• novice can use the system right away
• user-friendly/easy to select
• click on icons/picture to select
• easier to input/words are replaced with icons
• no need to know command language to use the system/remember
• command language
• selecting item using mouse is faster than entering commands
• avoids typing errors
• no need to type
• no need to remember commands
• no need know the different commands for the different software
• multitasking (several programs open at the same time therefore easier
• /faster to switch
• easier/faster switching between files, folders etc.

• Realtime processing
• Batch processing
• Timesharing
• multiprogramming
• Online
• Batch
• Distributed

Cloud computing refers to the delivery of on-demand computing resources over the internet. Instead of relying on a local server or personal computer, cloud computing allows users to access and utilize a wide range of computing services and resources hosted on remote servers.

• Sarah could keep all of her files in the cloud and easily access these with her devices. This way she does not have to keep different version on her desktop and laptop.
• Flexibility she could access the files from other devices such as the library etc.
• Disaster recovery if she accidently dropped or damaged a device – all files would be easy to access.

• Network operating systems
• Protocols

17. a) i) Explain the term search as used in the Internet.                                            [2]

A web based application that locates items or information from the World Wide Web

ii) Peter intends to download a movie from the Internet. State the three factors that may determine the total time taken to complete the download.                                           [3]

• Size of the video/format
• The bandwidth of the media/speed of network/network traffic
• Type of browser software
• Background activities running in the computer
• Restrictions enforced in the computer/firewall/antivirus
• Speed of the computer/CPU speed
• Size of RAM

b) Wakulima online is an organization that runs a web based system for assisting farmers to obtain market for their produce. State four technological reasons that may cause a farmer not to access the organization’s system.                                                                                  [4]

• Poor network/lack of connection
• Software failure in the system

• Hardware failure
• Lack of access rights
• System overload/hanging
• Lack of skills/disability/illiteracy
• Lack of power supply

c) Explain a situation when each of the following Desktop Publishing program features may be used when creating a publication:

i. Cropping                                                                                                               [2]

Applies to graphics – used to trim/remove/hide some portions in the graphics

ii. Transparency                                                                                                         [2]

Used to make background of a graphic to be clear/visible

d. List two areas where infrared waves are used in data communication.                             [2]

18. a) List four activities of the planning stage of systems development.                             Ignore this question, marks redistributed elsewhere

b) Explain a circumstance when each of the following feasibility studies are carried out during systems development.

i. Technical                                                                                                               [3]

Done to determine whether technology exists to support the proposed solution

ii. Economic                                                                                                              [3]

Done to determine whether the proposed solution is economically viable

iii. Schedule                                                                                                               [3]

Done to determine whether the proposed system can be done within an acceptable time.

c) Table 1 and Table 2 are related tables in a database. Use them to answer the questions that follow.

Table 1

Table 2

i. Identify the appropriate primary key for each table.                    [2]

Table 1 – Dept code, Student Registration No

ii. Explain two benefits of enforcing referential integrity in the database. [4]

• No record can be added in Table 2 if its corresponding record in Table 1 does not exist
• No record in Table 1 can be deleted without first deleting the corresponding record in Table 2
• Reduces data redundancies/ensures integrity
• Prevents deletion of related table

19. a) Describe each of the following validation checks as used in data processing.

i. Preserve check                                                                                                      [2]

Ignore this question, marks redistributed elsewhere

ii. Data type check                                                                                                    [2]

Ensure correct type of data is entered for the field

iii. Check digit                                                                                                           [2]

This is a number added/calculated by the computer to a binary number. The check digit ensures correct transmission of the binary number.

b. Write each of the following abbreviations in full:

i) BCD                                                                                                                                    [1½]

Binary Coded Decimal

ii) EBCD                                                                                                                                 [

This question was thrown out and marks redistributed elsewhere

iii) ASCII                                                                                                                    [1½]

American Standard Code for Information Interchange

c) Using 10-bits binary number system, perform the following decimal operation using two’s complement.                                                                                                                                   [6]

12910 - 12810

+129 = 00 1000 0001

128 = 00 1000 0000

-128 = 11 0111 1111 (ones complement)

                            +1

          11 1000 0000 (Twos complement)

129- 128

     00 1000 0001

+ 11 1000 0000

 100 0000 0001

Hence = 00 0000 00012 or 12 (the overflow bit is ignored)

1. Primary Storage (Memory):

   • Random Access Memory (RAM): This is a volatile memory used to store data and instructions that the CPU (Central Processing Unit) can access quickly. RAM is essential for running applications and the operating system. However, its contents are lost when the computer is powered off.
   • Read-Only Memory (ROM): ROM is a non-volatile memory that stores essential firmware and instructions necessary for the computer's boot-up process. It retains its contents even when the power is turned off.
   • Cache Memory: Cache is a small and fast memory located closer to the CPU. It stores frequently accessed data to speed up the processing.

