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

1. (a)State what is meant by the terms:

Parallel data transmission

• 8 bits/1 byte/multiple bits sent at a time  

1. using many/multiple/8 wires/lines

Serial data transmission

• one bit sent at a time  
• over a single wire

b) Give one benefit of each type of data transmission.

• Parallel - faster rate of data transmission

Serial

1. -more accurate/fewer errors over a longer distance
2. -less expensive wiring  
3. less chance of data being skewed/out of synchronization/order

Give one application of each type of data transmission. Each application must be different

Parallel

• sending data from a computer to a printer
•  internal data transfer (buses)

Serial

• connect computer to a modem

State what is meant by the term USB

• universal serial bus

Describe two benefits of using USB connections between a computer and a device.

• -devices are automatically detected and configured when initially attached
  • Impossible to connect device incorrectly/connector only fits one way
  • has become the industry standard
  • supports multiple data transmission speeds
  • lots of support base for USB software developers
  • supported by many operating systems
  • backward compatible
  • faster transmission compared to wireless

DVD - optical media which use one spiral track; red lasers are used to read and write data on the media surface; makes use of dual-layering technology to increase the storage capacity

ROM - non-volatile memory chip; contents of the chip cannot be altered; it is often used to store the start-up routines in a computer (e.g. the BIOS)

SSD/ Solid State Drive/memory (SSD): a non-volatile memory device that uses NAND flash memories (which consist of millions of transistors wired in series on single circuit boards)

Blue Ray -  optical media that uses blue laser technology to read and write data on the media surface; it uses a single 1.1 mm polycarbonate disc

Viruses, pharming and phishing are all examples of potential Internet security issues.
Explain what is meant by each of these three terms.

Virus

• - program/software that replicates/copies itself
• – can delete or alter files/data stored on a computer
•  – can make the computer “crash”/run slow

Pharming - malicious code/software installed on a user’s hard drive/actual webserver

 – this code redirects users to a fake website (without their knowledge)

 – to obtain personal/financial information/data

Phishing - legitimate-looking emails sent to a user – as soon as the recipient opens/clicks on the link in the email/attachment,  the user is directed to a fake website (without their knowledge) – To obtain personal/financial information/data

control bus- this bus carries signals used to coordinate the computer’s activities

address bus - this uni-directional bus carries signals relating to memory addresses between processor and memory

data bus - this bi-directional bus is used to exchange data between processor, memory and input/output devices

The seven stages in a von Neumann fetch-execute cycle

• the PC (program counter) contains the address of the next instruction to be fetched
• the address contained in the PC (program counter) is copied to the MAR (memory address register) via the address bus
• the instruction is then copied from the memory location contained in the MAR (memory address register) and is placed in the MDR (memory data register)
• the entire instruction is then copied from the MDR (memory data register) and placed in the CIR (current instruction register)
• the value in the PC (program counter) is then incremented so that it points to the next instruction to be fetched
• the address part of the instruction is placed in the MAR (memory address register)
• the instruction is finally decoded and is then executed

Modern LCD monitors and televisions use LED-backlit technology.
Give two advantages of using this new technology compared to the older cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) method

• no need to warm up
• – whiter tint/more vivid colours/brighter image
• – higher resolution
• – much thinner monitors possible/lighter weight
• – more reliable technology/longer lasting
• – uses much less power/more efficient

(a) Defragmentation software   -   Reorganises files on a disk to improve efficiency

(b) Disk contents analysis/repair software - Scans a hard disk to identify bad sectors

(c) Disk formatter -  Prepares a hard disk for first use

• problem recognition involves the system analyst identifying and accepting the existence of a problem in the current system
• problem definition involves the analyst studying the system to understand its operations and shortcomings

Incremental:

• Only the changes need to be backed up
• The software/OS/settings are unlikely to have changed between backups
• Small number of files likely to be used/edited between backups
• Take less time to backup
• Each backup will take less memory space to store

Full:

• Backup all the data/files and software
• It might not take a significant time to back up entire system
• He might only have a small number of files to be backed up each time
• Safer as have more past versions to revert to
• User may have changed settings on computer
• Faster to restore the backup
• Needs to do a full before he can do an incremental

The user is not allowed to access the source code so, they cannot tailor the software to their needs and  they cannot fix any bugs in it

The software is still covered by copyright

The user must get the owner’s permission to do anything beyond using it

• 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

Bridge: Joins together two networks that use the same base protocols.

