• do not allow outside floppy disks/CD’s/DVD’s
• use disk free work stations
• download/install and use anti virus software
• scan hard disks regularly
• update the anti virus program regularly
• do not open file attachments from unknown sources/download
• doubtful software from the Internet
• do not use files that come from unknown sources
• buy original software/do not buy pirated software
• use firewalls

Trojan (horse); a program which misleads the user into thinking it is another
piece of software which, when run, executes another program;
Spyware; a program which records data such as usernames and passwords on
a host system and forwards the information to a third party;
Adware; code embedded or attached to program files which will persistently
show adverts (that attempt to generate revenue);
Worm; code which will run autonomously and replicates itself on a host system;
Ransomware; a program that encrypts a user’s data to make it unreadable until
they pay for the key;
Remote Access Tool (RAT); allows access to control and monitor a computer
from a remote network location;
Rootkit; malware that has managed to gain ‘root’ admin privileges;
Bots/Zombies; a program installed on a computer that performs a job for the
remote owner of the bot/zombie such as sending spam or sending web requests
to perform a DOS or attack a computer system;
Scareware; malware that tells you something is wrong with your system in an
attempt to get you to make a purchase;
Keylogger; a program that monitors/records a user’s keystrokes in order to steal
passwords/confidential details

• used to identify a device
• it is a unique (address)
• it is a static address // it does not change
• it is set by the manufacturer
• the first part is the manufacturer ID/number / identifies the manufacturer
• the second part is the serial number / ID.

Any two from:

• File handling - Copy/move/delete
• Anti-virus software - To protect files from attack by a virus
• Defragmentation - To keep files sensibly arranged on the hard drive
• Format - To divide the surface of a drive into smaller areas to aid storage

• mirrored hard disk/hot standby/second computer
• re-run the old master file with the transaction file

1. SECTION A
2.  Answer all questions in this section
3. What is a computer?                                                                                                            1mks
4. State three physical components that make up a computer                                                 3mks
5. State the hardware technological differences between the second generation and third generation computers                                                                                                          2mks
6. State and explain three characteristics of a computer                                                         3mks
7. State the functions of the following special memories in a computer                                3mks
8. Buffers
9.  
10. Registers
11. Cache
12.  
13. Define the following as used in data representation in a computer                                  (5mks)
14. Bit
15.  
16.  
17. Byte
18.  
19.  
20. Nibble
21.  
22.  
23.  
24. Word
25.  
26.  
27.  
28. Word-length
29.  
30.  
31. State two reasons why a DVD is superior to a typical compact disk                               (2mks)
32. State three advantages of flat panel monitors over cathode ray tube monitors                   3mks
33. Explain the following terms as used in word processing                                                  3mks
34. Section breaks
35. Thesaurus
36. Superscript
37. State two advantages of  impact printers                                                                             2mks
38. State the function of the following keys on the computer keyboard                                  3mks
39. Enter key
40. Insert key
41. Delete key
42. State the technology used by the following secondary devices to store data                      3mks
43. Magnetic storage devices
44. Solid state storage devices
45. Optical storage devices
46. State three reasons why an operating system is important in a computer                         3mks
47. A typical computer’s main memory consists of both volatile and non-volatile memory.
48. i)  Explain what is meant by the term volatile memory                                          (1mark)
49. ii) What is normally stored in the non-volatile part of a computer’s main memory (1mark)
50. Explain why having cache memory can improve the performance of the CPU         (2mks)
51. What is a computer system?                                                                                           (1mk
52. Give two differences between a solid state drive (SSD) and a hard disk drive (HDD)   2mks
53. State three categories of software classified according User license agreement              (3mks)
54. State two disadvantages of Random Access Memory                                                       (1mk)
55.  
56.  
57. a) Explain the functions performed by the following components of a processor   (2 marks)
58. Control unit

