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Q&A-KCSE Computer Studies Paper 1

Name one item used in the home, other than a computer, that contains a microprocessor.

  • camera
  • microwave
  • washing machine
  • video recorder
  • fridge
  • sewing machine
  • air conditioning
  • games console
  • electronic game electronic toys
  • rice cooker
  • dish washer
  • TV
  • alarm clock
  • radio
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What is block operation as used in Microsoft word?

An editing or formatting procedure that is carried out on a selected block of text in a word-processing document.

A formatting or editing operation that is applied to a block of text after selecting. The block of text can be a paragraph, line, word, page or the whole document. It is much easier to apply editing or formatting to a block of text than to apply it to every single character

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Describe four features of the operating system when providing a graphical user interface on a personal computer. Give a suitable example of each feature.

  • Windows for example a word processing application and a spreadsheet
  • Menus, for example, allow the user to perform operations or run applications such as right-click to create a new folder  
  • Icons for example a picture of linked computers for networking
  • Pointers(mouse or touchscreen)  for example to select items/trigger events  
  • Shortcuts for example to frequently used applications for example having a shortcut to your mail client on your desktop
  • File navigation for example when searching the hard disc for a file/folder using a browser
  • copying / deleting / moving/sorting/naming/searching of files or folders for example copying of a file from the hard drive to a USB pen drive (File handling)
  • Desktop customisation for example changing the colours and background image
  • Copy and paste for example between applications e.g. copying a graph from a spreadsheet to a word processor
  • Error messages for example provide users with error/warning/help messages for example ‘printer out of paper’ 
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State two effects of a computer virus

  • memory used up/slows down computer/alters setting/systems failure
  • erases files/erases data/corrupts data/data needs restoring
  • infects other computers on the network
  • production loss/financial loss
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Maranda MOCK 2024 CRE Paper 2

b) What Simeon and Anna said about the life of Jesus during the dedication. (7mks)

Jesus would save people

He would bring glory to Israel

He would be a light to the gentiles

He would be a universal savoir

He would bring judgment to the Israelites

Many people would oppose his work

He would reveal secret thoughts of people

He would be the source of redemption for Jerusalem

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Distinguish between a formula and a function as used in spreadsheets

  • A formula is a mathematical expression that returns a value
  • A function is an excel inbuilt formula that returns a value given a range of values or arguments
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6 Programmers write software that controls hardware and interacts with users. Some of this software ensures that networks function properly.

(a) Compilers and interpreters translate source code written in programming languages.
  State four other features of a compiler.

 A single executable file is produced 

The executable program is portable between machines

The program source code is not available

Code can be optimised/made more efficient 

Entire source code file is converted at once

No special environment is needed to execute the code 

It creates object/machine code

Error report is provided at the end of the compilation

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What is repetitive strain injury?

  • the pain felt in muscles, nerves and tendons caused by repetitive movement and overuse.
  • Injury as a result of repetitive use of parts of the body while performing work
  • Strains and injuries due to prolonged typing and use of the mouse
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Explain two ways in which an interpreter and a compiler are different.

  • They execute code differently – a compiler reads a complete program at once, an interpreter reads a program line-by-line
  • they identify errors in different ways – a compiler does not allow a program to run until error-free, an interpreter runs the program until the first error.
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Describe two methods used to assist in finding program errors.

  • Use of debugging utilities
  • Use of test data
  • Dry run / Desk checking
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State three features of the fifth generation computers (3mks)    [2017 paper 1]

  • Artificial intelligence
  • Parallel processing
  • Natural language processing
  • quantum computing
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Which files are backed up in an incremental backup scheme?

  • Any new or changed files since the last backup
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Explain what is meant by a LIFO data structure.

  • Data enters at one end (of a stack)
  • Leaves at the same end
  • Hence 'last in, first out'
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KCSE 2021 Computer Studies Paper Prediction 1                SECTION B

Answer question 16 and any other three questions from this section in the spaces provided.

16. a) With the aid of a flow chart, describe a loop control structure as used in programming. [4]  

A control structure that allows statement(s) to be repeatedly executed until a certain condition is met                                                                                                      2mks

NB. Accept any other looping construct

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A car park uses a number plate recognition system. Identify the reason why unsigned integers should be used to record the number of cars entering and leaving the car park, rather than signed integers

  • Unsigned integers store more positive values
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Describe the difference between distributed and sequential processing on how they process instructions

  • Sequential processing occurs in the order that the tasks are received while distributed processing where more than one computer or CPU is used to run specific programs.
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Describe each of the following types of a program errors, giving an example in each case.

(i) Syntax error.
(ii) Logic error.
(iii) Arithmetic error/runtime error

(i) Incorrect use of language, e.g. PLINT instead of PRINT
(ii) A mistake in the structure of the solution, e.g. a jump goes to the wrong line
(iii) Inappropriate arithmetic is used, e.g. division by 0 is attempted

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When data is transmitted it is subject to corruption. Explain how a parity check could be used to determine whether corruption has taken place.

  • Extra bit on each data-byte that
  •  Does not transmit data
  • Makes the number of ones in a byte always even or always odd
  • Error in the transmission of a bit will make the even/odd wrong
  • The problem of two errors in one byte not being found
  • Parity block
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Viruses, pharming and phishing are all examples of potential Internet security issues.
Explain what is meant by each of these three terms.

Virus

  • - program/software that replicates/copies itself
  • – can delete or alter files/data stored on a computer
  •  – can make the computer “crash”/run slow

Pharming -

  • malicious code/software installed on a user’s hard drive/actual webserver
  •  – this code redirects user to a fake website (without their knowledge)
  •  – to obtain personal/financial information/data

Phishing

  • - legitimate-looking emails sent to a user
  • – as soon as the recipient opens/clicks on the link in the email/attachment …
  • – … the user is directed to a fake website (without their knowledge)
  • – To obtain personal/financial information/data
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Describe two desirable features to look for in a laptop rather than a desktop computer.

– lightweight
– long battery life
– cool running processor
– touch pad
– internal webcam

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