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Q&A-KCSE Computer Studies Paper 1

Explain how the techniques of

(i) verification,
(ii) validation
are used to ensure that the stored data is as accurate as possible.

Dual input of data

  • Two inputs are compared by the system and any discrepancies are reported (and not stored.)
  • Data input once, either printed out or checked on the screen and  errors corrected

 Rules are given to the processor

  • Only accept A, B, C, D, E, F, G i.e Any other input rejected.

Drop-down list/radio buttons

  • Provides only valid inputs, so no other validation is required
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KCSE Computer Studies Paper 1, 2001

SECTION A (40 MARKS)

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)

           

Formula in F10

Formula in m20

=D10* E10

 

=A$ 25

 

=$ D$13

 

                                                                                                                                                                 

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)

 

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What is a backup?

A backup is a copy of data that can be used if the original data is lost.

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Fibre optic cable is available in either single-mode or multi-mode. Outline the characteristics of each mode.

  • Single-mode fibre consists of a narrow core in which all light pulses travel at the same speed and arrive roughly at the same time at the destination.
  • Supports higher bandwidth with less signal loss over a greater distance
  • Multi-mode Multi-mode fibre consists of a larger core in which multiple light pulses can travel down the core.
  • Supports a smaller bandwidth and signals attenuate at a shorter distance than single mode fibre.
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Define the term variable as used in programming

A variable is a memory location used to store a value

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Explain each of the strategies listed below.

(a) Phishing

(b) DoS

 

(a) Phishing

  • Phishing is a strategy that encourages a computer user to part with sensitive information such as bank details hence the term ‘phishing’ – i.e. fishing – trying to catch someone out. For example, a perpetrator sends a user an email that appears to be genuine, for example, pretending to be a bank or a lawyer requesting that the user verify bank account details or send money to assist in the completing of a legal case.

(b) DoS

  • DoS is a means of attack on a specific user/system/website which involves overloading a target with too much network traffic resulting in system slowdown, shutdown or a violation of security.
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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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State advantages of solid state storage media

  • Portable
  • Light
  • Faster access speed
  • No moving parts
  • Efficient power consumption
  • Durable
  • Small physical size
  • Large storage capacity
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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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List two types of network software

  • Network operating systems
  • Protocols
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Describe two possible causes of computer failure. In each case state how it could have been prevented

  1. Hardware failure
  2. Corrupted software files
  3. Hacking into the system
  4. Power failure
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State the reasons for system review and maintenance

  • user changes his mind
  • new government legalisation/company policy company changes
  • changes in hardware
  • changes in software/upgrades/new versions
  • improved operating efficiency/ease of use
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KCSE 2007, COMPUTER STUDIES PAPER 1

SECTION A (40 MKS)

Answer all the questions in this section in the spaces provided.

1.Describe the computer booting process.    (2 mks)

2. State the functions of the following keys on the computer keyboard   (2 mks)

  a) Backspace

  b)Insert (ins)

3. Jane has noticed the following problems with her computer keyboard    (2mks)

  • It is taking a longer time to start-up;
  • It is often hanging;
  • Applications are taking longer to load.

 State three possible causes of these problems and how they can be solved (3mks)

4 a)Define authenticity as used in software selection  (1mk)

  b) List four ways of acquiring software in an organization     (2mks)

5 some of the storage disk available are:  zip disks, 3 ½ inch floppy disks, DVDs and 5 ¼ inch floppy disks. Arrange these devices in ascending order of storage capacity.    (2mks)

6.You have been asked to change your computer password. State a precaution you need to take in order to avoid each of the following:           

a) Forgetting the password     (1mk)

b) Hacking       (1mk)              

7.State four benefits of using a computer in a school library   (2 mks)

8. Using six bits, find the two’s complement of -2310.     (4 mks)

9. Explain data series, axis and legends as used in spreadsheet charts.  (3mks)

  • Data
  • Axis
  • Legend                       

10. a) Describe the term data integrity.                                            (2 mks)

     b) State four situations in which data may lose integrity.           (2mks)

11.State the function of each of the following:

            a)Network interface card                                                           (1 mk)

            b)Network protocol                                                                    (1 mk)

           c)Hub                                                                                         (1mk)  

12. List four types of publications that can be designed by using desktop publishing software.   (2mks)

13. Differentiate between the following pair of terms as used in database design:

    a)  Input mask and design.                                                           (2 mks)

    b) Table and query                                                                      ( 2mks)

14. List four factors to be considered when purchasing an operating system.     (2mks)

15   Write an algorithm to compute the area of a triangle.   (2mks)

SECTION B (60 MARKS)

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

16. Study the flowchart below and answer the questions that follow

 

i) Name the control structures used in the flowchart                 (2mks)

ii) Determine the values of M, N, P and Q.                                ( 4 mks)

M………………………….. N………………………..

P ………………………….. Q ………………………

  iii) Write the pseudo code for the flowchart   (7mks)

 b)  List four functions of an assembler    (2 mks)

17. Define the following web related terms:       

 i)  Web browser   (1mk)

 ii)  Hyperlink      (1mk)

iii) Hypertext document                (1mk)

b)  List six activities performed on the web      (3mks)

c) An institution has ten stand alone computers

i)  Suggest with reasons the most appropriate topology required to inter-connect the computers.   (3mks)

ii) State the necessary steps required to connect the computers to the  internet.      (4mks)

d) Below is an email address:

                       

                     

                       

Name the parts labeled:

                        i)

                        ii)

                        iii)

18.A computer C directory has folders for form 1, form 2, Form 3 and form 4.  Each class has student’s folders labeled according to their number.  The students create their own folder for the subject the are studying based on the table shown below

 

Form 1

Form 2

Form 3

Form 4

OS

SP

Pr.

