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AEAIT Semester 2 Exam Cheatsheet

01/09/2026

Applied Information Technology Semester 2 COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE (Units 1&2 – A-Grade Sheet)

Read this once. It is everything that appears in every paper (2020–2025). Red = traps.

Exam Structure (same every year)

  • Section 1: 15 MC, 15 marks, 20 min – separate answer sheet.
  • Section 2: Short answer, 7–9 Q, 25% (51–55 marks), 40 min.
  • Section 3: Extended answer, 1 Q (40–50 marks), 20%, 50 min.
  • Section 4: Scenario, 1 Q (70–75 marks), 40%, 70 min.
  • Total 100%, 3 hours. Label diagrams, use tables and examples – the rubric rewards them.

1. Hardware: CPU / Memory / Storage (every paper)

  • CPU (processor): executes instructions / carries out the processing of data; its speed is measured in GHz.
  • Primary memory (RAM): temporarily stores data and instructions currently being used; volatile – contents lost when power is off.
  • Secondary storage (HDD/USB): stores data and programs permanently / when the power is switched off; non-volatile.
  • HDD method: data is stored magnetically on spinning platters, read/written by a moving read/write head.
  • USB flash: data is stored electronically on flash memory chips / NAND; no moving parts.
  • Benefit/issue pairs: HDD – large capacity, cheap; slower, moving parts can fail. USB – portable, no moving parts; smaller capacity, can be lost.
  • Peripherals (2024 Q17): match device to task and justify by describing how it benefits the requirements. e.g. graphics tablet (precise drawing), high-end graphics card (3D rendering), data projector / large monitor (stakeholder presentation).

2. Operating System (every paper)

  • Functions: manages hardware (input/output/CPU/memory), manages files, manages users / access rights, provides a user interface, runs application software.
  • Security + access rights: the OS controls user accounts and passwords, sets permissions so users can only access files they are authorised to, and enforces access rights.
  • User interface role: allows the user to interact with / give commands to the computer; a GUI uses icons, menus and windows; a CLI uses typed commands.
  • System utility tools: programs that maintain / optimise / protect the system – e.g. disk defragmenter, disk cleanup, backup, anti-malware, compression, firewall.
  • Defragmenting: rearranges fragmented files so each file is stored in contiguous blocks, so the read/write head moves less → faster access.
  • Internet cache: stores copies of recently visited web pages so they load faster; deleting it frees disk space and removes corrupt/outdated files.
  • Don’t say RAM “stores my files” – it is temporary, for data in use.

3. File Formats + Image Optimisation (every paper)

  • JPEG: lossy compression – reduces file size by discarding some image data; quality degrades each time it is saved. The 2020 Q18 image: quality drops → compression artefacts / pixelation / blurring appear as quality is reduced.
  • Best for repeated print saves: TIFF (or PNG) – lossless, no data lost on re-save, retains highest quality.
  • PNG: lossless, supports transparency. GIF: lossless, limited 256 colours, supports simple animation. SVG: vector – scales without losing quality, ideal for logos.
  • Raster vs vector: raster = pixels, quality lost when enlarged; vector = mathematical lines/shapes, scales to any size without losing quality.
  • Cropping: removes unwanted parts of the image, reducing the number of pixels / file size.
  • Resampling: changing the number of pixels (resolution); reducing resolution shrinks file size but can blur the image.
  • Image optimisation: adjusting resolution, dimensions, colour depth and format to get the smallest file size while keeping acceptable quality for the purpose.
  • Print vs online: print – high resolution (300 dpi), TIFF/PDF; online – lower resolution (72 dpi), JPEG/PNG, small file size for fast loading.
  • Resampling changes pixel count; optimisation is the whole process of balancing quality and size.

