Cambridge International...

Cambridge International Examinations AS Applied ICT

Syllabus code 9626

Practical Workbook (AS)

September 2016

Name: Form:

Mr Ashraf, June 2016 2

Contents

Topic 8 – Spreadsheets ................................................................................................................................................ 5

Modelling .............................................................................................................................................................................. 6

Simulations ........................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Spreadsheet structure .......................................................................................................................................................... 9

FUNCTIONS ......................................................................................................................................................................... 11

Formulae ............................................................................................................................................................................. 12

EXERCISE 1: ADDITION, VLOOKUP, IF, SUM, AVERAGE, MAX AND MIN ............................................................................ 14

EXERCISE 2: MIN, MAX, SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, COUNTA, COUNTIF, MODE, MEDIAN, ROUND, INTEGER .................... 15

EXERCISE 3A: IF and nested IF formulas, SUMIF, COUNTIF ................................................................................................ 16

EXERCISE 3B: Spreadsheet Skills ......................................................................................................................................... 18

EXERCISE 4: Cell Manipulation ............................................................................................................................................ 19

EXERCISE 5: HLOOKUP ........................................................................................................................................................ 20

Validation ............................................................................................................................................................................ 21

Manipulating window(s) ..................................................................................................................................................... 21

Graphs and charts ............................................................................................................................................................... 22

Topic 9 – Databases ................................................................................................................................................... 23

Data dictionary.................................................................................................................................................................... 24

Database structures ............................................................................................................................................................ 26

Primary, Foreign and Composite Keys: ............................................................................................................................... 31

Referential integrity ............................................................................................................................................................ 31

Relationships ....................................................................................................................................................................... 32

Normalisation ..................................................................................................................................................................... 34

Query selection ................................................................................................................................................................... 40

Data Entry Forms ................................................................................................................................................................ 41

Switchboards ...................................................................................................................................................................... 42

Validation Rules .................................................................................................................................................................. 43

Topic 10 - File and Data Management ........................................................................................................................ 44

• file types and their use ............................................................................................................................................... 45

• proprietary and open-source file formats, and why open-source file formats are needed ...................................... 46

• generic file formats ..................................................................................................................................................... 47

• indexed sequential access .......................................................................................................................................... 48

• direct file access .......................................................................................................................................................... 48

• management information system (MIS) ..................................................................................................................... 48

• hierarchical database management system ............................................................................................................... 49


Topic 11a - Video Editing............................................................................................................................................ 51

–– import a video clip ......................................................................................................................................................... 52

–– trim a video clip to remove unwanted footage ............................................................................................................. 52

–– join together video clips ................................................................................................................................................ 53

–– create text based slides ................................................................................................................................................. 53

–– create credits ................................................................................................................................................................. 54

–– add captions and subtitles ............................................................................................................................................. 54

–– add fading effects .......................................................................................................................................................... 55

–– add animation effects .................................................................................................................................................... 55

–– extract a still image from a video clip ............................................................................................................................ 56

–– insert a still image .......................................................................................................................................................... 56

–– add sound to a video clip ............................................................................................................................................... 57

–– remove sound from a video clip .................................................................................................................................... 57

–– alter the speed of a video clip ........................................................................................................................................ 58

–– export a video clip in different file formats ................................................................................................................... 58

–– set an aspect ratio .......................................................................................................................................................... 59

–– compress a video to different resolutions to suit different media (including: DVD, internet) ..................................... 60

• describe how typical features found in video editing software are used in practice................................................. 60

Topic 11b – Sound Editing .......................................................................................................................................... 61

–– trim a sound clip to remove unwanted material ........................................................................................................... 62

–– join together two sound clips ........................................................................................................................................ 62

–– fade in and fade out a sound clip ................................................................................................................................... 63

–– alter the speed of a sound clip ....................................................................................................................................... 63

–– change the pitch of a sound clip .................................................................................................................................... 63

–– add or adjust reverberation ........................................................................................................................................... 64

–– overdub a sound clip to include a voice over ................................................................................................................ 65

–– export a sound clip in different file formats .................................................................................................................. 65

–– compress (including: the use of MP3) the sound file to different sample rates to suit different media ...................... 66

describe how typical features found in sound editing software are used in practice ............................................... 67

Describe how file sizes depend on sampling rate and sampling resolution ....................................................................... 67


Paper 2: Practical


Topic 8 – Spreadsheets

8.1 Modelling Tick

describe the characteristics of modelling software

analyse the need for computer models

evaluate the effectiveness of spreadsheet models (including for: financial forecasting)

8.2 Simulations

describe the advantages and disadvantages of using a model to create and run simulations

evaluate the use of simulation (including for: natural disaster planning, pilot training, car driving, nuclear science research)

8.3 Create a spreadsheet

create structure

–– explain the purpose of cells, rows, columns, ranges, worksheets and multiple worksheets in a single data file

–– insert a row and a column, delete a row and a column, resize a row and a column, hide a row and a column

–– manipulate cells and their content (including: date and time functions; extracting numeric values from strings, concatenating cell content, protecting: cells, rows, columns, worksheets and multiple worksheets in a single data file)

–– adjust cell, row and column width and height

create formatting

–– format cells (including: date, time, text, numeric, currency, percentage, fractions, text orientation, alignment, conditional formatting)

–– format cell emphasis (including: colour, shading, merge, borders, comments)

–– format page (including: page setup, fit to page, margins, header, footer)

create formulae and functions

–– explain the difference between a formula and a function

–– use formulae (including: add, subtract, multiply, divide, indices)

–– use absolute reference, relative reference, nested formulae, named cells, named ranges

–– explain why absolute and relative referencing are used

–– use functions (including: sum, average, minimum, maximum, integer, rounding, counting, IF, nested IF, lookup (including: vertical, horizontal), conditional formulae to include counting, sum, average)

validation rules (see 1.5)

test validation applied to a spreadsheet

test a spreadsheet model and evaluate the effectiveness of test plans for a spreadsheet model

verify and validate data entry

extract data:

–– search using: text, numeric, date, time, Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT), ., ,, =, .=, ,=, contains, starts with, ends with

• sort data (including: ascending, descending) on multiple columns

• import and export data (including: .csv, .txt, .rtf, graphs and charts)

8.4 Graphs and charts

analyse and select the most appropriate type of graph or chart (including: bar chart, pie chart, line graph, comparative bar chart, comparative line graph)

create a graph or chart (including: appropriate data series, from contiguous data, from non-contiguous data, specified range(s))

–– label a graph or chart (including: title, legend, segment labels, segment values, percentages, category axis labels, series labels, value axis labels, scales, set axis scale maximum, set axis scale minimum)


Modelling and Simulations

Modelling

o Describe the characteristics of modelling software

What is a model?

A model is a program which has been developed to copy the way a system works in real life. It uses mathematical formulas and

calculations to predict what is likely to happen based on data recorded about what actually did happen in the past. The reason people

use modelling and Financial Modelling in particular is that they want to predict the future. This is done by carefully setting up a model

that they think will do this.

