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
Rules are given to the processor
Drop-down list/radio buttons
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)
What is a backup?
A backup is a copy of data that can be used if the original data is lost.
Fibre optic cable is available in either single-mode or multi-mode. Outline the characteristics of each mode.
Define the term variable as used in programming
A variable is a memory location used to store a value
Explain each of the strategies listed below.
(a) Phishing
(b) DoS
(a) Phishing
(b) DoS
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.
State advantages of solid state storage media
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.
List two types of network software
Describe two possible causes of computer failure. In each case state how it could have been prevented
State the reasons for system review and maintenance
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)
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)
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)
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:
Low level languages are used in situations when:
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.
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
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?
Why are CD-Rs and CD_ROMs referred to as WORM?