4. Networks + Transmission (every paper)

  • Purpose of a network: to share resources (files, printers, internet) and enable communication between computers.
  • Advantages: share hardware/peripherals, share files/data, centralised backups, communication (email), shared internet.
  • Disadvantages: security risk (hacking/viruses), cost of setup, dependence on server/network (if it fails, work stops), requires technical staff.
  • Star network: all devices connect to a central switch/hub; if one cable fails only that device is affected. Centre of a wired star = the switch.
  • LAN components: desktop computers, server, router (connects LAN to internet), switch (connects devices on LAN), modem (converts signals), printer.
  • Transmission rate: the amount of data transferred per second, measured in bps / Mbps. NBN 100 Mbps is 4× faster than ADSL2+ 24 Mbps.
  • Media speed order: fibre optic fastest > wired Ethernet > wireless.
  • Wireless interference: signal travels through air so it is affected by walls, distance, other wireless devices and electromagnetic interference; wired signals travel in cables and are shielded.
  • Fibre optic: transmits data as pulses of light through thin glass/plastic fibres; very fast, large bandwidth, immune to electrical interference.
  • Benefits of faster rates: faster downloads/uploads, smoother video streaming/video conferencing, faster backups, more users/devices supported (IoT).
  • “Bandwidth” ≠ “speed” in answers – say amount of data that can be carried per second.

5. Software Licences + IP (every paper)

  • Proprietary: owned by a company; source code is hidden; users buy a licence to use it; cannot be modified or redistributed.
  • Open-source: source code is freely available; users can use, modify and distribute it; often free.
  • Shareware: free to try for a limited time, then must pay to continue / unlock full features. Advantage: try before you buy. Disadvantages: expires/limited features, no support, may nag.
  • Copyright (IP law): automatic and free in Australia – the creator owns the rights to their original work without registration.
  • Fair dealing: using copyright material without permission for specific purposes such as research, study, criticism, review or news reporting, within limits.
  • Referencing images/quotes: acknowledge the creator / source (name, author, website, date) to meet ethical and legal requirements.
  • Software update vs upgrade: an update fixes bugs / patches security within the same version; an upgrade installs a new version with new features.

6. Privacy Act 1988 + Data Breaches (2023–2025 heavy)

  • Purpose of the Privacy Act: regulates how personal information about individuals is collected, stored, used and disclosed by organisations.
  • Collecting data: only collect what is needed for the purpose; inform the individual why it is collected; obtain consent.
  • Storing/using: store securely, protect from unauthorised access/loss, use only for the stated purpose, allow access and correction.
  • Personal vs sensitive: personal = name, address, phone, email; sensitive = health, race, religion, political views, biometrics.
  • Identity theft prevention: the Act requires organisations to protect personal information, so it is harder for criminals to obtain the details needed to steal an identity.
  • Safe disposal: physically destroy the hard drive / degauss / securely wipe (overwrite) the data.
  • Proactive compliance steps: privacy policy, staff training, encryption, access controls, data minimisation, breach notification.
  • Privacy Act protects personal information, not all data – always link to “personal information about individuals.”

7. E-Commerce + Digital Divide + Work-Life (recurring)

  • E-commerce advantages for business: reach a wider/global market, lower operating costs (no physical store), operate 24/7, collect customer data, faster transactions.
  • Digital divide: the gap between those who have access to, and can use, digital technologies and those who do not.
  • Causes: availability of digital resources (no infrastructure/affordable devices) and use of digital technologies (lack of skills, confidence, education).
  • Effect on education: those without access cannot complete online work, research or attend online classes, widening educational disadvantage.
  • Right to switch off: the right of employees to disconnect from work communications outside working hours.
  • Remote work flexibility: work from anywhere, saves commuting, flexible hours; can blur work/life boundaries.
  • Technology dependency: over-reliance on technology; if it fails, work stops; constant connectivity can increase stress.
  • Online teamwork skills: communication, collaboration, time management, reliability, digital literacy.

8. Animation + Multimedia (2020/2025)

  • Tweens: the software automatically calculates the in-between frames between a start and end position/shape, saving the animator from drawing each frame.
  • Onion skinning: shows faint outlines of previous/next frames so the animator can position the current frame smoothly.
  • Motion tween (character walking): software interpolates movement between keyframes. Shape tween (sun rising): interpolates the change in shape/colour over time.
  • Button symbols / navigation: pre-made interactive buttons with states (up/over/down) – reusable, consistent, save time.
  • Advantage of animation vs static: more engaging, holds attention, can show movement/processes, appeals to the target audience.
  • Audio features: voice-over narration, music/jingle, sound effects – build mood and reinforce the message.
  • File formats for multimedia: MP3 (compressed audio), WAV (uncompressed audio), JPEG/PNG (graphics), GIF (animated), MP4 (video).