Give an example of modelling software

Spreadsheet software is an example of modelling software.

Any model needs a set of input values, a way to work on those input values and then provide one or more output values.

A spreadsheet can deal with a lot of numbers, do some work on them and produce some answers, so spreadsheets are ideal tools to

use for straight-forward financial modelling.

Analyse the need for computer models

Computer models are cheaper to setup than alternative methods that could be used to predict what will happen in a system, eg

building a prototype. Other benefits include being able to:

make alterations and quickly see the outcomes

repeat tests several times over

learn from "what if?" scenarios

model dangerous situations safely

If you tweak an input value , you immediately see the effect it has on the output value(s)

A typical set of questions you may ask of a spreadsheet financial model would be :-

- "What will happen to my profit if I put up the price by 10%?"

- "If I reduce the number of staff by one, how will that affect the end of month profit?"

- "How many items do I need to sell before breaking even?"

- "what is the interest I will earn if my money goes into that savings account?"

It is a good idea to use a spreadsheet to make business decisions because:

- it allows you to keep testing different scenarios until you find one that suits your needs

- there is no financial risk to your business or staff

- you can see the result immediately rather than having to wait for a month/year in real life

What are the limitations of computer models?

A model is only as good as the rules used to create it.

A mistake could have been made by whoever wrote the model

Not every situation might have been considered

The data entered into the model has to also be accurate and reliable for the outputs to be reliable.

All of these issues could cause the model to give incorrect answers.


Evaluate the effectiveness of spreadsheet models (including for: financial forecasting)

What is a financial model?

It is a tool that brings the various areas of a business(marketing, sales, operations, finance) together to provide expected results

based on a given set of assumptions. Financial modeling allows you to evaluate different options with relative ease.

Here are four keys to building an effective model:

Determine the desired outcome

Defining what you want the end product to be is critical when creating a financial model. It is important to know the purpose of the

model; who are the intended users; what is the time frame (monthly, quarterly, annual); and how detailed does it need to be.

Identify key variables

Identifying the key drivers of the business is important for several reasons and various applications. For the financial model, these

drivers will determine how the format is defined and established.

These variables are the underlying activities or items that determine the outcome. It may be the unit of measure – number of sales,

installations; average price per sale; commission percentage; or historical gross margin percentage.

Create assumptions and populate the model

For high level financial models, it is beneficial to create the assumptions in the same format as the end product. This allows for

efficiency when testing different assumptions and allows for flexibility. Enter the key assumptions and create formulas to calculate

the result.

Evaluate the results

When the model is complete and the assumptions and formulas are providing information, It is always important to ask…does this

make sense? Are the results consistent with expectations? Are they telling the story?

If the results aren’t tested and verified, the reader will not trust and be able to rely on the information.

A financial model is an effective tool to test a business model, project a new service and product offering, or project the future of the

existing business.

Weather Forecasting

When you watch the weather forecast on TV you will see the presenters telling you what the weather will be like that day, that

evening, tomorrow or even later in the week.

But, they can't know 100% for sure, because the time hasn't actually happened yet. What you are watching is their prediction about

what they think will happen in the future.

However, their predictions are usually pretty accurate. This is because data has been collected over many decades about

temperatures, wind speeds, humidity, air pressure etc. Meterologists (people who study the weather) can look at a set of data for a

given time. They can then look at what happened to the weather over the next few hours/days. This has enabled accurate models to

be built.

So when they see that the temperature at 6am is 10 degrees C, and the wind speed is 20 miles per hour blowing from the north and

the air pressure is 980, they can run that data through the model and get a prediction about what the weather will probably be like

for the rest of the day.


Simulations

Computer simulations use computer models to also predict how a system will behave given a set of conditions. Again,

they are created through mathematical formulas. The difference between a model and a simulation is that a simulation

also uses something physical to mimic the system.

A very good example of a simulation is a flight simulator.

Another example of a simulation is a thrill ride simulator somewhere like Disneyland.

Another form of simulation is Virtual Reality.

Describe the disadvantages of using a model to create and run simulations

No equipment is damaged

People aren't put in any danger

Expensive prototypes don't need to be built

Time can be sped up or slowed down

Models can be run and re-run over and over

Modifications can easily be made and re-tested quickly

Describe the advantages of using a model to create and run simulations

The results depend on how good the model is and how much data was used to create it in the first place.

Models and simulations can't ever completely re-create real-life situations.

Not every possible situation may have been included in the model.

The equipment and software are expensive to purchase.

Staff need to be trained how to use the software and equipment.

TASK: Research and evaluate the use of simulation:

natural disaster planning

pilot training

car driving

nuclear science research)


Spreadsheet structure

–Label on the diagram: rows, columns, ranges, worksheets and multiple worksheets in a single data file


– explain the difference between a formula and a function

Formula

=(B2*C2)+D2

Function

A formula is typed directly into the formula bar A function is built into the software.; it is a special type

of formula

Unable to nest a formula Can nest functions

Formula are simple calculations Functions are used to simplify complicated maths

Formulas do not have built-in wizards A function often has a built-in wizard to help you

complete them e.g. VLOOKUP

A function is a built-in operation, such as SUM(), AVERAGE(), etc.

A formula (also known as an equation) is something that the user defines, and can use/refer to various

functions in it.

A formula starts with an = sign, such as =(D1+D2)/A$3. They are similar in that both return a result based

on the calculations that each performs.

The difference is that a function is a built-in calculation, while a formula is a user-defined calculation. A

formula could just use a single function.

For example, if you enter =AVERAGE(A1:A56), that is a formula, using the AVERAGE function. If you enter

=SUM(G4+A5) - 25 * MIN(B3:B6), that is a formula which uses both the SUM function and the MIN

function, as well as standard mathematical operators (-, +, *).


FUNCTIONS

The syllabus requires you to know and be able to use the following functions:

Sum

Average

Minimum

Maximum

Integer

Rounding

Counting (Count, count A)

IF

Nested IF

lookup (including: vertical, horizontal)

conditional formulae to include: countif, sumif, averageif

What it does Example Common mistakes

SUM

Adding values from a range of cells =SUM(B1:D13)

Average Returns the average (mean) of a range of cells.

If the range A1:A20 contains numbers, the formula =AVERAGE(A1:A20) returns the average of those numbers.

=avg(A1:A20) This format is only used in Microsoft Access.

MAX Calculates the largest number in the range

=MAX(A2:A7)

MIN Calculates the smallest number in the range

=MIN(A2:A7)

INTEGER The INT function can be used to round a number down to the next lowest integer while removing the decimal portion of a number.

= INT(D1) = INTEGER (D1)

ROUND The ROUND function is used to reduce a given value to a specific number of decimal places.

= ROUND (D1,1 )

IF The IF function returns one value if a condition you specify evaluates to TRUE, and another value if that condition evaluates to FALSE

=IF(A1>10,"Yes","No") returns "Yes" if A1 is greater than 10, and "No" if A1 is less than or equal to 10.

