Elucidate the fact that zero can only be represented in one way in twos complement and in two ways in ones complement
Taking a four-digit 0 binary number i.e (0000)2
In ones complement this is 1111
In twos complement this becomes 1111+1= 0000
So, It is clear that 0 and negative zero is the same in twos complement while in ones complement they are two different values
Differentiate between action query and select query
An action query is used to modify, add, or delete data in a database whereas a select query is used to retrieve data from a database based on specified criteria but does not make any changes to the data.
State four tasks performed at the analysis stage in systems analysis.
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
State the types of storage devices used in a computer
Primary Storage (Memory):
Secondary Storage (Mass Storage):
5 Artificial intelligence is an emerging trend in computer science.
(a) Discuss the use of artificial intelligence by describing some of its characteristics, the ways in which it may be used and the ethical issues associated with its use.
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
Uses – Any of the following:
• Game playing (chess, quiz, video games)
• Analytics (analyse buying patterns, predicting behaviours, predictive
text, financial markets)
• Image processing (recognising objects/patterns)
• Logistics (scheduling, order fulfilment)
• Control systems (cars, manufacturing, weapons, navigation)
• Expert systems (medical, mechanical, electrical diagnosis)
• Neural networks (simulating neuron behaviours as in brains)
• Natural languages processing (chatterbots, chatbots, speech
recognition)
• Robotics (dangerous situations, help aged or disabled)
Ethical issues – Any of the following:
• Take the work of humans, thereby affecting employment rates
• Is a computer to be trusted to make decisions (life-death)?
• If a computer discovers something that humans can’t prove, should it be
accepted as truth?
• Do AI machines have rights?
• Will people be comfortable interacting with machines that are
considered intelligent?
Describe overtype and insert modes as used in word processors
What is a computer system ?
A computer system refers to computer components that collectively function as a single unit to achieve the desired goal. It can also be defined as a collection of hardware, software, and liveware that work together to receive, process, and manage data
Describe what is meant by a MAC address.
Differentiate between uploading and downloading a file
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
State the areas where infra-red radio waves are used KCSE 2018
Mikal has been employed as a computer trainer in an organisation. State three roles that she is likely to play in the organisation
Describe the following features of a graphical user interface:
(a) Pointer
(b) Desktop
(a) Pointer
(b) Desktop
Distinguish between real-time and distributed operating systems (KCSE 2018)
Give one application of each type of data transmission. Each application must be different
Parallel
Serial
State three features of a typical operating system
- (provides) user interface
– input/output control
– security
– handling interrupts
– spooling
– memory management
– processor management
– utilities (e.g. copy, save, delete, re-name, etc.)
– maintain user accounts
– load/run software
– error reporting/handling
– multiprogramming
– batch processing (JCL)/real time processing
– multitasking/multiuser/multi-access
– file management
Describe the main characteristics that distinguish high-level programming languages from low-level languages.
Give one reason why use of video-conferencing has increased over the last ten years.
– faster communications now widely available
– safety reasons, e.g. increase in terrorist attacks on international flights
– reduced transportation/accommodation/hardware costs
– environmental issues, e.g. reduced carbon footprint
– increase in multinational working
What is repetitive strain injury?
What is data encryption?