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Q&A-KCSE Computer Studies Paper 1

Briefly describe the following

Multitasking - the  capability of an operating system to enable users to run two or more programs at once on a single computer

Real time processing - data processing system in which the time interval required to process and respond to inputs is so small that the response itself is useful for controlling the physical activity of a process

Time-sharing processing  - a processing mode in which the central processor serves two or more users with different processing requirements (tasks)

On-line processing - is that type of processing where the result of data processing transaction is available immediately

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State advantages and disadvantages of the following system implementation strategies

Phased:
Advantages:

  • only a small part of the operation affected if new system fails
  •  no need to pay for two sets of wages

Disadvantages:

  •  time consuming (each part needs testing fully before expanding system)

Pilot:
Advantages:

  • if new system fails, only that part will be affected
  • possible to gradually train staff on pilot before whole system changes over

Disadvantages:

  •  time consuming (waiting to see how pilot works before rolling out to rest of the organisation)

Direct:
Advantages:

  •  less likely to malfunction since fully tested
  • immediate benefits/less time wasted
  •  reduced costs (only one system so no need to duplicate staff)

Disadvantages:

  • disastrous if the new systems does fail

Parallel:
Advantages:

  •  if new system goes down, there is a backup system in place
  • possible to gradually train staff/staff have time to get used to the new system

 

 

 

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Describe the principles of operation of  laser printers and describe how they are applied in real-life scenarios

  • A laser printer makes use of powdered ink and static electricity to print
  • Unlike inkjet printers which print line-by-line, laser printers print the whole page in one go

Steps

  • The data from the  file to be printed is sent to a printer driver
  • The printer driver checks that the data is in an understandable format
  • The printer driver checks if the printer is able to carry out the print job
  • The data is sent to the printer and is stored in a printer buffer
  • A printing drum in the printer is given a positve charge. A laser beam removes the positive charge in some areas. This leaves negatively charged areas which matches the characters/images to be printed
  •  
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What is online streaming?

  • Refers to the delivery of multimedia content, such video or audio over the internet in real-time. It allows users to access and consume content without downloading it to their device beforehand.
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Differentiate between modulation and demodulation as used in data communication

Modulation refers to the process of converting a digital signal to analog signal at the transmission end while demodulation is to converting analog signal to digital signal at the receiving end

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State the functions of the following protocols

POP -Stands for post office protocol

  • used to download emails from email servers

SMTP- Simple Mail Transfer Protocol

  • used to send emails to email servers and transfer emails between servers

FTP - Stands for the file transfer protocol

  • handles file uploads and downloads
  • transfers data and programs and not viewable content

 

State the functions of the following protocols

POP -Stands for post office protocol

  • used to download emails from email servers

SMTP- Simple Mail Transfer Protocol

  • used to send emails to email servers and transfer emails between servers

FTP - Stands for the file transfer protoc

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a) What is an operating system? (1 mark)

b) Briefly explain any four functions of an operating system. (8 marks)

c) Describe each of the following data processing methods: [6 marks]

a) What is an operating system? (1 mark)

  • It is a system software that manages the computer hardware. It provides a platform for installation & execution of application software.

b) Briefly explain any four functions of an operating system. (8 marks)
Interrupt handling - When an interrupt occurs, the current state of the CPU is saved & the OS handles the request, after which the OS restores the previous state of the CPU & resumes the interrupted process.
Process scheduling - OS decides which process runs next & for how long.
Memory management - Ensures that each process has enough memory allocated to execute without interfering with other processes.
Error handling - OS provides a mechanism to detect & respond to errors such as segmentation faults, hardware failures, or invalid instructions.

 

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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Maranda 2024 Mock CRE Paper 2

1. a) Based on Deutro-Isaiah, describe the Messiah. (7mks)

The Messiah would be despised/ rejected

The Messiah would be treated harshly/ arrested/sentenced to death

The Messiah would be reconciling people through His suffering

The death of the Messiah would bring forgiveness of sins of humankind

The Messiah would endure suffering/humiliation without complaining/ would suffer innocently

The Messiah would have nothing attractive

The Messiah would be humble/simple

The Messiah would be highly honored

The Messiah would succeed in His work

He would be despised, rejected, wounded oppressed and afflicted 

He endured pain and suffering which would have been ours. 

Because of our sins he was wounded 

We are healed by the punishment he suffered He was treated harshly but he never said a word 

He was put in the grave with the wicked 

He was buried with the rich even though he did not commit a crime 

He took the place of many sinners and prayed that they might be forgiven.

 

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Describe the role of a repeater when used in a network.

a repeater will amplify a signal and resend it to overcome reduction in signal strength (attenuation) because over a distance network signals diminish in size/amplitude (are attenuated) due to characteristics of the media.

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802.3 is the standard for ethernet wired networks and 802.11x is the standard for ethernet
wireless networks.
Outline why standards such as these are important in the development of network devices and
software.

  • Standards specify a set of rules for hardware and/or software used in network communications. Because all manufacturers must adhere to the standards when manufacturing network hardware or software, it means that all devices should be able to communicate, regardless of manufacturer.
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Distinguish between an optical scanner and a magnetic ink scanner

  • Optical scanner is used read data by use a beam of light while a magnetic ink scanner is used to read data encoded/written using magnetic ink by magnetising the ink characters and translating them
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