Nested IF function It is possible to nest multiple IF functions within one Excel formula. You can nest up to 7 IF functions to create a complex IF THEN ELSE statement.

=IF(C2<31500,C2*15,IF(C2<72500,C2*25,C2*28) IF the value in cell A5 is less than 31,500, then multiply the value by 15. But IF it's not, check to see if the value is less than 72,500. IF it is, multiply by 25, otherwise multiply by 28.

http://www.techonthenet.com/excel/formulas/if.php

http://www.techonthenet.com/excel/formulas/if.php


COUNT

The COUNT function counts the number of cells in a range that contain numbers

=COUNT(A1:A10)

COUNTA

COUNTA function, which counts the number of cells in a range that contain any kind of data, whether it is text, a number, a date, a space character, or even an error.

=COUNTA(A2:A6)

COUNTIF

The COUNTIF function, is used to count up the number of cells in a selected range that meet specified criteria.

= COUNTIF(E1:E6, “Apples” )

AVERAGEIF Returns the average (mean) of all the cells in a range that meet a given criteria.

=AVERAGEIF(B2:B5,"<23000") =AVERAGEIF(A2:A6,"=*West",B2:B6)

SUM IF You use the SUMIF function to sum the values in a range that meet criteria that you specify

=SUMIF(A2:A5,">160000") =SUMIF(B2:B5, "John", C2:C5)

VLOOKUP The V in VLOOKUP stands for vertical. Use VLOOKUP instead of HLOOKUP when your comparison values are located in a column to the left of the data that you want to find.

=VLOOKUP(1,A2:C10,2) Searches for the value 1 in column A, finds the value equal to 1 in column A e.g. 0.946, and then returns the value from column B in the same row. (e.g. 2.17)

HLOOKUP The H in HLOOKUP stands for horizontal. Searches for a value in the top row of a table or an array of values, and then returns a value in the same column from a row you specify in the table or array.

=HLOOKUP("Axles", A1:C4, 2, TRUE) Looks up "Axles" in row 1, and returns the value from row 2 that's in the same column (column A).

Formulae

Use formulae (including: add, subtract, multiply, divide, indices)

What it does Example Common mistakes

Add Adds values in specified cells =A1+D1 =sum(A1+D1)

Subtract Subtracts values from specified cells

= A2-A3 =sum(A2*A3)

Multiply Multiplies values from specified cells

=A6*D6 =sum(A6*D6)

Divide Divides values from specified cells =B4/D4 =sum(B4/D4)

Indices Returns the result of a number raised to a power.

=POWER(5,2) 5 squared

Import and export data (including: .csv, .txt, .rtf, graphs and charts)

COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING PRACTICE EXERCISES

http://spreadsheets.about.com/od/c/g/cell_definition.htm

http://spreadsheets.about.com/od/r/g/range_def.htm


Spreadsheets

AS ICT

During this topic, you will acquire a number of skills in creating spreadsheets, writing formulae and functions

and manipulating the contents of cells.

Complete the following spreadsheet skills exercises to enable you to practice/revise all formulae and functions

listed in the syllabus.

Download from Moodle all the files into a suitably named folder in your user

area before you begin working on them.


EXERCISE 1: ADDITION, VLOOKUP, IF, SUM, AVERAGE, MAX AND MIN

1. Exercise 1: ICT Marks - Enter formulas in to the boxes shaded in yellow

2. Print the spreadsheet, showing formulas, orientation landscape, fit to one page, with gridlines and row and

column headings and your name in the header.

=B4+C1

(Use $)

=D4+C4

=SUM(G4:G9)

=AVERAGE(G4:G9)

=MAX(G4:G9)

=MIN(G4:G9)

=if(G4<J1,”Fail”,”Pass”)

(Make J1 absolute ($))


EXERCISE 2: MIN, MAX, SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, COUNTA, COUNTIF, MODE, MEDIAN, ROUND,

INTEGER

1. Load Exercise 2 2. Enter suitable formulas in the cells shaded in yellow for the Marksheet and Analysis worksheets

SAMPLE FORMULAE

Use the 'Count IF' formula to count how many students achieved each of the following grade:

Count of A =COUNTIF(C2:C21,"A")

Total (SUM) =SUM(A1:A10)

Use the 'COUNT' function to count the number of numeric values in column D

=COUNT(A1:A10)

Use the 'COUNTA' function to count the number of text values in column C

=COUNTA(A1:A10)

Use the Round function to Round the following exam marks to 2 decimal places

=ROUND(A1,2)

Use the INTEGER function to return the following exam marks to whole numbers

=INT(A1)

Use the MODE function to return the most frequent exam marks in cells B24:B30

=MODE(A1:A10)

Use the Median function to return the median of the cells B24 :B30

=MEDIAN(A1:A10)

Work out the highest, lowest and average mark using suitable functions for the exam marks in the Marksheet

Lowest =MIN(A1:A10)

Highest =MAX(A1:A10)

Average =AVERAGE(A1:A10)

Work out the total marks for the three papers using a suitable function =SUM(A1:A10)




EXERCISE 3A: IF and nested IF formulas, SUMIF, COUNTIF

In this exercise, you will practice the following IF Formulas:

IF Formula

Nested IF formulas

SUMIF

COUNTIF

1. Load the spreadsheet IF, SUMIF, COUNTIF.xls

2. In cell F5, use a suitable formula to add the coursework and exam marks

3. In cell G5 use a formula to display the word Pass if the exam mark is more than or equal to the mark displayed in

cell L2 or display the word Fail if it is not.

Sample formula: =if(A5>=L3,”Pass”,”Fail”)

4. In cell H5 use a formula to display the word Pass if the coursework mark is more than or equal to the mark

displayed in cell L1 or display the word Fail if it is not.

Sample formula: =if(A5>=L6,”Pass”,”Fail”)

1. In cell I5 use the VLOOKUP function to find the overall grade from the table starting in cell L5. You must use

absolute cell reference.

2. In cell J5, enter a nested IF formula to display FAIL if the exam mark is less than the value in L2 and if the

coursework mark is less than the value in L1, otherwise display PASS.

Sample formula: =IF(D5<L2,"fail",IF(E5>=L1,"fail","pass"))

3. In Cell K5 use a nested IF function to work out the points score for each student based on their overall grade. Use

absolute cell references.

