Distinguish between firmware and device drivers as used in computers. (2mrks)
Convert the following:
(a) the binary number \(1111 1100_2\) to hexadecimal.
(b) the denary number \(138_{10}\) to hexadecimal.
(c) the hexadecimal number \(5D_{16}\) to denary.
(a) \(F C_{16}\)
(b) \(8 A_{16}\)
(c) \(93_{10}\)
Define Domain integrity
Domain integrity - ensures that all data in a field contain valid values
Distinguish between real time processing and interactive processing
Give two benefits for the supermarket manager of using point of sale (POS) terminals.
Explain why it is beneficial to get more RAM instead of relying on virtual memory.
The following are software classified according to the end user licence agreement. Briefly describe each of them:
open source software, freeware, shareware, and proprietary software
Open source : refers to software provided freely with its source code. The user can modify and redistribute the software.
Freeware: these are software that can be downloaded for free and distributed, buta the source code is hidden and cannot be altered.
Shareware: is software that is available for free within a given trial period, after which it must be bought.
Proprietary: software made for commercial purposes. The source code is hidden, and it can only be used after paying for a licence.
Fibre optic cable is available in either single-mode or multi-mode. Outline the characteristics of each mode.
Explain the purpose of each of the following features of a spreadsheet chart (KCSE 2021 Computer Studies, Q19 (a))
Legend
A data series
Data Marker
Explain the purpose of each of the following features of a spreadsheet chart (KCSE 2021, Q19 (a))
Legend
A data series
Data Marker
https://www.lifewire.com/data-series-data-points-data-labels-3123411
State two benefits of using computerised traffic control systems.
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:
Describe four features of the operating system when providing a graphical user interface on a personal computer. Give a suitable example of each feature.
Windows for example a word processing application and a spreadsheet
Menus, for example, allow the user to perform operations or run applications such as right-click to create a new folder
Icons for example a picture of linked computers for networking
Pointers(mouse or touchscreen) for example to select items/trigger events
Shortcuts for example to frequently used applications for example having a shortcut to your mail client on your desktop
File navigation for example when searching the hard disc for a file/folder using a browser
copying / deleting / moving/sorting/naming/searching of files or folders for example copying of a file from the hard drive to a USB pen drive (File handling)
Desktop customisation for example changing the colours and background image
Copy and paste for example between applications e.g. copying a graph from a spreadsheet to a word processor
Error messages for example provide users with error/warning/help messages for example ‘printer out of paper’
KCSE 2021 Computer Studies Paper Prediction 1 SECTION B
Answer question 16 and any other three questions from this section in the spaces provided.
16. a) With the aid of a flow chart, describe a loop control structure as used in programming. [4]
A control structure that allows statement(s) to be repeatedly executed until a certain condition is met 2mks
NB. Accept any other looping construct
A school intends to install a computer network. Explain three challenges that the school may experience after the installation (KCSE 2021 Computer Studies Q19(b))
Network Failure - when the network becomes faulty or the network is down, users may not access network resources hence operations of an organization may be brought to a standstill
Security Issues: A computer network can be accessed thus there is an increased chance of hacking
The rapid spread of viruses: Viruses can easily spread to terminals of a computer network which may be very expensive to clear
Cultural and moral effects: adult content may be shared in a networked environment which may be of negative impact on teenagers
State three functions of a network operating system
Describe how the database can be recovered from a system failure
What is a computer keyboard?
A computer keyboard is an input device used to enter text, characters, and various commands into a computer or other digital devices.
State the primary function of the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) protocol.
State three features of a typical operating system
- (provides) user interface
– input/output control
– security
– handling interrupts
– spooling
– memory management
– processor management
– utilities (e.g. copy, save, delete, re-name, etc.)
– maintain user accounts
– load/run software
– error reporting/handling
– multiprogramming
– batch processing (JCL)/real time processing
– multitasking/multiuser/multi-access
– file management
Distinguish between real-time and distributed operating systems (KCSE 2018)