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Q&A-KCSE Computer Studies Paper 1

Describe what is meant by a clock speed of 3.8 GHz.

  • The number of FDE cycles run per given time/second
  • the frequency that the clock ‘ticks’
  • 3.8 billion cycles/instructions per second
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Suggest two advantages of using robots, instead of humans, to build cars in the factory.

  • more efficient than a human
  • more accurate than a human
  • can lift larger and heavier equipment than a human
  • can replace humans working in a dangerous environment
  • reduces running costs, such as wages and overheads
  • can produce consistent results/output
  • can work 24 hours a day // do not need to take breaks.

 

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A company has decided to use a computer for stock control. Describe the process of systems development from the time the decision was made to proceed with computerisation until final testing.

specify output requirements
design documents/screen displays
data for input/storage
form design
storage devices
file structures/access/design
data security/back up files
systems flowchart etc.
implementation i.e. pilot/intermediate/parallel running
testing strategy
training
hardware/software
programming/algorithms
validation
user manual
technical documentation
entering data into system

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State the functions of the following registers

Program counter // PC
Stores the address of the next instruction to be fetched
Memory address register // MAR
Stores the address where data/instruction is to be read from or saved to
Memory data register // MDR
Stores data that is about to be written to memory // Stores data that has just been read from memory
Current instruction register // CIR
Stores the instruction that is currently being decoded/executed

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What are computer networks?
A set of connected computers and other devices which share resources such as software, internet connection,printers etc
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A supermarket uses point of sale (POS) terminals at the checkout for scanning barcodes on the products.

(a) State two items of data that are stored on the barcode.

(b) Describe how the computer system checks that the barcode has been read correctly.

(c) State the type of file access that is used to get the price from the central computer.

(d) Explain how the system updates the file when an item has been sold.

(a) State two items of data that are stored on the barcode.

  • check digit
  • product number/item number/code
  • country of origin
  • manufacturers number/code
  • weight
  • price

(b) Describe how the computer system checks that the barcode has been read correctly.

  • check digit calculation is performed on the check digit, remainder = 0 if the barcode has been read correctly
  • weights and modulus 11 and use remainder
  • or subtractions and addition and use answer


(c) State the type of file access that is used to get the price from the central computer.

  • random/direct/online

(d) Explain how the system updates the file when an item has been sold.

  • search file/master file using barcode number/product code and decrease number in stock/increase quantity sold

Outline three ways through which ICT can used in marketing

ICT is used to create e-commerce platforms that have made business transactions easier and convenient by allowing customers make purchases and payments from anywhere at any time

ICT is used by marketing agents to create exciting multimedia presentations concerning products or services and present them to the target customers using presentation software such MS PowerPoint

Using multimedia, presentation and animation software, it is possible to design attractive advert materials and video clips to display on billboards, broadcast over a television or uploaded on the internet


 

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Explain the following terms

(a) Disk mirroring

(b) Encryption

(c) Backup

(a) Disk mirroring- Data is written on two or more disks simultaneously.

(b) Encryption - Contents are scrambled so they cannot be understood without a decryption key

(c) Backup - A copy of the data is taken and stored in another location

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During data entry, Anne typed the letter S instead of 5. What type of error is this?                                                                                                                                            (1mark)

        Misreading error

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Explain why it is not always true that a computer which has  a quad-core processor runs twice as fast as a computer with a dual-core processor

 

  • Software may be designed to run on 1 core and not multiple cores
  • depends on the task(s)  i.e some tasks cannot be split across cores
  • Clock speed also affects speed i.e dual core may have a faster clock speed and quad-core may have slower clock speed so one task may be run faster/slower
  • RAM size also affects speed i.e Quad-core may have less RAM  amount of VM being used
  • Cache size also affects speed i.e Quad-core may have less cache
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(ii) State what ROM and RAM store.

 

ROM stores BIOS / bootstrap / start-up 

RAM stores currently executing programs and data

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Explain one drawback to a user if the program is distributed as freeware

The user is not allowed to access the source code so, they cannot tailor the software to their needs and  they cannot fix any bugs in it

The software is still covered by copyright

The user must get the owner’s permission to do anything beyond using it

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What is entity integrity?

  • It ensures that each row has a unique and non-null primary key
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Distinguish between a formula and a function as used in spreadsheets

  • A formula is a mathematical expression that returns a value
  • A function is an excel inbuilt formula that returns a value given a range of values or arguments
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Explain the difference between the sequential and parallel computational models.

Any four of:
Sequential:
Individual instructions are executed one after another
Flow control is accomplished by jump/branch/goto instructions
Results are usually achieved less quickly than parallel processing (do
not award twice)
Parallel:
Individual instructions can be routed to different processors for
simultaneous execution
Results are usually achieved quicker than sequential instruction (do not
award twice)
Requires multi-core processors or multiple microprocessors
Tasks may be split into different parts with each part executed on a
different processor
Results need to be merged back together after completion

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 Complete the data dictionary below for the Student entity.

  • StudentID: String
  • FirstName: Required 1
  • Year: 2 1
  • Email: Email address containing @ sign 1
  • AccountBalance: Real
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Suggest one disadvantage to the programmer of using a high-level language instead of a low-level language.

  • not able to directly manipulate the hardware
  • may need to wait for translation before running
  • the program may be less efficient.

 

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Describe the principles of operation of  laser printers and describe how they are applied in real-life scenarios

  • A laser printer makes use of powdered ink and static electricity to print
  • Unlike inkjet printers which print line-by-line, laser printers print the whole page in one go

Steps

  • The data from the  file to be printed is sent to a printer driver
  • The printer driver checks that the data is in an understandable format
  • The printer driver checks if the printer is able to carry out the print job
  • The data is sent to the printer and is stored in a printer buffer
  • A printing drum in the printer is given a positve charge. A laser beam removes the positive charge in some areas. This leaves negatively charged areas which matches the characters/images to be printed
  •  
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State five functions of network operating system

  • allowing the network to share resources like files and software for printers and computers
  • support the network's implementation of security features
  • controls user accounts
  • supplies network administrators with network monitoring tools.
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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.

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