Sample formula =IF(I5=M11,F5*N11,IF(I5=M10,F5*N10,IF(I5=M9,F5*N9,IF(I5=M8,F5*N8,IF(I5=M7,F5*N7,F5*N6)))))


4. In cell A29, use a suitable formula to count the number of students that achieved less than 10 marks in the exam

Sample formula: =countif(A3:A20,”<20”)

5. In cell A32, use a suitable formula to count the number of students that achieved more than 25 marks in the

exam

Sample formula: =countif(A3:A20,”>45”)

6. Count the number of students except those that achieved 0 in the exam

Sample formula: =countif(A3:A20,”<>0”)

7. In cell A38, use a suitable formula to count the number of students that achieved between 25 and 50 marks in the

coursework

8. Sample formula: =COUNTIFS(D5:D26,"<50",D5:D26,">25")

9. In cell A38, use a suitable formula to add all the total marks, except those that achieved 0 in exam

Sample formula: =SUMIF(D5:D26,"<>0"F5:F26)

10. In cell A41, use a suitable formula to add all the total marks, except those that achieved 0 in coursework

Sample formula: =SUMIF(E5:E26,"<>0"F5:F26)



12. Hide rows 28 to 45

13. Print out your spreadsheet in data view without rows 28-45


EXERCISE 3B: Spreadsheet Skills

In this exercise, you will practice the following skills:

Custom Sort

Custom Filter

1. Open the word document named “CUSTOM SORT and FILTERING”

CUSTOM SORT

2. Add screen-prints under the following headings:

Sort by exam mark, highest to lowest

Sort by coursework mark, highest to lowest

Sort the data into descending order of Gender and then by descending order of Total marks

CUSTOM FILTER

1. Add screen-prints under the following headings:

Display the students that achieved 25 marks or above in both the exam and coursework

Display the students that achieved less than 25 marks in both the exam and coursework

Display girls that achieved less than 25 marks in exam and coursework

Display boys that achieved more than 25 marks in exam and coursework

Display students that have four letters in their surname

Display students that have a surname starting with an “M”

Display students that have a first name ending with an “E”

2. Print the document

Make sure that you can Search:

Text columns

Numeric columns

date, time columns

by using:

Contains

starts with

ends with

Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT)

., ,, =, .=, ,=


EXERCISE 4: Cell Manipulation

Open the spreadsheet “Cell Manipulation”

Concatenate cells (combine the contents of two cells)/Join Strings

In cell E2, join the contents of the cells that contain the forename and surname

Sample Formula= B6&" "&C62

Transpose cells

Paste the record of the first student into a vertical table in sheet 2 using the transpose facility

1. Copy the cells

2. Go to sheet 2

3. Right click and click paste special, transpose cells

Split strings/Extract values from strings using (substring, left, right, mid, length)

In cell A2, extract the first three letters of the student’s surname and join them with the last two numbers from the date

of birth

Sample Formula=LEFT(F2,5)& RIGHT(H3,7)

In cell B2, use the MID function to extract the first five letters from the surname and join them with the length of the

surname

Sample Formula =MID(C2,1,4)&LEN(C2)

Convert string values to numeric values

1. Highlight the cells H2:H21

2. Right click and set them to numbers

Protect cell(s)/Protect rows/columns

Protect cells C2:D21 only

1. Highlight the ALL the cells and right click and go to format cells, click on protection and untick locked

2. Highlight cells C2:D21

3. Repeat step 1 but this time tick locked

4. Click on Protect Sheet

Print the spreadsheet, showing formulas, orientation landscape, fit to one page, with gridlines and row and column

headings and your name in the header.


EXERCISE 5: HLOOKUP

Open the spreadsheet “HLOOKUP”

HLOOKUP, Naming a Range of Cells

1. Open the spreadsheet called “HLookup”

2. Highlight the three rows from the table

3. Right click and select Define Name

4. Create a named range called “Orders”

5. In cell B7, enter a HLookup formula to obtain the Unit price for order 32548

Sample Formula =HLOOKUP(B7,B1:G3,2)

Manipulating Date/Time Values

In Cell J1, use a formula to enter today’s date =Today()

In Cell J2, use a formula to enter today’s date’s date and time =Now()

In cell J3, use a formula to extract the month from the date entered in cell J1 =Month(J1)

In cell J4, use a formula to extract the month from the date entered in cell J1 =Day(J1)

In cell J5, use a formula to extract the month from the date entered in cell J1 =Year(J1)

I can adjust the page layout

Set the page size to A4

Set the page orientation to landscape

Set it to fit to a page

Set the page margins (top margin, bottom margin, left margin, right margin) all to 0.5cm

display row/column headings

Give the spreadsheet a suitable title and add this to the header

Add your name to the footer

Add automated text such as page numbering, file path and file name to the footer


I can format rows, columns and/or cells

Format cells containing unit price to currency (Pounds, 2 decimal places)

Set the date in cell J1 to long date

Set the time in J2 to 24 hour clock

Set the text orientation in the table headings to

o Horizontal = center

o Vertical = center

o Text wrap

conditional formatting, set the following rules for qty:

o between 1 and 10 to red

o between 11 and 40 to orange

o between 41 and 100 to green

I can enhance/emphasise cells

Shade the column headings

Set the text orientation to 90 degrees

Set the column headings to Bold, Underscore, Italics

Apply Borders to the table and add a thick black border around the table

Insert a row above the table and add the title “Orders”

Merge cells A1 to A4

Apply a suitable font styles (font face, point size) to the title

Add a suitable instruction comments to a cell A7

Validation

Restrict the values in the Qty cells so that the quantity entered can only be within the range 0 and 100. Add

suitable text for the user. Take a screenshot of the validation to see if it works.

Test the validation applied to the spreadsheet using a testing table:

Test Data Type Expected Outcome Actual Outcome

Normal

Abnormal

Extreme

Manipulating window(s)

Freeze column A

Zoom in and check whether column A stays frozen whilst you look at the data in the other columns

unfreeze column A

Use the split window tool

Restore the windows




Graphs and charts

Make sure that you can:

analyse and select the most appropriate type of graph or chart including:

bar chart

pie chart

line graph

comparative bar chart

comparative line graph

create a graph or chart including:

appropriate data series

from contiguous data

from non-contiguous data

specified range(s))

make sure that you can:

o label a graph or chart including:

title

legend

segment labels

segment values

percentages

category axis labels

series labels

value axis labels

scales

set axis scale maximum

set axis scale minimum)


Topic 9 – Databases

9.1 Create a database Tick

assign a data type and an appropriate field size to a field (including: text, alphanumeric, numeric (integer, decimal), date/time, Boolean)

describe the three relationships: one-to-one, one-to-many and many-to-many

create and use relationships (including: one-to-one and one-to-many)

create and interpret an entity relationship diagram

evaluate the difference between a flat file and a relational database and why one might be preferred in certain situations

create a relational database

analyse the function of key fields (including: primary key, compound key, foreign key)

set keys (including: primary key, compound key, foreign key)

define and use referential integrity and explain its importance

validate and verify data entry

–– use validation rules (see 1.5)

–– test validation applied to a database

–– verify data entry (see 1.5)

perform searches

–– simple query on single criterion

–– complex queries using multiple criteria

–– queries using static parameters

–– queries using dynamic parameters

–– nested queries

–– summarise data (including: cross-tab query/pivot table)

