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Q&A-KCSE Computer Studies Paper 1

What is a referential integrity constraint?

  • It requires that a foreign key must have a matching primary key or it must be null
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Explain why smoke and dust particles are harmful to a computer

  1. Overheating: Smoke and dust particles can accumulate inside the computer's casing, blocking airflow and hindering the cooling mechanisms of the computer. This can lead to overheating of the internal components, such as the CPU and graphics card. Overheating can cause system instability, performance degradation, and even permanent damage to the hardware.

  2. Component Malfunction: Smoke and dust particles can settle on electronic components, such as the motherboard, memory modules, and connectors. Over time, this accumulation can create a layer of debris, leading to poor electrical contact and interference with signal transmission. This can result in component malfunctions, intermittent failures, or even complete hardware failure.

  3. Short Circuits: If smoke or dust particles contain conductive materials, such as metal flakes or moisture, they can create a risk of short circuits. When conductive particles come into contact with exposed circuits or connectors, they can cause a direct electrical connection between two points that are not intended to be connected. Short circuits can damage components, disrupt data transmission, and even pose a fire hazard.

  4. Increased Maintenance Requirements: Smoke and dust particles can increase the frequency and complexity of computer maintenance. Accumulated dust can clog cooling fans, causing them to work less effectively or even fail. Additionally, smoke particles can leave behind sticky residues that further attract dust, making the cleaning process more challenging.

  5. Reduced Performance and Reliability: As smoke and dust particles accumulate within the computer, they can restrict the movement of mechanical components, such as fans or disk drives, affecting their performance and reliability. Dust particles can also hinder the reading and writing capabilities of optical drives or cause errors in data transmission.

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Give one advantage using a star network rather than a ring network.

  • star - if one computer goes down the others can still be used
  • ring - if one computer goes down the others can not be used
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The following are software classified according to the end user licence agreement. Briefly describe each of them:

open source software, freeware, shareware, and proprietary software

Open source : refers to software provided freely with its source code. The user can modify and redistribute the software.

Freeware: these are software that can be downloaded for free and distributed, buta  the source code is hidden and cannot be altered.

Shareware: is software that is available for free within a given trial period, after which it must be bought.

Proprietary: software made for commercial purposes. The source code is hidden, and it can only be used after paying for a licence.

 

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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Explain one drawback to a user if the program is distributed as freeware

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

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A company is developing a computer for use in schools.
(a) All computers have a CPU, memory and storage.
(i) Identify the type of physical storage that uses electronic circuits.

 

Solid state
 

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KCSE 2021 Computer Studies Paper Prediction 1                SECTION B

Answer question 16 and any other three questions from this section in the spaces provided.

16. a) With the aid of a flow chart, describe a loop control structure as used in programming. [4]  

A control structure that allows statement(s) to be repeatedly executed until a certain condition is met                                                                                                      2mks

NB. Accept any other looping construct

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State two advantages and one disadvantage of having a network of computers, rather than a series of stand-alone machines, in a school classroom.

Advantages

  • Sharing of software and data files
  • Sharing of hardware, e.g. printers
  • Communication

Disadvantages

  • Security of files is more of a problem
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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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Give two reasons why hexadecimal is often used instead of binary in computer
science.

  • hexadecimal is easier (for humans) to read (than binary);
  • numbers are displayed in a more compact way (in hexadecimal than in binary);
  • it is quicker to type in (hexadecimal numbers than binary numbers);
  • it reduces the risk of typing errors (in hexadecimal numbers than binary numbers);
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Why must operating system be installed in a computer before any other program

  1. Operating system manages the computer hardware thus without it the programs cannot communicate directly to the hardware
  2. Provide a user interface through which a user can give instructions to the computer. Without a user interface, it would be difficult to load or run programs
  3. other programs depend on the operating system to load them into the memory , allocate resources and schedule processor time, Without operating , there would be nothing to co-ordinate the execution of multiples programs
  4. The OS organizes data in files and directories, making it possible for programs to save, retrieve, and modify data.
  5. Without it, programs wouldn’t know where or how to store data.
  6. The OS controls access to files, memory, and devices, ensuring that one program doesn’t interfere with another.


