Outline any 2 Examples of wireless transmission media (2marks)
State ways in which an OS secures a computer system
In reference to word processing, define the following terms
Word wrap
Justification
Drop cap
Word wrap - Is a word processing feature in which a word that does not fit in the current line is automatically moved at the start of the next line
Justification - refers to aligning text on both left and right margins
Drop cap - Make the first character of a paragraph occupy more than one line below it
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
What is the difference between a logical file and a physical file?
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)
Explain one reason why a computer needs to be connected to a stable power source
System Stability: Computers require a consistent and stable power supply to function properly. Fluctuations or interruptions in the power source can cause various issues that can disrupt the computer's operation or lead to hardware damage.
a. Data Loss: Sudden power outages or voltage fluctuations can cause the computer to shut down abruptly, resulting in data loss if unsaved work is not properly stored. This can be particularly problematic when working on critical tasks or handling important files.
b. Hardware Damage: Power surges or inconsistent power supply can damage the computer's internal components, including the motherboard, CPU, memory, and storage devices. These damages can result in system instability, reduced performance, or even complete hardware failure.
c. Operating System Corruption: Abrupt power loss or inconsistent power supply can corrupt the operating system files, leading to system crashes, error messages, and instability. This may require system repairs or reinstallation of the operating system.
d. Component Lifespan: Inconsistent power supply can put unnecessary stress on computer components, shortening their lifespan. Frequent power fluctuations or surges can cause wear and tear on various parts, reducing their efficiency and overall longevity.
Explain why a developer, who is good at both low-level and high-level programming, would normally use high-level languages when writing programs [4 marks]
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.
A large comprehensive school has over 500 computers connected to their Local Area Network (LAN) with a connection to the Internet. (a) Describe, in detail, four disadvantages for the school of having a network of computers compared to stand alone computers
A network manager may need to be employed which might be expensive
Could be infected with a virus that could spread to all other computers
Security problems receive traffic from other networks
Hackers may gain access as the network only as secure as weakest point of entry to data and steal/destroy
The server/switch could go down (main cable break) so all workstations on the network are affected
Can be expensive to set up as Initial cost of servers, communication devices, switches, network software etc.
Substantial Initial disruption: drilling holes, fitting trunking, running cables between buildings etc…
Can have a slow response time due to heavy network traffic so users cannot work as effectively
Detecting network problems can be more difficult on a network i.e difficult to isolate
Can be slow to log in to a network As it slow to download software/check password
Only limited storage space available on network while one has access to all hard disc drive on standalone computer
Time and effort to set up users o Can just start a standalone and use computer
The data before encryption is known as .................................................. text.
To scramble the data, an encryption .................................................., which is a type
of .................................................., is used.
The data after encryption is known as .................................................. text.
Encryption prevents the data from being .................................................. by a hacker
The data before encryption is known as .......plain.................. text.
To scramble the data, an encryption ......................key.........................., which is a type
of ...................key............................, is used.
The data after encryption is known as ....................cipher............................. text.
Encryption prevents the data from being ......................understood...................... by a hacker
Explain one benefit to a user if the program is distributed as free software
Describe four features of the operating system when providing a graphical user interface on a personal computer. Give a suitable example of each feature.
Windows for example a word processing application and a spreadsheet
Menus, for example, allow the user to perform operations or run applications such as right-click to create a new folder
Icons for example a picture of linked computers for networking
Pointers(mouse or touchscreen) for example to select items/trigger events
Shortcuts for example to frequently used applications for example having a shortcut to your mail client on your desktop
File navigation for example when searching the hard disc for a file/folder using a browser
copying / deleting / moving/sorting/naming/searching of files or folders for example copying of a file from the hard drive to a USB pen drive (File handling)
Desktop customisation for example changing the colours and background image
Copy and paste for example between applications e.g. copying a graph from a spreadsheet to a word processor
Error messages for example provide users with error/warning/help messages for example ‘printer out of paper’
When an image is inserted in a DTP document is selected, handles on its placeholders appear. State three uses of these handles
State three types of optical disks
The introduction of a new system involves evaluation and maintenance once the system is
implemented.
Describe the evaluation and maintenance stage of the systems development life cycle (SDLC)
and provide one example of an activity undertaken in this stage.
State three advantages of biometric authentication
An organisation that supplies audiobooks over the internet is moving into a new office building.
(a) One reason for networking devices is to provide access to the internet.
(i) Give two other reasons for connecting devices to networks.
State the types of storage devices used in a computer
Primary Storage (Memory):
Secondary Storage (Mass Storage):
(a) Name two pieces of hardware needed to enable video-conferencing to take place using a standard computer system.
(b) State one piece of specialist software needed to carry out video-conferencing.
(a)
– webcam
– speakers
– microphone
– broadband modem
(b)
– use of CODEC (converts/compresses analogue data into digital data)
– echo cancellation s/ware (allows talking in real time/keeps everything in sync)
– compression s/ware for video/audio
– s/ware to access broadband/networking