Any four of:
Sequential:
• Individual instructions are executed one after another
• Flow control is accomplished by jump/branch/goto instructions
• Results are usually achieved less quickly than parallel processing (do
not award twice)
Parallel:
• Individual instructions can be routed to different processors for
simultaneous execution
• Results are usually achieved quicker than sequential instruction (do not
award twice)
• Requires multi-core processors or multiple microprocessors
• Tasks may be split into different parts with each part executed on a
different processor
• Results need to be merged back together after completion

Memory management

(a) Describe three effects this would have on the work force

• The number of FDE cycles run per given time/second
• the frequency that the clock ‘ticks’
• 3.8 billion cycles/instructions per second

Control Unit; Decodes instruction; Controls the fetching and writing of data;

1. Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software: Organizations can purchase pre-developed software solutions from commercial vendors. These software products are typically ready-made and designed to fulfill common business needs. Examples include productivity software, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and accounting software. COTS software can be licensed based on a one-time purchase or a subscription model.

2. Custom software development: Organizations may choose to develop custom software tailored to their specific requirements. This involves hiring software developers or outsourcing the development work to a third-party vendor. Custom software offers flexibility and can be designed to align with unique business processes and workflows. It allows organizations to have full control over the software's features and functionality.

3. Open-source software: Open-source software is developed collaboratively and made freely available to the public. Organizations can acquire open-source software without incurring licensing costs. They have the right to use, modify, and distribute the software as per the terms of the open-source license. Open-source software can be an economical option, and it allows organizations to benefit from community-driven development and ongoing improvements.

4. Software as a Service (SaaS): SaaS refers to software applications that are accessed and used over the internet. Organizations can acquire software on a subscription basis, where the software is hosted and maintained by the vendor. Users access the software through web browsers or dedicated client applications. SaaS eliminates the need for local software installation and offers scalability and accessibility from any location with an internet connection.

Legend

• Registers are small amounts of memory available that hold data fetched from memory or data waiting to be stored in memory. A temporary holding place for the instruction that has been fetched.
• The system clock purpose is to determine the pace of the cycle, each tick of the clock a part of the fetch-execute cycle occurs. Regulates the timing and speed of a computers systems functions.

Advantages

method of transmission e.g

• System software manages the computer hardware/application software
• application software is for end-user tasks

1. Ergonomic Chair: Ensure that each user has an ergonomic chair that provides proper lumbar support. The chair should be adjustable in terms of height and backrest angle.

2. Adjustable Desk: Provide adjustable desks or workstations that can accommodate different user heights and allow for proper positioning of the keyboard, mouse, and monitor.

3. Monitor Placement: Ensure that the computer monitors are positioned at eye level or slightly below to prevent users from straining their necks and shoulders. Consider using monitor stands or adjustable monitor arms for better positioning.

4. Keyboard and Mouse: Encourage the use of ergonomic keyboards and mice that are designed to minimize strain on the wrists and hands. Provide wrist rests if needed.

5. Proper Lighting: Ensure that the computer room is well-lit, with appropriate lighting levels to reduce eye strain. Avoid glare on the computer screens by using adjustable blinds or curtains.

6. Regular Breaks: Encourage users to take regular breaks from prolonged computer use. Suggest the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away from the screen at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

7. Stretching Exercises: Promote stretching exercises for the neck, shoulders, and back to help alleviate muscle tension and improve blood circulation. Display posters or provide resources on desk stretches and exercises.

8. Correct Posture: Educate users about proper sitting posture, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a neutral spine position. Provide visual aids or ergonomic training materials to demonstrate the correct posture.

9. Desk Organization: Encourage users to keep their workstations organized to minimize the need for reaching or straining. This includes keeping frequently used items within easy reach and arranging cables to prevent trip hazards.

10. Individual Assessments: If the backache issue persists, consider offering individual ergonomic assessments for users. A specialist can evaluate the user's workstation setup and suggest personalized recommendations.

• Processor