Christmas 2000 Exercise (2)

HKCEE 1999 Paper 2 (4)

  1. LAN is used to link independent computers and other peripheral devices over short distance within a limited area, usually within the same building, e.g. within the company, so that resources can be shared without duplication (or to avoid redundancy). Also, the computers can process the products by analyzing the data and get information from the server, This allows the computers to communicate and share any information obtained.
  2. WAN (Wide Area Network) is a communication network that connects geographically separated areas. It is used for worldwide communication, for instance. In this case, the company can communicate with shipping companies located all over the world and check if their products have been delivered successfully.

  3. Bar codes on the label can be read with the use of bar code readers and the data is sent to the control room over the computer network. Then the employees in the computer centre can check the respective information for the shipment from the network database.
  4. Change the field DM, the dimensions of the shipment, into three separate fields: the height, the width and the breadth of the shipment. With the separate fields, space management would be much easier as the three dimensions should be taken out in the calculations and the calculations are independent of each other in placing shipments in the containers.
  5. (I) Advantage is that the original data and program can be kept and there is no need to change any of the exciting data and program.
  6. Disadvantage is that it is difficult to move the

    exiting system to the new harbour. There ma be a

    transition period that the services provided by the

    company may be affected.

    (II) Advantage is that there will be an upgrade system

    and the company can operate smoothly during the

    transition.

    Disadvantage is that the old system

    database needs to be copied to the new system. This

    may be costly and time-consuming as the new system

    may contain certain bugs.

  7. The consulting firm needs to conduct a study, consisting of five stages. The stages are feasibility study, which evaluates the needs of the company, system analysis, which collects and analyzes data about the improved system, system design, system implementation, and system maintenance and evaluation.
  8. (I) Advantage is that there is a backup for the new system for a certain period in case any error occurs.
  9. Disadvantage is that it is costly to maintain and run

    the two systems at the same time.

    (II) Advantage is that it is less costly and more efficient.

    Disadvantage is the new system may not function smoothly that it may break down as bugs may not be fully identified or that training for staffs is insufficient and ineffective.

  10. The system log is used to keep track of any special events and can then be used for system evaluation to ensure that it meet the needs and goals of the company.

 

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