1. SECTION A
2.  Answer all questions in this section
3. What is a computer?                                                                                                            1mks
4. State three physical components that make up a computer                                                 3mks
5. State the hardware technological differences between the second generation and third generation computers                                                                                                          2mks
6. State and explain three characteristics of a computer                                                         3mks
7. State the functions of the following special memories in a computer                                3mks
8. Buffers
9.  
10. Registers
11. Cache
12.  
13. Define the following as used in data representation in a computer                                  (5mks)
14. Bit
15.  
16.  
17. Byte
18.  
19.  
20. Nibble
21.  
22.  
23.  
24. Word
25.  
26.  
27.  
28. Word-length
29.  
30.  
31. State two reasons why a DVD is superior to a typical compact disk                               (2mks)
32. State three advantages of flat panel monitors over cathode ray tube monitors                   3mks
33. Explain the following terms as used in word processing                                                  3mks
34. Section breaks
35. Thesaurus
36. Superscript
37. State two advantages of  impact printers                                                                             2mks
38. State the function of the following keys on the computer keyboard                                  3mks
39. Enter key
40. Insert key
41. Delete key
42. State the technology used by the following secondary devices to store data                      3mks
43. Magnetic storage devices
44. Solid state storage devices
45. Optical storage devices
46. State three reasons why an operating system is important in a computer                         3mks
47. A typical computer’s main memory consists of both volatile and non-volatile memory.
48. i)  Explain what is meant by the term volatile memory                                          (1mark)
49. ii) What is normally stored in the non-volatile part of a computer’s main memory (1mark)
50. Explain why having cache memory can improve the performance of the CPU         (2mks)
51. What is a computer system?                                                                                           (1mk
52. Give two differences between a solid state drive (SSD) and a hard disk drive (HDD)   2mks
53. State three categories of software classified according User license agreement              (3mks)
54. State two disadvantages of Random Access Memory                                                       (1mk)
55.  
56.  
57. a) Explain the functions performed by the following components of a processor   (2 marks)
58. Control unit

• deskilling – software has removed the need for some of the more traditional skills e.g. using CAD
• (re-)training – work practices have changed; need to learn how to use the new software/computer
• redundancy – new technology allows work to be completed by fewer staff/out-sourced to “cheaper” work forces in foreign countries
• work from home (etc.) – use of emails, VoIP, video conferencing, instant messaging, etc. allows working away from the office
• – nicer/safer workplace – quieter (no noisy typewriters) and safer (no heavy filing cabinets)
• – health (& safety) – RSI, headaches, backaches

• RSI in wrists or fingers from prolonged typing or repeated clicking of mouse button
• headaches/eyestrain/dry eye from staring at a monitor for long periods of time/glare from monitor
• back ache/strain from sitting in the  same position for a long time/using chair with no adjustment

• the pain felt in muscles, nerves and tendons caused by repetitive movement and overuse.
• Injury as a result of repetitive use of parts of the body while performing work
• Strains and injuries due to prolonged typing and use of the mouse

Many components that go into computer systems are toxic and dangerous to the environment if released or disposed of inappropriately.
Heavy metals are used in batteries and circuits and these can pollute groundwater or kill animals if left exposed on landfill. Large quantities of plastics are used in systems, which take a long time to break down, some of the plastic will eventually break down into toxins as it degrades.

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

• 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

(a) Describe three effects this would have on the work force

(i) the potential health hazards of this type of work,

• Outsourcing is the practice of using third-party providers to perform services and/or create goods that would traditionally be done within the business.

logging on

Advantages

• loss of jobs as some traditional shops/banks close
• lower profits for companies that do not get involved with e-commerce
• decline of leisure shopping as goods are bought on-line
• city centres becoming deserted as shops/banks close down
• gap between rich and poor widening as richer get savings from
• shopping on-line
• more people choosing to interact with computers rather than people
• increase in small businesses
• less pollution/travelling

• To provide access to the Internet

• Refers to the delivery of multimedia content, such video or audio over the internet in real-time. It allows users to access and consume content without downloading it to their device beforehand.

Uploading a file  refers to the process of transferring a file from a local computer to a remote webserver while downloading a file refers to the process of transferring or copying a file from a remote webserver to a local machine

Convert the HTML into a webpage which is rendered on the screen

• A software which can display a webpage on a user's computer screen

• It is an address to a resource on the internet

(a) Cookies