AQA ICT INFO 2 predictions and help

Hello, I'm sitting INFO2 Tuesday, how are you feeling about the exam? How have you been revising?

I'm expecting both legislation and environmental factors of ICT to be in this exam. The environmental stuff tends to be a discuss question when it appears and doesn't tend to be on the exam...but AQA have surprised me three times already (maths and chemistry exams were...different to say the least). Hardware, software, storage and networking are usually a given too.

for hardware I generally list & explain all of the necessary components and how they'd interact with the computer (usually to complete a task) as well as the reasoning of why I chose them. e.g. ...a webcam is the most appropriate input device for a teleconferencing call as it inputs visual and audio data into the computer... (check the question for suggestions usually).

For software I Identify the relevant application/system software then explain how they aid the user(s) in achieving a goal. (if the question asks mainly about operating system software then I'd talk about required driver software, processor time and virtual memory allocations with possibly the privileging system).

Networking is both easy and hard because I'd start by explaining the network structure and it's requirements. Basically what type of network it is (LAN, WAN, WLAN,Intranet, extranet etc.) and what it's going to need to work (routers, servers, switches, bridges, storage units). The harder part is explaining why these are needed and are suitable for the scenario, for instance a web server to prevent workers from accessing inappropriate material during work hours or a print server to queue print orders.

Storage is best done by talking about the most applicable devices for the context and their advantages and disadvantages to the user. E.g. a USB memory stick is useful to a student because it allows for the transfer of projects to and from school and can be accessed using any standard computer quickly. It is small, light and durable so is therefore portable, and can be password locked for security. however it's size means it can be easily lost or stolen and most schools have a policy against the use of USB devices to prevent security breaches.

guys have you come up with any cool acronyms to help in the exam?

guys have you come up with any cool acronyms to help in the exam?

Whats the likelihood of network topologies coming up?

I'm retaking info 2 this year, Networks didn't come up at all last year so I think there's a strong possibility that something on it will come up. At best they might make you name a few typologies and talk about adv. or dis. Other than that, environmental factors tends to come up in one way or another -probs be an evaluate "how has concern for the environment affected the use of ICT" kinda thing,

Any thoughts on the 20 marker? I want an A grade boundaries permitting

I'm confident for an A on info 2, info 3 is a pain in the ass and that's what I'm worried about. A lot of stuff laps over though, so I'm revising info 3 and 2 at the same time, but I agree just doing past papers is the best way to revise for ICT. For info 3 have you made notes on the pre-release? What did you think of it?

I got a high A on coursework but we did it at the beginning of the year and our teacher is pretty good at it. The problem we have with info 3 is that it's so subjective, one person could mark it and give you a C and another could mark it and get an A, it depends on how nice your marker is lol. I hate the long tarrif questions, I love the style of info 2 -4s and 8 markers are lovely..but info 3 is a massive jump. It is down to luck tbh