2. Secondary Storage (Mass Storage):

   • Hard Disk Drive (HDD): HDDs use magnetic storage to store data on rotating platters. They provide relatively large storage capacities and are commonly used in computers and laptops for long-term data storage.
   • Solid-State Drive (SSD): SSDs use NAND flash memory to store data, offering faster read and write speeds than HDDs. They are more durable and consume less power, making them increasingly popular in modern computers.
   • Optical Discs: CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs are examples of optical storage media. They are mainly used for distribution of software, music, movies, and archival purposes.
   • USB Flash Drives: Also known as thumb drives or pen drives, these portable storage devices use flash memory to store data and can be easily connected to a computer's USB port.
   • Memory Cards: Memory cards, such as SD cards and microSD cards, are used in various devices like cameras, smartphones, and tablets to store data, photos, videos, etc.
   • External Hard Drives: These are HDDs or SSDs contained within an external enclosure, allowing users to expand their computer's storage capacity or create backups.

• deskilling – software has removed the need for some of the more traditional skills e.g. using CAD
• (re-)training – work practices have changed; need to learn how to use the new software/computer
• redundancy – new technology allows work to be completed by fewer staff/out-sourced to “cheaper” work forces in foreign countries
• work from home (etc.) – use of emails, VoIP, video conferencing, instant messaging, etc. allows working away from the office
• – nicer/safer workplace – quieter (no noisy typewriters) and safer (no heavy filing cabinets)
• – health (& safety) – RSI, headaches, backaches

1. MAN
2. WAN
3. PAN
4. LAN

Syntax
• An error that occurs when a command does not follow the expected syntax of the language, e.g. when a keyword is incorrectly spelt
• Incorrect: IF A ADN B Then
• Correct: IF A AND B Then

Logical
• An error that causes a program to output an incorrect answer (that does not necessarily crash the program)
• An algorithm that calculates a person’s age from their date of birth, but ends up giving negative numbers

Incorporate language support features in their software, which allows users to select their preferred language. This can be achieved through multi-language user interfaces and providing translation capabilities. By doing so, developers address language barriers and make the software accessible to a broader audience, demonstrating a commitment to cultural inclusivity.

Gender inclusivity – use gender-neutral language in examples

Cultural/Racial inclusivity – use a variety of ethnicities in photos

Ability inclusivity – represent awareness of disability in some examples

Sexual preference inclusivity – use language that is supportive of LGBTQI+ people

The Fetch – Execute cycle is a sequence of actions, performed by the processor as it fetches
a program instruction from its memory, determines what the instruction wants to do and
carries out those actions. The stages of the cycle are provided below.

• Fetch the instruction – the processor fetches the instruction from a memory address stored in a program counter and transfers the instruction, via a data bus, to an instruction register. At the end of the fetch operation, the counter points to the next instruction that will be read in the next cycle.
• Decode the instruction – the processor decodes the instruction stored in the instruction register, including getting any operands required to complete the instruction.
• Execute the instruction – the decoded instruction is executed.
• Store the result – the result generated by the execute phase is stored in the main memory, and/or sent to an output device. The program counter is updated with feedback from the arithmetic logic unit (ALU), to a different address from which the next instruction will be fetched.

• Websites – any inappropriate websites ie pornography, drugs, guns,
• terrorism etc. e.g. is it acceptable for the organisation to allow access to this
• sort of material when you can’t control who is accessing the service?
• Time – limit amount of time, they may not want to provide indefinite access
• or may want to charge for access after the time limit has expired.
• Preventing file sharing and illegal sharing\use of copyrighted materials.
• Accountability – identification of users and actions on a network by
• preventing anonymous access.
• Prevention of illegal activities such as terrorism and fraud.
• The responsibility to keep children safe and protected.
• Responsibility to keep users (customers) data safe and secure.
• Spoofing of websites, phishing. Responsibility of organisation to put some kind of protection in place, eg filtering of known fraudulent sites.
• Recording of private messages or details if not encrypted.
• Recording of usernames and passwords that the user may also use to access other systems.
• Responsibility of organisation to secure their systems from possible attack.
• Sales and marketing – providing sales leads to market products.

Responsibilities of the software developer is to ensure that the ergonomics focuses on making software user-friendly, reduces repetitive motions or eyestrain and enables movements of users to promote comfort and efficiency.

Software can be designed with adjustable text sizes and screen brightness settings to prevent eye strain, offering users a way to customise their visual experience for better comfort during prolonged use.