Hub: Copies all packets of data to all devices on the network.

Router: Stores the addresses of computers on the network and transfers data between devices.

Switch : Analyses each data packet and sends it to the computer it was intended for.

(a) byte

• fixed number of bits, 8 bits
• represents a character

(b) compiler  program

• converts/changes/translates high-level language into machine code/machine language/low-level language/object code
• changes each high-level language instruction into machine code instructions
• produces an independent program capable of being executed by itself
• all (syntax errors) listed
• converts the whole program before execution/in one go
• converts source code to object code

(c) handshaking

• exchanging of signals to establish communication between two devices/computers e.g. printer and computer, modem and computer

(d) technical documentation

• documentation to ensure that the system can be maintained/updated/altered/developed/upgraded
• trouble shooting/correcting errors/correcting faults
• explanation of what the program does/how the system works
• contains file structures
• algorithms/flow charts/pseudo code
• program listings
• hierarchical chart

(e) simulation

• studying the behavior of a system by using a model/represents real-life/mathematical representation
  e.g. flight simulator (or others), hazardous applications results can be predicted

– knowledge base
– rule(s) base
– inference engine
– explanation system
– (expert system) shell

Any four of:
Sequential:
• Individual instructions are executed one after another
• Flow control is accomplished by jump/branch/goto instructions
• Results are usually achieved less quickly than parallel processing (do
not award twice)
Parallel:
• Individual instructions can be routed to different processors for
simultaneous execution
• Results are usually achieved quicker than sequential instruction (do not
award twice)
• Requires multi-core processors or multiple microprocessors
• Tasks may be split into different parts with each part executed on a
different processor
• Results need to be merged back together after completion

• A physical file contains the original data whereas a logical file does not contain any data
• A physical file contains one record format while a logical file can contain up to 32 record formats
• A physical file can exist without a logical file while a logical file cannot exist without a physical file

• their small wavelength allows conveniently sized antennas to direct them in narrow beams, which can be pointed directly at the receiving antenna

• Unfamiliar graphics or quizzical messages appear on the screen
• Programs taking longer than usual to load
• Less memory allowance than usual
• Unusual error messages occurring more frequently

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

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)

• It requires that a foreign key must have a matching primary key or it must be null

• Firmware is a software program permanently etched into a hardware device such as a keyboards, hard drive, BIOS, or video cards.
• Device drivers are operating system-specific and hardware-dependent. A device driver acts as a translator between the hardware device and the programs or operating systems that use it. 
• Firmware is a software that controls a system, and firmware's functionality ranges from performing basic tasks like minimal I/O controls to full-fledged software system running with simple or no OS, with scheduler, memory management, etc. 
• A driver, on the other hand, is usually part of the operating system that performs the specific task of controlling a hardware component like a display or USB controller, etc., and gives an interface to use the hardware by Operating system and applications.

• allowing the network to share resources like files and software for printers and computers
• support the network's implementation of security features
• controls user accounts
• supplies network administrators with network monitoring tools.

Refers to a small piece of software designed to update, fix, or improve a specific part of the operating system or an application.

NB: Patches are typically released by the software's developer or the operating system vendor to address security vulnerabilities, software bugs, or to add new features or enhancements

• Computer systems use binary/ones and zeros/voltage on or off;
• Sound is analogue/continuous;
• Computers use digital data/discrete values