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Q&A-KCSE Computer Studies Paper 1

Give two reasons why hexadecimal is often used instead of binary in computer
science.

  • hexadecimal is easier (for humans) to read (than binary);
  • numbers are displayed in a more compact way (in hexadecimal than in binary);
  • it is quicker to type in (hexadecimal numbers than binary numbers);
  • it reduces the risk of typing errors (in hexadecimal numbers than binary numbers);
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Give four features of a Data Protection Act

  • data must be up to date
  •  data can only be read/used for the purpose for which it was collected
  • data must be adequate, relevant and not excessive
  • data must be accurate
  • data must be destroyed when no longer needed/don’t keep longer than necessary
  • data user must register what data stored
  • data must be used/collected fairly and lawfully
  • data must be held securely
  • data must be protected from accidental damage
  • only authorised personnel can have access to the data
  • fines are imposed for data mis-use
  • data should not be passed on to a third party without permission
  • a person can view data and have it changed/removed if incorrect
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Differentiate between Physical and logical topologies

  • Physical topology deals with the placement of nodes
  • Logical topology deals with the data flow  in the network
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State three documents that are used during mail merging in word processing

  • Main document
  • Data source
  • merged document
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 Identify the type of software used to compress files.

Utility Software

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Describe two health risks associated with the increased use of computers.

  • RSI in wrists or fingers from prolonged typing or repeated clicking of mouse button
  • headaches/eyestrain/dry eye from staring at a monitor for long periods of time/glare from monitor
  • back ache/strain from sitting in the  same position for a long time/using chair with no adjustment
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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]

 

  • All power cables must be insulated and hidden from users
  • Furniture used must be of standard
  • Room should have adequate lighting
  • No overcrowding
  • Monitor should be fitted with anti glare
  • Avoid dust
  • Avoid slippery floor
  • Avoid bright coloured walls
  • Promote use of ergonomic devices

 

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]

  • Compact and light/portable/less bulky/occupy less space
  • Consume less power
  • Low angle distortion
  • Improved color depth
  • Higher resolution
  • Have less radiation
  • Produce less heat

 

6.State three possible reasons for the extinction of daisy wheel printers in the market. [3]

  • Slow
  • Noisy
  • Lack of graphic support
  • Monochrome printer
  • Supported on font type and size

 

 

7.State three ways in which an operating system secures a computer system.             [3]

  • User authentication
  • Secure user accounts with privileges
  • Encryption of data
  • Keeping log files
  • Auto backup and auto recovery features
  • Inbuilt antivirus

 

8.A law firm prefers to use hard copy output when handling documents for legal matters. State two reasons for this preference.                                                            [2]

  • Can be used without electricity
  • Can serve as physical evidence/exhibit
  • Not easy to change content without leaving evidence
  • No need of computer knowledge

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]

  1. Chapter 10
    1. Summary
      1. xxxxxxxx

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]

  • System analysts
  • Web designers
  • Network administrators
  • Network technicians
  • Programmers
  • Database Administrators

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

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State and explain four network communication devices

  • Repeaters : amplify data signal thereby extending the physical coverage of a network. It can connect two LANs locally.
  • Bridges: connect similar types of networks e.g a token ring to another token ring
  • Routers: link networks of different types
  • Gateway: allows computers in a network to connect regardless of their topology
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State the uses of 3D printers

  • Making prosthetic limbs for patients
  • Making items which allow precise reconstructive surgery
  • Making light-weight plane wings
  • Making sculptures
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What is block operation as used in Microsoft word?

An editing or formatting procedure that is carried out on a selected block of text in a word-processing document.

A formatting or editing operation that is applied to a block of text after selecting. The block of text can be a paragraph, line, word, page or the whole document. It is much easier to apply editing or formatting to a block of text than to apply it to every single character

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What is a defragmentation software

  • It is a utility software that places file data in adjacent sectors to free up space for more data and reduce access time for files stored
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Distinguish between Incremental and Full backup


Incremental:

  • Only the changes need to be backed up
  • The software/OS/settings are unlikely to have changed between backups
  • Small number of files likely to be used/edited between backups
  • Take less time to backup
  • Each backup will take less memory space to store

Full:

  • Backup all the data/files and software
  • It might not take a significant time to back up entire system
  • He might only have a small number of files to be backed up each time
  • Safer as have more past versions to revert to
  • User may have changed settings on computer
  • Faster to restore the backup
  • Needs to do a full before he can do an incremental
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