9. Web Authoring + HTML/CSS + Responsive (every scenario)

  • HTML: HyperText Markup Language – the structure/content of a web page (headings, paragraphs, images, links).
  • CSS: Cascading Style Sheets – controls the presentation/appearance (colours, fonts, layout) of the HTML content.
  • Difference: HTML defines what content is on the page; CSS defines how it looks.
  • Hyperlinks: connect one page/section to another, allowing navigation; text or images that link to other pages.
  • Templates: a pre-designed layout used as a starting point so pages have a consistent structure and style.
  • Responsive design: the website layout automatically adjusts to fit the screen size of the device (desktop, tablet, phone). Benefit: one site works well on all devices, better user experience, no separate mobile site.
  • Cloud computing: delivering computing services (storage, software, processing) over the internet on demand, rather than on local hardware.
  • Cloud supports IoT: IoT devices generate huge amounts of data; the cloud provides the storage and processing power to store and analyse it, and the apps to access it.
  • Cloud issues for business: security/privacy of data (data breaches), dependence on internet connection, cost, loss of control over data location.
  • Startup solution (2024 Q22): cloud computing / cloud-based collaboration tools – flexible, scalable resources, pay-as-you-go, access from anywhere.

10. Design: Elements, Principles, Layout (scenario marks)

  • Elements of design: line, shape, colour, texture, space, value, form.
  • Principles of design: balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, rhythm, proportion, unity/harmony.
  • Layout/composition: grid and alignment, white space, visual hierarchy, focal point, grouping.
  • Typography: choosing readable fonts appropriate to the audience and purpose; consistent font family, size and contrast; sans-serif for screens.
  • Grid and alignment: content is arranged on an invisible grid so elements line up, creating order, balance and a professional look.
  • Relationship example: contrast (colour/size) creates emphasis, drawing the eye to the main call-to-action; balance distributes elements so the page feels stable.
  • Meet design needs: annotate how each choice satisfies the client requirements and target audience.
  • Target audience catering: e.g. farmers – large text, simple icons, weather data front and centre, mobile-friendly.
  • Name specific elements/principles and explain the relationship – “colour and balance” alone earns nothing.

11. Project Management (scenario, 2020/2024)

  • Techniques: Gantt chart (schedule tasks and deadlines), project plan/scope, milestone tracking, regular client communication/updates, risk assessment, testing.
  • Client requirements: list the explicit needs from the design brief (logo, menu, pages, links, login, contact, social media).
  • Navigation map: a diagram showing the pages and how they link – homepage at top, then sub-pages.
  • File compression for transfer: smaller files upload/download faster, less bandwidth, easier to email; use lossy formats for images where quality allows.
  • In the scenario, always reference the client’s brief – the marks are for meeting their requirements.

Extended-Answer + Scenario Pattern (the big marks)

Every year: article/business context → (a) define/describe → (b–c) discuss issues → (d) web authoring → (e–f) multimedia/design → (g–j) design a homepage/app with annotations.

Seen scenarios: IoT + digital divide (2020), MineSafe OH&S training (2023), eSafe Kids network + CRH rental app (2024), AI glasses + AmpedUp U18 music platform (2025).

Universal recipe: answer the exact verb – define = state meaning; outline = main points; describe = features in detail; explain = how/why; discuss = both sides + judgement; justify = reason with evidence. Always link back to the scenario and the client’s requirements.

Final Checklist Before the Test

  • Say “temporarily stores data and instructions currently in use” for RAM; “permanently / when power is off” for secondary storage.
  • Name the specific format (JPEG/TIFF/PNG/SVG) and state lossy vs lossless in every image question.
  • Privacy: link every answer to “personal information about individuals.”
  • Design: name specific elements + principles and the relationship between them.
  • Scenario: annotate everything against the design brief; label diagrams.
  • Know your verbs – define/outline/describe/explain/discuss/justify.