Describe two possible causes of computer failure. In each case state how it could have been prevented
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
State two ways in which data validation is implemented on an input form of a database application
Describe each of the following storage devices
DVD - optical media which use one spiral track; red lasers are used to read and write data on the media surface; makes use of dual-layering technology to increase the storage capacity
ROM - non-volatile memory chip; contents of the chip cannot be altered; it is often used to store the start-up routines in a computer (e.g. the BIOS)
SSD/ Solid State Drive/memory (SSD)
non-volatile memory device that uses NAND flash memories (which consist of millions of transistors wired in series on single circuit boards)
Blue Ray - optical media that uses blue laser technology to read and write data on the media surface; it uses a single 1.1 mm polycarbonate disc
State two reasons why the data in fields such SEX field in a database should be coded.
KCSE 2021 Computer Studies PP1 Prediction Q.20
20. a) The figure shows a network design. Use it to answer the questions that follow.
NB/ The diagram dor 20 (a) is at the bottom
b. Explain the function of each of the following in the network
I Router [2]
- connects school LAN to the Internet/identifies the best route for data transmission/forwards data packets between a computer network and the Internet
II Firewall [2]
Hardware/software that filters unauthorized access to or from the school’s LAN
III File Server [2]
Provides location for shared files/disk access/resources
c. State two categories of software that must be installed in a computer so that users can use it to access the Internet. [2]
d) State four ways in which computers may be used to manage data in a research environment. [4]
The guiding principle is the candidate must mention the use and the technology to score
e.g.
1. Use of databases in data manipulation (Technology is database and the use is data manipulation)
2. Use of scanner to aid in data capturing
3. Use of Internet to communicate researched work
4. Use of printers to generate reports
5. Use of databases r hard disk to store data
etc etc
e) Some computer companies have opted to use the Internet to provide shared processing resources and online application services to users. State three advantages that this approach will have on their customers. [3]
- The guiding principle is benefit/enhancement to the customer
What is a defragmentation software
(b) The computer needs an operating system and utility software.
(i) The operating system controls the scheduling of processes.
Describe how the operating system uses scheduling to allocate processor time.
Differentiate between active matrix and passive matrix LCDs
(iv) Identify the part of the CPU that sends signals to the other components.
Control unit
Outline any 2 Examples of wireless transmission media (2marks)
State four threats that compromise data integrity and state ways that can be used to minimise these threats
State four threats that compromise data integrity
How threats to data integrity can be minimised:
What is utility software?
Define the term ‘outsourcing’.
(b) Routers have an important role in how the internet functions.
Describe how a router directs data on the internet.
State three factors to consider when selecting an operating system to install in a computer (3 marks)
(a)State what is meant by the terms:
Parallel data transmission...................................................
Serial data transmission......................................................
(a)State what is meant by the terms:
Parallel data transmission
Serial data transmission
Shaneela is designing and coding a website. The files she creates will be stored on
a computer.
(a) File management is a function that an operating system performs.
Describe how an operating system organises files
The organisation of files is in a hierarchy/tree structure
A node is either a folder/directory/sub-folder/sub-directory or the file itself
The top node/folder/directory/drive is the root
For your item named in (a) describe two different tasks that the microprocessor performs.
State advantages of solid state storage media