Question Constellation Sign up for free AQA · GCSE · Computer Science · Higher
School network advantages and disadvantages
A school has purchased new computers for students and staff to use.
The school is considering installing the computers in a network.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages to the school, staff and students of having the computers installed in a network.
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Marking points
- 1 For the top band, provides a sustained, structured discussion of both advantages and disadvantages applied to the school, staff and/or students.
- 2 Relevant advantages may include central access/backup/management, shared resources, monitoring, remote access or moving rooms without losing access.
- 3 Relevant disadvantages may include cost, management, security/malware, server or hardware dependence, congestion or training.
Full-mark answer
A network would let staff and students sign in on different school computers and still access centrally stored files. Printers, internet access and software can be shared, and the school can manage updates and backups centrally, which can reduce duplication and protect work. However, the school must pay for servers, cabling and skilled management. A server or switch failure could stop many users accessing files, malware could spread between connected machines, and centrally held staff or student records create a larger cyber-security risk. Overall, the shared access and central management are valuable, but the school would need resilient hardware, backups and security controls to limit those risks.
Why this answer loses marks
Networking lets everyone share files and printers.
This gives one benefit but does not apply it to the school users, consider drawbacks, or build a balanced discussion.