ADB

WP

DTP

DB

Internet

 

 

a)Assuming there is one student per class, draw the corresponding directory tree structure.  (6 mks)

b) i)  a form four student wants to create a folder to store her project. State the path for that project folder.(2 mks)

ii)Suggest how the student can ensure that:

                        1.         Work is not lost in case the hard disk fails.                (1mk)

                        2.         The project is not copied by other students.               (1mk)

c) i).  Other than I/O devices, list other three devices under the control of the operating system.                                                  (3mks)

 ii)Explain any one of the devices named in C (i) above            (1mk)

d)Define the term trouble shooting    (1mk)

19. A manager wishes to replace the current manual system with a computerized one

 a)Describe three main areas that must be evaluated to justify the  replacement   (6mks)

b) List the three areas that would be considered in the requirements specifications.      (3mks)

c)State and explain three ways that can be followed to replace the current system    (6mks)

20. a)  A head teacher keeps the following student details in a database:  Name, Address, Town, Date of Birth, Marks scored, Fees paid.

i)Name the most appropriate primary key. Give a reason      (2mks)

ii)For each item in the student’s details above, indicate its most appropriate data type as used in the database.           (3mks)

iii)Explain why input screens are better data entry designs than entering data directly to a table.        (2mks)

b)List two career opportunities associated with databases.       (2mks)

c)Distinguish between:

i) A table in a word-processing application and a table in a database application (2mks)

ii)Mouse pointer and insertion point.    (2mks)

d)Outline the steps to be followed in order to merge cells in a word processing table.    (2mks)

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Describe a typical situation that requires the use of:

(i) a high-level language

(ii) a low-level language.


High level languages are used in situations when:

  1. Speed of execution is not a critical factor, such as in office applications.
  2. a programmer needs to use complex commands that perform complex tasks.
  3. A programmer wants to make use of standardised library / sub routines.

Low level languages are used in situations when:

  1. a program must execute quickly such as real time applications
  2. a programmer needs to write code that interacts directly with the hardware, such as device drivers
  3. a programmer needs to perform a specific command not available in a HL language.
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What is a utility software?

The following are some of the possible definitions:

It is system software designed to help the users to analyse, configure, optimize, or maintain a computer

System software that helps maintain the proper and smooth functioning of a computer system

Examples include antivirus software, Disk clean-up tools, disk defragmenters, backup software, etc

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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Name two other input/output devices used at the POS terminal apart from keyboard and barcode reader and give a use for each device.

device: beeper/loud speaker
use: to indicate barcode correctly read/error in reading barcode
device: (LCD) screen/monitor
use: to show prices and other information about goods
device: touch screen
use: to show prices and other information about goods/to select items that need to be
weighed/identified
device: weighing machine
use: to find weight of loose items (e.g. fruit) to enable pricing
device: (magnetic) card reader/CHIP and PIN reader
use: to read customer’s debit/credit card/enable customer to pay for goods using a
credit or debit card
device: printer
use: to print receipts

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Describe three other different categories of malware.

Trojan (horse); a program which misleads the user into thinking it is another

piece of software which, when run, executes another program;

Spyware; a program which records data such as usernames and passwords on

a host system and forwards the information to a third party;

Adware; code embedded or attached to program files which will persistently

show adverts (that attempt to generate revenue);

Worm; code which will run autonomously and replicates itself on a host system;

Ransomware; a program that encrypts user’s data to make it unreadable until

they pay for the key;

Remote Access Tool (RAT); allows access to control and monitor a computer

from a remote network location;

Rootkit; malware that has managed to gain ‘root’ admin privileges;

Bots/Zombies; a program installed on a computer that performs a job for the

remote owner of the bot/zombie such as sending spam or sending web requests

to perform a DOS or attacking a computer system;

Scareware; malware that tells you something is wrong with your system in an

attempt to get you to make a purchase;

Keylogger; a program that monitors/records a user’s keystrokes in order to steal

passwords/confidential details;

5 Artificial intelligence is an emerging trend in computer science.
(a) Discuss the use of artificial intelligence by describing some of its characteristics, the ways in which it may be used and the ethical issues associated with its use.
 

Branch of computer science based on enabling computers to
behave like humans/mimic aspects of human intelligence
AI is implemented in software.
Combines psychology, biology, linguistics, mathematics, neuroscience,
and philosophy (ethics)
AI is not the same as the general intelligence of human beings

 

Uses – Any of the following:
Game playing (chess, quiz, video games)
Analytics (analyse buying patterns, predicting behaviours, predictive
text, financial markets)
Image processing (recognising objects/patterns)
Logistics (scheduling, order fulfilment)
Control systems (cars, manufacturing, weapons, navigation)
Expert systems (medical, mechanical, electrical diagnosis)
Neural networks (simulating neuron behaviours as in brains)
Natural languages processing (chatterbots, chatbots, speech
recognition)
Robotics (dangerous situations, help aged or disabled)

 

Ethical issues – Any of the following:
Take the work of humans, thereby affecting employment rates
Is a computer to be trusted to make decisions (life-death)?

If a computer discovers something that humans can’t prove, should it be
accepted as truth?
Do AI machines have rights?
Will people be comfortable interacting with machines that are
considered intelligent?

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Why are CD-Rs and CD_ROMs referred to as WORM?

  • Because data is recorded to the disks once but can be accessed many times without changing the content
  • once data is written to the disk, it becomes read-only and cannot be altered or erased.
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