Suggest one disadvantage to the programmer of using a high-level language instead of a low-level language.
Describe four features of the operating system when providing a graphical user interface on a personal computer. Give a suitable example of each feature.
Define the term ‘outsourcing’.
state two advantages of using a pseudocode during program design
State the functions of the following utility programs
(a) Defragmentation software
(b) Disk contents analysis/repair software
(c) Disk formatter
(a) Defragmentation software - Reorganises files on a disk to improve efficiency
(b) Disk contents analysis/repair software - Scans a hard disk to identify bad sectors
(c) Disk formatter - Prepares a hard disk for first use
Complete the data dictionary below for the Student entity.
Outline three ways through which ICT can used in marketing
ICT is used to create e-commerce platforms that have made business transactions easier and convenient by allowing customers make purchases and payments from anywhere at any time
ICT is used by marketing agents to create exciting multimedia presentations concerning products or services and present them to the target customers using presentation software such MS PowerPoint
Using multimedia, presentation and animation software, it is possible to design attractive advert materials and video clips to display on billboards, broadcast over a television or uploaded on the internet
Describe the difference between a barcode and A quick Response code (QR code)
Describe how the database can be recovered from a system failure
State the symptoms of a computer virus
Slow Performance: If your computer suddenly becomes significantly slower than usual, taking longer to boot up, open applications, or respond to commands, it could be a sign of a virus. Viruses can consume system resources, resulting in decreased performance.
Frequent Crashes: If your computer frequently crashes, freezes, or experiences sudden system reboots without any apparent reason, it could be due to a virus. Some viruses can interfere with system stability, leading to unexpected crashes or instability.
Unusual Pop-ups or Ads: If you start noticing an excessive number of pop-ups, advertisements, or banners appearing on your computer screen, especially when you're not browsing the internet, it might be an indication of adware or malware infection.
Unwanted Modifications: Viruses can modify system settings or configurations without your consent. If you observe changes in your default browser homepage, new toolbars appearing, unfamiliar icons on the desktop, or altered settings, it could be a sign of a virus.
Unusual Network Activity: If you notice excessive network traffic, unusual data transfers, or a sudden increase in data usage without any known reason, it could be an indication of a virus or malware actively communicating with external servers.
Missing or Modified Files: Viruses can delete, encrypt, or modify files on your computer. If you find missing files or encounter unexpected changes in file sizes, names, or extensions, it could be a result of a virus infection.
Disabled Security Software: Some viruses attempt to disable or circumvent antivirus or security software to avoid detection. If you notice that your antivirus program or firewall is deactivated, modified, or unable to update, it could be due to a virus compromising your security software.
Unexpected Email or Message Activity: Viruses can use infected computers to send spam emails or messages to contacts in your address book without your knowledge. If your friends or colleagues report receiving suspicious or unexpected emails or messages from you, it could be a sign of a virus.
(ii) The organisation has chosen wireless connectivity over wired connectivity for its new office building. There is no significant difference in the cost of installing either.
Give three reasons why the organisation might prefer wireless connectivity.
May not have space for cables to be installed
Employees and visitors can move around the building without disconnecting
Adding new users just means giving out the SSID and password
Describe the purpose of two registers that are used by Von Neumann architecture.
MAR( memory address register)
MDR or memory data register
Program counter
Accumulator
Explain how an SSD stores data
Uses transistors( resistors and capacitors) . It can be implemented by the use of NAND or NOR gates. Data is stored on the chip as a charge
There are many different types of errors that can occur when developing computer programs. (a) State the name of the two different types of programming error described below.
(i) Unexpectedly halts the program.
(ii) The program produces the wrong output.
(b) Another error can result from incorrectly using the rules or grammar of the programming language.
(i) Name this error.
(ii) State when this error is detected.
(i) Unexpectedly halts the program. Run time (execution)
(ii) The program produces the wrong output. Logical
(b) Another error can result from incorrectly using the rules or grammar of the programming language.
(i) Name this error. Syntax
(ii) State when this error is detected.
Syntax error is detected during translation into executable code / attempted to run but fails
Explain the difference between the sequential and parallel computational models.
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
Explain the purpose of each of the following features of a spreadsheet chart (KCSE 2021, Q19 (a))
A data series
Data Marker
Legend
A data series
Data Marker
KCSE 2016 COMPUTER STUDIES PAPER MARKING SCHEME
State the function of each of the following keys on the computer keyboard : (2mks)
Backspace;
Insert
An organization intends to replace an existing system by carrying out the process in stages .
Name the implementation strategy ; (1mk)
Give two reasons why the organization is opting to use the implementation strategy in (a) above (2mks)
A manager wishes to replace the current manual system with a computerized one. Describe three areas that must be evaluated to justify the replacement (6 marks)
Headache, back and neck pain may result from the use of computers. State how each of them can be minimized (2mks)
Students of a school intended to elect their school Captain by secret ballot. State three ways in which computers can be used to improve the election process (3mks)
Explain why intranet is a more secure way to share files within an organization compared to internet (2mks)
List two career opportunities directly associated with computer networking (2mks)
Distinguish between a formula and a function as used in spreadsheets
The C directory of a computer has folders named Form 1, Form 2, Form 3 and Form 4. Each class has students’ folder named according to their admission number. The student created their own folder for subjects they are studying based on the table below:
KCSE 2021 Prediction Computer Studies Paper 1
b) Study the following pseudocode and answer the questions that follow.
1. Start
2. Get Value1 and Value2
3. If Value1> Value2 Then
4. Maximum = Value1
5. Else If Value1< Value2 Then
6. Maximum = Value2
7. Else Go to 9
8. Display Maximum
9. Stop
i) State the purpose of the pseudocode [1]
To compare two values and output the greater of the two
ii) Draw a flowchart equivalent to the pseudocode. [8]
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