State the factors that affect the performance of the CPU
Number of cores
The number of cores a processor has directly affects the performance of the processor. Each core can perform its own fetch-execute cycle independently of others, so different applications can be allocated to different cores. Quad-core (four-core) and even octa-core (eight-core) processors are becoming common
Cache memory
A processor’s cache is a small portion of incredibly fast memory. It has read and write speeds far higher than hard disk drives and even SSDs. The cache is used to store frequently used information and reduces time wasted in fetching the same information from main memory time and time again
Clock speed
A processor’s clock speed relates to the frequency of the pulses generated by the system clock. The higher the frequency, the more cycles of the fetch-execute cycle can be completed in the same period of time.
Word length
A word is a group of bits that is treated as a single unit by a processor. Words can be used for representing both instructions and data. The length of a word is the number of bits that are assigned to it, with higher word lengths allowing for more bits to be transferred and manipulated as a single unit.
Address bus width
The width of a bus relates to the number wires that make up the bus. Increasing the width of the address bus increases the range of addresses that it can specify, hence increasing the computer’s amount of addressable memory. Adding a single wire doubles the number of addressable memory locations
Data bus width
Increasing the width of the data bus increases the volume of data that can be transferred over the bus at any one time. A wider data bus allows the processor to fetch more data from the main memory in one cycle of the fetch-execute cycle, reducing the number of cycles required to fetch large volumes of data.
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
State and explain four network communication devices
State the functions of the following features in word processors
Give a reason why HMTL is not regarded as a programming language
A large comprehensive school has over 500 computers connected to their Local Area Network (LAN) with a connection to the Internet. (a) Describe, in detail, four disadvantages for the school of having a network of computers compared to stand alone computers
A network manager may need to be employed which might be expensive
Could be infected with a virus that could spread to all other computers
Security problems receive traffic from other networks
Hackers may gain access as the network only as secure as weakest point of entry to data and steal/destroy
The server/switch could go down (main cable break) so all workstations on the network are affected
Can be expensive to set up as Initial cost of servers, communication devices, switches, network software etc.
Substantial Initial disruption: drilling holes, fitting trunking, running cables between buildings etc…
Can have a slow response time due to heavy network traffic so users cannot work as effectively
Detecting network problems can be more difficult on a network i.e difficult to isolate
Can be slow to log in to a network As it slow to download software/check password
Only limited storage space available on network while one has access to all hard disc drive on standalone computer
Time and effort to set up users o Can just start a standalone and use computer
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
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 supermarket uses point of sale (POS) terminals at the checkout for scanning barcodes on the products.
(a) State two items of data that are stored on the barcode.
(b) Describe how the computer system checks that the barcode has been read correctly.
(c) State the type of file access that is used to get the price from the central computer.
(d) Explain how the system updates the file when an item has been sold.
(a) State two items of data that are stored on the barcode.
(b) Describe how the computer system checks that the barcode has been read correctly.
(c) State the type of file access that is used to get the price from the central computer.
(d) Explain how the system updates the file when an item has been sold.
KCSE 2021 Prediction Computer Studies Paper 1 Q.16 (c)
c) Distinguish between a source program and a compiler as used in computer programming. [2]
Source program is the original program in a high level language as written by the programmer while a compiler is a program translator that converts source program to object code.
Describe how the database can be recovered from a system failure
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:
Define the following terms as used in the internet
HTTPS/HTTP: this is a protocol that is used to send data to web pages across the Internet
Uniform Resource Locator (URL): a text-based version of a web address
Internet Service provider /ISP - his is the company that provides a user with a connection to the Internet
browser - Software/application that allows users to view web pages / render HTML -
cookie - a text file (stored by a web browser) that contains data about a user’s browsing habits/details/preferences
Identify the network component that uses the IP address to send data only to its correct destination
Router
(a) Name two pieces of hardware needed to enable video-conferencing to take place using a standard computer system.
(b) State one piece of specialist software needed to carry out video-conferencing.
(a)
– webcam
– speakers
– microphone
– broadband modem
(b)
– use of CODEC (converts/compresses analogue data into digital data)
– echo cancellation s/ware (allows talking in real time/keeps everything in sync)
– compression s/ware for video/audio
– s/ware to access broadband/networking
Maranda MOCK 2024 CRE Paper 2
b) What Simeon and Anna said about the life of Jesus during the dedication. (7mks)
Jesus would save people
He would bring glory to Israel
He would be a light to the gentiles
He would be a universal savoir
He would bring judgment to the Israelites
Many people would oppose his work
He would reveal secret thoughts of people
He would be the source of redemption for Jerusalem
List three types of errors that are likely to exist in a program (3 marks)
Syntax errors-Incorrect use of programming language
Logical errors- The program do not give the expected output
Runtime errors- Premature end of a program
State the primary function of the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) protocol.