithms.
What is the prerequisite for an array to be searched when using the binary
search algorithm? (1)
5.3 A novice programmer was testing a concept and wrote the following segment of
Delphi code:
5.3.1 The programmer was expecting the final value of the variable S to be
15, but the dialog box showed the value of the variable S as 38319711.
Give a possible reason for this unexpected result. (1)
5.3.2 Suggest TWO ways in which to improve the code of the novice
programmer to be more readable. (2)
Copyright reserved Please turn over
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
Information Technology/P2 14 DBE/November 2020
SC/NSC
5.4 Consider the following flowchart:
Redraw the following incomplete trace table into your ANSWER BOOK.
Complete the trace table by tracing step by step through the flowchart depicted
above.
Block Nr f1 f2 i i < 3? fn Output
1 2
2 3
3 1 (6)
5.5 Write an alternative line of Delphi code that will have the same effect as the
following line of code:
i:= i+1; (1)
5.6 Consider the following class diagram:
TEvent
- fLocation: String
- fEventDate: String
- fCapacity: integer
<<CONSTRUCTOR>> Create(location, eventDate: String;
capacity: integer)
+ getLocation(): String
+ setLocation(location)
+ getEventDate(): String
+ setEventDate(eventDate: TDate)
+ getCapacity(): String
+ setCapacity(capacity: integer)
+ toString(): String
5.6.1 What do the plus (+) and minus (-) symbols represent respectively? (2)
Copyright reserved Please turn over
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
Information Technology/P2 15 DBE/November 2020
SC/NSC
5.6.2 Identify TWO errors in the class diagram provided. (2)
5.6.3 Identify an auxiliary method in the class diagram provided. (1)
TOTAL SECTION E: 20
Copyright reserved Please turn over
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
Information Technology/P2 16 DBE/November 2020
SC/NSC
SECTION F: INTEGRATED SCENARIO
QUESTION 6
A small export company specialising in food-related products are considering
upgrading their ICT systems. You are part of an IT company that assists them with
advice.
6.1 There are many factors that can influence a computer's performance.
6.1.1 Give TWO reasons why the use of cache memory allows the CPU to
perform tasks faster than when RAM is used. (2)
6.1.2 Name TWO other physical aspects of the CPU that have a direct
influence on system performance. (2)
6.1.3 The available memory (RAM) also has an influence on a computer's
performance. Therefore, the operating system allocates additional
memory if the available memory is limited.
(a) What is the additional memory which is allocated by the
operating system if required, called? (1)
(b) Explain how the operating system uses the additional memory
when required. (2)
6.2 The company considers using free software as an alternative in order to save
on licensing costs.
State TWO disadvantages of using an open and free operating system, such
as Linux, as an alternative to an operating system such as Microsoft
Windows. (2)
6.3 SaaS is a concept related to cloud computing, which in turn relies heavily on
virtualisation technologies.
6.3.1 State TWO advantages associated with the use of cloud computing. (2)
6.3.2 State TWO virtualisation techniques employed by companies that
offer cloud services. (2)
6.4 Marketing and e-communication play a major role in the company's daily
activities.
6.4.1 State TWO advantages of using web-based e-mail rather than an
ISP-based e-mail. (2)
Copyright reserved Please turn over
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
Information Technology/P2 17 DBE/November 2020
SC/NSC
6.4.2 The internet is used to search for suppliers of products to export.
(a) Explain how a search engine uses customised searching to
customise search results according to a user's profile. (2)
(b) Explain what context-aware searches entails. (1)
(c) How can the business benefit from context-aware searches? (1)
6.4.3 Give TWO reasons why the company should invest in the
development of a mobile app if a website has already been created. (2)
6.5 The business is currently using a centralised database. They have been
advised to switch to a distributed database system.
Give TWO reasons why you would recommend that they do NOT switch to a
distributed database system. (2)
6.6 An employee was exploring the system settings on his/her computer and
encountered a screen displaying the following information:
6.6.1 Why is a VPN useful to employees? (2)
6.6.2 Indicate ONE option in the screenshot above that is related to green
computing. (1)
Copyright reserved Please turn over
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
Information Technology/P2 18 DBE/November 2020
SC/NSC
6.6.3 Define the term mobile hotspot. (2)
6.6.4 (a) Briefly explain what multitasking is. (2)
(b) How does multiprocessing differ from multitasking? (2)
6.6.5 Explain what nearby sharing in this context entails. (1)
6.7 As part of upgrading their ICT systems, the company considers cancelling
their landline in favour of using VoIP for communication with their customers.
State TWO possible disadvantages of relying solely on VoIP for
communication with customers. (2)
6.8 The company often needs to store food in their industrial fridges until it can be
shipped for exporting.
Make TWO recommendations on how Internet of Things (IoT) technology can
be used to ensure that the company does not suffer damage due to possible
problems with keeping the temperatures in their fridges at optimal levels. (2)
6.9 The company uses security badges with embedded RFID tags to apply
access control at its premises.
6.9.1 What medium is used by RFID to identify objects? (1)
6.9.2 State TWO advantages of using RFID rather than barcode
technology. (2)
TOTAL SECTION F: 40
GRAND TOTAL: 150
Copyright reserved
Study this subject
Recommended for this subject

Memorandum
Information Technology Grade 12 P2 NSC November 2020 Memo

Question paper
Information Technology Grade 12 P1 NSC November 2020 QP

Question paper
Information Technology Grade 12 P2 Eastern Cape Mock 2020 QP

Question paper
Information Technology Grade 12 P2 NSC November 2022 QP

Question paper
Information Technology Grade 12 P2 NSC November 2019 QP

Question paper
Information Technology Grade 12 P2 NSC November 2018 QP
More from Grade 12 Information Technology

Memorandum
Information Technology Grade 12 P1 NSC June 2025 Memo (Eng)

Memorandum
Information Technology Grade 12 P1 2024 Memo (Eng)

Memorandum
Information Technology Grade 12 P2 2024 Memo (Eng)

Memorandum
Information Technology Grade 12 P1 2023 Memo (Afr)

Memorandum
Information Technology Grade 12 P2 2023 Memo (Afr)

Memorandum