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451/1

COMPUTER STUDIES

PAPER 1

THEORY

DECEMBER 2021

TIME: 2 HOURS

 

FORM TWO END OF TERM TWO 2O21 EXAM

451/1

COMPUTER STUDIES

PAPER 1

THEORY

TIME: 2½ HOURS

 

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES:

  • Write your name and ADMISSION number in the spaces provided above.
  • Write the date of examination and sign in the spaces provided.
  • This paper consists of two sections.
  • Answer all the questions in section A.
  • Choose one topic to answer in section B
  • All answers must be written in the spaces provided in this question paper.
  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
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Define what is meant by a ‘network protocol

  • An agreement / set of rules / standard for how computers should communicate or how data is sent/received/transmitted on a network
  • Example of what could be agreed in the protocol (e.g. speed / error checking / etc.)
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What is an information system ?  (KCSE 2012))

Is an arrangement of people, data, processes, communication and IT that interact to support problem solving

 

Components of an information system

  • Hardware
  • Software
  • Data - information manipulated by software
  • people- all people involved
  • Processes - steps to accomplish a goal
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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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A computer game involves driving a racing car around a track. State which two modes of data processing  would be appropriate, justifying your answers

  • Real time  E.g. turning the wheel must turn the car immediately
  • On line - Otherwise system cannot be real time
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Maranda Mock CRE Paper 2 2024 

c) Six ways in which Christians can assist the physically challenged members of the society (6mks)

Establishing special institutions for them

Donating equipment, which assists them in their movement.

Giving them vocational training

Assisting them in their daily chores

Accepting them as human beings like themselves

Helping them to develop their talents e.g. games, music, drama etc.

Identifying their abilities and giving them employment.

Encouraging relatives to live with them.

Giving them financial assistance to start income generating projects 


 

a) The parable of the shrewd manager in Luke 16:1-33. (7mks)

There was a rich man who had a steward. He received charges that the steward was wasting his goods.

He called him what he was hearing about him. He told him to turn in account of his stewardship for he could no longer be steward.

The steward asked himself what he would do since his master was taking the stewardship away from him.

He was not strong enough to dig and was ashamed to beg.

He decided what to do so that people may receive him into their house when he is out of the stewardship

He was to summon his masters’ debtors one by one. He went to the first one and asked him how much he owned his master. The debtor said a hundred measures of oil, which he was told to write fifty.

He asked another how much he owned his master. He said a hundred measures of wheat he was told to write eighty

The master commended the dishonest steward for his shrewdness for the sons of his world are shrewder in dealing with their own generation that the ones light.


 

Seven causes of conflict between Jesus and the Jewish leader in Jerusalem. (7mks)

They questioned the authority Jesus was using to teach Lk 20:1-8.

Jesus accused them of persecuting and rejecting Gods servants in the parable of tenants. Lk 20:9-18.

They had conflict on the issue of whether to pay taxes to cease or not. Lk 20:19-26

The question on resurrection by the Sadducees on Levites marriage. Lk 20:27-39

He claimed to be the messiah and said that even David called Him Lord in the book of Psalms Lk 20:4-44

Jesus openly condemned the hypocrisy of the Jewish leader Lk 20:45-47

Jesus prophesied the destruction of temple of Jerusalem

He condemned the offerings of the rich Jewish leaders, which were meant to show off, but praised the widows’ offerings, which was made out of self-sacrifice Lk 21:1.


 

Six ways in which parents can resolve misunderstanding with their children. (6mks)

Allowing dialogue

Listening to their views

Presenting them with the correct, picture of the situation

Setting a good example to them

Giving them appropriate time for leisure activities

Seeking help from church leaders

Guiding them on how to choose friends

Advising them on the right moral values

Praying for and with them to bring about understanding 

Committing the children to God’s will

Discussing the problem with their friends and relatives


 

a) Seven reasons why Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to the disciples after his ascension. (7mks)

The holy spirit would comfort the disciples

He was to counsel the disciples

He would guide the disciples on what is right / God’s righteousness

He was to convict people of their sins

He was to show disciples on what is right

He was to reveal the future / enable the disciples to prophet’s / God’s will

He would glorify Jesus through the work of the disciples

He would enable the disciples to witness Christ throughout the world

He would replace the physical presence of Jesus 

He would empower the disciples to be able to speak with courage

b)How the unity of believers is expressed in the body of Christ? (8mks)

St Paul describes the believers as the body of Christ 

Christ is the head of the church

The believers form parts of the body

The body has different organs, in the same way the church has different members

They all need to work together for the well-being of the church 

Every part of the body is needed to make it whole/ all parts interdependent / one part cannot be without the other

The different church members are given different spiritual gifts by the holy spirit to carry out God’s work 

Believers are united through baptism in the Holy Spirit.


