Differentiate between object code and source code
Explain a situation when each of the following Desktop Publishing programs features may be used when creating a document
(i) Crop - used when handling a graphic and there is a need to remove some of the portions in the graphic
(ii)Transparency - used when there is a need to make background of a graphic visible
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
What is a utility software?
The following are some of the possible definitions:
It is system software designed to help the users to analyse, configure, optimize, or maintain a computer
System software that helps maintain the proper and smooth functioning of a computer system
Examples include antivirus software, Disk clean-up tools, disk defragmenters, backup software, etc
For your item named in (a) describe two different tasks that the microprocessor performs.
Explain the difference between
(i) serial and parallel,
(ii) simplex and duplex
modes of data transmission.
List three characteristics of Internet Protocol version 6 (IP6).
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
Differentiate between modulation and demodulation as used in data communication
Modulation refers to the process of converting a digital signal to analog signal at the transmission end while demodulation is to converting analog signal to digital signal at the receiving end
Describe the function of a web browser
Convert the HTML into a webpage which is rendered on the screen
802.3 is the standard for ethernet wired networks and 802.11x is the standard for ethernet
wireless networks.
Outline why standards such as these are important in the development of network devices and
software.
A company has decided to deliver its products online to international customers. It has employed you as a project manager to determine whether this is a viable business decision. You choose to conduct a feasibility study. Outline the purpose of a feasibility study using two components associated with this process.
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
(ii) State what ROM and RAM store.
ROM stores BIOS / bootstrap / start-up
RAM stores currently executing programs and data
Computer Studies Paper 1 KCSE 2021 Prediction
Section A
1.State two reasons for the increased use of laptop computers in government offices. [2]
They are small and fit in a small storage space
They are light weight hence can be carried to areas where their services are required
The monitor, system unit, keyboard units are integrated together
Easy to share
Have rechargeable battery
Have low power consumption
2.Computer network technicians prefer to use command-line based operating systems when configuring networks. State three reasons for the preference. [3]
Do not take up a lot of memory
Have direct access to most hardware devices/provide complete control during configuration
Cheaper to acquire as some are freeware/shareware
Faster to execute commands
Difficult to hack/more secure
More stable
3.State three measures that should be put in place in a computer laboratory to safeguard users’ health. [3]
4.State three ways in which barcode readers may be used in schools. [3]
Take inventory of items
Transactions in the school library
Keep track of movement of goods
Track students in and out of school
Used to register roll call
5.State three advantages of flat panel monitors over cathode ray tube monitors as used in computers. [3]
6.State three possible reasons for the extinction of daisy wheel printers in the market. [3]
7.State three ways in which an operating system secures a computer system. [3]
8.A law firm prefers to use hard copy output when handling documents for legal matters. State two reasons for this preference. [2]
9.State the function of each of the following feature in a word processor
a. Thesaurus [1]
Feature that suggests words with similar or opposite meanings to the selected word
b. Comments [1]
Feature that allows a user to attach remarks
10. With the aid of an example, explain the term multi-level list as used in word processing. [3]
Formatting style that shows listed items at different level instead of using one line
11. Distinguish between real-time operating system and distributed operating system. [3]
Accept answers based on data processing concept
12. Explain the function of protect sheet feature in a spreadsheet program. [2]
A tool/feature that prevents unwanted changes to the spreadsheet. Requires a user to key in a password inorder to make changes
13. State four computer based careers introduced as a result of computerized data processing method at the airport. [2]
NB/ Accept any computer based career
14. In a spreadsheet, the formula = If(A1>10,A1*77,A1*50) is entered in a cell. Interpret the results. [3]
Checks the value in cell A1if it is more than 10, if the comparison is true then the outcome of the value in cell multiplied by 77 is displayed, else if it is false the results of the value in cell A1 multiplied by 50 are displayed.
15. State a stage in systems development cycle where each of the following activities are carried out:
a. Identifying the technologies that may be used in a proposed system. [1]
Accept any sub stage within system analysis e.g. requirement specification, problem definition, information gathering, etc
b. Identifying shortcomings of a system. [1]
All stages of system development
c. Preparing the system migration plan. [1]
Implementation stage
Give two reasons why hexadecimal is often used instead of binary in computer
science.
(b) Routers have an important role in how the internet functions.
Describe how a router directs data on the internet.
Explain why a firewall improves network security.