State the functions of the following:
Bridge: Joins together two networks that use the same base protocols.
Hub: Copies all packets of data to all devices on the network.
Router: Stores the addresses of computers on the network and transfers data between devices.
Switch : Analyses each data packet and sends it to the computer it was intended for.
Give three features of a data protection act.
What is repetitive strain injury?
Give any three advantages of computer networks
Explain why a developer, who is good at both low-level and high-level programming, would normally use high-level languages when writing programs.
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.
What characterises a phased implementation approach?
- Phased means that only one part of the system is implemented at a time
Differentiate between Physical and logical topologies
Social engineering is where someone is tricked or manipulated into providing secure information or access to a secure system. Describe each of the following social engineering techniques.
Blagging
Phishing
Shouldering
Describe two differences between a switch and a repeater
What is a computer keyboard?
A computer keyboard is an input device used to enter text, characters, and various commands into a computer or other digital devices.
Aeroplanes now use Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to determine their location.
Describe how the computer on board the aeroplane uses GPS to find its exact location
Give two benefits of using GPS in this application
Describe how the computer on board the aeroplane uses GPS to find its exact location
– satellites transmit signals to onboard computers
– computers receive/interpret these signals
– system depends on very accurate timing/use of atomic clocks
– each satellite transmits data indicating location and time
– computer in aeroplane calculates location based on at least three satellites
– at least 24 satellites in operation at any one time
– position accurate to within one metre
– can also calculate altitude of aeroplane
– ref to “triangulation”:
Give two benefits of using GPS in this application
– safer as the known location is exact/more accurate
– reduces the possibility of pilot error
– allows accurate estimation of arrival time
– display and guide the pilot to the nearest airport in case of emergency
Describe one difference between system software and application software
For your item named in (a) describe two different tasks that the microprocessor performs.
Give one reason why use of video-conferencing has increased over the last ten years.
– faster communications now widely available
– safety reasons, e.g. increase in terrorist attacks on international flights
– reduced transportation/accommodation/hardware costs
– environmental issues, e.g. reduced carbon footprint
– increase in multinational working
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)
Differentiate between a function parameter and a function argument
A parameter represents additional information that a function requires to perform its task. Each parameter required by a function is specified in the function header
An argument the value supplied in the function call. When the function is called, the argument value is passed into the function parameter so that the function can perform its task
KCSE 2016 COMPUTER STUDIES PAPER 1
A manager wishes to replace the current manual system with a computerized one. Describe three areas that must be evaluated to justify the replacement (6 marks)
Headache, back and neck pain may result from the use of computers. State how each of them can be minimized (2mks)
Students of a school intended to elect their school Captain by secret ballot. State three ways in which computers can be used to improve the election process (3mks)
Explain the functions of the following parts of the CPU
Control Unit; Decodes instruction; Controls the fetching and writing of data;
Arithmetic Logic Unit/ ALU; Executes mathematical instructions; Executes logical instructions; Compares values held in registers;
Clock; Controls the number of instructions carried out each second; allows the CPU to synchronize operations;
Differentiate between object code and source code