–– using text, numeric, date, time, wildcard, Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT), ., ,, =, .=, ,=

use arithmetic operations, numeric and logical functions to perform calculations within a database (including calculated controls and calculated fields)

sort data

–– ascending, descending, grouped

design, create and evaluate an appropriate data entry form (including: appropriate font styles and sizes, spacing between fields, character spacing of individual fields, use of white space, radio buttons, drop down menus, highlighting key fields)

design, create and evaluate a switchboard/menu within a database

import data (including: .csv, .txt, .rtf)

export data (including: table, query, report, export as .csv, .txt, .rtf)

9.2 Normalisation to third normal form (3NF)

describe the characteristics of data in unnormalised form (0NF), first normal form (1NF), second normal form (2NF) and third normal form (3NF)

discuss the advantages and disadvantages of normalisation

normalise a database to 3NF

9.3 Data dictionary

describe the components of a data dictionary

select appropriate data types for a given set of data and a given situation

identify different data types (including: text, alphanumeric, numeric, (integer, real, percentage, currency), date/time, Boolean/logical (yes/no, true/false))

9.4 Query selection

evaluate the use of static and dynamic parameters in a query (see 9.1)

analyse when static and dynamic parameters should be used in queries (see 9.1)

analyse when simple, complex, nested and summary queries (including cross-tab queries/pivot tables) should be used (see 9.1)


Data dictionary

Describe the components of a data dictionary:

A data dictionary contains a list of all files in the database, the number of records in each file, and the names and types of each field. Most database management systems keep the data dictionary hidden from users to prevent them from accidentally destroying its contents. Data dictionaries do not contain any actual data from the database, only book keeping information for managing it. Without a data dictionary, however, a database management system cannot access data from the database.


identify different data types (including: text, alphanumeric, numeric, (integer, real, percentage, currency), date/time, Boolean/logical (yes/no, true/false))

Assign a data type and an appropriate field size to a field (including: text, alphanumeric, numeric (integer, decimal), date/time, Boolean)

What type of data can it hold? Example Field Size

logical/Boolean

alphanumeric/text

numeric(real and integer)

Real: Integer: Percentage:

currency

date/time

• select appropriate data types for a given set of data and a given situation

Data Item Data Type

Field Size Notes

Student number

Name

Address

Date of Birth

Shoe Size

Fee

Over 16?

Age

Telephone Number


Database structures – evaluate the difference between a flat file and a relational database and why one might be

preferred in certain situations

Flat File Databases

A flat file database is ……………..

It would be appropriate to use a flat file database where…..

You have been asked to create a flat file database for a new fashion store that has recently opened in

RAK Mall.

They sell the following items:

Item Number Description Price

A0123 Check Shirt – Size S

99.00 AED

A0124 Black Long Skirt – Size 10

149 AED

A0126 Swim Shorts – Size M

50 AED


Use the item numbers to complete the database

Customer

Number

Last Name First Name Date of

Birth

Item

Number

Description Price Quantity

100345 Williams Doug 26/09/64

100346 Patel Anita 12/08/76

100347 Smith Bill 30/03/77

100348 Ahmed Mayed 19/04/82

100349 Patel Anita 12/08/76

Tasks:

1. The price for Item number A0123 has changed to 69.00 AED. Make this change on the database

2. Item number A0126 is no longer needed. Remove the record by putting a line through it

3. Bill Smith wants to buy another two items. Add these two orders to the database.

What problems do you find with the flat file database?

Problem 1

Problem 2

Problem 3


A Relational database is …………………………..

It would be appropriate to use a relational database when…..

Now transfer the information from the flat file database into the relational database below:

Customer Table

Customer Number Last Name First Name Date of Birth


Stock Table

Item Number Description Price Quantity

Orders Table

Order Number Customer Number Item number Quantity

Tasks:

1. The price for Item number A0123 has changed to 69.00 AED. Make this change on the database

2. Item number A0126 is no longer needed. Remove the record by putting a line through it

3. Bill Smith wants to buy another two items. Add these two orders to the database.

Which database would you prefer to use and why? Give three reasons:

Foreign Keys are:


Advantages of Relational Databases Disadvantages of Relational Databases


Primary, Foreign and Composite Keys:

Primary Key

A primary key, also called a primary keyword, is a key in a relational database that is unique for each record. It is a

unique identifier, such as a driver license number, telephone number (including area code), or vehicle identification

number (VIN). A relational database must always have one and only one primary key.

Composite Key

A compound key is a key that consists of two or more fields that uniquely identify a record.

Foreign Key

A foreign key is a field that references a field (most often the primary key) of another table. The purpose of the

foreign key is to ensure referential integrity of the data. In other words, only values that are supposed to appear in

the database are permitted. Foreign keys enable data to be shared between tables and only allow data that exists in

the primary table to be entered. For example, if a customer ID 1234 does not exist in the customers table, it cannot

be accepted in the Customer ID field in the orders table.

Referential integrity

Define and use referential integrity and explain its importance

Referential integrity is a database concept that ensures that relationships between tables remain consistent. When

one table has a foreign key to another table, the concept of referential integrity states that you may not add a

record to the table that contains the foreign key unless there is a corresponding record in the linked table

For example, suppose the Records table has a foreign key that points to a field in the Artists table. Referential

integrity would prevent you from adding a record to the Records table that does not exist in the Artists table.


Relationships

Describe the three relationships: one-to-one, one-to-many and many-to-many

One to one

One to Many

Many to Many (not allowed

and have to be made 1:m)

Student Class

Course Student

Students Subjects

Student-Subjects Subjects Students


Relational Databases - Label on the diagram below primary keys and foreign keys and complete the

relationships

Customers Table

Orders Table

Products Table

Customer

Number

Last

Name

First

Name

Date of

Birth

100345 Williams Doug 26/09/64

100346 Patel Anita 12/08/76

100347 Smith Bill 30/03/77

Item Number Description Price Quantity

A0123 Shirt – Size S £20.00 10

A0124 Skirt – Size 10 £24.99 14

A0126 Shorts – Size M £12.99 16

Order

No

Customer

Number

Item

Number

Qty

Required

Total

001 100345 A0123 1 £20.00

002 100346 A0124 2 £49.98

003 100347 A0126 1 £12.99


Normalisation

Normalisation is the process of reorganizing data in a database so that it meets two basic requirements:

There is no repeated data

Data dependencies are logical (all related data items are stored together)

Normalization is important for many reasons, but chiefly because it allows databases to take up as little disk space as

possible, resulting in increased performance.

Describe the characteristics of data in unnormalised form (0NF), first normal form (1NF), second normal form (2NF) and

third normal form (3NF)

Form Rules

UNF Data might be repeated The table might not have a primary key There might be repeating fields i.e. each field does not have a unique name

1NF Tables must have no repeating groups

2NF There should be no partial dependencies - i.e. every field in a table must fully depend on the primary key

3NF There should be no dependencies between non-key attributes.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of normalisation

Advantages

The database does not have redundant data, it is smaller in size so less money needs to be spent on storage

Because there is less data to search through, it is much faster to run a query on the data

Because there is no data duplication there is better data integrity and less risk of mistakes.

