SST 2024 Prelim Paper 1 [revised for 2025]

SECONDARY 4 PRELIM EXAMINATION COMPUTING Paper 1 Written 7155/01 16 August 2024 (Friday) 2 hours CANDIDATE NAME CLASS INDEX NUMBER READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST Do not turn over the page until you are told to do so. Write your name, class, and index number in the spaces provided above. Write in dark blue or black pen. You may use a pencil for any diagrams. Do not use staples, paper clips, highlighters, glue or correction fluid/tape. Approved calculators are allowed. Answer all questions. The number of marks is given in brackets [ ] at the end of each question or part question. You should show all your working. The total number of marks for this paper is 80. This document consists of 17 printed pages, including this Cover Page. For Examiner’s Use 1 10 2 5 3 4 4 5 5 8 6 7 7 5 8 12 9 9 10 9 11 6 Total /80

Page 2 of 17 1 An architecture firm, “Sigma Designs,” is upgrading its computing infrastructure to improve the efficiency and security of its operations. The firm uses software for 3D modelling and simulation and stores large amounts of client data for backup. (a) Explain how the components of multi-core processor can benefit Sigma Designs in running their 3D modelling and simulation software. ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ [4] (b) Processor registers are extremely fast but small data storage spaces which are used directly by the ALU and control unit. They are physically located inside the processor. Explain why data buses are not needed to copy data between two processor registers. ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ [1]

Page 3 of 17 [Turn over (c) Compare magnetic and optical storage media in terms of capacity and durability. Recommend the most suitable storage medium for Sigma Designs to store and access their large volumes of data quickly and securely. ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ [5]

Page 4 of 17 2 Daksh has just moved into a new house and wants to set up a network that includes his laptop, desktop, smartphone, smart TV, and a wireless printer. He wants to be able to print from any device and have fast, reliable internet access throughout the house. (a) Identify two necessary network hardware components Daksh would need and explain the function of each component. ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ [4] (b) What is a Service Set Identifier? ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ [1]

Page 5 of 17 [Turn over 3 In May 20231, the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) announced that they will progressively replace immigration counters that are manned by immigration officers with Automated Border Control System (ABCS) lanes at checkpoints from 2024 onwards. The ABCS lanes will not need to scan travellers' passports. Instead, it will use biometrics for clearance to travel into and out of Singapore. Describe one positive and one negative social or economic impact of using the passport-free, biometric ABCS lanes instead of counters manned by immigration officers who manually check travellers' passports. Positive .......................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ ....................................................................