 

c)The church in Kenya help to bring about the unity in the country. (6mks)

Assisting the government is developing a curriculum schools that teaches about patriotism

Advocating for peaceful co-existence among Kenyans

Fighting corruption, discrimination, tribalism, nepotism and all forms of favourism

Acting as a voice of reason among the ruling political class demanding their unity as a government

Assisting the less fortunate in the society thus fighting disparity

Condemning and reporting to the relevant authorized groups that bring disharmony in the society

Developing joint rallies, prayers and reconciliatory meetings together.

Forgiving one another to avoid disunity

Obeying church rules/ leaders

Chastity is a virtue


 

a) Attitude of Christian towards human sexuality. (7mks)

Sex is sacred

Man and woman are for companionship

Both man and woman are equal before God

It is for procreation

Man and woman are complementary 

Man and woman were created in the image of God

They became one in marriage

Human beings have the ability to control sexual desire

All forms of irresponsible sex are condemned 

Chastity is a virtue

b)Six ways in which sex is abused in Kenya today. (6mks)

Sex before marriage / fornication/ pre-marital sex

Sex outside marriage / adultery

Prostitution

Bestiality

Homosexuality/ lesbianism/ sodomy/oral sex

Pornographic literature/mass media using of technological devices in sex

Incest

Masturbation

Rape /defilement of minors

c)Why are minors sexually abused in Kenya today? (7mks)

Permissiveness

Lack of self-control

Influence of the mass media

Mental illness / stress/ drug and substance influence

Erosion of the African culture moral value

False religious / devil worship /strange cults

To avenge for oneself

Breakdown of religious values

Irresponsible parenthood

Indecent dressing

Leniency of the law

Idleness

Poverty / unemployment

6 a) Six practices in the African Society that promoted law, order and justice? (6mks)

Cultural taboos/dos and don’ts in the society

Kinship ties had rules which governed their relationships

Oaths – swearing while making agreements.

Rites of passage e.g. during initiation, the youth were taught laws/secrets of society.

Practice of rituals in the society promoted good relationships between the living/living dead.

Communal life i.e. “I am because we are, and since we are therefore Iamb.”

Inheritance of property was done fairly which brought justice /order.

Worship of God/veneration of ancestors created orderliness

b). Seven reasons for the need of law, order and justice in the society. (7mks)

In order to safeguard peoples personal rights.

To ensure security and protection of the people and their property.

To promote peace and harmony

To attract both local and foreign investment in the country

To promote peaceful relationship between countries.

To safeguard freedom of the citizens

To control and check the powers of those in authority

To enable the gov’t to implement its taxation policies effectively and to use the money

collected for the good of the community

To enable Christians worship God in peace and freely spread the good news.


 

c) Explain the factors which hinder effective maintenance of law and order in the (7 marks)

Increase in the rate of crime especially in urban areas

Political instability e.g. Post election violence

Greed for power and wealth

Political selfishness leading to dictatorship and despotism

High rate of unemployment leading to idleness / crime

Corruption especially by custodians of the law e.g. police.

Hypocrisy i.e. leaders misleading the society

High level of poverty forcing others into crime



 

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Identify which processor in the PC systems below is likely to process instructions more efficiently. Justify your answer.

  • Processor X: Intel® Core™ i7 processor (3.8 - 5.0 GHz, quad core)
  • Processor Y: Intel® Core™ i5 (2.9 - 4.7GHz, dual core)
  • Processor X is likely to process instructions more efficiently as firstly it has the i7 CPU which is a faster processor as well as the quad core which processes quicker and the higher GHz versus Processor Y
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A school opted to use direct changeover approach when installing a new system. Explain three challenges that the school may face as a result of this approach (KCSE 2019)

  • The users may not have gained enough confidence to run the new system
  • It may be very inconveniencing in case the new system fails or faces problems
  • The weaknesses of the old system may not be corrected or may still be transferred to the new system
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