Explain a situation when each of the following Desktop Publishing programs features may be used when creating a document
(i) Crop - used when handling a graphic and there is a need to remove some of the portions in the graphic
(ii)Transparency - used when there is a need to make background of a graphic visible
Describe two health risks associated with the increased use of computers.
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]
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]
6.State three possible reasons for the extinction of daisy wheel printers in the market. [3]
7.State three ways in which an operating system secures a computer system. [3]
8.A law firm prefers to use hard copy output when handling documents for legal matters. State two reasons for this preference. [2]
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]
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]
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
She lost all her photographs when her computer crashed.
(i) What is meant by the term crashed?
(ii) How could she have avoided losing all her photographs?
List three other types of software license.
State three different methods that allow people to communicate using the Internet. In each case, give a different benefit for the stated method.
emails: – fast delivery of messages (to recipient’s mail box)
– able to send attachments
– can store messages for later use
– auto-translation no language problems
– can open email at a convenient time
video conferencing/calling/chat:
– removes need to travel (saves time and money)
– allows face to face discussions
– works in real time (only allow once)
VoIP: – much cheaper than normal international calls
– direct communication between people
– works in real time (only allow once)
chat rooms/instant messaging:
– instantaneous reply
– anyone can join in
social networking:
– can ensure only your “friends” are in communication
– usually free to join and use
– talk to (multiple) friends at the same time
Describe a typical situation that requires the use of:
(i) a high-level language
(ii) a low-level language.
High level languages are used in situations when:
Low level languages are used in situations when:
What is audit trail?
A record showing who has accessed a computer system and what operations he or she has performed during a given period of time
Which files are backed up in an incremental backup scheme?
Give a reason why microwaves are commonly used for point-to-point communication
State three functions of a network operating system
What is a defragmentation software
Describe how the database can be recovered from a system failure
State and explain characteristics of an algorithm
Input : An algorithm can take 0 or more inputs well defined outputs
Finiteness: an algorithm must terminate in finite time and after finite number of steps.
Definiteness : an algorithm must be clear and unambiguous. Each and every step of an algorithm must be clear and precise and it must have only one meaning
Feasibility: should be feasible with the available resources
Output : must produce at least one well defined output
Independent : should have a step-by-step directions which is independent of any programming language
Correctness: should solve the problem it is designed to solve
Efficiency: must take the shortest time possible to run and should require the least memory space. It should use a minimum number of computation steps and memory to produce the desired output. takes little time and memory to run
Generality: should not be limited to a specific case. It should work for all the valid inputs. works for many possible inputs
Effectiveness : should statements that are relevant to the problem. Every step must be basic and essential.
State the role of an ISP.
Name one item used in the home, other than a computer, that contains a microprocessor.
List four input devices used to capture data by way of scanning
Optical Mark Recognition; Optical Character Recognition; Magnetic Ink Character Recognition ; Optical Bar Recognition
Giving answers as readers is also acceptable, that is, Optical Character Readers, Magnetic Ink Character Readers; Optical Mark Readers
Achieng plays an online game on her laptop. List two ways she can reduce the risk of developing repetitive strain injury(RSI)
Jane has noticed the following problems with her computer (2mks)
State three possible causes of these problems and how they can be solved (3mks)
There could be several possible causes for the issues Jane is experiencing with her computer keyboard, including:
1. Software Issues
- Cause: Outdated or corrupt system files, drivers, or operating system.
- Solution:
- Ensure the operating system and drivers are up-to-date.
- Run a system file checker to repair any corrupted system files (e.g., on Windows, run "sfc /scannow" from the Command Prompt).
- Consider reinstalling the operating system if issues persist.
2. Hardware Issues:
- Cause: Physical damage or malfunction in the keyboard hardware.
- Solution:
- Check for physical damage or debris under the keys and clean the keyboard if necessary.
- If cleaning doesn't help, consider replacing the keyboard with a new one.
3. Resource Overload:
- Cause: The computer may be running too many background processes or lacking sufficient hardware resources.
- Solution:
- Close unnecessary background applications and processes to free up system resources.
- Consider upgrading the computer's RAM, CPU, or storage if it's outdated and unable to handle current software demands.
- Use task manager or activity monitor to identify and terminate resource-intensive processes.
4. Malware or Viruses:
- Cause: Malicious software can slow down a computer, cause hanging, and delay startup.
- Solution:
- Perform a full system scan using reputable antivirus or anti-malware software to remove any threats.
- Ensure that the operating system's security patches are up-to-date.
5. Disk Fragmentation:
- Cause: Fragmented files can slow down the loading of applications and overall system performance.
- Solution:
- Run a disk defragmentation tool (e.g., Windows' built-in tool) to optimize file storage on the hard drive.
- Consider upgrading to a solid-state drive (SSD) for faster application loading times.
6. Insufficient Storage:
- Cause: If the hard drive is nearly full, it can cause slow performance.
- Solution:
- Free up space by deleting unnecessary files and programs.
- Consider upgrading to a larger capacity hard drive or SSD if storage space remains an issue.
7. Background Processes and Startup Items:
- Cause: Too many unnecessary programs running in the background or starting up with the computer.
- Solution:
- Disable or remove unnecessary startup items and background processes to improve startup time.
- Use the Task Manager or System Preferences (on macOS) to manage startup items.
It's important to diagnose the specific cause of the issues Jane is facing by troubleshooting each potential problem one by one. In some cases, a combination of these solutions may be necessary to fully resolve the problems with her computer keyboard.
Describe two methods used to assist in finding program errors.