Distinguish between operating system software and an application software
Identify the protocol used to transfer data in networks.
State the difference between radio waves and microwave transmission
Describe the purpose of the
(i) control unit
(ii) memory unit
(iii) arithmetic logic unit
in a computer.
i) To manage the execution of instructions
By running a clock
To decode instructions
(ii) To store OS
To store those parts of applications programs currently running
To store data currently in use
(iii) Part of the processor where data is processed/manipulated
All I/O must pass through here
Explain why a developer, who is good at both low-level and high-level programming, would normally use high-level languages when writing programs [4 marks]
State ways in which an OS secures a computer system
Explain the function of the protect sheet feature in the spreadsheet program
An organisation that supplies audiobooks over the internet is moving into a new office building.
(a) One reason for networking devices is to provide access to the internet.
(i) Give two other reasons for connecting devices to networks.
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.
Describe an environmental issue related to the disposal of computer components
Many components that go into computer systems are toxic and dangerous to the environment if released or disposed of inappropriately.
Heavy metals are used in batteries and circuits and these can pollute groundwater or kill animals if left exposed on landfill. Large quantities of plastics are used in systems, which take a long time to break down, some of the plastic will eventually break down into toxins as it degrades.
Explain each of the following function of an operating system
Job scheduling/Process scheduling (2mks)
Memory management (2mks)
State two reasons for the increased use of computers in offices (2 marks)
State three different methods that allow people to communicate using the Internet. In each case, give a different benefit for the stated method.
emails: – fast delivery of messages (to recipient’s mail box)
– able to send attachments
– can store messages for later use
– auto-translation no language problems
– can open email at a convenient time
video conferencing/calling/chat:
– removes need to travel (saves time and money)
– allows face to face discussions
– works in real time (only allow once)
VoIP: – much cheaper than normal international calls
– direct communication between people
– works in real time (only allow once)
chat rooms/instant messaging:
– instantaneous reply
– anyone can join in
social networking:
– can ensure only your “friends” are in communication
– usually free to join and use
– talk to (multiple) friends at the same time
List three types of errors that are likely to exist in a program (3 marks)
Syntax errors-Incorrect use of programming language
Logical errors- The program do not give the expected output
Runtime errors- Premature end of a program
Computer Studies KCSE 2006 Paper 1
SECTION A (40 MARKS)
1.What is meant by
a)Analogue data
b)Digital data (4 mks)
2. Distinguish between transcription and transposition types of errors and give an example of each (4mks)
3. a)What are peripheral devices? (1mk)
b)Give two examples of peripheral devices (1mk)
4a)What meant by the term user-friendly as used in software development? (1mk)
b)Distinguish between the terms single-tasking and multi-user as used in operating systems (2mks)
5.What actions should be taken in case of a fire outbreak in the computer laboratory? (4mks)
6a) What is an Internet Service Provider? (1mk)
b) An employee in a business company is charged with the responsibility of putting the company advertisements on the Internet.
i) State the professional title of the employee. (1mk)
ii) Give an example of software used by this employee to carry out the above task. (1mk)
7.Differentiate between COM ports and LPT ports (2mks)
8.Explain two ways in which ICT can enhance commerce. (2mks)
9. Explain the following software terms:
a) Portability (1 mk)
b) Modularity (1 mk)
10. a) State two application areas of desktop publishing software. (2mks)
b) Explain the following graphic terms:
i) Rotate (1 mk)
ii) Crop (1mk)
12. a)List two arithmetic operations that can be performed on a row of numeric data in a word processing table. (1 mk)
b) In each case of (a) above, write the expression used. (2mks)
13. List two methods of gathering information during the system development process (2mks)
14.Name three types of optical disks.(3mks)
15.The diagram below shows a formatted plate surface of a storage disk.
Shade and label:
a) one sector ( 1mk)
b) One block (1mk)
SECTION B (60 MKS)
Answer question 16 and any other three questions from this section in the space provided
16 a) List two examples of:
i) Third generation languages (2mks)
ii) Object oriented languages (2 mks)
b) Draw a flowchart to compare three non-equal numeric values A, B, C and prints the largest of the three. (11 mks)
17 a) One of the functions of an operating system is job scheduling. Explain what is meant by job scheduling. (1mk)
b)List and explain three types of user interfaces. (6 mks)
c)Describe the following categories of software:
i) Firmware (1mk)
ii) Proprietary software (1mk)
d) a new company XYZ intends to go into the business of desktop publishing. Advise the company on three computer hardware system specification features to consider as a measure of enhancing performance. (6 mks)
18. a) distinguish between the following sets of terms as used in spreadsheets. (2mks)
i)Worksheet and workbook
ii) Filtering and sorting
b) State one way in which a user may reverse the last action taken in a spreadsheet package. (1 mk)
c)The following is a sample of a payroll. The worksheet row and column headings are marked 1, 2, 3, . and A, B, C. respectively
Give one reason why use of video-conferencing has increased over the last ten years.
– faster communications now widely available
– safety reasons, e.g. increase in terrorist attacks on international flights
– reduced transportation/accommodation/hardware costs
– environmental issues, e.g. reduced carbon footprint
– increase in multinational working
Give one advantage using a star network rather than a ring network.
Distinguish between real-time and distributed operating systems (KCSE 2018)
State advantages and disadvantages of the following system implementation strategies
Phased:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Pilot:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Direct:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Parallel:
Advantages:
Give two reasons why hexadecimal is often used instead of binary in computer
science.