IBDP Computer Science A1.2 Data representation and computer logic SL Paper 2 - New Syllabus
Question
A social media file-sharing website allows users to upload their original video content.
The site provides an upload module that uses lossless compression.
When a file is decompressed, the content is rendered to fit a standard set of sizes, aspect ratios, and frame rates. Standard video formats, such as MP4, are used for the output of media.
The file format MP4 or MPEG-4 is an open standard for media files.
Social media sites use a distributed system where the data is stored in many countries.
In the European Union, Argentina, and the Philippines the right to be forgotten has been established as law. The right to be forgotten gives a person the right to have private information removed from databases and applications so it cannot be found in an internet search.
Xero, a small software company, was established in 2006 in Wellington, New Zealand. It produced an easy-to-use accountancy service for small to medium enterprises. This product was based on the software-as-a-service (SaaS) model and is sold in a subscription format all over the world. Customer data is securely stored online as part of the subscription cost.
Most-appropriate topic code
▶️ Answer/Explanation
(a)
For the correct answer:
- Lossless compression allows the compressed media file to be reconstructed perfectly when it is decompressed.
- No original data is permanently deleted, so the quality of the media file is maintained.
Explanation: Lossless compression reduces the file size by representing repeated or common data more efficiently. When the file is decompressed, the original data can be recovered exactly.
For example, a lossless algorithm may replace frequently occurring sequences with shorter representations. Algorithms such as Huffman coding can assign shorter codes to more common symbols, while run-length encoding can represent repeated pixels or patterns more efficiently.
(b)
For the correct answer, any two characteristics of an open standard:
- The standard is openly accessible and can be used by anyone.
- It is not exclusively owned or controlled by a private entity or single governing body.
- It can be adopted, implemented, and updated by relevant stakeholders.
- It generally has defined rules governing changes and updates.
- It is designed to promote interoperability between different systems and platforms.
Explanation: Open standards allow different organizations and technologies to implement the same specification, improving compatibility and interoperability.
(c)
For the correct answer:
Conceptual understanding:
- The decentralized web distributes the operation, ownership, and control of online services among users rather than placing control primarily with large centralized organizations.
- It can use peer-to-peer systems in which no single entity has complete control over the web service or stored information.
- Decentralization can reduce centralized censorship, but it can also make removing information more difficult because there is no single point of control.
Positive impacts on privacy:
- Greater individual control can allow users to decide who can access or share their information, potentially reducing third-party access.
- Ownership of data can remain with the individual rather than being controlled by a central organization.
- Removing intermediaries from data transfers can allow more direct communication and potentially provide greater control and privacy.
- Decentralization can reduce centralized surveillance because user activity may not be monitored or logged by one controlling organization.
Negative impacts on privacy:
- Without overall centralized control, anyone may be able to publish information, including information about other individuals.
- It may be harder for an individual or government to remove information or restrict access to a page.
- Decentralized systems may not have consistent privacy standards, meaning some platforms may provide weak privacy protection.
- Data distributed across multiple nodes can create a larger potential surface for breaches or leaks.
- Accountability may be unclear, making it difficult for individuals to seek action when their privacy has been violated.
Evaluation: The decentralized web can improve privacy by giving individuals greater control over their data and reducing dependence on centralized organizations. However, the absence of a central authority can also make it difficult to remove private information and enforce consistent privacy protections. Therefore, decentralization can strengthen individual control over privacy, but it does not automatically guarantee privacy.
(d)
For the correct answer:
Economic and operational efficiency:
- Web-based businesses do not need to develop and distribute physical software packages or maintain large physical infrastructure for every customer.
- Cloud-based infrastructure reduces the upfront capital investment required by small companies and their customers.
- SaaS allows the company to provide its service through a subscription model, producing predictable revenue while allowing the service to scale.
- Digital advertising, social media campaigns, and SEO can be more cost-effective than traditional advertising methods.
- Cloud storage can provide backup and protection against accidental deletion or system failure.
Accessibility and scalability:
- Users in different countries can access the service through the internet without requiring physical distribution.
- Geographical distance and time zones no longer prevent the company from delivering its service internationally.
- Widespread smartphone and internet access increases the potential customer base.
- Cloud-based platforms allow customers to access financial data and services from different locations and at different times.
Customer convenience and ecosystem integration:
- Customers can subscribe and make payments through secure web portals.
- Multi-currency support and third-party APIs can allow the service to operate effectively in different countries and integrate with other systems.
- Web-based services can be updated centrally, allowing customers to receive improvements without manually installing new software.
- Online helpdesks, bots, and user forums provide scalable customer support.
Explanation: These developments reduce the physical and geographical barriers that previously limited small companies. A company such as Xero can develop a cloud-based service once and make it available to customers worldwide, while cloud infrastructure provides the scalability needed to support a growing international user base.