Because there is no data duplication there is less chance of storing two or more different copies of the data

Once change can be made which can instantly be cascaded across any related records.

Disadvantages

You can end up with more tables than an unnormalised database

The more tables and the more complex the database, the slower queries can be to run

It is necessary to assign more relationships to interact with larger numbers of tables

With more tables, setting up queries can become more complex


Normalise a database to 3NF


SET UP THESTUDENTS DATABASE FOR THE COLLEGE


Query selection

• evaluate the use of static and dynamic parameters in a query and when they should be used

A dynamic query is updated with its criteria each time you click into the query. At the top of the page, you can see a date

that indicates when the query was last updated. Dynamic SQL is SQL statements that are constructed at runtime; for

example, the application may allow users to enter their own queries. Thus, the SQL statements cannot be hard-coded into

the application.

A static query is a result that never changes. It is based on information that matched the criteria from the particular

moment when the query was made. Static query statements do not change at runtime and, therefore, can be hard-coded

into the application

• analyse when simple, complex, nested and summary queries (including cross-tab queries/pivot tables) should be

used

A simple query searches on a single criterion

A complex query searches using multiple criteria

Nested queries - A nested query is a query within another query. A subquery is used to return data that will be used in

the main query as a condition to further restrict the data to be retrieved.

A summary query such as a crosstab query calculates a sum, average, or other aggregate function, and then groups the

results by two sets of values— one down the side of the datasheet and the other across the top. It is known as

You should be able to perform searches using:

Text

Numeric

date

Time

Wildcard

Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT)

., ,, =, .=, ,=

use arithmetic operations, numeric and logical functions to perform calculations within a database (including calculated controls

and calculated fields)

Sort data - ascending, descending, grouped

validate and verify data entry

CREATE SIMPLE, COMPLEX, NESTED AND SUMMARY

QUERIES FOR THE STUDENTS DATABASE


Data Entry Forms

Design, create and evaluate an appropriate data entry form: (including: appropriate font styles and sizes, spacing

between fields, character spacing of individual fields, use of white space, radio buttons, drop down menus,

highlighting key fields)

Evaluate the following two data entry forms using the criteria above:

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

CREATE DATA ENTRY FORMS FOR THE STUDENTS DATABASE


Switchboards

design, create and evaluate a switchboard/menu within a database

CREATE A SWITCHBOARD FOR THE STUDENTS DATABASE


Validation Rules

–use validation rules including:

presence check

range check

type check

length check

format check

lookup check

consistency check

limit check

–Test validation applied to a database using a testing table:

Test Data Type Expected Outcome Actual Outcome

Normal

Abnormal

Extreme

–Verify data entry - including: visual checking and double data entry

USE AND TEST VALIDATION RULES FOR THE STUDENTS

DATABASE


Topic 10 - File and Data Management

9.5 File and data management

evaluate different file types and their use

explain what is meant by proprietary and open-source file formats, and why open-source file formats are needed

explain why generic file formats are needed

explain the use of indexed sequential access

explain the use of direct file access

explain the use of a hierarchical database management system

describe the features of a management information system (MIS)

explain how a MIS can be used by organisations


• evaluate different file types and their use

File Type Use


• explain what is meant by proprietary and open-source file formats, and why open-source file

formats are needed

Proprietary file format - In contrast an open format is a file format that is published and free to be used by everybody.

Proprietary formats are typically controlled by a company or organization for its own benefits, and the restriction of its

use by others is ensured through patents or as trade secrets.

Proprietary standards

These are designed, created, maintained and controlled by a licence agreement which is owned by an organisation or

individual, ie privately owned. Proprietary standards may be free to use, but the file specification is often closed rather

than being open.

Some popular proprietary standards include:

DOC files (Microsoft Word Document file format). This has become a de facto standard used for most word-

processing software.

MP3. MPEG Audio is a de jure standard patented by the Fraunhofer Society.

An important benefit of proprietary standards is that products developed around these standards should work well with

each other. For example, all Microsoft software should work well on Microsoft Windows.

An open file format is a published specification for storing digital data, usually maintained by a standards organization,

and which can be used and implemented by anyone. For example, an open format can be implemented by both

proprietary and free and open source software, using the typical software licenses used by each. In contrast to open

formats, closed formats are considered trade secrets. Open formats are also called free file formats if they are not

encumbered by any copyrights, patents, trademarks or other restrictions (for example, if they are in the public domain) so

that anyone may use them at no monetary cost for any desired purpose.

Open standards are usually controlled by a Creative Commons licence or they are unlicensed. They can be used by

anyone and are not owned by a commercial organisation or individual. Normally, they will have been developed by

experts collaborating online.

The source code behind files and programs created using open standards will normally be open source which means the

code should be freely available. Anyone could look at the code and make improvements.


• explain why generic file formats are needed

Images can be saved in a variety of file formats. Different file formats exist because some are better at certain tasks than

others. Graphics packages allow the user to save their work in compatible file formats that can be used in a variety of

software programs - eg .jpg, .gif, .tiff. Most digital cameras automatically save photographs as .jpg.

Why are different file types needed?

1. So that you know the correct software to use - If you see the file extension .ppt, then you would probably know

that you need to have access to PowerPoint presentation software, if you see a file has a .mdb extension and you

know you don't have Microsoft Access installed, you would quickly realise that you cannot open the file.

2. So that the user knows what the file may contain from the file extension - If you see a file with a .swf extension,

you know that the file is likely to contain a multimedia video. If the file extension is .mp3 then you would know

that it is likely to be a music file.

3. So that searching and sorting files can be done effectively - If you have different file extensions, it makes it

much easier for you to search for a specific file type. For example, if you know you are looking for an essay but

you can't remember where you stored it, you could search for all of the .doc files on your system.

4. So that the operating system can display appropriate icon - When you look at the details of the files on your

system, you will often see a small icon next to the details which indicates the specific file type. For example, you

might see a small blue W icon next to all of the Word document files and a small green X icon next to all the Excel

files.

5. So that it is easier to open the appropriate application - Double clicking on the data file will normally load up and

run the appropriate application for that specific file type.

6. So that application programs know how to load up and interpret the data - If you open an Excel file by double

clicking on the icon or file name, when the application opens, it will know how to load and interpret the data held

in that file.


• explain the use of indexed sequential access

ISAM (Indexed Sequential Access Method) is a file management system developed at IBM that allows records to be

accessed either sequentially (in the order they were entered) or randomly (with an index).

An indexed file is a computer file with an index that allows easy random access to any record given its file key. The key

must be such that it uniquely identifies a record. If more than one index is present the other ones are called alternate

indexes.

