A computer game involves driving a racing car around a track. State which two modes of data processing would be appropriate, justifying your answers
Explain the following terms
(a) Disk mirroring
(b) Encryption
(c) Backup
(a) Disk mirroring- Data is written on two or more disks simultaneously.
(b) Encryption - Contents are scrambled so they cannot be understood without a decryption key
(c) Backup - A copy of the data is taken and stored in another location
Explain why it is beneficial to get more RAM instead of relying on virtual memory.
Describe each of the following types of program errors, using an example.
Syntax error
Logical error
Run-time error
Syntax error
Logical error
Run-time error
Describe how a FRID works.
RFID stands for radio frequency identification. There is an RFID reader and tag.RFID is used in contactless credit and debit cards as well as in some hotel room cards. Inside an RFID tag is a chip that contains a small amount of memory. The chip is attached to a coil of wire which acts as an antenna. When an RFID tag is scanned, the reader emits radio waves which are picked up by the tag’s antenna. The power induced in the tag’s antenna from these waves is enough to power the chip which then uses its antenna to emit its own radio wave, which contains the information held on the chip. This wave is picked up by the reader which decodes the information and returns the information to a computer.
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
State two advantages of electronic databases over a flat file
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;
State two reasons for carrying out software updates
State two benefits of using robots
State what is meant by each of the following modes of data processing
(i) Batch processing.
(ii) Real-time processing.
(iii) Online processing.
(iv) Off-line processing.
(i) Jobs collected together for processing at a later time
(ii) Output produced quickly enough to affect the next input
(iii) User has direct contact with the processor
(iv) User cannot communicate directly with the processor
What is a source code as used in computer programming?
State examples of wireless transmission media
Explain one reason why a computer needs to be connected to a stable power source
System Stability: Computers require a consistent and stable power supply to function properly. Fluctuations or interruptions in the power source can cause various issues that can disrupt the computer's operation or lead to hardware damage.
a. Data Loss: Sudden power outages or voltage fluctuations can cause the computer to shut down abruptly, resulting in data loss if unsaved work is not properly stored. This can be particularly problematic when working on critical tasks or handling important files.
b. Hardware Damage: Power surges or inconsistent power supply can damage the computer's internal components, including the motherboard, CPU, memory, and storage devices. These damages can result in system instability, reduced performance, or even complete hardware failure.
c. Operating System Corruption: Abrupt power loss or inconsistent power supply can corrupt the operating system files, leading to system crashes, error messages, and instability. This may require system repairs or reinstallation of the operating system.
d. Component Lifespan: Inconsistent power supply can put unnecessary stress on computer components, shortening their lifespan. Frequent power fluctuations or surges can cause wear and tear on various parts, reducing their efficiency and overall longevity.
Describe the query criteria given below
(a) Like "*kenya*"
(b) Like "*ina"
(c) Like U*
(d) Not Like U*
(e) >= "Mexico"
(f) Like "[A-D]*"
(g) "USA" Or "UK"
State two data protection rules that should be obeyed by all staff in a hospital.
State the symptoms of a computer virus
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
KCSE 2016 COMPUTER STUDIES PAPER 1
A manager wishes to replace the current manual system with a computerized one. Describe three areas that must be evaluated to justify the replacement (6 marks)
Headache, back and neck pain may result from the use of computers. State how each of them can be minimized (2mks)
Students of a school intended to elect their school Captain by secret ballot. State three ways in which computers can be used to improve the election process (3mks)
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