17. a) i) Explain the term search as used in the Internet.                                            [2]

A web based application that locates items or information from the World Wide Web

ii) Peter intends to download a movie from the Internet. State the three factors that may determine the total time taken to complete the download.                                           [3]

• Size of the video/format
• The bandwidth of the media/speed of network/network traffic
• Type of browser software
• Background activities running in the computer
• Restrictions enforced in the computer/firewall/antivirus
• Speed of the computer/CPU speed
• Size of RAM

b) Wakulima online is an organization that runs a web based system for assisting farmers to obtain market for their produce. State four technological reasons that may cause a farmer not to access the organization’s system.                                                                                  [4]

• Poor network/lack of connection
• Software failure in the system

• Hardware failure
• Lack of access rights
• System overload/hanging
• Lack of skills/disability/illiteracy
• Lack of power supply

c) Explain a situation when each of the following Desktop Publishing program features may be used when creating a publication:

i. Cropping                                                                                                               [2]

Applies to graphics – used to trim/remove/hide some portions in the graphics

ii. Transparency                                                                                                         [2]

Used to make background of a graphic to be clear/visible

d. List two areas where infrared waves are used in data communication.                             [2]

18. a) List four activities of the planning stage of systems development.                             Ignore this question, marks redistributed elsewhere

b) Explain a circumstance when each of the following feasibility studies are carried out during systems development.

i. Technical                                                                                                               [3]

Done to determine whether technology exists to support the proposed solution

ii. Economic                                                                                                              [3]

Done to determine whether the proposed solution is economically viable

iii. Schedule                                                                                                               [3]

Done to determine whether the proposed system can be done within an acceptable time.

c) Table 1 and Table 2 are related tables in a database. Use them to answer the questions that follow.

Table 1

Table 2

i. Identify the appropriate primary key for each table.                    [2]

Table 1 – Dept code, Student Registration No

ii. Explain two benefits of enforcing referential integrity in the database. [4]

• No record can be added in Table 2 if its corresponding record in Table 1 does not exist
• No record in Table 1 can be deleted without first deleting the corresponding record in Table 2
• Reduces data redundancies/ensures integrity
• Prevents deletion of related table

19. a) Describe each of the following validation checks as used in data processing.

i. Preserve check                                                                                                      [2]

Ignore this question, marks redistributed elsewhere

ii. Data type check                                                                                                    [2]

Ensure correct type of data is entered for the field

iii. Check digit                                                                                                           [2]

This is a number added/calculated by the computer to a binary number. The check digit ensures correct transmission of the binary number.

b. Write each of the following abbreviations in full:

i) BCD                                                                                                                                    [1½]

Binary Coded Decimal

ii) EBCD                                                                                                                                 [

This question was thrown out and marks redistributed elsewhere

iii) ASCII                                                                                                                    [1½]

American Standard Code for Information Interchange

c) Using 10-bits binary number system, perform the following decimal operation using two’s complement.                                                                                                                                   [6]

12910 - 12810

+129 = 00 1000 0001

128 = 00 1000 0000

-128 = 11 0111 1111 (ones complement)

                            +1

          11 1000 0000 (Twos complement)

129- 128

     00 1000 0001

+ 11 1000 0000

 100 0000 0001

Hence = 00 0000 00012 or 12 (the overflow bit is ignored)

method of transmission e.g

• blue tooth
• radio
• optical
• satellite
• infra-red
• microwave

device e.g.

• 3G (WAP) mobile phones/mobile phones/cell phone/remote
• key pad/remote control/keyboard
• infra-red mouse
• multimedia mobile handsets/notebooks
• GPRS (general packet radio service) mobiles
• WLAN(or WiFi) hotspots sited in public areas - e.g. coffee
• shops, railway stations, airports, motorway services
• linked printers
• PDA's (personal digital assistants)
• GPS

• All nodes ‘listen’ for traffic to sense when the network is idle.
• When a node wishes to transmit, it transmits a ‘request to send’ frame’ (RTS)
• The intended receiving device will transmit a ‘clear to send’ (CTS) frame if it is available.
• All other nodes ‘sense’ the network is busy and wait a random amount of time before trying to transmit

• 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);

• It requires that a foreign key must have a matching primary key or it must be null

• more accurate/improved stock control/recording system/automatic
• reordering/automatic updating of stock file
• less staff/wages needed
• sales statistics now available
• faster throughput
• itemised receipt
• records every transaction
• records staff work rates
• less pilfering by staff/easier to identify pilfering
• less errors
• faster calculations
• links to EFTPOS

• High-level languages have built-in functions;
• High-level languages have built-in libraries;
•  High-level languages have more support/help;
• High-level languages have structures (such as selection and iteration);
• High-level languages can be less machine-dependent/more portable;
• It (usually) requires fewer lines of code to be written;
• It is (usually) quicker to develop code in high-level languages;
• It is easier to find mistakes in code;
• The code is easier to maintain//understand;
• • It is easier to structure code in high-level languages;