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Q&A-KCSE Computer Studies Paper 1

Outline a factor that can influence the performance of a network.

  • The different factors that can influence the performance of a network include: bandwidth, network design, data collisions, and excess broadcast traffic.
  • The bandwidth can influence through the method of transmission and medium used
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When a new student is enrolled, a new record is added to the file immediately. The examination grades of all students are updated twice a year. Discuss the processing implications of these two requirements.

Enrolment:
- Data input on line
- Individual records validated
- Speed mismatch implications
- Indexes updated immediately
Exam grades:
- Data input twice
- Off line
- Run as a batch
- At otherwise downtime

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With the aid of an example, explain the term multilevel list as used in word processing

  • it is a format style that shows the listed items of different levels rather than at one level. Each level has a different indentation and numbering style

1. Chapter 1

     1.1. Introduction

                 1.1.1.Definition of terms

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How many hard disks are required to implement RAID 10?

  • 4 (four)
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Journalists are issued with laptops when they start working at a magazine publishing company. The company only uses free open-source software (FOSS).

  • 2.1.1 Explain the concept of open source in the context of FOSS. (2)
  • 2.1.2 Give ONE example of a free operating system the company could install on a laptop. (1)
  • 2.1.3 State TWO disadvantages of using free open-source software.

The laptops are equipped with either an HDD or an SSD.

  • 2.2.1 Users of laptops equipped with HDDs are advised to defragment the HDD regularly.
  • Briefly explain what defragmentation is. (2)
  • 2.2.2 Write out the abbreviation SSD in full. (1)
  • 2.2.3 Explain why an SSD accesses the data faster than an HDD.

The journalists can access their data remotely using virtualisation or Software
as a Service (SaaS).
2.3.1 Define the term virtualisation. (1)
2.3.2 Office365 is an example of SaaS.
(a) Except for remote data access, state TWO benefits of using
SaaS. (2)
(b) Describe how the license model of SaaS works. (2)

  • 2.4 The company takes precautionary measures to protect the magazine's data.
  • 2.4.1 An incremental backup strategy has been implemented to safeguard data. Explain how an incremental backup strategy works. (2)
  • 2.4.2 The company considers installing biometric readers on all the laptops. How would a biometric reader help safeguard the data on a laptop?

 

2.1.1 Explain the concept of open source in the context of FOSS. (2)

  • Is a software whose source available and user can modify and redistribute

Give ONE example of a free operating system the company could install on a laptop. (1)

  • Linux
  • FreeBSD
  • ReactOS
  • Android
  • ChromeOS
  • OpenSolaris

2.1.3 State TWO disadvantages of using free open-source software.

  • Lack of support
  • Security risks
  • Compatibility issues
  • Hidden costs
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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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 Identify the type of software used to compress files.

Utility Software

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She lost all her photographs when her computer crashed.
(i) What is meant by the term crashed?
(ii) How could she have avoided losing all her photographs?

  • the computer appears to “freeze”/”hang”
  • computer won’t respond
  • failure of hardware (stops computer normal functioning)
  • failure of software (stops computer normal functioning)
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A protocol is used to securely transmit the data for the website to the browser.
(i) State the name of this protocol.

(ii) Identify how this protocol changes the data to transmit the data securely.
 

(i) State the name of this protocol.   HTTPS 

(ii) Identify how this protocol changes the data to transmit the data securely.

  • It encrypts it
  • It applies encryption algorithm
  • It applies an encryption key
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State one advantage and one disadvantage for customers of using the Internet for shopping.
 

Advantages

  • on-line catalogues can be viewed
  • much larger choice of products
  • product reviews obtainable before purchase
  • orders placed over internet any time day or night
  • download software purchased straight away
  • good and services usually cheaper on the internet
  • programs that can search for best price/cheapest
  • very fast placing an order has been placed as customer name, address
  • and credit card details are stored so no need to re enter
  • buy goods from anywhere in the world
  • no need to go to shop/save travelling time

Disadvantages

  • spam
  • need a credit card to shop on-line/not everyone has a credit card
  • hackers could retrieve credit card numbers and use them to buy goods
  • security fears - of giving credit card number over the internet/fraud
  • goods must be delivered/can not have the goods immediately
  • can not touch/handle/see the goods
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What is an Operating System?

  • It refers to a system software that provides a platform for installation and execution of an application software and also manages the computer hardware
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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

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A computer laboratory experiences power supply problems. Describe three power related problems that should be addressed

Blackout: This is unexpected discontinuation of power supply in the laboratory.

Power sag: Sudden drop of voltage levels that lasts less than a second.

Transients/ surge: High voltage flowing.

Brownout: Partial blackout where there's low voltage flow.

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Explain a reason necessitating  governments to enact data protection laws

  • To provide legal backing so that it is possible to seek redress if the rights are violated
  • To observe copyright for those who create original works
  • To protect the confidentiality of information kept  about an individual
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Give one reason why a phased implementation would be the best approach to follow in this case.

  • This approach causes minimum disruption
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For your item named in (a) describe two different tasks that the microprocessor performs.

  • camera film speed, position (end of film), distance, light
  • washing machine amount of water, speed of wash/temperature/time
  • fridge temperature, display panel
  • air conditioning temperature, timing, display pane
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  • Explain the purpose of an operating system
  • provides an interface between the computer user and the hardware
  • Manages the allocation and deallocation of the CPU to processes.
  • manages Input-output devices by use of drivers

State the areas where infra-red radio waves are used      KCSE 2018

  • TV remote control communication;
  • DVD remote communication
  • Communication between peripheral devices and the computer
  • Data link over a short distance using mobile phones Radio remote control
  • Remote locking/opening doors/ devices
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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.

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Explain what is meant by a LIFO data structure.

  • Data enters at one end (of a stack)
  • Leaves at the same end
  • Hence 'last in, first out'
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