• explain the use of direct file access

In computer storage, direct access is the ability to obtain data from a storage device by going directly to where it is

physically located on the device rather than by having to sequentially look for the data at one physical location after

another. A direct access storage device (DASD) has the electrical or electromechanical means to be immediately

positioned for reading and writing at any addressable location on the device.

An alternative to direct access is sequential access, in which a data location is found by starting at one place and seeking

through every successive location until the data is found. Historically, tape storage is associated with sequential access,

and disk storage is associated with direct access.

• describe the features of a management information system (MIS) and explain how a MIS can

be used by organisations

o A management information system (MIS) is a computerized database of financial information organized and

programmed in such a way that it produces regular reports on operations for every level of management in a

company.

o It is usually also possible to obtain special reports from the system easily.

o The main purpose of the MIS is to give managers feedback about their own performance;

o top management can monitor the company as a whole.

o Information displayed by the MIS typically shows "actual" data over against "planned" results and results from a year

before; thus it measures progress against goals.

o The MIS receives data from company units and functions. Some of the data are collected automatically from

computer-linked check-out counters; others are keyed in at periodic intervals.

o Routine reports are preprogrammed and run at intervals or on demand while others are obtained using built-in query

languages; display functions built into the system are used by managers to check on status at desk-side computers

connected to the MIS by networks.

o Many sophisticated systems also monitor and display the performance of the company's stock.


• explain the use of a hierarchical database management system

Hierarchical database models use a tree structure that links a number of separate elements to one "owner," or "parent,"

or primary record.


Topic 11a - Video Editing

edit a video clip to meet the requirements of its intended application and audience

–– set an aspect ratio

–– trim a video clip to remove unwanted footage

–– join together video clips

–– create text based slides

–– create credits

–– add captions and subtitles

–– add fading effects

–– add animation effects

–– extract a still image from a video clip

–– insert a still image

–– add sound to a video clip

–– remove sound from a video clip

–– alter the speed of a video clip

–– export a video clip in different file formats

–– compress a video to different resolutions to suit different media (including: DVD, internet)

describe how typical features found in video editing software are used in practice


Edit a video clip to meet the requirements of its intended application and

audience

–– import a video clip

1. Click the start menu

2. Enter the term VideoPad into the search box and select VideoPad Video Editor

3. Click on the Clips tab and click Add File to add the videos, images and sound clips into the Media List

4. Drag the items onto the timeline from the Media List, in the order that you want them to appear

–– trim a video clip to remove unwanted footage

Click on the timeline where you want to remove unwanted footage

Click on the Start and End buttons to choose which part of the clip you want to edit


–– join together video clips

Drag the second clip from Media List next to the existing clip on the timeline.

–– create text based slides

To create a blank slide with only text:

click on Add Blank

drag the blank slide from the media list onto the desired position in the timeline

change the colour of the background


click Add Text to add text to the slide

position the text so that it sits on top of the blank slide

–– create credits

Follow the steps above to create a blank slide and to add text

When inputting text select “Scroll Bottom to Top”

–– add captions and subtitles

For subtitles: From the home menu, select Subtitles

For the caption: From the home menu, select Add Text

Text

Blank Slide


–– add fading effects

To apply a transition:

Click on the video clip

Select Transition

–– add animation effects

Right click on the video clip

Select Effects

Click on the + sign to choose an effect

Change the effect timings by adjusting

the slider


–– extract a still image from a video clip

Click on the frame that you want to extract

Click on the left pointing Arrows

Select Snapshot

The snapshot will appear in the Media List

Right click on the still image and select Open File Location to view the saved image

–– insert a still image

1. Click on the Clips tab and click Add File to add the into the Media List

2. Drag the items onto the timeline from the Media List, in the order that you want them to appear


–– remove sound from a video clip

Right click on the sound clip beneath the video clip and click unlink from video

Once the sound clip has been unlinked, click the delete key to remove it

–– add sound to a video clip

1. Click on the Clips tab and click Add File to add the sound clips into the Media List

2. Drag the sound file onto the audio track timeline from the Media List and place it under the correct frames.


–– alter the speed of a video clip

Reduce the percentage to slow down the speed of the video

Increase the percentage to increase the speed of the video

–– export a video clip in different file formats

1. Click on the Export Menu and select Video File

2. Choose the file format e.g. MP4, 3GP


–– set an aspect ratio

Most televisions and computer monitors currently available have an aspect ratio of 16:9, which offers a perfect fit for high

definition television shows. However, movies are usually filmed with a ratio of 21:9, which will result in black bars at the

top and bottom of the picture when it is displayed on the average TV. To fix this, some manufacturers are producing

televisions with a 21:9 aspect ratio. The table above shows the most common aspect ratios.

1) Go to Tools and then Options

2) Select the desired aspect ratio


–– compress a video to different resolutions to suit different media (including: DVD, internet)

In the export menu select the appropriate resolution for the device that the video will be displayed.

• describe how typical features found in video editing software are used in practice

Any good video editing software should provide at least the following functions and features:

The ability to actually handle the video file types that you have and the ability, within the technical limitations of

those file types, to convert them into other video file types.

To join video clips, cut segments from the ends of video clips to shorten them as well as being able to cut out

sections from within the video files.

To make at least some adjustment to the audio tracks of the video files as well as add additional audio like voice-

over, sound effects and background music to the project. Check for audio file compatibility as well, MP3, Dolby

etc.

To apply basic corrective video filters to poorly shot video again taking into consideration the quality and video

file type being worked with. Also there should be a good range of special effects video filters available.

To be able to add video transitions between video clips on the timeline to create cross-fades, cuts, fades to black,

fades to white etc.

To be able to add titles and subtitles to the projects with good control and a wide range features for creativity.

To be able to overlay additional video tracks to create a “picture in picture” effect and to be able to apply

transitions to the overlay tracks.

Handle a wide range of still image formats (jpg, gif, etc) to incorporate them into video footage as well as create

slide shows. At this level a pan and zoom feature should be standard so that you can add some motion to your

still images as they appear on the screen.


Topic 11b – Sound Editing

edit a sound clip to meet the requirements of its intended application and audience

–– trim a sound clip to remove unwanted material

–– join together two sound clips

–– fade in and fade out a sound clip

–– alter the speed of a sound clip

–– change the pitch of a sound clip

–– add or adjust reverberation

–– overdub a sound clip to include a voice over

–– export a sound clip in different file formats

–– compress (including: the use of MP3) the sound file to different sample rates to suit different media

describe how typical features found in sound editing software are used in practice

describe how file sizes depend on sampling rate and sampling resolution


Edit a sound clip to meet the requirements of its intended application and audience

Open audacity sound editing software

–– trim a sound clip to remove unwanted material

Highlight the portion of the sound clip that you want to delete

Click on the edit menu

Select delete

–– join together two sound clips

Click on the grey area underneath the sound clip

Click on the edit menu

Select paste


–– fade in and fade out a sound clip

Highlight the portion of the sound clip that you want to fade

Click on the effects menu

Select fade in/out

–– alter the speed of a sound clip

Highlight the portion of the sound clip that you want to change the speed


Select change speed

–– change the pitch of a sound clip

Highlight the portion of the sound clip that you want to change the pitch


Select change pitch


–– add or adjust reverberation

Highlight the portion of the sound clip that you want to add reverb


Select Reverb

Reverb adds reverberation (rapid, modified repetitions blended with the original sound that gives an impression of

ambience). The Reverb effect is based on the original "freeverb" algorithm. Adding reverberation is sometimes desirable

for concert halls that are too small or contain so many people that the hall's natural reverberance is diminished.

