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)
Why is 2's complement preferred over 1's complement?
Define the term multimedia
Describe what is meant by shareware.
the trial version of software for a limited time/number of uses with limited features free of charge
If a full version is required need to pay a fee/sign up
When the trial is over user is asked to pay/sign up
Protected by copyright
Type of software licence
Explain why it is beneficial to get more RAM instead of relying on virtual memory.
Identify and describe four roles of the operating system when managing the resources of a personal computer.
Manages memory (RAM)
Ensures programs/data do not corrupt each other: Ensures all programs and data including itself is stored in correct memory locations
Manages processes: Ensures different processes can utilise the CPU and do not interfere with each other or crash •
Allows a user to run programs : On a multi-tasking O/S ensure that all tasks appear to run simultaneously
Describe how the CPU and main memory work together.
Data and instructions are fetched from main memory, from addresses requested by the CPU on the address bus. (Data and instructions are sent) using the data bus. (Data and instructions are then) decoded and executed in the CPU.
Results of operations are sent back to the memory on the data bus
Explain each of the strategies listed below.
(a) Phishing
(b) DoS
(a) Phishing
(b) DoS
Give an example of where a PAN could be used
Explain the purpose of each of the following features of a spreadsheet chart (KCSE 2021, Q19 (a))
A data series
Data Marker
Legend
A data series
Data Marker
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
Your friend wishes to install a wireless network in his office. Explain to him the difference between guided and unguided media
Differentiate between a function parameter and a function argument
A parameter represents additional information that a function requires to perform its task. Each parameter required by a function is specified in the function header
An argument the value supplied in the function call. When the function is called, the argument value is passed into the function parameter so that the function can perform its task
During data entry, Anne typed the letter S instead of 5. What type of error is this? (1mark)
Misreading error
A company has decided to deliver its products online to international customers. It has employed you as a project manager to determine whether this is a viable business decision. You choose to conduct a feasibility study. Outline the purpose of a feasibility study using two components associated with this process.
Explain two ways in which an interpreter and a compiler are different.
Give two advantages of using broadband rather than dial-up
State three functions of a network operating system
Confidential information about the students is to be stored on the computer system. Explain the measures that can be taken to ensure that such information remains confidential.
- Passwords
- Hierarchy
- Only allow some staff to access student files
- Only some machines able to access
- Physical location of these machines
- Physical lock on machines
- Encrypted data in files
- Firewall if connected to the Internet
Explain the difference between main memory and secondary storage.