Answers to today’s Starter Questions

These were taken from the 2008 Section 1.

1a(i)Describe how bit-mapped images are stored. 1 KU
  • An array/grid of pixels
  • Each dot/pixel has a binary value
  • Each pixel stored as a bit/byte/binary value/black=1 & white=0
  • Accept black=1 and white=0 type answer but not the colour of each pixel
  • Any one from above 1 mark (Not “the colour of pixels are stored” or “individual pixels” or “pixel by pixel”)

1a(ii) Describe how vector images are stored. 1 KU

  • As a number/list of objects (each of which has attributes defining the objects)
  • Objects are defined by attributes/mathematical description
  • Accept an example object used to describe eg rectangle and attributes
  • Any other valid
  • 1 mark for any of the above

1b Is the above image bit-mapped or vector? Justify your answer.2 PS

  • Bit-mapped (1 mark)
  • Composed of grid of (individual) pixels
  • Does not contain/is not comprised of (collection of discrete) objects
  • It is pixelated
  • It is a photograph/taken with a digital camera
  • 1 mark for any valid bullet point (Not painting or resized)

2a Explain how the heuristic detection technique is used to detect a virus.1 KU

  • It looks for a suspicious pattern of behaviour (which was previously associated with a virus)
  • Accept use of a valid example to illustrate concept
  • Any other valid
  • 1 mark

2b Explain why a trojan horse is not classified as a computer virus. 1 PS

  • A trojan horse is not self replicating
  • Does not infect other files
  • 1 mark for any one of the above (do not accept a description of what a trojan horse does)