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Q&A-KCSE Computer Studies Paper 1

State advantages of batch processing

  • once instructions are given, the processing runs automatically hence requiring little supervision
  • tasks are processed as a group hence reducing the cost
  • It is faster since the since runs automatically
  • there is increased output since the processor works without any interruption
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What is block operation as used in Microsoft word?

An editing or formatting procedure that is carried out on a selected block of text in a word-processing document.

A formatting or editing operation that is applied to a block of text after selecting. The block of text can be a paragraph, line, word, page or the whole document. It is much easier to apply editing or formatting to a block of text than to apply it to every single character

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A car park uses a number plate recognition system. Identify the reason why unsigned integers should be used to record the number of cars entering and leaving the car park, rather than signed integers

  • Unsigned integers store more positive values
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Briefly describe three types of database models

  • Hierarchical model  - Records in the database can be related to one parent only but can have more children records
  • Network database model - a child record can be linked to  multiple parent records
  • Relational database model - organizes data into tables that can be linked or related based on data common to each.
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Programmers use trace tables with algorithms. Explain the purpose of a trace table.
It helps the programmer visualise the steps in a program / find errors/bugs / check the algorithm gives the correct output (1) because they can see the value a variable holds at a given point in an algorithm (1)
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Give two uses of spreadsheets in a government office concerned with carrying out national census
Tallying population size Establishing demographic trends Drawing pie charts to show population share by gender Doing census budgets

1 (a) Computer networks are valuable to many businesses and individuals.
(i) State the purpose of network protocols

Any one of:
To allow connected machines to communicate
To provide the rules of communication between two networked devices

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Distinguish between one to one and one to many relationships as used in relational databases

One to one  - Each record in the parent table has exactly one related record in the child table, and vice versa.

One to Many -  Each record in the parent table can have multiple related records in the child table, but each record in the child table is related to only one record in the parent table

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Defining  blocking of text as used in  word processing

  • Refers to selecting a group of text eg word, sentence or even a paragraph in order to work with it as a whole
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State the symptoms of a computer virus

  1. Slow Performance: If your computer suddenly becomes significantly slower than usual, taking longer to boot up, open applications, or respond to commands, it could be a sign of a virus. Viruses can consume system resources, resulting in decreased performance.

  2. Frequent Crashes: If your computer frequently crashes, freezes, or experiences sudden system reboots without any apparent reason, it could be due to a virus. Some viruses can interfere with system stability, leading to unexpected crashes or instability.

  3. Unusual Pop-ups or Ads: If you start noticing an excessive number of pop-ups, advertisements, or banners appearing on your computer screen, especially when you're not browsing the internet, it might be an indication of adware or malware infection.

  4. Unwanted Modifications: Viruses can modify system settings or configurations without your consent. If you observe changes in your default browser homepage, new toolbars appearing, unfamiliar icons on the desktop, or altered settings, it could be a sign of a virus.

  5. Unusual Network Activity: If you notice excessive network traffic, unusual data transfers, or a sudden increase in data usage without any known reason, it could be an indication of a virus or malware actively communicating with external servers.

  6. Missing or Modified Files: Viruses can delete, encrypt, or modify files on your computer. If you find missing files or encounter unexpected changes in file sizes, names, or extensions, it could be a result of a virus infection.

  7. Disabled Security Software: Some viruses attempt to disable or circumvent antivirus or security software to avoid detection. If you notice that your antivirus program or firewall is deactivated, modified, or unable to update, it could be due to a virus compromising your security software.

  8. Unexpected Email or Message Activity: Viruses can use infected computers to send spam emails or messages to contacts in your address book without your knowledge. If your friends or colleagues report receiving suspicious or unexpected emails or messages from you, it could be a sign of a virus.

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Distinguish between a client-server and a peer-to-peer network

  • In a client-server network, every device is either a client or a server whereas in a peer-to-peer network each computer has equal responsibility and each has the ability to work as both a server and a client
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A supermarket uses point of sale (POS) terminals at the checkout for scanning barcodes on the products.

(a) State two items of data that are stored on the barcode.

(b) Describe how the computer system checks that the barcode has been read correctly.

(c) State the type of file access that is used to get the price from the central computer.

(d) Explain how the system updates the file when an item has been sold.

(a) State two items of data that are stored on the barcode.

  • check digit
  • product number/item number/code
  • country of origin
  • manufacturers number/code
  • weight
  • price

(b) Describe how the computer system checks that the barcode has been read correctly.

  • check digit calculation is performed on the check digit, remainder = 0 if the barcode has been read correctly
  • weights and modulus 11 and use remainder
  • or subtractions and addition and use answer


(c) State the type of file access that is used to get the price from the central computer.

  • random/direct/online

(d) Explain how the system updates the file when an item has been sold.

  • search file/master file using barcode number/product code and decrease number in stock/increase quantity sold

Achieng plays an online game on her laptop. List two ways she can reduce the risk of developing repetitive strain injury(RSI)

  • By use of an ergonomic keyboard
  • She should take regular breaks from her computer and stretch her joints
  • She should use standard furniture with an upright backrest to reduce strain on the back
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Shaneela is designing and coding a website. The files she creates will be stored on
a computer.
(a) File management is a function that an operating system performs.
Describe how an operating system organises files

The organisation of files is in a hierarchy/tree structure
A node is either a folder/directory/sub-folder/sub-directory or the file itself
The top node/folder/directory/drive is the root

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Distinguish between real-time and distributed operating systems (KCSE 2018)

  • Real-time OS reads information from input devices and must respond within a short duration of time to ensure correct performance
  • Distributed OS distributes computation among several physical processors which do not share memory or clock
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State three features of the fifth generation computers (3mks)    [2017 paper 1]

  • Artificial intelligence
  • Parallel processing
  • Natural language processing
  • quantum computing
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(b) The computer needs an operating system and utility software.

(i) The operating system controls the scheduling of processes.

Describe how the operating system uses scheduling to allocate processor time.

 

  • All processes are held in a queue 
  • Processes are prioritised 
  • Processes are switched On each clock cycle
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Distinguish between operating system software and an application software

  • OS controls operation of system/hardware
  • Applications software allows the system to do something useful
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A company has decided to use a computer for stock control. Describe the process of systems development from the time the decision was made to proceed with computerisation until final testing.

specify output requirements
design documents/screen displays
data for input/storage
form design
storage devices
file structures/access/design
data security/back up files
systems flowchart etc.
implementation i.e. pilot/intermediate/parallel running
testing strategy
training
hardware/software
programming/algorithms
validation
user manual
technical documentation
entering data into system

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What is a defragmentation software

  • It is a utility software that places file data in adjacent sectors to free up space for more data and reduce access time for files stored
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