Applying a small amount of stereo reverb to an untreated mono signal duplicated into a two-channel stereo track will

usually make it sound more natural.

Room Size (%): Sets the size of the simulated room. 0% is like a closet, 100% is like a huge cathedral or large

auditorium. A high value will simulate the reverberation effect of a large room and a low value will simulate the

effect of a small room.

Pre-delay (ms): Delays the onset of the reverberation for the set time after the start of the original input. This

also delays the onset of the reverb tail. The maximum pre-delay is 200 milliseconds. Careful adjustment of this

parameter can improve the clarity of the result.

Reverberance (%): Sets the length of the reverberation tail. This determines how long the reverberation

continues for after the original sound being reverbed comes to an end, and so simulates the "liveliness" of the

room acoustics. For any given reverberance value, the tail will be greater for larger room sizes.

Damping (%): Increasing the damping produces a more "muted" effect. The reverberation does not build up as

much, and the high frequencies decay faster than the low frequencies. Simulates the absorption of high

frequencies in the reverberation.

Tone Low (%): Setting this control below 100% reduces the low frequency components of the reverberation,

creating a less "boomy" effect.

Tone High (%): Setting this control below 100% reduces the high frequency components of the reverberation,

creating a less "bright" effect.

Wet Gain (dB): Applies volume adjustment to the reverberation ("wet") component in the mix. Increasing this

value relative to the "Dry Gain" (below) increases the strength of the reverb.

Dry Gain (dB): Applies volume adjustment to the original ("dry") audio in the mix. Increasing this value relative to

the "Wet Gain" (above) reduces the strength of the reverb. If the Wet Gain and Dry Gain values are the same,

then the mix of wet effect and dry audio to be output to the track will be made louder or softer by exactly this

value (assuming "Wet Only" below is not checked).

Stereo Width (%): Sets the apparent "width" of the Reverb effect for stereo tracks only. Increasing this value

applies more variation between left and right channels, creating a more "spacious" effect. When set at zero, the

effect is applied independently to left and right channels.


Wet Only: When this control is checked, only the wet signal (added reverberation) will be in the resulting output,

and the original audio will be removed. This can be useful when previewing the effect, but in most cases you

should uncheck this when applying the effect. Wet Only may be used however to create a "reverb only" track

that you can then mix in greater or lesser proportion with the original track. See Examples below for complete

steps.

–– overdub a sound clip to include a voice over

Plug in a microphone

Open a new or existing sound file

Click the record button

Adjust the volume on the other sounds so that your voice can be heard clearly

–– export a sound clip in different file formats

Click File and then export as WAV or MP3


–– compress (including: the use of MP3) the sound file to different sample rates to suit different

media

To change the sample rate click Set Sample format/Set Rate:

Which Sample Rate to use?

44.1 kHz

44.1 kHz (44100 Hz) is the sampling rate of audio CDs giving a 20 kHz maximum frequency. 20 kHz is the highest

frequency generally audible by humans, so making 44.1 kHz the logical choice for most audio material. High quality tape

decks using metal tape, and medium quality LP equipment can reproduce 20 kHz (higher for top quality LP equipment,

though some of this is harmonic distortion inherent in the medium). Note that the upper limit of human hearing falls

rapidly with age. While people in their teens can hear 20 kHz, many older people cannot hear above 14.5kHz.

48 kHz

48 kHz (48000 Hz) is the sample rate used for DVDs so if you are creating DVD audio discs from your Audacity projects you

may prefer to work with this setting.

Reduced bandwidth recording

Audio may be recorded at below 20kHz bandwidth for a few reasons:

To reduce file size

To reduce CPU usage

Because the source material itself is of less than 20kHz bandwidth.

A lower sampling rate can also be used to remove the highest frequency hiss present in a noisy signal. While in theory

there is no loss of quality as long as the bandwidth of the sample rate stays above the audio signal bandwidth, in practice

one often does not know exactly what the signal bandwidth is. So for most purposes, a better option is to use noise gating

for hiss reduction, which has much more effect and is less likely to compromise the recorded signal. The Audacity 'noise

reduction' filter is a multi-channel noise gate.


Describe how typical features found in sound editing software are used in practice

Importing and exporting of WAV, AIFF, MP3 and all file formats supported by libsndfile library.

Recording and playing back sounds

Editing via cut, copy, and paste, with unlimited levels of undo

Conversion of cassette tapes or records into digital tracks by splitting the audio source into multiple tracks

Multitrack mixing

Digital effects

Noise Reduction based on sampling the noise to be minimized.

Vocal Reduction and Isolation for the creation of karaoke tracks and isolated vocal tracks.

Precise adjustments to the audio speed (tempo) while maintaining pitch in order to synchronize it with video or

run for a predetermined length of time

Adjusting audio pitch while maintaining speed and adjusting audio speed while maintaining pitch

Features of modern multitrack audio software including navigation controls, zoom and single track edit, project

pane

Cross-platform operation — Audacity works on Windows, Mac OS X, and Unix-like systems (including Linux and

BSD)

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Describe how file sizes depend on sampling rate and sampling resolution

Sound is recorded using a microphone using an analogue signal.

An analogue signal is a continuous sound wave which represents continuous range of values.

Analog technology records waveforms as they are.

For the sound to be transferred to a computer it is converted into a Digital signal using an Analogue to Digital convertor.

Computers use discrete or discontinuous values (binary) to represent information

Sampling

Is a method of converting an analogue sound signal into a digital file containing binary numbers.

The idea of sampling is to take regular measurement of sound wave at a specific instant in time.


Each sample is converted into the equivalent binary number. The whole collection of data is then stored in a digital file.

There may be tens of thousands of samples making up the complete sound track. The longer the sound track the larger

the file becomes.

Sampling rate

Defines the number of samples per second taken from a continuous signal to make a discrete signal. The rate at which

the samples are taken are stated in Hertz.

The more samples taken per second, the more accurate the digital representation of the sound can be. For example,

the current sample rate for CD-quality audio is 44,100 samples per second

Sampling resolution

Defines how many values can be recorded per sample.

An 8-bit sampling resolution can record 256 different values, while a 16-bit sampling resolution can record 65536

different values.

Sampling resolutions of 24-bit and 32-bit can record even more values.

Effect of file size

Therefore, the higher the sampling resolution and sampling rate, the more accurately the waveform will be converted

from its natural analogue form to the digital form and the greater the file size would be.

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