State ways in which an OS secures a computer system
Explain what is meant by the two terms download speed and upload speed
download speed :
– speed at which information/data is transferred FROM server/Internet
– speed at which information/data is transferred TO the user’s computer
upload speed :
– speed at which information/data is transferred FROM user’s computer
– speed at which information/data is transferred TO the Internet/server
State two reasons why the data in fields such SEX field in a database should be coded.
Give two reasons why hexadecimal is often used instead of binary in computer
science.
State what is meant by Computer Aided Design (CAD).
Give three different applications that make use of CAD.
Name three specialist input/output devices used in CAD.
– software that can be used to design new products/amend existing products
– makes use of features such as 2D, 3D, wire frames, library of parts, links to CAM
Give three different applications that make use of CAD.
– aerospace
– architecture
– designing cars
– designing consumer goods
– chemical/nuclear plant design
– designing electronic circuit boards
– ergonomic design
– landscape/garden design
Name three specialist input/output devices used in CAD.
– large monitor/screen with hi-res
– touch screen
– plotter
– space mouse/space ball/4D device
– 3D glasses (in some applications)
– light pen
– graphics tablet
– 3D printer
– 3D scanner
Distinguish between one to one and one to many relationships as used in relational databases
One to one - Each record in the parent table has exactly one related record in the child table, and vice versa.
One to Many - Each record in the parent table can have multiple related records in the child table, but each record in the child table is related to only one record in the parent table
The Acme company stores data for a private scientific research group. It has recently upgraded its storage capacity and needs to dispose of its existing hard drives securely. Outline two methods for the secure disposal of the data on the hard drives.
Acme company needs to ensure that if they are reselling the drives they wipe the drive (this should be done regardless of the destruction of the drive) to the DoD standard.
This would ensure that any software cannot be used to locate files.
Describe the difference between a barcode and A quick Response code (QR code)
Give one application of each type of data transmission. Each application must be different
Parallel
Serial
Describe each of the following types of a program errors, giving an example in each case.
(i) Syntax error.
(ii) Logic error.
(iii) Arithmetic error/runtime error
(i) Incorrect use of language, e.g. PLINT instead of PRINT
(ii) A mistake in the structure of the solution, e.g. a jump goes to the wrong line
(iii) Inappropriate arithmetic is used, e.g. division by 0 is attempted
State two reasons for the increased use of computers in offices (2 marks)
Achieng plays an online game on her laptop. List two ways she can reduce the risk of developing repetitive strain injury(RSI)
State the function of a switch in a computer network
State the advantages and disadvantages of the command-line interface
Advantages
Disadvantages
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;
IT technicians are setting up a new file server for a school. Describe the benefits and drawbacks of using a command line interface (CLI) rather than a graphical user interface (GUI) to set up a new file server. (4marks)
Benefits
Drawbacks
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
Computer Studies Paper 1 2021 KCSE Prediction Section B Qs. 17,18 and 19
17. a) i) Explain the term search as used in the Internet. [2]
A web based application that locates items or information from the World Wide Web
ii) Peter intends to download a movie from the Internet. State the three factors that may determine the total time taken to complete the download. [3]
b) Wakulima online is an organization that runs a web based system for assisting farmers to obtain market for their produce. State four technological reasons that may cause a farmer not to access the organization’s system. [4]
c) Explain a situation when each of the following Desktop Publishing program features may be used when creating a publication:
i. Cropping [2]
Applies to graphics – used to trim/remove/hide some portions in the graphics
ii. Transparency [2]
Used to make background of a graphic to be clear/visible
d. List two areas where infrared waves are used in data communication. [2]
18. a) List four activities of the planning stage of systems development. Ignore this question, marks redistributed elsewhere
b) Explain a circumstance when each of the following feasibility studies are carried out during systems development.
i. Technical [3]
Done to determine whether technology exists to support the proposed solution
ii. Economic [3]
Done to determine whether the proposed solution is economically viable
iii. Schedule [3]
Done to determine whether the proposed system can be done within an acceptable time.
c) Table 1 and Table 2 are related tables in a database. Use them to answer the questions that follow.
Table 1
|
Dept Code |
Dept Name |
|
001 |
Computer |
|
002 |
Aviation |
|
003 |
Engineering |
Table 2
|
DeptID |
Student Registration No. |
Student’s Name |
|
002 |
St01 |
Alex Too |
|
003 |
St02 |
Naomi Komi |
|
002 |
St03 |
Peter Kengo |
i. Identify the appropriate primary key for each table. [2]
Table 1 – Dept code, Student Registration No
ii. Explain two benefits of enforcing referential integrity in the database. [4]
19. a) Describe each of the following validation checks as used in data processing.
i. Preserve check [2]
Ignore this question, marks redistributed elsewhere
ii. Data type check [2]
Ensure correct type of data is entered for the field
iii. Check digit [2]
This is a number added/calculated by the computer to a binary number. The check digit ensures correct transmission of the binary number.
b. Write each of the following abbreviations in full:
i) BCD [1½]
Binary Coded Decimal
ii) EBCD [
This question was thrown out and marks redistributed elsewhere
iii) ASCII [1½]
American Standard Code for Information Interchange
c) Using 10-bits binary number system, perform the following decimal operation using two’s complement. [6]
12910 - 12810
+129 = 00 1000 0001
128 = 00 1000 0000
-128 = 11 0111 1111 (ones complement)
+1
11 1000 0000 (Twos complement)
129- 128
00 1000 0001
+ 11 1000 0000
100 0000 0001
Hence = 00 0000 00012 or 12 (the overflow bit is ignored)
Describe what the traffic control program should do when an emergency occurs.
give uninterrupted path through the system of linked traffic lights/
green link - wave
turn all lights to red
activate emergency generator
alarm