ANSWER ALL THE QUESTIONS IN THIS SECTION

1.Compare the two types of diskettes used in microcomputers in terms of physical size and densities.    (2mks)

2.Why is it necessary to have a UPS in a computer laboratory?  (2mks)

3 a) Explain what is meant by batch processing   (1mk)

   b) Give one advantage and one disadvantage of batch processing ( 2mks)

4. List any four high level programming languages  (2mks)

5.A 3 by 4 matrix M is to be added to another 3 by 4 matrix array N so as to give a third 3 by 4 matrix array P.  Using a high level programming language, write a program segment that assigns the sum of M and N to P.(4mks)

6. The first column in the table below contains the formulae as stored into the cell F10 of a spreadsheet.  Enter the formulae, as they would appear when copied to the cell M20 of the same spreadsheet.  (3mks)

7.  Give three advantages of separating data from the applications that use the data in database design. (3mks)

8.  Explain the impact of information on organizations in each of the following areas:  (2mks)

   a) Competition

   b) Pace of growth

9. a) List any four tasks that an electronic spreadsheet should be able to perform other than calculations  (2mks)

    b) Explain what is meant by automatic recalculation as used in a spreadsheet.(1 mk)

10. Describe the functions of the following computer hardware components:

   a)Mouse                     (2 ½  mks)

   b)Scanner.                   (1 ½ mks)

11. a)State two differences between Disk Operating System (DOS) and WINDOWS operating system.

 b. i) Define the term application software  (1mk)

     ii) Give one example of application software (1mk)

12. a)  Give one difference between internal and external commands in Disk Operating System.   (2mks)

      b)  Name two DOS commands that may be used for checking disk errors.  (2mks)

13. Explain how a paragraph can be moved from one place to another in word-processing. 2mks)

14.  Define the term structured programming. (2mks)

SECTION B (60MKS)

Answer question 15 and any other three questions from this section.

15.a)  What is meant by each of the following terms:

 i)   pseudocode        (1 ½ mks)

  ii)  Flowchart           (1 ½ mks)

b) a program is required to list the first 1000 numbers in the series:  2, 4, 6, 8,

10. Draw a flowchart and write a program that can be carried out this task.   (12 mks)

16. The following car details are to be entered in a database; make, date-of-manufacture, colour and cost.

 a) Prepare a suitable database structure showing field names and their field types   (5mks)

 b) Explain how you index the data such that cars of the same make and colours are together   (2mks)

 c)  Write a statement that can be used to select cars of the colour green        (2 mks)

 d) Give an instruction that would;

  i)select cars whose cost lie between 500,000/= and 1,000,000/=  (3 mks)

 ii)Determine the average cost of all cars         (3mks)

17.  a)The diagram below represents the essential features o a computer system. Study the diagram and answer the questions that follow:

i)Name the components (4mks)

            A

            B

            C

            D

ii) On the diagram above, indicate the direction of data flow using arrows.  (3mks)

b) Name the three types of buses in a computer system (3mks)

c) Explain how CPU registers may be used to carry out a basic calculation such as:2 + 7 = 9

d) Name two computers output devices. (1 Mark)

18. a)State three ways in which computer technology may affect employment patterns in organizations   (3mks)

b) State three ways in which computer technology may affect employment patterns in organizations (3mks)

c)Suggest three strategies that can be employed to manage resistance to change  (3mks)

d) Give three advantages of computerization in an organization.  (3mks)

19. a)In a computer based information system, state the purpose of the following files and give one example where such a file may be required in a school.                (8mks)

i) report file

ii)Back-up file

iii)Reference file

iv) Sort file

b) State three precautions that should be taken to ensure that diskettes are well stored.  (3 mks)

c)  Distinguish between “serial” and Indexed sequential” file organization methods.  (2mks)

d)  Distinguish between binary and octal number systems and give an example of each  (2mks)

• can cover large areas
• requires minimal land-based transmission support
• requires minimal infrastructure to provide internet access
• minimal impact on the environment or humans.

Disadvantages

• transmission speeds are not comparable with other forms of transmission
• data costs are expensive by comparison to other forms of transmission
• expensive to deliver.

• Is a software whose source available and user can modify and redistribute

Give ONE example of a free operating system the company could install on a laptop. (1)

• Linux
• FreeBSD
• ReactOS
• Android
• ChromeOS
• OpenSolaris

2.1.3 State TWO disadvantages of using free open-source software.

• Lack of support
• Security risks
• Compatibility issues
• Hidden costs

(b) One disadvantage of using the Unicode character set, instead of the ASCII character set, is

that the text stored takes up more storage space

• Each character is encoded using more bits

• User friendly
• No need to know command language as commands are executed by clicking on icons
• Allows multitasking as several programs open at the same time therefore easier to switch between applications
• Selecting an item using a mouse is easier and faster than entering commands

Or any other correct response

Advantage @ 1 Mark

Total = 4 X 1 Mark

= 4 Marks

A vehicle assembly company has introduced robots to replace the human workforce.  State two effects this would have on the workforce                

• Unemployment
• Need to retrain
• No longer need to do hazardous or tedious jobs
• Employment of skilled staff who will manipulate the robots

Or any other correct response

Effect @ 1 Mark

Total = 2 X 1 Mark

= 2 Marks

1. Power-On Self-Test (POST): When the computer is powered on, the first thing it does is perform a Power-On Self-Test. During this step, the computer's hardware components, such as the CPU, memory, and storage devices, are checked for proper functioning. The POST verifies that all essential hardware components are present and operational.

2. Bootloader: Once the POST is completed, the computer looks for the bootloader. The bootloader is a small program stored in the computer's firmware or on the bootable device (such as the hard drive or a USB drive). It is responsible for loading the operating system.

3. Loading the Operating System: The bootloader locates the operating system's files and initiates the loading process. It may display a boot menu allowing the user to choose the operating system if multiple options are available. The selected operating system's core files are loaded into the computer's memory.

4. Kernel Initialization: The operating system's kernel, which is the central component responsible for managing system resources, is initialized. The kernel sets up essential components such as device drivers, memory management, and process management.

5. System Initialization: After the kernel is initialized, the operating system proceeds with system initialization. During this stage, various system services and processes are started, and hardware devices are initialized and configured. The operating system loads essential system files and prepares the environment for user interaction.

6. Login/Graphical Interface: Once the system initialization is complete, the user is presented with a login prompt or a graphical user interface (GUI). The user can then log in with their credentials or interact with the GUI to access the computer's functionalities.